Bahía Borrero, Isla Santa Cruz, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, Ecuador
Once you arrive at Baltra Airport, you will be met by your team and escorted on a short cross-island transfer to the jetty. 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. The afternoon will see you head out for your first excursion to the beautiful white beach of Bahía 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 Galápagos Islands adventure.
Day 2 12 Dec 2026
Darwin Bay, Ecuador
El Barranco, 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. Enjoy a private movie screening after dinner if you wish. 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 3 13 Dec 2026
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 4 14 Dec 2026
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 5 15 Dec 2026
Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
Rancho El Manzanillo, Isla Santa Cruz, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
This morning, visit a nature reserve to see the Galápagos 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 Galápagos 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 onboard from the upper deck.; Note: Morning rendezvous diving option available
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 7 17 Dec 2026
Isla Santa Fé, Ecuador
South Plaza, Ecuador
After a night of sailing, visit Santa Fe Island, one of the oldest in the Galápagos 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 onboard 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.; Note: Morning rendezvous diving option available
Day 8 18 Dec 2026
Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
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.
Promotion(s)
To secure a promotion, contact your travel advisor.
15-30% Early Bird Bonus
Valid for Travel Now Through 31 Dec 2027
Looking for your next getaway? Make your travel dreams a reality aboard any of Aqua Expeditions’ vessels with advance booking discounts.
If you are dreaming of adventures where ancient tales, exotic wildlife and unparalleled beauty converge, make your travel goals come true by sailing with Aqua Expeditions. Experience modern luxury, innovative cuisine and bespoke service.
This offer is applicable to limited Design Suites per departure and per vessel on a first come, first served basis.
2025 Departures:
Aqua Blu:
20% savings applicable for Design Suites 201 and 203
Aqua Nera & Aria Amazon:
20% savings applicable for Design Suites 101 and 103
Aqua Mekong:
30% savings applicable for Design Suites 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, and 108
2026 & 2027 Departures:
Aqua Blu:
15% savings applicable for Design Suites 104 and 105
Aqua Nera:
20% savings applicable for Design Suites 101, 102, 103, and 104
Aqua Mekong:
30% savings applicable for Design Suites 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, and 108
Terms and Conditions
Savings are not applicable to the following departures:
Christmas and New Year sailings
Aqua Blu voyages to West Papua and Asmat
Aqua Blu’s Raja Ampat voyages in 2026 and 2027
Aqua Blu’s cross destination sailings (all voyages longer than seven nights)
Bookings must be made by June 30, 2025.
This offer is not valid for solo travelers.
This offer cannot be combined with any other promotions, offers, or discounts.
This offer can be combined with Loyalty benefits. The Early Bird bonus is applied first on the base price and the Loyalty benefits will be applied on the discounted price.
Aqua Expeditions reserves the right to withdraw special offers at any time and without notice.
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.
