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EXPEDITION CRUISE | CRUISETOUR

West and East Galápagos (15 Days)

Cruise Line
Aqua Expeditions
Ship
Aqua Mare
15 Aug 2025 - 29 Aug 2025
Virtuoso Benefits
For availability and pricing:

Itinerary

Day 1 15 Aug 2025
Baltra Island, Ecuador
Isla Santa Cruz Ferry Dock, Ecuador
Rancho El Manzanillo, Isla Santa Cruz, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Puerto Ayora, Ecuador

Once you arrive at the airport, you will be met by your team and escorted on a cross-island van and ferry transfer of approximately 1.5 hours to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. On the way there, enjoy a delicious outdoor lunch at a Giant Tortoise Reserve, followed by your first excursion to the highlands of Santa Cruz. Receive a warm welcome aboard Aqua Mare, the Galápagos Islands' first 50-meter 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. In the evening, you will have some leisure time to explore the main town of Puerto Ayora. Consider strolling along the main waterfront where you can stop by the many boutiques and jewelry shops before heading back to the ship for your first taste of fresh seafood dining in the Galápagos Islands.

Day 2 16 Aug 2025
Cormorant Point, Ecuador
Bahia Post Office, Ecuador
Baroness Lookout, Isla Floreana, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, Ecuador

For your second morning in the Galápagos Islands, we will be anchored in the southern part of the archipelago at Floreana Island. After breakfast, the morning wet landing excursion will take you to a big brackish water lagoon to observe greater flamingos, ducks, black-necked stilts, and other shore birds at Punta Cormorant. You will be able to observe where sea turtles nest at night, and possibly spot stingrays and sharks swimming very close to the shore. Enjoy a splendid lunch consisting of fresh Ecuadorian recipes with an Andean twist before heading back out to Floreana to pay tribute to an old island tradition at Bahía Post Office. The visit will follow another quick tour of what once was a fishing enterprise in the 1920s before continuing onboard the tenders to visit Mirador de la Baronesa. Upon returning onboard Aqua Mare, enjoy another feast showcasing a blend of Japanese technique and Peruvian seasoning through delicacies such as the tuna tartare and quinoa yakimeshi. Stay out on the upper deck with a cocktail if you would like to admire the northern and southern hemispheres' starlit skies tonight.; Note: Morning rendezvous diving option available.

Day 3 17 Aug 2025
Punta Moreno, Ecuador
Urvina Bay, Ecuador

After a night of sailing, the morning sees our beautiful superyacht anchored on the western side of Isabela Island. As the biggest and youngest island in the archipelago, Isabela was formed by five relatively young volcanoes and is characterized by giant tortoises and marine iguanas. For the morning excursion, a hike at Punta Moreno takes us to the mangroves and gas-rich basaltic lava rocks resulting from a large basaltic lava flow which came from the Cerro Azul volcano on Isabela hundreds of years ago. There are mangrove lagoons along the shore, where you will embark on a dinghy ride to observe marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and penguins among other species. In the afternoon, the Aqua Mare will sail north to Bahía Urbina, a 6-square-kilometer point, once underwater and uplifted in 1954 up to 3 meters above sea level. Here you can see land iguanas, some of the biggest marine iguanas roaming free in the archipelago, and on occasion, tortoises as well. We'll end the day with an unforgettable view of Isabela's five volcanoes while dining on macambo rice, fish maito, and candied pear beneath the stars.

