14-night East & West Galapagos Cruise - Roundtrip Isla Baltra

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 super yacht with our 16-strong crew where you will be treated with the utmost attention courtesy of our 1:1 crew to guest ratio. A delicious Nikkei-inspired lunch crafted by consultant chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino will be served and you will also receive a snorkeling kit complete with mask, fins, snorkel, and an optional shorty wetsuit for your personal use during the week. You will also receive as a welcome gift a special waterproof bag to place your belongings during wet landings and an Aqua Expeditions water bottle.

Today Baltra is the most important airport of Galápagos and a small navy base for Ecuador. Baltra has suffered most from human settling and does not have any visitor sites. Many cruises start from the its harbour and already there pelicans and noddies will welcome you. To the north lies Mosquera, a small sandy bank with a large colony of sea lions. Go swimming and snorkeling on the beach.

The afternoon will see you head out onto your first excursion to Playa Las Bachas on the northern part of Santa Cruz Island for a short 20-minute hike taking us to two ponds where you can observe various species of flamingos, ducks, shore birds and sometimes marine iguanas. It is also possible to spot Darwin finches, yellow warblers, and mockingbirds among the coastal vegetation, mangroves, and saltbush. 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 your first sumptuous dinner in the Archipelago, making it the perfect start to your Galapagos adventure.

Santa Cruz is the center of tourism in the Galapagos. The white-sand beach of Las Bachas on Isla Santa Cruz is a major egg-laying site for Pacific green turtles, but pelicans and flamingos feel at home here, too. Puerto Ayora, the largest settlement in the Galapagos, is homeport to many yachts, as well as home to Galapagos National Park Service and Charles Darwin Research Station. A large island with a variety of geology, wildlife and vegetation, all the Galapagos life zones are present on Santa Cruz.

For those who missed the equatorial crossing the night before, ask our crew for your very own equator crossing certificate - although this is usually reserved for our young explorers, even the young at heart will proudly be able to take this home! This morning explore Genovesa Island, where you will take a tender ride along the volcanic rocks of El Barranco to view the fur seals resting inside rock crevices. A 1.5 km hike inland takes us to the lava fields to view red-footed boobies as well as great frigate birds and Galapagos storm petrels.

El Barranco (Prince Phillip's Steps) is a port located on Genovesa Island in the Galapagos Islands. After hiking along a steep and rocky path, spectacular views can be enjoyed from a high cliff. El Barranco is home to Galapagos doves, red-footed boobies, Galapagos swallows and short-eared lava owls.

After the visit, we will return to the yacht to get suited up for your snorkeling session to view bottlenose dolphins, schools of hammerhead sharks, colorful fish and pristine corals. The tenders will accompany us alongside the cliffs to observe the animal species that rest on the cliffs before a splendid lunch back onboard. The afternoon sees us at Bahía Darwin’s coralline beach for hiking, snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, or kayaking. Make it a family affair after dinner at the lower deck Beach Club by enjoying a private movie screening. We recommend watching the Planet Earth documentary on the Galapagos, the swashbuckling box office Master and Commander, or simply enjoy the starlit skies from the upper deck.

Darwin Bay is located in the Galapagos Islands where one side of the caldera on the horse-shoe shaped Genovesa Island collapsed. The submerged crater that resulted formed Darwin Bay. The steep cliffs that surround the bay provide homes for many seabirds, and there is a white sand coral beach that heads a half mile trail from the bay. Genovesa has developed a reputation as “The Bird Island” due to the numerous bird species that nest there which include swallow-tail gulls, storm petrels, Darwin’s finches, nazca boobies and red-footed boobies. Visitors to Darwin Bay can enjoy hiking, snorkeling, diving, kayaking and dinghy rides. In addition to seabirds, additional wildlife found near Darwin Bay includes rays, colorful reef fish, marine iguana and sharks.

Start the morning early with a workout or a guided meditation on our upper deck followed by a refreshing breakfast. Our first excursion of the day will take us to the northeast of Santiago Island with a dry landing at Bahía Sullivan to discover recent Pahoehoe lava flows.

Sullivan Bay is located on the southeastern region of Isla Santiago belonging to the famous Galapagos Islands. This destination is known for its lava fields that many visitors enjoy exploring. This area of the Santiago Islet was active only 100 years ago and volcanic overflows still are remnant today.

After a sumptuous lunch and lecture on the geology of the Galapagos from one of our expert scientist guides onboard Aqua Mare, we depart to Sombrero Chino Island, so named after the small crater that forms the islet. The surrounding crystal-clear waters provide a great opportunity to observe sea lions and penguins from above. There will be time for snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, and kayaking. Return to the yacht for evening sundowners and a barbecue dinner on the upper deck, with the volcanic island serving as a stunning backdrop to your once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Just southeast of Santiago Island is Sombrero Chino, a tiny island with a rocky lava coast that gets its name from its appearance that looks like a Chinese hat. It's crescent-shaped white sand beach is home to thousands of sally light-foot crabs and sea lions. Walking on top fragile lava rock and snorkeling with penguins and possibily white-tipped sharks makes for an exciting experience. 

