Galápagos: Islands of Evolution

Aqua Expeditions

Galápagos: Islands of Evolution

Duration8 days, 7 nights
WhereEcuador
From, per personRM 52,374

Overview

Journey through the varied eastern Galápagos Islands aboard the intimate superyacht Aqua Mare. From Genovesa’s remarkable seabird colonies to the iconic volcanic views of Bartolomé, this expedition reveals the biodiversity and landscapes that make the islands a natural history treasure. Encounter giant tortoises in the Santa Cruz highlands, observe sea lions on Española and discover endemic birdlife with knowledgeable local guides, complemented by elegant accommodation and exceptional onboard hospitality.

Why Travel This Route

  • ✅ Genovesa’s red-footed boobies and frigatebirds
  • ✅ Iconic Pinnacle Rock scenery at Bartolomé
  • ✅ Wild giant tortoises and conservation encounters on Santa Cruz
  • ✅ Española’s marine iguanas, sea lions and seasonal waved albatrosses
  • ✅ Santa Fé and South Plaza island ecosystems

Itinerary

  1. Day 1Baltra and Santa Cruz: Bahía Borrero

    Arrive at Baltra Airport on a recommended flight and meet the Aqua Expeditions team for transfer to the jetty. Embark Aqua Mare, enjoy lunch and receive a snorkelling kit briefing. In the afternoon, explore Bahía Borrero, a white-sand beach on northern Santa Cruz, with opportunities to observe Darwin’s finches and other coastal wildlife. Sea turtles may be encountered while snorkelling, subject to conditions.

    Meals: Lunch and dinner. Overnight aboard Aqua Mare.

  2. Day 2Genovesa: Darwin Bay and El Barranco

    Explore Darwin Bay’s coralline beach and surrounding waters, a rewarding area for birdwatching and snorkelling. After lunch, travel by tender along the volcanic shoreline of El Barranco and walk inland across lava terrain. Look for red-footed boobies, great frigatebirds, storm petrels and fur seals resting in rocky crevices.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overnight aboard Aqua Mare.

  3. Day 3Santiago: Sullivan Bay; Sombrero Chino

    Walk across fascinating pahoehoe lava formations at Sullivan Bay to appreciate the islands’ volcanic origins. Later, visit the distinctive cone-shaped Sombrero Chino islet. The surrounding waters may offer sea lion and penguin sightings, with opportunities for guided snorkelling, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding as conditions allow.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overnight aboard Aqua Mare.

  4. Day 4Bartolomé and Santa Cruz: Dragon Hill

    Visit Bartolomé for a guided climb to a scenic viewpoint overlooking iconic Pinnacle Rock and the surrounding volcanic coast. A snorkelling excursion may reveal sea turtles or Galápagos penguins. In the afternoon, continue to Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz, an important habitat for land iguanas, and explore the coastal scenery with naturalist guides.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overnight aboard Aqua Mare.

  5. Day 5Santa Cruz: Tortoise Breeding Centre and Manzanillo Reserve

    Visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre and Darwin Station area to learn about giant tortoise conservation and island-specific breeding efforts. A local Galápagos coffee stop may feature in the programme. Continue into the highlands to Manzanillo, where free-roaming giant tortoises can be observed in their natural habitat. An optional full-day diving alternative may be available by prior arrangement.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overnight aboard Aqua Mare.

  6. Day 6Española: Punta Suárez, Gardner Bay and Osborn Islet

    Explore Punta Suárez, celebrated for endemic wildlife such as the Española mockingbird, lava lizards, marine iguanas and, in the appropriate season, waved albatrosses. Later, discover the coast around Osborn Islet by tender or in the water, followed by time at Gardner Bay’s beautiful sandy beach, home to an impressive sea lion colony.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overnight aboard Aqua Mare.

  7. Day 7Santa Fé and South Plaza

    Discover Santa Fé’s palo santo trees, prickly pear cacti and endemic land iguanas during a guided nature excursion. Depending on conditions, enjoy snorkelling, kayaking or paddleboarding. In the afternoon, explore South Plaza Island on foot, where diverse vegetation, striking volcanic terrain and abundant land and seabird life make for a memorable final full expedition day.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overnight aboard Aqua Mare.

  8. Day 8Santa Cruz: Los Gemelos; Baltra Disembarkation

    After breakfast and disembarkation, travel into the Santa Cruz highlands to visit Los Gemelos, two large volcanic sinkholes surrounded by lush vegetation, en route to Baltra. Continue to the airport for the recommended departure flight to mainland Ecuador.

    Meals: Breakfast. End of cruise.

Rates and dates

Current sailings only, in Malaysian Ringgit per person.

SailingShip From, per person
29 Oct - 05 Nov 2027AQUA MARE RM 52,374
12 Nov - 19 Nov 2027AQUA MARE RM 52,374

Included

  • Luxury accommodation aboard Aqua Mare in your reserved sea-facing design suite, with ensuite bathroom and daily onboard hospitality
  • All scheduled meals aboard (embarkation day lunch and dinner; disembarkation day breakfast), with Peruvian-Japanese Nikkei-influenced cuisine
  • Non-alcoholic beverages and selected house wines and beer
  • Scheduled small-group shore excursions, nature walks, island landings and tender excursions led by English-speaking naturalist guides
  • Snorkelling equipment and wetsuits, plus the yacht’s kayaks and stand-up paddleboards during organised activities
  • Galápagos National Park entrance fee and Transit Control Card (TCT/TCC)
  • Onboard naturalist presentations, selected evening entertainment, high-speed satellite internet and laundry service
  • Shared airport-to-yacht and yacht-to-airport transfers when travelling on the operator’s recommended domestic flights

Not included

  • International air tickets to/from Ecuador and domestic flights between mainland Ecuador and Baltra (Galápagos)
  • Pre- and post-cruise hotels, land touring and transfers beyond the included recommended-flight transfers
  • Gratuities for crew and guides
  • Premium alcoholic beverages, cocktails and drinks outside the included wine and beer selection
  • Optional rendezvous scuba-diving excursions and other privately arranged or chargeable activities
  • Personal purchases, travel insurance, medical expenses and travel documentation
  • Costs arising from flight changes, missed embarkation, weather disruption or additional requested services

Good to know

Ship
AQUA MARE
Route
BALTRA to BAHÍA BORRERO (SANTA CRUZ) to GENOVESA to SULLIVAN BAY (SANTIAGO) to SOMBRERO CHINO to BARTOLOMÉ to DRAGON HILL (SANTA CRUZ) to PUERTO AYORA (SANTA CRUZ) to ESPAÑOLA to SANTA FÉ to SOUTH PLAZA to LOS GEMELOS (SANTA CRUZ) to BALTRA
Suites
CAT V | Design Suite (16 m²) · CAT IV (22 m²) · CAT III (28 m²) · CAT II (26 m²) · CAT I | Owner’s Suite (80 m²)

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