Aqua Mare
As the first true superyacht in the Galapagos Islands, the 50m Aqua Mare takes an iconic once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the next level. Designed and built by renowned Italian CRN yard with custom Zuretti interiors, seven elegant design suites serve as the perfect respite after active days for 16 guests exploring the remote wildlife and dynamic nature of the Archipelago. Combining its expansive social spaces, cuisine by award-wining Peruvian chef Schiaffino with the rich history of its destination, Aqua Mare’s 16 crew including two naturalist guides ensure an exceptional one-on-one bespoke service to experience the wild and magnificent Enchanted Islands.
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Services
Airport Shuttle (Available)
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Kayaking, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
On an Aqua Mare cruise itinerary, each day is a new opportunity to explore a different island and unveil its distinctive natural riches on offer. Walking trails allow guests to immerse into the deepest parts of each visitor site while taking the time to absorb the awe-inspiring feeling of being so closely surrounded by wild animals in their natural habitat.
Aqua Mare’s expert guides are the very best trained biologists in the region, handpicked by Aqua Expeditions to offer an enriching, entertaining and highly educational experience. Whether on easy beach walks or on more challenging hourly hikes, they will share the most valuable insights into the islands’ peculiar history, geology and endemic wildlife with their small group of guests.
The calm waters in the areas designated for kayaking and paddle boarding activities offer the perfect scenario to explore the shore landscapes and marine life from a unique perspective. Aqua Mare is equipped with eight top of the line double-kayaks and two paddle boards for guests of all ages to venture out on their own and at their own pace.
Aqua Mare is equipped with two military-grade black tenders that offer guests the most stylish and comfortable means of transport between the yacht and numerous visitor sites scattered throughout the Galapagos Archipelago. Landings on each site will vary between wet and dry, a terminology you will hear often from our guides while out on excursions. On a dry landing, guests can disembark directly on a dock or rocky surface without touching the water, while on a wet landing it is necessary to submerge your feet into the water to disembark on the shallow beach shores.
Panga rides (as the locals call them), are a fun and relaxing way to explore the islands, as you enjoy the sea breeze, admire the beautiful backdrops and take amazing photos of coastal animals.
More than 9,000 different species of flora and fauna populate the Galapagos Islands with a list that keeps on growing as scientists regularly unveil new findings. Giant tortoises with life spans of 150 years, penguins found north of the equator, iguanas that learned how to swim and a bird that lost its ability to fly… it is no wonder these enchanting islands are famously referred to as a “living laboratory of evolution”.
The animals and birds of the Galapagos do not feel threatened by humans and are in fact completely oblivious to their presence. This lack of a defensive instinct, probably due to an absence of natural predators in the islands, makes it possible to approach and observe them up close, while maintaining the safe distance required by the National Park rules — an unforgettable experience you can only have in the Galapagos Islands.
Snorkeling is a wonderful way to experience the incredible biodiversity found underwater. Many snorkeling sites in the Galapagos will have shallow gentle waters making this activity easy and pleasant, without having to go too deep to encounter marine wildlife. In fact, some shark species such as blacktip reef sharks prefer shallow waters, so there is big chance swimming with sharks will be ticked off your bucket list. As with land species in the Galapagos, those underwater don’t shy away from humans making sea adventures delightful, as playful sea lions and gentle sea turtles swim harmoniously around you.
Aqua Mare will provide each guest with their own snorkeling gear to keep throughout the entirety of their voyage, which includes a mask, snorkel, fins and a 3mm shorty wetsuit. A wetsuit is not required to snorkel in the Galapagos as the water is usually warm but will be very useful to keep you comfortable especially during the dry “garua” season as the Humboldt current brings cold nutrient-filled waters to these areas.
Revel in a dining experience inspired by the dramatic landscapes of the Galapagos Islands and Peruvian Nikkei style
Aqua Expeditions and stellar Peruvian chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino have partnered yet again on the newest addition to the Aqua Expeditions fleet, the luxurious Aqua Mare superyacht, navigating the magnificent and pristine Galapagos Islands.
A born and bred Peruvian, chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino is known for being one of the first culinarians in his country to put local cuisine on the international map by bringing out the best of Peru’s regional flavors. Since 2007, he has partnered with Aqua Expeditions as Consulting Chef on board the Aria Amazon and most recently with the Aqua Nera, overseeing the onboard menu and dining experience.
Renown for his commitment to excellence which allows the transformation of uncommon ingredients into captivating and authentic dishes, chef Schiaffino has earned global recognition, including from The Diners Club World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy for his innovative Amazonia-influenced cuisine at MALABAR and ámaz in Lima.
Blessed with a diverse and spectacular range of ecosystems thanks to its Pacific coastline, Amazonian rainforest, and high-altitude valleys, Ecuador has a dazzling array of local ingredients. With Aqua Mare’s cuisine, chef Schiaffino takes inspiration from the dramatic landscapes and flavors of the South American Pacific coast as well as the Peruvian Nikkei style to deliver a world-class dining experience, undoubtedly a highlight of all Aqua Mare itineraries.
Reflected throughout the menu, our dining options showcase and combine Japanese technique and Peruvian seasoning using only the freshest local fish and seafood. An example of this is the Galapagueña lobster lettuce wraps with Acevichado dressing. Other delicious favorites are the delicate potato llapingachos, tuna crudo, barbecued plantains, and shrimp ceviche.
