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.