Aqua Mare: The Galapagos’ First Luxury Superyacht

The Aqua Mare is the first true superyacht operating in the Galapagos Islands, offering travelers an iconic high-class adventure. This 50-metre CRN yacht was built in Italy in 1998 and was fully refurbished in 2021, showcasing her expansive size and world-class pedigree. Carrying 16 guests across seven Zuretti-designated suites, the Aqua Mare has 30 percent more indoor volume than most yachts her size. This gives travelers more space to move around in, both on deck and below, which is a rare privilege when sailing around the archipelago. 

The Aqua Mare is different from other vessels in that there is one crew member for every guest on board, along with two Galapagos National Park-certified naturalist guides for the 16 guests, taking exclusivity combined with personalized service to a whole new level. What’s more, the Aqua Mare’s title of being the swiftest vessel in the archipelago is one of the reasons for her renown. With a top speed of 17 knots, her Koop Nautic Sea Rocq stabilizers keep the ride smooth at anchor and while cruising.

Distinguishing herself further, the Aqua Mare stands alone as the sole yacht capable of covering an astounding 4,800 miles. This means you can also explore the remote northern islands of Darwin and Wolf on a single itinerary, a feat most vessels are unable to achieve. Thanks to the Aqua Mare’s impressive capabilities, travelers can feel free to fully immerse themselves in the raw and intimate beauty of the entire Galapagos Islands.

Sun Deck: Aqua Mare's iconic sundeck is the perfect place to take in the spectacular volcanic landscape of the Galapagos Islands. You will also find an expansive outdoor BBQ area for sunset cocktails, a six-person outdoor jacuzzi, and plenty of sunbeds where you can lounge away the evening.

Upper Deck: The main panorama salon is the ideal place to unwind during downtime or daily lectures. It features Italian Carrara Marble, wood veneer paneling, and hidden flat-screen TVs. The lobby bar is a great place to meet and mingle before moving outside onto the all-weather deck.

Main Deck: Guests can enjoy a variety of fresh, innovative, and locally inspired cuisine in the Dining Room located at the back. The dining room is no different. It has a huge Italian Carrara Marble table for eight guests and two round marble tables with four seats each. All of the ceilings are covered with luxurious microsuede fabrics, and large windows let guests admire the stunning scenery outside while they eat.

Lower Deck: This level's highlight is a large lounge called the "Beach Club". It is situated at the water's edge and is a great place to launch excursions. The room hosts our guides' pre-excursion talks and is also a great place to unwind and share stories with other guests. It has a wraparound couch, panoramic windows, and flat-screen televisions. All Aqua Mare excursion gear is conveniently stored nearby, whether you're interested in kayaking, paddle-boarding, snorkeling, or bird watching with binoculars and a telescope.

Dining

The Aqua Mare’s kitchen is headed by acclaimed Peruvian chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, whose menus showcase ingredients from Ecuador. The dishes are inspired by local culinary traditions, but the crew can also accommodate a wide range of dietary preferences, from vegetarian and vegan to gluten-free and dairy-free. Aqua Mare’s culinary program makes sure to prioritize sustainability and partnerships with local producers, offering guests a dining experience that matches the natural energy of the Galapagos Islands.

Who is the Aqua Mare Best Suited For?

The Aqua Mare is a premium-class vessel in the Galapagos Islands, and it is priced just so. Category V standard cabins start at $11,550 per person for 8 days, while the Owner’s Suite runs at $31,360 for the same itinerary. This state-of-the-art craft is for travelers who want all the benefits of a full-on luxury cruise without any compromise. 

The 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio and the two naturalist guides make the Aqua Mare a strong option for those who want to prioritize exclusivity for their trip, whether they are families, corporate groups, or couples. The charter rate for 8 days is $241,000 for up to 16 passengers, which means the rate for each person is at $15,063 at full capacity. 

For solo travelers considering the luxury end of Galapagos cruises, the Aqua Mare is on par with vessels like the Silver Origin and Celebrity Flora. What makes her stand out among others is the superyacht format, the Italian-designed interiors, the stabilizer system, and the vast range she can cover. Looking to confirm options and current availability? A Voyagers specialist can help you out!