Aqua Mare Galapagos Superyacht

Sailing the Galapagos in unrivaled luxury, Aqua Mare redefines elegance on water as the first true superyacht of the islands. With a commitment to personalized experiences, it caters to the adventurous spirit seeking solace in its grandeur. This article guides you through Aqua Mare’s exclusive offerings, detailing its spacious suites, tailored excursions, and refined onboard amenities, all designed to make your journey through this natural paradise truly singular. Guests aboard the Aqua Mare are treated to a level of service that is meticulous in its attention to detail, blending the enchanting allure of the Galapagos with the comfort of world-class luxury. Every aspect of the Aqua Mare experience, from the hand-selected decor in the communal lounges to the private balconies that adorn select suites, is crafted to enhance the magic of your voyage. The yacht’s bespoke itineraries, created with the discerning traveler in mind, promise an intimate connection with the islands’ unique wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.

Key Takeaways

• Aqua Mare is Galapagos’ first superyacht, offering unparalleled luxury with large indoor volume, exclusive accommodations, and personalized experiences, setting it apart from traditional cruises.
• Culinary excellence is central to the Aqua Mare experience, featuring curated menus by renowned chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, with a commitment to dietary accommodations and food-sourced sustainability.
• Sustainability is a core value of Aqua Mare, evident in its adherence to Galapagos National Park guidelines, employment of eco-friendly products, and activities designed to minimize environmental impact.

Aqua Mare: Galapagos’ Premier Superyacht

The Aqua Mare revolutionizes luxury in the Galapagos Islands as its first true superyacht. With exclusive steward service and personalized guest adventures, the Aqua Mare experience is a world apart from the usual cruises. Unrestrained luxury for the discerning traveler is guaranteed by its elegant interior design, which boasts:

• Veneer-lined walls
• Custom carpentry
• Marble and brass finishes
• Italian leather sofas

Accommodating up to 16 guests, Aqua Mare offers 30% more indoor volume compared to similar sized yachts and presents four expertly crafted itineraries across the Galapagos archipelago.

Unrivaled Accommodations

Aboard the Aqua Mare, guests can retreat to one of seven Zuretti-designed suites, each a haven of luxury and comfort. The suites offer a range of features, including:

• Wall-to-wall carpeting
• Italian marble ensuite bathrooms
• Large sea-facing windows
• Queen, Twin, and Triple bed configurations

These suites fulfill the needs of every guest, providing a luxurious and comfortable experience.

In 2021, the Aqua Mare Yacht underwent a refurbishment that saw the addition of two new spacious cabins and an upgrade of the existing interiors. The result is a vessel that exudes unrivaled luxury, from the 80 square meter Owner’s Suite that provides the ultimate retreat to the beauty salon that offers guest relaxation services.

Exquisite Social Spaces

Design and functionality triumph in Aqua Mare’s outdoor social spaces. Some of the key features include:

• Panoramic main lounge on the Upper Deck
• Diverse range of relaxation and entertainment areas on the Sun Deck, Main Deck, and Lower Deck
• Each space is crafted for optimal guest comfort

The beach club on the Lower Deck, with its swim platform, enhances the outdoor experience, serving as a hub for water-based activities at Post Office Bay. Nearby, the panoramic lounge facilitates various aquatic adventures, keeping the spirit of exploration alive even when you’re on board.

Culinary Excellence: Aqua Mare Dining Experience

Renowned Peruvian chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino curates a gastronomic delight for the culinary experience aboard Aqua Mare. Each dish is a fusion of Peruvian, Ecuadorian, and international cuisine, crafted with fresh fruits, vegetables, and sustainably caught fish and seafood. Notable dishes include Galapagueña lobster lettuce wraps with Acevichado dressing and shrimp ceviche.

A curated wine list highlighting South American vineyards, with each wine carefully paired with the menu, further enhances the gastronomic experience.

Diverse Dining Options

Three distinct dining areas, each designed for a unique culinary experience, are offered by Aqua Mare. Guests can choose to dine under the stars with al fresco barbecues or enjoy the tranquility of an indoor dining setting.

Depending on their preferences and service class, guests can select between relaxed buffet-style meals in the dining room or a more formal sit-down dining experience.

