Why the Aqua Mare Redefines Luxury Expedition Cruising Forever
First True Superyacht in the Galápagos on the Aqua Mare Cruise
The Aqua Mare makes history as the first genuine superyacht to cruise the Galápagos Islands, bringing Italian CRN Yachts’ legendary craftsmanship to one of the world’s most pristine wilderness destinations. At 50 meters (164 feet) with expansive beam and four decks, she boasts 30% more interior volume than comparable yachts, creating unprecedented space for relaxation and luxury amenities. Built in 1998 and comprehensively refurbished in 2021, she combines timeless elegance with modern expedition capabilities, featuring original custom interiors by renowned yacht designer François Zuretti and timeless exterior styling by Studio Scanu. As the ultimate luxury category vessel with rates starting from $10,920, she represents the pinnacle of what’s possible when superyacht design meets wilderness exploration.
Record-Breaking Owner’s Suite on the Aqua Mare Galapagos Cruise
The Aqua Mare’s crown jewel is her spectacular 80-square-meter Owner’s Suite – the largest accommodation of its kind in the entire Galápagos archipelago. This isn’t simply a larger cabin; it’s a floating penthouse featuring exclusive steward service, premium king-sized bedding, expansive living areas, and panoramic windows that transform your private retreat into a wildlife viewing sanctuary. The suite can accommodate up to four guests, making it perfect for families or groups seeking ultimate privacy and space. Six additional Zuretti-designed suites range from Cat II to Cat V configurations, each featuring deluxe en-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers, rainfall fixtures, organic bath amenities, and individually controlled climate systems.
Unparalleled 1:1 Crew-to-Guest Ratio on the Aqua Mare Galapagos Cruise
What truly distinguishes the Aqua Mare is her unprecedented 16 crew members serving just 16 guests – the most exclusive crew-to-guest ratio in the Galápagos fleet. This includes two dedicated naturalist guides ensuring intimate wildlife encounters and personalized expedition leadership. Every detail receives individual attention, from remembering your beverage preferences to customizing excursions based on your interests. The service level rivals the world’s finest luxury resorts, with crew anticipating needs before they’re expressed and creating seamless experiences throughout your voyage.
Award-Winning Culinary Excellence on the Aqua Mare Galapagos Cruise
The culinary program represents a destination unto itself, helmed by internationally acclaimed chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, recognized by The Diners Club World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy for his innovative Amazonia-influenced cuisine. Chef Schiaffino showcases Ecuador’s extraordinary biodiversity through signature dishes like potato llapingachos, tuna crudo, barbecued plantains, and shrimp ceviche, combining Japanese technique with Peruvian seasoning in the distinctive Nikkei style. The curated wine list focuses on South American vineyards, while signature cocktails like the Aqua Bloody Mare incorporate high Andean ingredients, creating a multi-sensory expedition that extends far beyond wildlife encounters.
Four-Deck Luxury Expedition Design on the Aqua Mare Galapagos Cruise
Sun Deck Paradise: The iconic top deck features spacious outdoor barbecue facilities, a six-person Jacuzzi with volcanic landscape views, premium sunbeds, and a convertible outdoor workout zone – amenities typically found only on the world’s largest superyachts.
Upper Deck Elegance: The panoramic lounge showcases Italian Carrara marble, wooden veneer paneling, and personally selected antique art prints from the Wallace and Darwin era. The lobby bar and all-weather outdoor dining area provide sophisticated socializing spaces with breathtaking island views.
Main Deck Grandeur: Home to the record-breaking Owner’s Suite and Cat II accommodations, plus the formal dining room where Chef Schiaffino’s culinary artistry unfolds in elegant surroundings with panoramic windows.
Lower Deck Innovation: Features Cat III and Cat IV suites plus the revolutionary “Beach Club” – a water-level lounge that serves as the launch point for twice-daily excursions, providing seamless transition between luxury comfort and wilderness adventure.
