This 8-day Galapagos itinerary will take you to some of the ‘must-see’ places across the islands. Get ready to see an abundance of unique wildlife including penguins, frigate birds, iguanas, and enjoy some friendly interaction with the island's playful sea lions.
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights
- Don't miss the opportunity to admire the breathtaking landscapes of Galapagos
- Observe colonies of endemic fur seals swimming in cool water volcanic pools
- Visit one of the main sea turtles nesting sites in the Galapagos
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Embarkation At Baltra Island And Bahia Borrero
- Day 2: El Barranco And Bahía Darwin, Genovesa Island
- Day 3: Bahía Sullivan, Santiago Island And Sombrero Chino Island
- Day 4: Bartolomé Island And Cerro Dragón, Santa Cruz Island
- Day 5: Zanillo Giant Tortoise Reserve And Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, Santa Cruz Island
- Day 6: Punta Suárez, Bahía Gardner, And Islote Osborn, Española Island
- Day 7: Sante Fé Island And Plaza Sur Island
- Day 8: Los Gemelos, Santa Cruz Island And Disembarkation
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1: Embarkation At Baltra Island And Bahia Borrero
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 superyacht where you will be treated with the utmost attention courtesy of our 1:1 crew to guest ratio. After a delicious lunch, pick out your snorkeling kit complete with mask, fins, snorkel, and an optional wetsuit for your personal use during the week. You will also receive a special waterproof bag and water bottle as a welcome gift.
The afternoon will see you head out for your first excursion to the beautiful white beach of Bahia Borrero on the northern part of Santa Cruz. You might be able to spot Darwin’s finches, Cactus finches, and Small Ground finches nestled in the coastal vegetation. For those who prefer to snorkel, you will encounter sea turtles at the beach — one of their primary nesting sites. Afterwards, head back to the yacht and indulge in a sumptuous Nikkei-inspired dinner curated by the world-renowned consultant chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. Share stories of your excursion with other guests, marking the perfect start to your Galapagos Islands adventure.
Day 2: El Barranco And Bahía Darwin, Genovesa Island
This morning, you’ll wake up on the other side of the equator and head over to Bahia Darwin’s coralline beach for hiking and snorkeling. Following a sumptuous lunch, explore Genovesa Island with a tender ride along the volcanic rocks of El Barranco. You’ll be able to view fur seals resting inside rock crevices. A 1.5 km hike inland will then take us to the lava fields to view red-footed boobies as well as great frigatebirds and Galapagos storm petrels.
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 Islands, the swashbuckling box office Master and Commander, or simply enjoy the starlit skies from the sun deck.
Day 3: Bahía Sullivan, Santiago Island And Sombrero Chino Island
Start the morning early with a workout or a guided meditation on our sun deck followed by a refreshing breakfast. Our first excursion of the day will take us to Santiago Island with a dry landing at Bahía Sullivan to discover recent Pahoehoe lava flows.
After a sumptuous lunch and lecture from one of our expert naturalist guides onboard Aqua Mare, we leave for Sombrero Chino Island, so named after the small crater that forms the islet. In the surrounding crystal-clear waters, you might have the opportunity to observe sea lions and penguins from above. There will be time for snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, and kayaking. After working up an appetite, return to the yacht for evening sundowners and a signature dining experience serving macambo rice and fish maito.
Day 4: Bartolomé Island And Cerro Dragón, Santa Cruz Island
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).
Back onboard, swap tales of your magnificent excursion while enjoying the best of the region’s flavors through seafood specialties like pan seared scallops and grilled squid.
Day 5: Zanillo Giant Tortoise Reserve And Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, Santa Cruz Island
This morning you will explore a Giant Tortoise Reserve to see these wild Galapagos Islands creatures up close in their natural habitat. The area is also a great place to observe Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers, flycatchers, cattle egrets, and if lucky Galapagos Rails.
After a delicious lunch, you will visit Darwin Station and National Park headquarters to observe tortoises in captivity at the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, 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.
Day 6: Punta Suárez, Bahía Gardner, And Islote Osborn, Española Island
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 Islands, due to the high percentage of unique endemism in its fauna such as Española mockingbirds, lava lizards, marine iguanas, and the unique waved albatross.
