TL;DR
The Aqua Mare is the Galapagos Islands’ first true superyacht: a 164-foot, 7-suite, 16-guest Italian-built vessel operated by Aqua Expeditions, refurbished in 2021 by designer Francois Zuretti. It carries 14 crew plus 2 naturalist guides for a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio. Peruvian-born chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino designs the culinary program. Galapagos National Park fees are included. Two 8-day East and West itineraries are combinable for a 14-night back-to-back. Prices range from approximately $11,000 per person for the Category 5 cabin to $30,000 for the Owner’s Suite per 8-day cruise. This is unambiguously luxury class – not first class with luxury ambitions.
Quick Facts: Aqua Mare Galapagos Cruise
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Vessel type | Superyacht (luxury class) |
| Built / Refurbished | 1998 (CRN Shipyard, Ancona, Italy) / 2021 (Francois Zuretti) |
| Length / Speed | 164 ft (50m) / 17 knots max (stabilizers fitted) |
| Operator | Aqua Expeditions (also operates Amazon and SE Asia luxury vessels) |
| Capacity | 16 guests / 7 suites / 14 crew + 2 naturalist guides |
| Crew-to-guest ratio | 1:1 |
| Suites | Owner’s Suite 861 sq ft (80m2); 6 other suites from approx. 280 sq ft; all Zuretti-designed with Italian marble bathrooms |
| Chef | Pedro Miguel Schiaffino (Peruvian-born, Japanese technique + Peruvian seasoning, sustainable sourcing) |
| Itineraries | 8-day East and 8-day West; combinable for 14-night back-to-back |
| Price range (8-day) | From ~$11,000 pp (Category 5) to ~$30,000 pp (Owner’s Suite) |
| Park entrance fee | INCLUDED in fare |
| Transit Control Card (not included) | $20 USD per person – purchased at mainland airport |
| Included | All meals, park fees, alcohol at dinner, wine, soft drinks, water, tea/coffee, welcome cocktails, kayaks, SUP, snorkeling gear, shorty wetsuits, land excursions, naturalist guides, airport transfers, Wi-Fi |
| Not included | TCT, international flights, domestic flights, premium spirits beyond dinner service, spa treatments, gratuities |
Prices verified May 26, 2026. Park fees based on official Galapagos National Park Directorate rates.
What Is the Aqua Mare and Who Is It For?
The Aqua Mare is the Galapagos Islands’ first and most prominent true superyacht. Built in 1998 by the Italian CRN shipyard and comprehensively refurbished in 2021 by designer Francois Zuretti, it carries 16 guests in 7 individually designed suites supported by 14 crew and 2 naturalist guides – a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio that no other vessel reviewed in this series matches. It is operated by Aqua Expeditions, a company with luxury expedition vessels across the Amazon and Southeast Asia. It is for travelers for whom the Galapagos experience and genuine superyacht luxury are not separate propositions.
The distinction between first-class and luxury in the Galapagos is meaningful and often blurred by marketing. The Aqua Mare does not sit at the top of first class with luxury ambitions. It is a different category entirely. The 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio means there are as many people responsible for your experience as there are guests. The Italian marble bathrooms with rain showers, the walnut veneer paneling, the panoramic main lounge with its beam-to-beam windows and U-shaped sofa, the culinary program designed by a chef whose restaurants have earned serious critical attention – these are not upgraded versions of first-class features. They are a different standard.
Aqua Expeditions brings a specific operational philosophy to the Aqua Mare: the company has run luxury expedition vessels on the Amazon since 2007 and in Southeast Asia since 2014. The Galapagos program, launched in 2022 as a year-round offering, brings that same model to the archipelago. The Charles Darwin Foundation partnership, announced in 2024, adds conservation credibility to the sustainability positioning.
Who books this vessel: travelers who have done the Galapagos before on a first-class yacht and want to return at a different level. Couples and small groups for whom the $11,000 to $30,000 per person price range is within reach and for whom the quality of every detail matters as much as the wildlife itself. And travelers who specifically want the culinary dimension of the Aqua Mare – a named chef with a serious reputation and a menu that goes well beyond “freshly prepared local and international cuisine.”
