Aida Maria | Galapagos Tourist Superior Class Cruises

Overview

The Aida Maria is a homegrown tourist-superior yacht built for sailing the Galapagos Islands. Her compact hull and small size allow her to access more remote sites of the archipelago that larger vessels can’t. With a maximum capacity of sixteen passengers, tours will not feel crowded, and travelers can enjoy a more relaxed Galapagos exploration.

On board, there’s a stocked bar, an ocean-view saloon, and a sun deck solarium. Excursions are led by bilingual guides who grew up on the island, and cruise programs are created with the variety of wildlife habitats and visitor sites in mind.

Below are what you can expect aboard the Aida Maria.

Dining

Meals on the Aida Maria are buffet-style and held in the yacht’s elegant wooden dining room, naturally bringing passengers together over breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu offers both regional specialties and international options, catering to different palates. The food is cooked with fresh ingredients that are locally sourced, giving travelers an opportunity to try out flavors inspired by the Galapagos and mainland Ecuador.

Who is the Aida Maria Best Suited For?

The Aida Maria is a budget-friendly option for practical travelers who want a fully guided and nature-focused expedition that doesn’t have the premium cost of luxury-class cruises. The bunk-bed cabin setup suits solo travelers and friends traveling together, while the 16-person capacity provides the advantages of a smaller group for a focused experience on shore.

A Voyagers specialist can assist you in comparing itineraries and determining availability.

Technical Specifications

Category: Tourist Superior Class

Capacity: 16

Dimensions: 21m length / 5 m breadth

Engines: 9 knots / 2 CAT 125 hp each

Electricity: 2 yammer generators 110 v

Fuel Capacity: 1500 gallons/diesel

Water Capacity: 2200 gallons filled by desalinator at 80gal. per hour

Equipment: Complete navigation and safety equipment, 2 dingies with 16 hp outboard motor.

Itineraries

Each cruise on the Aida Maria is led by bilingual and National Park-approved naturalist guides who know the islands inside out and will make sure you get the fullest experience of the wildlife and habitats as possible. They’re great sources of insights and knowledge, not just at the landing sites, but also throughout your entire trip.

The Aida Maria holds several itineraries, each with stops at premier wildlife sighting locations across the archipelago:

Española Island is home to the endemic Española mockingbird, lava lizards, and the Waved Albatross, which has mating seasons on the island from April to December.
Santa Cruz Island is the best place to see the famous Giant Tortoises in the wild, in its highland reserves.
Spot red-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and frigatebirds nesting across Genovesa Island, an authentic birdwatcher’s destination.
Snorkeling with sea lions, marine turtles, rays, and reef sharks is a dream made possible in Isla Lobos & Punta Moreno.

Your itinerary of choice will reflect the islands you’ll visit. The 4, 5, and 8-day options each cover a different combination of sites.

Aida Maria