This 7-night voyage explores extraordinary volcanic landscapes, geological marvels, and the wonderful, endemic wildlife of the Galapagos Islands, on board luxury expedition superyacht, Aqua Mare.
Sailing from Puerto Ayora, you’ll trace the footsteps of one of history’s greatest scientific minds, explore fantastic lava landscapes, wonderful beaches, and giant uplifted coral beds. These enchanting islands are continually evolving, due to shifting tectonic plates, and offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience for wildlife enthusiasts with countless opportunities to witness unique wildlife adaptations that have occurred over millions of years.
Exploring the islands of the west, you're likely to encounter an abundance of extraordinary wildlife species. See colonies of marine iguanas and flightless cormorants on the rocky shores of Fernandina Island and in the shallow waters of Santa Cruz, watch sea turtles and white-tipped reef sharks. On Rábida Island, witness sea lions against the astonishing backdrop of volcanic red-sand beaches and marvel at the legendary mating dance of blue-footed boobies on North Seymour Island.
Each day offers a new adventure, led by an expert expedition team and dedicated naturalist guides. Enjoy daily Zodiac excursions, perfect for spotting wildlife, or embark on guided hiking adventures for panoramic views. Back on board, enjoy the luxurious sanctuary of Aqua Mare, featuring just seven, individually designed guest suites, accommodating no more than 16 guests. Sophisticated and contemporary in style, this vessel is the perfect base for adventure and discovery in one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1:
Embarkation
On arrival at Baltra airport, you're met and transferred to meet your expedition superyacht. You have some time at leisure to explore the main town of Puerto Ayora, before returning to the ship for an evening lecture and fresh seafood dinner.
Accommodation: Aqua Mare, 7-nights
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Day 2:
Floreana
This morning, you're anchored in the southern part of the archipelago at Floreana Island. Visit a big brackish water lagoon to observe greater flamingo, lava heron, black-necked stilt and other shore birds. You may also spot stingrays and sharks swimming very close to the shore.
Back on board, enjoy lunch before returning to Floreana to pay tribute to an old island tradition at Bahı́a Post Office. After another delicious evening feast, you might like to visit the upper deck to admire the starlit skies of the northern and southern hemispheres.
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Day 3:
Isabela
After a night of sailing, this morning you anchor on the western side of Isabela Island. This morning, enjoy a hike at Punta Moreno to see the mangroves and gas-rich basaltic lava rocks. You're likely to observe marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and penguins, among other species.
This afternoon, you sail north to Bahı́a Urbina. Here you can see land iguana, marine iguana and on occasion, tortoise. End the day with an unforgettable view of Isabela’s five volcanoes, while dining beneath the stars.
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Day 4:
Fernandina & Isabela
Your next anchorage is Punta Espinoza, with its jet-black landscape resulting from numerous volcanic eruptions. Famous for its large colonies of marine iguanas, flightless cormorants and lizards, you may also see Galapagos penguin, Galapagos hawk, and possibly snake.
This afternoon, visit Caleta Tagus, historically a favourite anchorage for pirates and whalers. Return to the yacht for evening sundowners, and after dinner, there's the opportunity to visit the bridge and chat to the captain.
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Day 5:
Santiago
This morning, you take a tender ride to Caleta Bucanero, a 17th-century pirate stop. After lunch, encompassing flavours of the South American Pacific Coast, you disembark on the black sand beaches of Puerto Egas, north-west of
Santiago Island. Walk the intertidal zone to the fur seal grottos or snorkel to watch sea turtles, sea lions, and white-tipped sharks.
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Day 6:
Rabida & Santa Cruz
This morning, travel by Zodiac to Rábida Island, also known as the red island due to its deep-red coloured beach and cliffs. Enjoy observing the sea lions which have made their home on the beach, and admire the varied birdlife, from the remarkable Darwin's finches, to the unmistakable large brown pelicans.
Later this afternoon, explore Santa Cruz by Zodiac, visiting a mangrove estuary, home to sea turtles, black-tip and Galapagos sharks. End your day with another splendid evening meal.
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Day 7:
North Seymour & Mosquera Island
This morning visit North Seymour Island, known for its healthy population of land iguanas, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and great frigatebirds.
After lunch, hop on to one of the Zodiacs to visit Mosquera Island, a hotspot for sea lions, and a perfect stop to admire the marine life and sea birds. Back on board, enjoy your final evening meal.
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Day 8:
Disembarkation
Your last day begins with a luxurious breakfast set against the sunrise. Enjoy the views from Aqua Mare as you circumnavigate Daphne Island before making your way to Baltra Island for disembarkation.
Please note: Exact itinerary and duration will depend on your chosen departure date and local conditions.
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS
To make the most of your time in Ecuador, why not add an extension to your Galápagos adventure? Wander through the colonial streets and lively markets of
Quito, journey deep into the
Ecuadorian Amazon for a rainforest experience rich in wildlife or unwind in the
Andean cloud forests. These are just a few suggestions, and you can
ask us for ideas or more information on how to tailor your trip beyond the islands.
LUXURY VESSEL
