Cruise Description
Aqua Mare Luxury Galápagos Expedition – Ultra-Exclusive Journey
This journey has been designed and crafted by Sierra Tours in collaboration with selected expedition partners in the Galápagos.
Aqua Mare is an ultra-exclusive superyacht operating in the Galápagos Islands, offering a world-class cruising experience for discerning travelers seeking privacy, refined comfort, and highly personalized service. Designed for a limited number of guests, the yacht delivers an intimate and carefully curated atmosphere throughout the journey.
The vessel features contemporary design, spacious suites, and panoramic ocean views that create a seamless connection between luxury living and the surrounding natural environment. Each suite serves as a private retreat, combining elegant interiors with modern comfort and tranquility at sea.
Onboard, guests enjoy refined social spaces, a sun deck with jacuzzi, and both indoor and outdoor dining areas. Between excursions, the yacht provides a calm and sophisticated setting to relax and unwind in complete comfort.
Aqua Mare is operated by a highly trained crew and expert naturalist guides, ensuring a seamless and enriching expedition. Small-group excursions offer privileged access to the islands’ unique wildlife and landscapes, creating an immersive experience in one of the world’s most extraordinary natural environments.
Meet Your Travel Advisor
Diego
Travel Advisor & Key Account Manager
- diego@sierratours.io
- +51991413125
- Group Travel Division
- Spanish
Diego manages client relationships, supports personalized travel planning, and delivers high-quality travel experiences with a strong focus on service and detail.
Travel Experience
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Peru
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Bolivia
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Cuba
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Chile
Explore Ecuador in 8 Days
Ultra-Luxury Exploration in the Galápagos Islands
This journey has been designed and crafted by Sierra Tours in collaboration with selected expedition partners.
Aboard Aqua Mare, guests are introduced to the Galápagos Islands through an ultra-luxury experience that combines refined comfort, exclusivity, and immersive wildlife encounters. Remaining onboard throughout the voyage ensures a seamless and uninterrupted journey across the archipelago.
Life onboard is defined by elegant design, spacious suites, and a calm, sophisticated atmosphere. Guests can enjoy gourmet dining, relax on the sun deck, or unwind in private suites with panoramic ocean views, all while surrounded by the natural beauty of the islands.
Each day features guided excursions led by expert naturalist guides, offering close encounters with unique wildlife, volcanic landscapes, and pristine marine environments through island explorations, snorkeling, and zodiac excursions.
With a strong focus on privacy, comfort, and personalized service, Aqua Mare delivers a highly curated and exclusive Galápagos experience designed for discerning travelers.
Highlights of the Experience
- Ultra-luxury superyacht experience in the Galápagos Islands
- Spacious suites with panoramic ocean views
- Personalized service with expert onboard crew
- Certified naturalist guides for immersive exploration
- Small-group excursions in remote island locations
- Gourmet dining with indoor and outdoor settings
- Sun deck with jacuzzi and relaxation areas
- Snorkeling, zodiac, and guided island activities
- Carefully designed expedition routes
- Seamless onboard experience without hotel changes
- Contemporary yacht design with refined comfort
Itinerary
The following itinerary outlines the structure of the journey through the Galápagos Islands.
Routes and daily activities may vary depending on weather conditions, wildlife movements, and navigation decisions by the expedition team.
Description
Once you arrive at Baltra airport, you will be met by our team and escorted on a short cross island transfer to the jetty. Receive a warm welcome aboard Aqua Mare, the Galapagos Islands' first 50m luxury superyacht. After a delicious lunch, pick out your snorkeling kit and receive a waterproof bag and Aqua Expeditions water bottle as a welcome gift. The afternoon will see you head out for your first excursion to the beautiful white beach of Bahia Borrero in the northern part of Santa Cruz.