Tailored Menus and Dietary Accommodations

Aqua Mare designs its menus with flexibility to accommodate the diverse dietary needs of its guests. For those with food allergies or specific dietary requirements, accommodations are made to ensure a tailored dining experience. The dining options include adaptations for vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian preferences.

Guests are encouraged to provide advance notice of any dietary restrictions to enable the chefs to prepare suitable menu options. Beyond standard menu adaptations, Aqua Mare chefs are keen to fulfill special requests catering to both older and younger guests, further enhancing the dining experience.

Exclusive Excursions: Exploring the Galapagos with Aqua Mare

Exclusive, small-group excursions with knowledgeable naturalist guides are available to Aqua Mare guests. Some highlights of these excursions include:

• Limited to eight guests per guide, allowing for personalized attention
• Unique wildlife encounters
• Ability to visit more secluded areas that larger ships cannot access

The exclusive nature of Aqua Mare’s excursions ensures a truly unforgettable experience. From remarkable landscapes to diverse wildlife encounters, these expeditions offer a truly immersive Galapagos experience.

Adventure Equipment and Activities

Aqua Mare provides guests with a range of equipment for an enhanced adventure experience, including:

• Military-grade tenders for safe and comfortable transportation during excursions
• Kayaks for exploring the Galapagos at your own pace
• Paddleboards are a fun and active way to explore the waters
• Snorkeling kits for discovering the underwater world

Expert Guides and Personalized Service

With a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, Aqua Mare ensures an exceptional guest experience. Accommodating only 16 guests with a 14-member aqua mare crew, including a cruise director, and 2 naturalist guides! Aqua Mare provides an intimate setting for discovery. Excursions are kept exclusive, with no more than 8 guests per guide, ensuring personalized attention. Those seeking knowledge and adventure can enjoy the company of English-speaking naturalist guides and a dedicated cruise director.

The presence of two proficient English-speaking guides for the 16 guests allows for personal attention, ensuring that each guest can deepen their understanding of the Galapagos’ unique environment. The bespoke, intimate nature of Aqua Mare’s excursions truly sets it apart, offering an unparalleled exploration experience.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices

Sustainability and eco-friendly practices are the core commitments of Aqua Mare. Here are some of the ways Aqua Mare implements these commitments:

• CO2 emission offsets
• Adhering strictly to the regulations set forth by the Galapagos National Park
• Employing fuel-efficient technologies and systems
• Using ethically sourced materials and eco-friendly onboard products.

These initiatives reaffirm Aqua Mare’s dedication to protecting the very environment that makes the Galapagos so unique.

Responsible Travel Guidelines

Aqua Mare strictly adheres to the responsible travel guidelines provided by the Galapagos National Park Authority, aligning with its commitment to sustainability. This includes:

• Adhering to designated cruising routes
• Visiting specific islands at allotted times
• Maintaining limited passenger numbers to minimize the environmental impact.

By adhering to these guidelines, Aqua Mare ensures that its operations have the least possible impact on the environment while still providing guests with a truly immersive Galapagos experience. This commitment to responsible tourism is one of the key factors that sets Aqua Mare apart as a leader in luxury cruising in the Galapagos.

Eco-Friendly Onboard Products

In furtherance of its sustainability commitment, Aqua Mare incorporates eco-friendly onboard products, including those in Category II. Cleaning supplies used on board are non-toxic and employ 100% biodegradable formulas, ensuring that they have minimal impact on the marine ecosystem.

In addition, biodegradable toiletries are offered to guests under the same sustainability commitment. Although more detailed information on the use of eco-friendly products aboard Aqua Mare is required for a comprehensive understanding, these practices reflect Aqua Mare’s dedication to sustainability and responsible tourism.

Itineraries and Destinations: Aqua Mare’s Galapagos Journey

Catering to a variety of travel preferences, Aqua Mare offers both 7- and 14-night itineraries. Each itinerary provides a unique perspective of the Galapagos, featuring the different ages and characteristics of the islands, from youthful lava fields to aging, eroded landscapes replete with endemic wildlife.

For those seeking a comprehensive Galapagos adventure, the east and west 7-night itineraries can be combined to form a personalized 14-night journey that covers an extensive range of island ecosystems.