As with our other vessels, our menus are adaptable to any food allergies or dietary requirements our guests might have whether it is vegetarian, vegan, or pescatarian options. Our chefs on Aqua Mare are also happy to whip up special requests for both older and younger explorers, aside from our proposed menu in order to please everyone onboard.
Aqua Mare’s cocktail list also displays this localized influence with the Aqua Bloody Mary, utilizing the high Andean mashua and tree tomato in place of the traditional horseradish and tomato. The curated wine list is tailored to the menu with careful attention to South American vineyards.
Whatever your preferences, the Aqua Mare dining experience promises refined dishes on our specially designed Gaya ceramic plateware decorated with the flora and fauna of the Archipelago.
Expect convivial al fresco barbecues and relaxed indoor dining courtesy of magical days and serene evenings aboard. While the calm morning and afternoon feasts are juxtaposed against dramatic coastal landscapes, nightfall assures an entirely exceptional affair. Illuminated by the stars from both northern and southern hemispheres, you will begin your gastronomic voyage with canapes of red crab and champagne, ending the night with a silky and light 70 percent chocolate mousse, made with one of the world’s best Ecuadorian cocoas.
In the spirit of Galapagoan conservation, Aqua continues to do its part sourcing only the finest ingredients with a focus on ethical sustainability and supporting local and regional farmers, fishermen and providores.
Located on the main deck, a grand suite like this rarely becomes available unless you charter an entire superyacht. For the exceptional few booking the Owner’s Suite on Aqua Mare, this is one way to assure a trip of a lifetime. At 80 square meters, this luxurious cabin leaves every hotel suite behind. The Owner’s Suite boasts a California king size bed and multiple closets that will make your home closet envious with its grand beam-to-beam size. Eight large windows plus two more in the bathroom complete that extra over-the-top luxury. A separate study can be conveniently closed off for private dining or to accommodate two more guests in lower and upper beds (the upper one being a comfortable pullman). The bathroom features a large double shower, separate toilet, and vanity with sofa for added comfort. Additional features include a large hydraulic 40" TV hidden from view, two armchairs, and veneer craftsmanship of the highest standards. It has a separate fresh intake valve and is a suite is made for an A-list guest who expects only the best of the best.
This 26 square meter cabin is located on the Main Deck and is among the first suites to be booked. A comfortable king-sized bed faces a large window, allowing you to enjoy spectacular views from your bed. Two custom built-in armchairs provide space to catch up on reading or plan for your next excursions. The ensuite bathroom has a walk-in shower and plenty of counter space and storage capacity. A separate closet area provides some privacy for the early riser in the couple. An automatic built-in popup TV entertains you in case you want to catch up on your latest Netflix episodes that can be air-played on to the large 40-inch screen. Raw silk wall panels ensure a high level of luxury.
Located on the lower deck via an elegant circular staircase, this cabin is very quiet. It has a good amount of light streaming in through two oval portholes. Fitted with a double bed, incredible veneer panels and suede ceiling panels, this suite is luxurious. Tucked in the corner is a stylish leather desk complete with a comfortable bamboo armchair. Like all suites, it also boasts a flat screen TV seamlessly built into one of the walls, complete with Apple TV for air playing your own pre-downloaded TV shows or streaming your music to the in-room sound system. The bathroom spans the entire width of the cabin and is illuminated via its own porthole. Double sinks and plenty of storage space provide room enough for two. A large walk-in shower and armchair in the bathroom are also a clear indication of the spaciousness of this superyacht..
Also located on the lower deck and very quiet, this spacious suite is one of a kind with a large private Jacuzzi and separate sauna for two. So, if having your own spa is important then you should book this cabin quickly. A double bed and a leather vanity desk allow you to enjoy the natural light via two portholes. There is plenty of closet space to unpack and even a small corner cabinet fully fitted with a minibar. It will be difficult to find a reason to leave your suite thanks to all the unique pampering aspects of the suite.
For those wanting a twin cabin that is located on the lower deck, this is the perfect fit. If you're traveling with family, there is also the option to transform it into a triple cabin. Two large lower twin beds and one beautifully tucked-in pullman accommodate three adults comfortably. Two portholes and one in the bathroom provide natural light throughout the cabin. A cozy leather-clad desk adds comfort with its elegant bamboo chair. The same craftsmanship is present in all our cabins and this suite shows off the versatility of the Italian CRN yard. The spacious bathroom is fitted with top-of-the-line finishing including Italian marble and veneers.
Located on the lower deck and with a large bathroom, this well-lit suite is sure to please the most demanding of guests. This suite comes fitted with a double bed, a small leather-topped desk, and comfortable chair to provide that much needed laptop station or vanity space. The two portholes allow plenty of natural light to illuminate the suite. The bathroom features its own porthole, double sink, and large shower, providing comfort at its best. This cabin has ample space to enjoy a rest after following in Darwin's footsteps but worlds apart from the galleon he sailed.
Located on the Bridge Deck, this suite complete with double bed is located on the highest level of the yacht. The cozy and complete small bathroom suits all needs. Ample closet space is sufficient to unpack fully for your seven nights onboard. It even comes with a leather-clad writing desk and comfortable bamboo writing chair. A great room with plenty of natural light and wonderful private view from the large panoramic window.
Your Stay
7 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
Fast Facts
Cruise Ship
Spoken Languages: English, Spanish
No. Cabins: 7
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Flora, Gourmet, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Watersports, Wildlife
