The Best Luxury Galapagos Cruise: Aqua Mare

Home to some of the rarest marine, mammal, bird, and plant species in the world, the Galapagos archipelago of 19 islands is a destination for the most curious of minds and adventurous of spirits. Its unique equatorial position at the confluence of three ocean currents far from inhabited shores, along with its volcanic geological nature, has propelled the isolated evolution of these otherworldly endemic plants and animals. To share moments with such rarely sighted beauty is a privilege afforded only to the most determined of travelers. 

As a protected land, it’s only possible to sail around the Galapagos territory accompanied by highly qualified biologists and naturalist guides who know how to protect and sustain the archipelago whilst allowing its brilliance to be shared with the world. A sojourn to one of the world’s most covetable travel destinations requires the world’s most desirable superyacht cruise company to take you there. For our Galapagos expeditions, Totally Latin America entrusts none other than Aqua Expeditions to lead this valiant voyage.

Why Sail with Aqua Expeditions 

Aqua Expeditions is a pioneering ultra-luxury superyacht cruise company that specializes in sailing to the most exotic, remote, and wildlife-rich regions on Earth. The venture began back in 2007 with intimate eye-level cruises on the Peruvian Amazon River. Since then, it has expanded its repertoire of exclusive cruising experiences to the coastlines of Cambodia and Vietnam, the most hard-to-reach islands of the East Indonesia archipelago, and most recently, the biologically stupefying Galapagos on its brand new superyacht, the Aqua Mare. 

Expect nothing less than exceptional from each of Aqua Expeditions’ vessels which promise an exclusive, intimate, and attentive experience aboard the milk and honey of cruise vessels. Above all else, however, Aqua Expeditions promises a thoughtful experience. One in which every aspect of your stay onboard has been meticulously considered and tailored to provide a flawless vacation for you and your loved ones. Enjoy a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, tailored activities with highly educated guides, conservation and sustainability-led values and initiatives, world-class cuisine, and of course, the finest Italian-designed interiors.

A Glimpse Into the Aqua Mare Experience 

Aqua Mare, Aqua Expeditions’ newest ship which launched in May 2022, is undoubtedly the jewel of the Galapagos Islands. It is 50 meters of pure elegance, sophistication, and class. 

Each of its four decks has been planned to immerse its guests in the Galapagos’ beautiful landscape whilst cradling them in the utmost luxury. To achieve this, the Aqua Mare has been blessed with scenic outdoor spaces including an aft dining area, barbeque area, workout zone, jacuzzi, sun deck, swimming platform, and our particular favorite, the panoramic top deck dining area. Inside, the vessel features more lounge and dining areas, as well as a beach club overlooking the swim platform where you can relax with a drink after a dive directly from the ship’s aft.

Aqua Mare’s Design and Layout

From the drapery to the artwork and even the dinner service, the interiors of this fine lady have been masterfully woven by famous yacht designer François Zuretti. Meanwhile, the vessel itself was crafted by leading marine engineers at the Italian CRN yard with underway stabilizers for the smoothest possible sailing. Rumour has it that the Aqua Mare has been coined as the finest ship they have ever built. 

In the interest of Aqua Mare’s personal and exclusive experience, the vessel sleeps no more than 16 passengers between its seven perfectly appointed suites including the highly desirable 80sqm Owners Suite. The vessel also has a 16 crew capacity allowing it to offer that attentive one-to-one five star service.

Aqua Mare’s Activities and Excursions

Each of the Aqua Mare’s itineraries are packed with immersive excursions that allow you to explore the heights of the Galapagos’ canopies to the depths of its reefs. With two naturalist guides each leading groups of up to eight guests, the Aqua Mare promises each interaction with the Galapagos landscape to be personal, educational, and exhilarating fun. 

Spot blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, albatross, pink iguanas, and flightless cormorants among many of the Galapagos’ other famous endemic animals with the help of your guide’s expertise of the local wildlife. Along the way, the guides will impart their knowledge and wisdom about the unlikely way in which the archipelago became so rich in rare and unique nature, as well as how it is being carefully conserved. You will also gain an invaluable first-hand insights to the habitats, food chains, mating rituals, and many other fascinating aspects of natural life on the archipelago. Insights that those who have not visited the islands cannot begin to comprehend.

As well as hiking and diving, the naturalist guides use their panga boats to guide you along the rivers and mangroves of the Galapagos, bringing you even closer to nature. For those moments of rest and play onboard, the Aqua Mare is equipped with kayaks, wetsuits, snorkels, and paddleboards.

The Aqua Mare Gastronomy Experience

Like every other aspect of the Aqua Mare, its gastronomy is considered with the utmost superiority in mind. That is why none other than Pedro Miguel Schiaffino was chosen as consulting chef for the curation of the ship’s menu. Chef Schiaffino headed two of Lima’s most renowned restaurants, Malabar and ámaZ, both of which frequented the 50 Best Restaurants of Latin America list. Driven by a passion for the Amazon and its exotic life forms, Chef Schiaffino conjours creative dishes inspired by the region using Amazonian-sourced ingredients that support local communities and the ecosystem’s sustainability.

For the esteemed Aqua Mare, Chef Schiaffino has transcended these passions into a world-class menu inspired by the dramatic landscapes and flavors of the South American Pacific coast as well as the Peruvian Nikkei style. Every meal on board the Aqua Mare, whether it’s on the scenic top deck dining area or in the comfort of your own suite, therefore guarantees gastronomic glee. Relish in the refreshing zing of dishes such as Galapagueña lobster lettuce wraps with Acevichado dressing, delicate potato llapingachos, and tuna crudo. Or opt for some of the regions most classic dishes like barbecued plantains, and shrimp ceviche.

Aqua Mare’s Expedition Itineraries

7-Night East Galapagos Expedition 

Starting in Baltra Island, the Aqua Mare sails north to Genovesa to discover its wealth of exotic bird species including the elusive red-footed boobies. The vessel then glides along the gin-clear waters to Bahía Darwin, a marinelife-rich bay named after evolutionary biologist Charles Darwin who developed his theories of evolution at its very shores. Here, we take to the water to snorkel at a respectful distance from some of the Galapagos’ most revered creatures; the hammerhead shark and giant tortoise. As we continue to voyage from Los Gemelos twin craters to the rare Pahoehoe lava flows of Sullivan Bay, we delve deeper into the archipelago’s volcanic origins.

7-Night West Galapagos Expedition

The Aqua Mare’s second itinerary focuses on the western Galapagos islands starting from Puerto Ayora on Isla Santa Cruz, one of the few inhabited areas of the region. We then transport you in the lap of luxury through some of the most volcanically active islands. Along the way, we stop to explore shield volcanoes and basalt lava flows and spot the archipelago’s most interesting inhabitants; the marine iguana and flightless cormorant. In determination to introduce you to the very best of the Galapagos’ landscapes, wildlife, and natural phenomenon, we then continue to sail to the furthest and most unexplored crevices of the region’s western shorelines. Swimming with sea lions at the red sand beach on Rábida Island to watching white-tipped reefsharks and sea turtles in Caleta Tortuga Negra are just some of the unforgettable experiences this expedition promises.

Book with TLA Travel for the Best Deals

Take advantage of our specially negotiated commercial rates for the Aqua Mare and get the best deals available. Contact the Galapagos Luxury Cruise Experts today for more information on the Aqua Mare, the Galapagos Islands and mainland adventures in Ecuador.

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