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.
Day 7: Sante Fé Island And Plaza Sur Island
After a night of sailing, you will visit Santa Fé 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 echios barringtonensis, and many other native bushes. Here we will spot land iguanas, lava lizards, mockingbirds, and Darwin’s finches. After the visit, we will be able to take advantage of the last full day in the Galapagos Islands by snorkeling, kayaking, or stand- up paddle boarding.
As you enjoy lunch onboard, the boat will sail to Plaza Sur Island, 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.
Day 8: Los Gemelos, Santa Cruz Island And Disembarkation
You begin your last day with a luxurious breakfast before bidding farewell to the Aqua Mare crew. Your last visit before leaving paradise is a final short excursion to drive up the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to the twin craters of Los Gemelos enroute to the airport. It is a remarkable location surrounded by lush vegetation.
Memories of this last adventure will accompany you as you are escorted to Baltra Island for the departing flight back to the mainland and onward journey home.
- Day 1: Embarkation At Baltra Island And Bahia Borrero
- Day 2: El Barranco And Bahía Darwin, Genovesa Island
- Day 3: Bahía Sullivan, Santiago Island And Sombrero Chino Island
- Day 4: Bartolomé Island And Cerro Dragón, Santa Cruz Island
- Day 5: Zanillo Giant Tortoise Reserve And Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, Santa Cruz Island
- Day 6: Punta Suárez, Bahía Gardner, And Islote Osborn, Española Island
- Day 7: Sante Fé Island And Plaza Sur Island
- Day 8: Los Gemelos, Santa Cruz Island And Disembarkation
Next Departure Date: 07 Feb 2025
| Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Jan 2025 - 31 Jan 2025 | NZD$21259pp | ||
| Cabin 301 (Category V) | NZD$21259pp | Contact us | |
| Cabin 104 (Category IV) | NZD$22815pp | Contact us | |
| Cabin 103 (Category IV) | NZD$22815pp | Contact us | |
| Cabin 102 (Category III) | NZD$26315pp | Contact us | |
| Cabin 101 (Category III) | NZD$26315pp | Contact us | |
| Cabin 201 (Category II) | NZD$29167pp | Contact us | |
| Cabin 202 (Owner's Suite) | NZD$57685pp | Contact us | |
| 07 Feb 2025 - 14 Feb 2025 | NZD$21259pp | ||
| 21 Feb 2025 - 28 Feb 2025 | NZD$21259pp | ||
| 07 Mar 2025 - 14 Mar 2025 | NZD$21259pp | ||
| 21 Mar 2025 - 28 Mar 2025 | NZD$21259pp | ||
| 04 Apr 2025 - 11 Apr 2025 | NZD$21259pp | ||
| 18 Apr 2025 - 25 Apr 2025 | NZD$21259pp | ||
| 02 May 2025 - 09 May 2025 | NZD$20222pp | ||
| 16 May 2025 - 23 May 2025 | NZD$20222pp | ||
| 30 May 2025 - 06 Jun 2025 | NZD$20222pp | ||
| 13 Jun 2025 - 20 Jun 2025 | NZD$20222pp | ||
| 27 Jun 2025 - 04 Jul 2025 | NZD$20222pp | ||
| 11 Jul 2025 - 18 Jul 2025 | NZD$20222pp | ||
| 25 Jul 2025 - 01 Aug 2025 | NZD$20222pp | ||
| 08 Aug 2025 - 15 Aug 2025 | NZD$20222pp | ||
| 22 Aug 2025 - 29 Aug 2025 | NZD$20222pp | ||
| 17 Oct 2025 - 24 Oct 2025 | NZD$20222pp | ||
| 31 Oct 2025 - 07 Nov 2025 | NZD$20222pp | ||
| 14 Nov 2025 - 21 Nov 2025 | NZD$20222pp | ||
| 28 Nov 2025 - 05 Dec 2025 | NZD$20222pp | ||
| 12 Dec 2025 - 19 Dec 2025 | NZD$20222pp | ||
| 26 Dec 2025 - 02 Jan 2026 | NZD$22296pp |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Cabin 101 (Category III)
The lower deck hosts the CAT III and CAT IV suites. The highlight of this level is the large lounge named the ‘Beach Club’, so-called because it is located at the water level and acts as a launchpad for our twice-daily excursions.