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). The hiking trail begins with a wet landing and continues inland to a flamingo lagoon, ending with the option to swim and snorkel from the beach or walk along the mangroves and sand dunes of the south beach. Back onboard, swap tales of your magnificent excursion over an al fresco dinner encompassing South American Pacific coast and Peruvian Nikkei style crafted by consultant chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino.

Cerro Dragon is a Galapagos Island with small lagoons with flamingos, Palo Santo trees, Opuntia cactus.

This morning you will explore the El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve to see these wild Galapagos creatures up close in their natural habitat. The area is also a great place to observe Darwin finches, yellow warblers, flightcatchers, cattle egrets, and if lucky Galapagos Rails.

El Chato Reserve is part of Galapagos National Park on Isla Santa Cruz. Visitors can stand face-to-face with the giant Galapagos tortoise in the wild and enjoy bird watching, in hopes to catch a glimpse of a Darwin finch or short-ear owl. El Chato Reserve is comprised of La Caseta and Cerro Chato, and visitors can explore both areas on the well-preserved trails with a guide.

After a mouth-watering lunch and afternoon lecture on the evolution of Darwin finches presented by our expert guides in the panoramic lounge, you will take a tender ride to Darwin Station and National Park headquarters to observe tortoises in captivity at the Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre, 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. Refreshing superfruit juices await at our Beach Club, which is located at water level at the aft of the ship or enjoy the scenic sunset views from the upper deck. For divers there is the option of a full day of diving instead of joining the day excursions.

The Charles Darwin Station offers insight into ongoing research and conservation in the Galapagos.

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, due to the high percentage of unique endemism in its fauna such as Española mockingbirds, lava lizards, Galapagos tortoises, marine iguanas, and the unique Waved Albatross.

Punta Suarez is an amazing sight and one of the most attractive in the Galapagos Islands, because of its plentiful and various wildlife. The island trail leads past sea lions surfing the breaking waves, iguanas basking in the warm sun, and boobies nesting right in the path. The trail continues towards the cliffs and the blowhole - a fissure in the lava from which water spurts high in the air like a geyser.

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

After a night of sailing, you will visit Santa Fé (also known as Barrington) Island for your penultimate day. It is one of the oldest in the Galapagos 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 Echio Barringtonensis, and many other native bushes. Here we will spot land iguanas, lava lizards, swallow-tailed gulls, shearwater petrels, red-billed tropic birds, mockingbirds, Darwin finches, and Galapagos hawks. After the visit, we will be able to take advantage of the last full day in the Galapagos by snorkeling, kayaking, or stand-up paddle boarding.

As you enjoy lunch onboard - we recommend the Galapagueña lobster lettuce wraps with Acevichado dressing - the boat will sail to South Plaza Islet, located off the eastern shore of Santa Cruz. In the afternoon you disembark at Plaza Sur Island, a small, but diverse little islet. Head out on a two-hour hiking excursion led by your guide to discover the island’s unique landforms. Swap notes on everything you’ve seen today at your final recap briefing once back aboard and toast farewell under the amazing starlit skies of the Archipelago to your new found friends over a glass of wine.

Build your own adventure today from a selection of activities such as a morning run to Academy Bay for a beach morning, an introductory scuba dive with a local certified dive operator, hike to the Las Grietas fissure canyon for a cool snorkel in the crystal clear waters or even choose to bicycle around and outside of Puerto Ayora town. You will be able to meet new companions joining you onward for the next seven nights over another delicious lunch aboard. As they explore the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center in the afternoon, yours is free to spend at your leisure - just let our Cruise Director know and all the arrangements will be made. If you prefer to slow down the pace, our tenders can take you out for a short snorkeling excursion, or stay onboard Aqua Mare to sunbathe on our upper deck sun loungers. Regroup at the end of the day over dinner where our chefs will present you with a dazzling array of native Ecuadorian and Galapagoan ingredients.