Comprehensive Itinerary Excellence on the Aqua Mare Galapagos Cruise
Eastern Discovery Expedition (8 Days): This route explores the archipelago’s most iconic eastern destinations including the incredible seabird paradise of Genovesa Island with its dramatic Darwin Bay colonies, the geological wonders of Bartolomé with Pinnacle Rock, and the famous waved albatross colony on Española. You’ll experience diverse ecosystems from highland tortoises to marine sanctuaries, plus the unique volcanic formations of Chinese Hat and Sullivan Bay.
Western Wilderness Adventure (8 Days): This comprehensive western-focused expedition explores the most pristine and remote regions including multiple facets of Isabela Island, the untouched wilderness of Fernandina at Espinoza Point, and the historic charm of Floreana‘s Post Office Bay. You’ll encounter flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, and Galápagos penguins while experiencing volcanic landscapes and marine environments that remain virtually unchanged since Darwin’s visit.
Ultimate Combined Experience (15 Days): For the most comprehensive Galápagos immersion possible, combine both routes for unprecedented access to virtually every major ecosystem, wildlife encounter, and geological wonder the archipelago offers.
Superyacht Amenities and Activities on the Aqua Mare Galapagos Cruise
The Aqua Mare provides world-class expedition equipment including professional-grade snorkeling gear, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and wetsuits, all maintained to superyacht standards. The beauty salon provides pampering services, while the comprehensive wellness facilities include spa treatments and the outdoor fitness area. The multi-level social spaces include three dining areas, the revolutionary Beach Club, and panoramic lounges with personally curated art and antiques. Advanced stabilization systems ensure comfortable cruising even in choppy waters, while the high-speed internet (2 hours complimentary daily) maintains global connectivity.
All-Inclusive Superyacht Package on the Aqua Mare Galapagos Cruise
The comprehensive fare includes all gourmet meals by Chef Schiaffino, selected premium wines and beer, non-alcoholic beverages, laundry service, internet access, group transfers, all excursions, park entrance fees, equipment usage, and access to all luxury amenities. The 15% children’s discount (ages 5-11) makes this accessible for affluent families, while the exclusive crew ratio ensures personalized attention that justifies the luxury investment. Additional costs include: premium wine selections, private transfers, boutique purchases, and crew gratuities.
Guest Experience Testimonials on the Aqua Mare Galapagos Cruise
Aqua Mare guests consistently describe their experience as transformative, highlighting the superyacht service standards and culinary excellence. A couple from Switzerland shared: “We’ve cruised extensively on luxury vessels worldwide, but the Aqua Mare exceeded every expectation. The Owner’s Suite felt like a luxury hotel suite with ever-changing views, while Chef Schiaffino’s cuisine created dining experiences that rivaled the best restaurants in Europe. Having two naturalist guides for just 16 guests meant incredibly intimate wildlife encounters.” The combination of superyacht luxury and world-class expedition leadership creates experiences that redefine what luxury adventure travel can achieve.
Perfect Match for the Aqua Mare Galapagos Cruise
Ideal travelers: Ultra-luxury seekers accustomed to the world’s finest resorts and superyachts, culinary enthusiasts who appreciate award-winning cuisine, families wanting spacious accommodations with exceptional service, and travelers celebrating once-in-a-lifetime occasions who demand the absolute best.
Reserve Your Superyacht Adventure
Ready for Superyacht Excellence? The Aqua Mare’s unprecedented luxury standards, record-breaking accommodations, and world-class culinary program make her the most exclusive vessel in the Galápagos fleet, but this level of luxury and extremely limited capacity mean availability books years in advance during premium seasons. Don’t miss your opportunity to experience the future of luxury expedition cruising aboard the archipelago’s first true superyacht.
Secure your superyacht adventure with an exclusive consultation. Contact me and my expert Ecuadorian partners to explore which Aqua Mare experience delivers the ultimate luxury expedition for your special celebration. Fill out this form. No obligation, just expert guidance from people who understand both superyacht luxury and extraordinary wilderness adventures. Get free Galapagos Cruise consultation from local people.