Double bed, Bathroom, 3 portholes, 28sqm / 301sqf.
Cabin 102 (Category III)
The lower deck hosts the CAT III and CAT IV suites. The highlight of this level is the large lounge named the ‘Beach Club’, so-called because it is located at the water level and acts as a launchpad for our twice-daily excursions.
Double bed, Bathroom, 3 portholes, 28sqm / 301sqf.
Cabin 103 (Category IV)
The lower deck hosts the CAT III and CAT IV suites. The highlight of this level is the large lounge named the ‘Beach Club’, so-called because it is located at the water level and acts as a launchpad for our twice-daily excursions.
Two twin-size beds, Bathroom, 3 portholes, 22sqm / 237sqf, Pullman twin bed.
Cabin 104 (Category IV)
The lower deck hosts the CAT III and CAT IV suites. The highlight of this level is the large lounge named the ‘Beach Club’, so-called because it is located at the water level and acts as a launchpad for our twice-daily excursions.
Double bed, Bathroom, 3 portholes, 22sqm / 237sqf.
Cabin 201 (Category II)
The main deck features Aqua Mare’s CAT I Owner’s Suite — at 80 sqm, it’s the largest of its kind in the Galapagos Islands — and a CAT II suite, as well as the Dining Room.
King bed, Bathroom, 1 window, 26sqm / 280sqf.
Cabin 202 (Owner's Suite)
The main deck features Aqua Mare’s CAT I Owner’s Suite — at 80 sqm, it’s the largest of its kind in the Galapagos Islands — and a CAT II suite, as well as the Dining Room.
King bed, Bathroom, 10 portholes, 80sqm / 861sqf, Twin sofa bed / Pullman twin bed.
Cabin 301 (Category V)
The upper deck features the bridge as well as a panoramic lounge decked out in Italian Carrara marble, wooden veneer paneling, and personally selected antique art prints. There is also a lobby bar and an outdoor deck which is equipped for all-weather dining. The ship’s only CAT V suite is located on this deck.
Double bed, Bathroom, 1 window, 16sqm / 172sqf.
Aqua Mare Deckplan
Specifications
- Guests’ capacity: 16
- Decks: 4
- Crew: 16
- Year Built: 1998
- Year Refurbished: 2021
- Year Operational: 2022 (Inaugural voyage June 2022)
- Cabins: Seven suites across three decks in five different suite categories
- Ports of Embarkation: Baltra Airport (Seymour Island) and Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island)
- Vessel’s Registry: Ecuador
- Type of Vessel: CRN Superyacht Explorer
- Length: 163.1 feet / 49.73 meters
- Beam: 30.4 feet / 9.27 meters
- Draft: 10.4 feet / 3.17 meters
- Cruising Speed: 10 – 12 knots with a maximum speed of 17 knots
- Electricity: 380/220V 50/60Hz
- Engines: 2 x CAT 1978 HP CAT 3516R
- Generators: 2 x 205kW CAT 9.9, 1 x 80kW Northern Lights Night Generator, and 1 x 50kW Emergency Generator
- Stabilizers: Koop Nautic, Sea Rocq, Underway
- Safety: ISM Compliant/Lloyd’s Register (PC)
Whats included?
- All meals while on board
- Selected premium wines and beer, non-alcoholic drinks
- Excursions with knowledgeable local guides
- Group transfers to/from vessel when traveling on recommended flights
- Laundry
- Internet connection
What’s not included?
- International Airfares
- Internal airfares
- Galápagos National Park fee: US$200 per person
- Transit control card: US$20 per person
- Airport entrance/departure taxes
- Passport, visa, and immigration fees
- Travel Protection Plan
- Gratuities
- Any items not mentioned as included
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: Galapagos
This once in a lifetime destination is a nature lovers dream. Watch the famous Galapagos tortoises and blue footed boobies in the morning and snorkel with sea lions in the afternoon, then relax on your cruise to the next destination tomorrow!
Downloadable travel guide
Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.