Day 4 18 Aug 2025
Fernandina/Isabela, Ecuador
Caleta Tagus, Ecuador

Start the morning early with a workout on our sun deck at our next anchorage point of Punta Espinoza, part of a huge lava flow formed from one of the many eruptions of the La Cumbre volcano, known to be one of the most active volcanoes in the world. The region is famous for its large colonies of marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and lizards. We might come across Galápagos penguins, Galápagos hawks, and snakes as well. You will spend the morning on shore with the option to snorkel before returning to the yacht for a sumptuous lunch. As Aqua Mare crosses the Bolivar Channel back towards Isabela Island, prepare to channel your inner pirate for the afternoon excursion visiting Caleta Tagus, once a favorite anchorage spot for pirates and whalers. Here we will hike to see Darwin Lake, a saltwater lake trapped inside a tuff cone. If you would rather not hike, you can take your pick from the four double kayaks, snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, or a ride on an elegant black tenders to explore the cove and its surroundings. Return to the yacht for evening sundowners and head to the bridge after dinner for a chat with the captain as we cross the equatorial line twice.

Day 5 19 Aug 2025
Espumilla Beach, Ecuador
Puerto Egas, Ecuador

This morning, we'll take a tender ride to Caleta Bucanero, a 17th-century pirate rest stop where pirates used to stock up on fresh tortoise meat and fresh water. In case ocean conditions are unfavorable, we'll visit Playa Espumilla instead, a golden sandy beach which is a well-known breeding ground for sea turtles. We head back to the yacht for lunch encompassing flavors of the South American Pacific coast through specially prepared dishes like the linguine ai frutti di mare. Next, disembark on the black-sand beaches of Puerto Egas, northwest of Santiago Island. You will be able to walk the intertidal zone to the fur seal grottos or snorkel to watch sea turtles, sea lions, and white-tipped sharks. Wind down back onboard with Happy Hour over a glass of a special Aqua Bloody Mare as the crew prepares for departure to our next adventure.

Day 6 20 Aug 2025
Rabida Island, Ecuador
Black Turtle Cove, Isla Santa Cruz, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Awake to the sounds of nature and a fresh breakfast before departing by tender to Rábida Island, also known as the red island. The color is the result of oxidation of very old porous lava. You will be able to hike, take out one of the double kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, or snorkel, as well as observe sea lions which have made their home on the beach. After a delicious lunch, you can listen to an afternoon lecture presented by the expert guides in the panoramic lounge. The Aqua Mare will sail towards the north of Santa Cruz Island, to Caleta Tortuga Negra, a mangrove estuary that is home to sea turtles. This is a tender ride excursion as there is no landing site, but you will be able to spot green sea turtles, as well as blacktip and Galápagos sharks. End this glorious day discovering more of the signature cuisine courtesy of Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino.; Morning rendezvous diving option available.

Day 7 21 Aug 2025
Isla North Seymour, Ecuador
Isla Mosquera, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Your day in the archipelago begins with a refreshing breakfast before heading out to Seymour Norte Island, formed by uprisings of underwater volcanic lavas some 3.1 million years ago. The island is mostly known for its healthy population of land iguanas, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and great frigate birds. After a morning full of fun activities, you will head back to the yacht for a delicious lunch aboard Aqua Mare. For the afternoon excursion, hop on to one of the tenders for a wet landing onto Mosquera Island. Although it's one of the smallest in the archipelago, Mosquera Island is one of the hotspots for spotting sea lions. Around sunset, you will return to the sleek comfort of Aqua Mare for your last evening aboard. End the day by enjoying a view of the archipelago's starlit skies while sipping wine on the sundeck.; Note: Morning rendezvous diving option available.

Day 8 22 Aug 2025
Baltra Island, Ecuador
Bahía Borrero, Isla Santa Cruz, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, Ecuador

Today begins with a luxurious breakfast set against the morning sunrise. Enjoy the views from Aqua Mare before we make our way to Baltra Island to pick up guests who'll be joining you for the next seven nights. While at Baltra, you'll have the opportunity to relax at the beach or embark on a scuba diving excursion. The afternoon will see you head out onto your first excursion to the beautiful white beach of Bahía Borrero on the northern part of Santa Cruz. You might be able to spot Darwin's finches, cactus Finch, and the small ground finches nestled in the coastal vegetation. For those who prefer to snorkel, the beach is one of the main nesting sites of sea turtles, so you will no doubt come across one or two! Head home to the yacht for the evening to indulge in a sumptuous dinner curated by Aqua Expeditions world-renowned consultant chef, Pedro Miguel Schiaffino.; Note: Bookings for dives must be made at least eight days prior to departure.