Puerto Ayora is located on the southern end of Isla Santa Cruz. Puerto Ayora is a charming port town where sea, sun, seabirds and sailboats coexist. On the town's outskirts are the headquarters to the world-renowned Charles Darwin Research Station. Many travelers just pass through on the way to see Lonesome George (a 150-year old tortoise; the last of his species) at Darwin Station. Puerto Ayora is a lively seaside town offering international cuisine, oceanfront hotels, outdoor bars, scuba diving schools and an avenue of boutiques with everything from tie-dyed sarongs to Panama hats. Relish the Islands' crescent slices of sand, spectacular diving, mountain top vistas, and tropical climate. Visit select islands and choose from an array of outdoor activities, such as kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, horseback riding and mountain biking. Puerto Ayora provides the most convenient base for island hopping. Three boats, the Delphin, Esmeraldas III and Santa Fe, offer day trips to Florena, Bartoleme, North Seymore and Plazas.

Build your own adventure today from a selection of activities such as a morning run to Academy Bay for a beach morning, an introductory scuba dive with a local certified dive operator, hike to the Las Grietas fissure canyon for a cool snorkel in the crystal clear waters or even choose to bicycle around and outside of Puerto Ayora town. You will be able to meet new companions joining you onward for the next seven nights over another delicious lunch aboard. As they explore the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center in the afternoon, yours is free to spend at your leisure - just let our Cruise Director know and all the arrangements will be made. If you prefer to slow down the pace, our tenders can take you out for a short snorkeling excursion, or stay onboard Aqua Mare to sunbathe on our upper deck sun loungers. Regroup at the end of the day over dinner where our chefs will present you with a dazzling array of native Ecuadorian and Galapagoan ingredients.

The Charles Darwin Station offers insight into ongoing research and conservation in the Galapagos.

For your ninth morning in the Galapagos, 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 spot stingrays and sharks swimming very close to the shore. Later you will return to the boat to prepare for kayaking or take a short tender ride to Devil’s Crown for snorkeling.

Named not after the bird but a US ship, there is a wet landing onto a, literally, green beach - so coloured because it is made from olivine crystals (volcanic silicates of magnesium and iron). Pencil sea urchins may be found on the beach. A short walk inland and the trail comes to a brackish lagoon. This is home to one of the biggest populations of flamingos in the archipelago, these pink residents spend about 7 hours a day or more eating, and so take some binoculars to watch the ballet of necks as they gracefully move back and fourth, scouring the floor of the lagoon for little shrimp. Take your binoculars to enjoy the show up close. Also present are pintail ducks and stilts. The trail crosses a narrow neck of land and comes to a white beach on the eastern side of the island. Ghost crabs inhabit the beach, and rays and turtles can be seen in the sea. Sea turtles nest at Punta Cormorant (December to May) on the white sand beach, just a short walk away from the olive coloured beach where you land.

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. A delicious feast showcasing Japanese technique combined with Peruvian seasoning using only the freshest local fish and seafood awaits when you return onboard Aqua Mare. Stay out on the upper deck with a cocktail if you would like to admire the northern and southern hemispheres’ starlit skies tonight.

The Post Office Box on Post Office Bay was used in old days by whalers and others to stay in touch with their loved ones at home. Leaving the letters behind in the wooden barrel, other sailors returning home took it with them. Today tourists take the tradition over and leave post cards behind to be picked up later by others. A large lava tube is located behind the barrel. Visitors can enter the lava tunnels by stairs. The coastal vegetation is a dry tropical forest with low growing trees and shrubs. Frigate birds become frenzied when fisherman or cooks clean fish and throw away the scraps. Watch them playfully throw up the pieces and have aerial acrobatic frigates snatch them from the air. When free meals are not available frigates harass other sea birds in the air to drop their catch. Rays are seen around boats floating close to the water surface. The beautiful sunsets on the equator are fast and should not be missed.

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 and small saltwater lagoons inland, where you will observe ducks, shore birds, stilts, blue-winged teals, flamingos, and gallinules. After the visit you will have the opportunity to go snorkeling near the shore or return to the yacht to rest and enjoy the majestic landscapes Isabela has to offer.

In the afternoon, the yacht will sail north to Bahía Urbina, a 6km point, once underwater and uplifted in 1954 up to 3m above sea level. Here you can see tortoises, land iguanas and the biggest marine iguanas roaming free in the Archipelago. We end the day with an unforgettable view of Isabela’s five volcanoes as we dine on refreshing seafood salads, baked fish, potato llapingachos, tuna crudo, barbequed plantains, and shrimp ceviche beneath the stars.

Start the morning early with a workout on our upper deck at our next anchorage point of Punta Espinoza, part of a huge lava flow formed from one of the many eruptions of La Cumbre volcano, known to be one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Famous for its large colonies of marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, Galapagos hawks, lizards and snakes, you will spend the morning on shore with the option to snorkel before returning to the yacht for a sumptuous lunch and lecture on the geology of the Galapagos from one of our expert scientist guides.

Punta Espinoza is the visitor site on Isla Ferdinandina and is situated at the northeast coast of the island. The biggest colony of marine iguanas is situated here. Hundreds of them sunbathe on the rocks. Besides the iguanas, the island is home to flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins and sea lions. Mangroves and cacti dominate the vegetation. There are also extraordinary lava formations.