You might be able to spot Darwin’s finches, Cactus finches, and Small Ground finches nestled in the coastal vegetation. For those who prefer to snorkel, you will encounter sea turtles at the beach — one of their primary nesting sites. Afterwards, head back to the yacht and indulge in a sumptuous Nikkei-inspired dinner curated by Aqua Expeditions’ world-renowned consultant chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. Share stories of your excursion with other guests, marking the perfect start to your Galapagos Islands adventure.
Meals
- Lunch
- Dinner
Highlights
- Galapagos Island
- Baltra Island
Description
This morning, you’ll wake up on the other side of the equator and head over to Bahía Darwin’s coralline beach for hiking and snorkeling. Following a sumptuous lunch, explore Genovesa Island with a tender ride along the volcanic rocks of El Barranco.
You’ll be able to view fur seals resting inside rock crevices. A 1.5 km hike inland will then take us to the lava fields to view red-footed boobies as well as great frigatebirds and Galapagos storm petrels. Enjoy a private movie screening after dinner if you wish. We recommend watching the Planet Earth documentary on the Galapagos Islands, the swashbuckling box office Master and Commander, or simply enjoy the starlit skies from the sun deck.
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Highlights
- El Barranco
- Bahía Darwin
- Genovesa Island
Description
Start the morning early with a workout or a guided meditation on our sun deck followed by a refreshing breakfast. Our first excursion of the day will take us to Santiago Island with a dry landing at Bahía Sullivan to discover recent Pahoehoe lava flows.
After a sumptuous lunch and lecture from one of our expert naturalist guides onboard Aqua Mare, we leave for Sombrero Chino Island, so named after the small crater that forms the islet. In the surrounding crystal-clear waters, you might have the opportunity to observe sea lions and penguins from above.
There will be time for snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, and kayaking. After working up an appetite, return to the yacht for evening sundowners and a signature dining experience serving macambo rice and fish maito. * Morning rendezvous diving option available
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Highlights
- Bahía Sullivan
- Santiago Island
- Sombrero Chino Island
Description
With an early morning anchor at Bartolomé Island, you will embark upon a mild climb up to the summit of a spatter cone for a spectacular view of the island’s iconic Pinnacle Rock. Cool down afterwards with a snorkel where you may encounter sea turtles and Galapagos penguins, before heading back to the yacht for lunch as we sail towards Santa Cruz Island.
Our afternoon excursion takes us to Cerro Dragón or Dragon Hill, so named because in 1975 it was one of the only places in the Santa Cruz Island where scientists could still find a healthy population of land iguanas (Conolophus subcristatus). Back onboard, swap tales of your magnificent excursion while enjoying the best of the region’s flavors through seafood specialties like pan seared scallops and grilled squid.
* Morning rendezvous diving option available
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Highlights
- Bartolomé Island
- Cerro Dragón
- Santa Cruz Island
Description
This morning, visit a nature reserve to see the Galapagos Islands' famous giant tortoises in their natural habitat. This area is also a great place to observe Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers, flycatchers, cattle egrets, and if lucky Galapagos Rails.
After a delicious lunch, you will visit Darwin Station and the National Park headquarters. There will be free time to to enjoy the town of Puerto Ayora before returning to the ship. Enjoy the scenic sunset views on board from the upper deck.
* Morning rendezvous diving option available
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Highlights
- Manzanillo Giant Tortoise Reserve
- Fausto Llerena Breeding Center
- Santa Cruz Island
Description
Rise and shine to a guided meditation on our upper deck before disembarking in Punta Suárez for this morning’s excursion. This visitor site is one of the most interesting landing sites in Galapagos Islands, due to the high percentage of unique endemism in its fauna such as Española mockingbirds, lava lizards, marine iguanas, and the unique waved albatross. In the afternoon, we will take a tender ride to the beautiful array of islets where you will be able to snorkel alongside playful sea lions and many different species of reef fishes.
The last visit of the day will be Bahía Gardner, an outstanding coralline sand beach that boasts one of the biggest colonies of sea lions in the Galapagos Islands. Back at the yacht, head over to our bar to socialize over Happy Hour with a glass of our special Aqua Bloody Mare as the crew prepares for departure to our next anchorage.