Day 9 23 Aug 2025
Isla Genovesa, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

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-kilometer hike inland will then take us to the lava fields to view red-footed boobies as well as great frigatebirds and Galápagos storm petrels. Make it a family affair after dinner at the lower deck Beach Club by enjoying a private movie screening. Consider watching the Planet Earth documentary on the Galápagos Islands, the swashbuckling box office Master and Commander, or simply enjoy the starlit skies from the sun deck.

Day 10 24 Aug 2025
Sullivan Bay, Ecuador
Chinese Hat Island, Ecuador

Start the morning early with a workout or a guided meditation on the 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 the 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.; Note: Morning rendezvous diving option available.

Day 11 25 Aug 2025
Bartolome Island, Ecuador
Cerro Dragón, Ecuador

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 Galápagos 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.; Note: Morning rendezvous diving option available.

Day 12 26 Aug 2025
Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
Rancho El Manzanillo, Isla Santa Cruz, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Puerto Ayora, Ecuador

This morning, explore a nature reserve to see the Galápagos Islands' famous giant tortoises in their natural habitat. The area is also a great place to observe Darwin's finches, yellow warblers, flycatchers, cattle egrets, and if lucky Galápagos 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 categorized by islands. There will be free time to enjoy the town of Puerto Ayora before returning to the ship. Enjoy scenic views of the sunset onboard from the upper deck.; Note: Morning rendezvous diving option available

Day 13 27 Aug 2025
Punta Suarez, Ecuador
Gardner Bay, Ecuador
Islote Osborn, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, Ecuador

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 Galápagos 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 Galápagos Islands. Back at the yacht, head over to the bar to socialize over Happy Hour with a glass of a special Aqua Bloody Mare as the crew prepares for departure to our next anchorage.

Day 14 28 Aug 2025
Isla Santa Fé, Ecuador
South Plaza, Ecuador

After a night of sailing, you will visit Santa Fé Island for your penultimate day. It is one of the oldest in the Galápagos Islands (around 3.6 million years old), with the island being characterized to some degree by its vegetation of palo santo trees, a pear cactus that is called Opuntia echios barringtonensis, and many other native bushes. 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 Galápagos Islands by snorkeling, kayaking, or stand-up paddle boarding. 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 this 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 at your final recap briefing once back aboard and toast farewell under the archipelago's amazing starlit skies to your newfound friends over a glass of wine.; Note: Morning rendezvous diving option available.

Day 15 29 Aug 2025
Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
Cruise ends
Los Gemelos, Ecuador
Isla Santa Cruz Ferry Dock, Ecuador
Baltra Island, Ecuador

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 en route 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.

Cruise Benefits

Virtuoso Voyages offer exclusive benefits and experiences you can only get by booking with a Virtuoso Advisor.

Virtuoso Benefits on Your Sailing

Guests may also be entitled to the following complimentary benefits.

Please consult your Virtuoso travel advisor for restrictions that may apply.

Exclusive Champagne Dining Experience

AQUA EXPEDITIONS: Virtuoso guests booked on any Aqua Mare voyage will enjoy an exclusive champagne dining experience onboard.

Offer based on double occupancy. Must be confirmed directly with Aqua Expeditions reservations team or Aqua Expeditions Agent Portal. Bookings through Intermediaries are ineligible.

ADVISORS: Other restrictions may apply; Travel Advisors, please see Booking Instructions and Supplier Terms & Conditions under the Advisor Info tab for additional details.

Product Terms & Conditions

Virtuoso Exclusive Benefits are based on double occupancy and be confirmed directly with Aqua Expeditions reservations team or Aqua Expeditions Agent Portal. Bookings through Intermediaries are ineligible. Other restrictions may apply; Advisors, please read Terms & Conditions for additional details.



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