Aqua Mare Itinerary

Baltra Island - Santa Cruz Island (East Galapagos) 7N

8 days / 7 nights

About Aqua Mare

  • Stay on board the first super-yacht to sail the Galapagos
  • Sumptuous social spaces with wrap-around seating and flatscreen TVs
  • Outdoor Jacuzzi, workout zone, and a water-level ‘Beach Club’ lounge
  • Make use of snorkeling gear, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and more

The first true super-yacht offering scheduled itineraries in the Galapagos Islands, Aqua Mare takes an iconic once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the next level - out-performing other yachts in the region when it comes to speed, range, space, and style. An extravagant suite of world-class watersports facilities, including snorkling gear and unique tenders, are on hand to help guests experience the island's renowned wildlife and nature through tailor-made, expert-led excursions. After a day spent exploring, this vessel’s expansive size, personalised service, and indulgent luxuries, such as an outdoor Jacuzzi and delectable cuisine, provide the perfect respite.

Learn more about Aqua Mare

Itinerary details

8 days / 7 nights
0
No experience required
Not Required

Highlights

  • Witness the unparalleled biodiversity that inspired Charles Darwin
  • Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station
  • See endemic penguins, fur seals, marine iguanas and giant tortoises
  • Hike the highlands of Santa Cruz to a Galapagos tortoise sanctuary
  • Gaze out over Bartolomé Island’s iconic Pinnacle Rock
  • Dive with up to 30 different species of shark during one incredible trip!
  • Large marine life including manta rays, dolphins and sea lions
  • Indulge in delectable cuisine and five-star service

Day 1: Once you arrive at Baltra airport, you will be met by our team and escorted on a short cross island transfer to Aqua Mare. After lunch, pick out a snorkelling kit and wetsuit for your personal use during the week. You will also receive a special waterproof bag and an 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 on the northern part of Santa Cruz. You might be able to spot Darwin’s finches, cactus finches, and small ground finches. For those who prefer to snorkel, you will likely encounter sea turtles at the beach. Afterwards, head back to the yacht and indulge in a sumptuous dinner.

Day 2: This morning, you’ll wake up on the other side of the equator and head over to Bahia Darwin’s coralline beach for hiking and snorkelling. Following a sumptuous lunch, explore Genovesa Island with a tender ride along the volcanic rocks of El Barranco where you’ll be able to view fur seals. 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.

Day 3: 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. Alternatively, a morning rendezvous diving option is also available.

After lunch and a lecture from one of our expert naturalist guides, 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 snorkelling, stand-up paddle boarding, and kayaking. After working up an appetite, return to the yacht for evening sundowners and a signature dining experience.

Day 4: 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. Alternatively, a morning rendezvous diving option is also available. Enjoy a tasty lunch as the boat sails to Santa Cruz for an afternoon excursion to Cerro Dragón, or Dragon Hill. Back onboard, enjoying the best of the region’s flavours through seafood specialties.

Day 5: This morning you will explore a giant tortoise reserve to see these interesting creatures up close in their natural habitat. The area is also a great place to observe Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers, flycatchers, cattle egrets, and possibly Galapagos rails.

After a delicious lunch, you will visit Darwin Station and National Park headquarters to observe tortoises in captivity at the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, as well as the different age hatchlings categorised by islands. There will be free time to enjoy the town of Puerto Ayora before returning to the ship. For divers, there is the option of a full day of diving instead of joining the day’s excursions.

Day 6: This morning’s excursion is to Punta Suárez, one of the most interesting landing sites in Galapagos Islands, due to the high percentage of unique endemism in its fauna. 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, sea turtles, sharks, and rays. 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. 

Day 7: After a night of sailing, you will visit Santa Fé Island for your penultimate day. Here we will spot land iguanas, lava lizards, mockingbirds, and Darwin’s finches. After the visit, we will be able to take advantage of the last full day in the Galapagos Islands by snorkelling, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding. A morning rendezvous diving option is also available.

As you enjoy lunch onboard, the boat will sail to Plaza Sur Island, located off the eastern shore of Santa Cruz. In the afternoon you disembark at Plaza Sur Island and head out on a two-hour hiking excursion led by your guide. Back on board, toast farewell under the amazing starlit skies of the archipelago over a glass of wine.

Day 8: 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.

Sample itineraries are for guidance only. Actual itineraries may differ slightly due to factors such as weather, wildlife, logistics and local regulations.

Transfer details

Departure

11:30am

Baltra

Baltra Airport: GPS

Return

08:00am

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz: SZN

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