East and West Galapagos Islands

Aqua Mare’s East and West Galapagos itineraries offer an encompassing exploration of the archipelago. These itineraries encompass a total of 16 islands, allowing guests to:

• Discover both bustling local hubs and serene, untouched environments
• Explore the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Sullivan Bay
• Encounter unique wildlife at locales such as the red sand beach of Rabida Island

Each day at Dragon Hill brings a new adventure. Visiting uninhabited islands like Fernandina, Santiago Island, Isabela Island, Floreana Island, and Santa Cruz Island offers guests the chance to witness ancient lava flows and encounter the islands’ unique endemic flora and fauna. Every excursion is a testament to the dynamic nature of the Galapagos, offering an intimate view of this unique ecosystem.

Iconic Landmarks and Wildlife Encounters

Aqua Mare’s itineraries include stops at iconic landmarks such as Genovesa Island and Darwin Bay. Known for its bird diversity, Genovesa Island is a paradise for birdwatchers, while Darwin Bay offers a unique snorkeling experience with hammerhead sharks.

The wildlife encounters on Aqua Mare’s excursions provide memories to last a lifetime. From observing the unique behaviors of flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, and sea lions to snorkeling with sharks, rays, and occasionally whales, each encounter offers a deeper understanding and appreciation of this unique ecosystem.

Comparing Luxury Galapagos Cruises

Aqua Mare distinguishes itself from other luxury cruises in the Galapagos with its boutique approach to luxury cruising. Compared to other cruises like Silversea’s Silver Origin, Celebrity Flora, and Avalon Waterways, Aqua Mare offers 30 percent more guest space, optimizing for a smaller guest count and providing a more private and refined experience.

Hermes Mega Catamaran

The Hermes Mega Catamaran, a Category V vessel, provides an alternative luxury experience. Passengers on the Hermes enjoy individualized attention with dedicated butler service, and the catamaran provides luxurious interconnecting suites tailored to meet the needs of family travelers.

However, the Hermes Mega Catamaran caters to a larger group of 20 passengers, which may not offer the same level of privacy and exclusivity as the Aqua Mare. For those seeking a truly intimate and personalized experience, Aqua Mare remains the premier choice.

Small Ship vs Big Ship Travel

Small ships like Aqua Mare provide an intimate and individualized service. Travelers on smaller ships tend to get to know their fellow passengers and crew better, fostering a close-knit community atmosphere.

In addition, smaller luxury cruises provide exclusive access to certain areas that larger ships can’t reach. While Aqua Mare may offer fewer amenities than larger ships, it focuses on high-quality, intimate experiences. This focus on quality over quantity sets Aqua Mare apart in the world of luxury cruising.

Summary

The Aqua Mare experience is the epitome of luxury in the heart of the Galapagos. With its unrivaled accommodations, exquisite social spaces, culinary excellence, exclusive excursions, commitment to sustainability, and comprehensive itineraries, Aqua Mare offers a journey like no other. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler looking for a new adventure or a luxury enthusiast seeking an exclusive experience, Aqua Mare is your ticket to a world of unrivaled luxury and unforgettable memories in the Galapagos.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guest capacity of Aqua Mare?

Aqua Mare can accommodate up to 16 guests on board.

Who is the chef onboard Aqua Mare?

The chef onboard Aqua Mare is renowned Peruvian chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, who curates the dining experience.

What kind of adventure equipment is available on Aqua Mare?

On Aqua Mare, guests can enjoy military-grade tenders, kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling kits for their Galapagos explorations. Perfect for adventure seekers.

How does Aqua Mare contribute to sustainability in the Galapagos?

Aqua Mare contributes to sustainability in the Galapagos through measures such as CO2 emission offsets, adherence to national park regulations, and the use of fuel-efficient technologies and ethically sourced materials. These actions aim to reduce the environmental impact of tourism in the region.

How long are the itineraries offered by Aqua Mare?

Aqua Mare offers 7 and 14-night itineraries to cater to different travel preferences.

Where can I find Aqua Mare Galapagos Reviews?

A few Aqua Mare Galapagos reviews can be found on Trip Advisor. And past guest submissions will show up on the footer of this site.