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 our eight double kayaks, snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, or a ride on our 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 our captain as we cross the equatorial line twice while rounding the top of Isabela island sailing to our next anchorage point.

On the island of Isabela is Caleta Tagus, a trail that surrounds a salt-lake crater. This beautiful region is also known as the "land of marine iguanas."

This morning sees us disembark on the black sand beaches of Puerto Egas, northwest of Santiago Island. Once the location of a salt mine (1967), today you can take a two and a half-hour hike to find the abandoned mine turned into a shallow saltwater lake. For those who prefer to stay by the beach, 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.

Santiago's Puerto Egas is the perfect place to explore dark, sandy beaches and spot birds and marine iguanas.

We head back to the yacht for lunch encompassing flavors of the South American Pacific coast and Peruvian Nikkei style crafted by Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. Then our tenders will continue their adventure to Playa Espumilla, where a wet landing will set us upon a golden sandy beach, a well-known breeding ground for sea turtles. You will also visit Caleta Bucanero, a 17th century pirate rest stop where pirates used to stock up on fresh tortoise meat and fresh water. The day will end with a choice of snorkeling, kayaking, or stand-up paddle boarding before winding down back onboard with Happy Hour over a glass of our signature cocktails as the crew prepares for departure to our next adventure.

We head back to the yacht for lunch encompassing flavors of the South American Pacific coast and Peruvian Nikkei style crafted by Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. Then our tenders will continue their adventure to Playa Espumilla, where a wet landing will set us upon a golden sandy beach, a well-known breeding ground for sea turtles. You will also visit Caleta Bucanero, a 17th century pirate rest stop where pirates used to stock up on fresh tortoise meat and fresh water. The day will end with a choice of snorkeling, kayaking, or stand-up paddle boarding before winding down back onboard with Happy Hour over a glass of our signature cocktails as the crew prepares for departure to our next adventure.

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 the oxidation of very old porous lava. You will be able to hike, take out one of our eight double kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, or snorkel, as well as observe hundreds of sea lions who have made their home on the beach.

Known for its striking dark-red color, this island is home to a picturesque saltwater lagoon where white-tailed pintail ducks and flamingos congregate.

After a delicious lunch, you can listen to an afternoon lecture on the evolution of Darwin’s finches presented by our 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 three different types of sharks: the black tip, the Galapagos, and the famous blue shark. End this glorious day by discovering more of Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino’s masterful and innovative farm-to-table creations at dinner.

Only accessible by a dinghy, the beautiful and tranquil bay of Black Turtle Cove is a protected national park. Black-tip and white-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, and even sting rays raise their young around the mangroves. Travelers can take a day trip to discover this untouched Galapagos Island.

Your penultimate 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.

Located off the northern tip of Baltra, this island is home to the largest colony of frigate birds in the Galapagos, as well as blue-footed boobies and playful sea lions.

For the afternoon excursion, hop on to one of our tenders for a wet landing onto Mosquera Islet. While the rock pile is one of the smallest in the Archipelago, it is home to one of the largest colonies of sea lions in the Galapagos, and if you’re lucky you may even spot migratory orcas. Around sunset you will return to the sleek comfort of Aqua Mare for your last evening aboard. Swap notes on everything you’ve experienced during this most incredible adventure with your friends onboard and toast farewell with something special from our curated wine list.

A channel island between the the islands of Baltra and Seymour, Isla Mosquera is a very flat stretch of white sand with tide pools and rocks. Underwater marine activity is ideal for snorkelers. Adventurers can observe the habitat of Brown Pelicans, Boobies, and playful sea lions. 

The last day begins with a luxurious breakfast set against the morning sunrise before setting out for one final excursion by tender. You will enjoy the views of the fragile visitor site of Daphne Island, a scientific use zone for scientists studying Darwin’s finches. You will observe Nazca boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, and blue-footed boobies nesting at Daphne Major terraces, which is also the site of a 40-year study on the evolution in Darwin’s finches, demonstrating evolution occurring over short periods of time.

We return to the ship for a refreshing juice and to pack up the last of your belongings as we set sail to Baltra Island, bidding farewell to our crew and beautiful home for the past week. You will be escorted to the airport for your flight back to the mainland and onward journey home with all the wonderful memories we hope you will cherish forever.

Today Baltra is the most important airport of Galápagos and a small navy base for Ecuador. Baltra has suffered most from human settling and does not have any visitor sites. Many cruises start from the its harbour and already there pelicans and noddies will welcome you. To the north lies Mosquera, a small sandy bank with a large colony of sea lions. Go swimming and snorkeling on the beach.