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Highlights
- Punta Suárez, Bahía Gardner
- Islote Osborn
- Española Island
Description
After a night of sailing, visit Santa Fe Island, one of the oldest in the Galapagos archipelago. The island is characterized by its vegetation of palo santo trees, pear cactus, and other native bushes. Here you may spot land iguanas, lava lizards, mockingbirds, and Darwin’s finches.
After the visit, we will be able to enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, or stand-up paddle boarding. Enjoy lunch on board before sailing to Plaza Sur Island, located off the eastern shore of Santa Cruz. In the afternoon, disembark at a small but diverse little islet to head out on a two-hour hiking excursion led by your guide to discover its unique landforms. Swap notes on everything you’ve seen today and end the day gazing at the archipelago’s amazing starlit skies while sipping on a glass of wine.
* Morning rendezvous diving option available
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Highlights
- Sante Fé Island
- Plaza Sur Island
Description
You begin your last day with a luxurious breakfast before bidding farewell to the Aqua Mare crew. Your last visit before leaving paradise is a final short excursion to drive up the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to the twin craters of Los Gemelos enroute to the airport.
It is a remarkable location surrounded by lush vegetation. Memories of this last adventure will accompany you as you are escorted to Baltra Island for the departing flight back to the mainland and onward journey home.
Meals
- Breakfast
Highlights
- Baltra Island
- Los Gemelos
- Santa Cruz Island
- Disembarkation
Travel package information
This information outlines the itinerary, highlighting what's included and what's not, along with key details such as a travel essentials list, departure date, travel duration, best time to travel, price, payment terms, group size, and other important facts, helping travelers fully understand the package and know what to expect during their trip.
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All meals while on board
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Selected house wines and beer, non-alcoholic drinks. Premium beers and spirits for cocktails are included for the Owner's Suite.
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Twice-daily excursions with expert local guides
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Group transfers to/from vessel when traveling on recommended flights
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Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding equipment
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Snorkeling equipment and wetsuits
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Laundry
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Unlimited access to high-speed Wi-Fi
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International flights
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Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee US$200 per person (in cash only upon arrival)
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Galapagos Migration Card US$20 in cash per person (at Mainland’s Airport)
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Alcoholic/soft drinks, personal expenses, extras, and tips
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Travel, medical & cancelation insurance and any services on mainland
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Other services not specified in the program
Frequently Asked Questions - Cruises
Find answers to common questions about our cruise packages.
Your cruise package includes accommodations onboard, meals as specified in the itinerary, selected activities, and access to the ship’s facilities. Additional meals, shore excursions, and optional services may incur extra charges and are clearly indicated in the tour program.
All travel documents, including boarding passes and cruise tickets, are sent via email or made available through our online portal approximately 7–10 days before departure. Ensure all personal and passport information is up to date to avoid delays.
Pack light, breathable clothing, swimwear, comfortable shoes, and a jacket for cooler evenings. Don’t forget sun protection, a reusable water bottle, and any personal items you may need during shore excursions. Specific packing recommendations may vary by cruise itinerary.
Meals included depend on your cruise package. Typically, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included onboard, but some specialty restaurants or off-ship excursions may require additional payment. Always check the itinerary for details.
Cruises offer a variety of activities, including guided excursions, entertainment shows, fitness programs, and cultural experiences. Activity schedules may vary by ship and itinerary.
Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost belongings. Some itineraries may require proof of insurance.
Cancellation policies vary depending on the cruise package. Generally, refunds are possible if cancellation occurs within the timeframe specified in the booking terms. Always review the itinerary and booking conditions before confirming your reservation.
About your Trip
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Together with you, we plan a customized trip according to your preferences, with the content and standard you desire. The travel advisor will discuss the trip layout with you and provide new suggestions based on your wishes.