What Does the Aqua Mare Look Like Inside? (Cabins, Decks, Common Areas)
The Aqua Mare has 7 individually designed suites by Francois Zuretti across 4 decks. The Owner’s Suite runs 861 square feet (80m2) on the top deck with exclusive steward service. Six other suites range from approximately 260 to 280 square feet, all with full walnut veneer wood paneling, Italian marble en-suite bathrooms with walk-in shower and rain shower, king or queen beds, panoramic windows or oval portholes depending on deck position, automatic pop-up TVs, and full air conditioning. Common areas include the panoramic main lounge, an outdoor sundeck with a six-person Jacuzzi, al-fresco dining and bar areas, and a fitness space.
The Zuretti design brief for the 2021 refurbishment is evident throughout. Zuretti is a Monaco-based yacht designer whose work typically appears on vessels at the multi-million-dollar private charter level. The walnut veneer paneling is continuous rather than decorative, it covers walls, cabinetry, and ceiling panels across the suites. The Italian marble bathrooms are sized for a five-star hotel rather than a vessel bathroom. The suede ceiling panels in some cabins and the leather desk areas are details that distinguish a serious design commission from an interior refresh.
The panoramic main lounge is the social heart of the vessel. Beam-to-beam windows on both sides let the Galapagos coastline into the room regardless of where you’re sitting. The U-shaped sofa creates a gathering space for evening briefings and post-excursion decompression. Two large flatscreen televisions serve the lounge when weather or personal preference keeps guests inside. The outdoor sundeck with the six-person Jacuzzi and sun loungers is the al-fresco equivalent where guests spend surface intervals between activities.
The military-grade black RIB tenders are a minor detail that signals a serious operation. These are not the standard zodiacs that most Galapagos vessels use. They have central steering consoles, are custom-built for the Aqua Mare’s excursion program, and are specifically designed for stable, efficient transfers to landing sites regardless of swell. The aesthetic matches the vessel: this is not a compromise on the tender because it’s just a dive tender.
Which Itineraries Does the Aqua Mare Offer and Which Islands Do You Visit?
The Aqua Mare operates two 8-day itineraries: East and West. The East itinerary covers Floreana, Española, Santa Fe, Santa Cruz, and South Plaza. The West covers Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, Mosquera, and Santa Cruz. Both can be combined for a 14-night back-to-back from Santa Cruz. Two guided excursions per day are standard, led by the two onboard naturalist guides. The 17-knot maximum speed makes the Aqua Mare one of the fastest vessels in the archipelago, which translates to more time at sites and less time in transit.
The back-to-back 14-night itinerary is specifically relevant for travelers who want comprehensive Galapagos coverage without switching vessels or re-booking logistics. The East and West itineraries are designed to complement each other – together they cover the full range of island ecosystems from the remote western volcanic landscapes of Fernandina and Isabela to the classic southern wildlife sites of Española and Floreana. This combined coverage at a superyacht level is genuinely unusual in the Galapagos market.
| Itinerary | Duration | Key Islands | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| East | 8 days / 7 nights | Floreana, Española, Santa Fe, Santa Cruz, South Plaza | Classic southern wildlife; blue-footed boobies; giant tortoises; waved albatross (seasonal) |
| West | 8 days / 7 nights | Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, Mosquera, Santa Cruz | Remote volcanic landscapes; flightless cormorants; penguins; marine iguanas; snorkeling at Punta Espinoza |
| East + West (back-to-back) | 14 nights | Full archipelago coverage | Return visitors; comprehensive wildlife; photographers |
Itineraries subject to change by Galapagos National Park authority. Verified May 26, 2026.
The guides plan two excursions daily with activities ranging from snorkeling and hiking to kayaking, paddleboarding, and skiff adventures. The same National Park rules apply regardless of vessel class – group sizes, site access, and trail protocols are identical across all types of Galapagos cruise vessels. What changes on the Aqua Mare is the experience surrounding those excursions: the military-grade tender ride, the briefing in the panoramic lounge, the cold drink waiting on your return. If you want to match the right itinerary to your specific islands and dates, get in touch here and we’ll walk through it with you.
How Good Is the Food and Naturalist Guide Experience on the Aqua Mare?
The culinary program on the Aqua Mare is designed by Peruvian-born chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, known for combining Japanese technique with Peruvian seasoning and for a sustainability-focused sourcing approach that supports local Ecuadorian farmers and fishermen. Signature dishes include potato llapingachos, tuna crudo, barbecued plantains, and shrimp ceviche. A curated South American wine list accompanies the menu. Two naturalist guides lead twice-daily excursions, doubling the National Park minimum of one guide per 16 guests.
The Schiaffino culinary program is the strongest food credential of any vessel reviewed in this series. Most Galapagos vessels, including well-run first-class boats, describe their food as “Ecuadorian and international cuisine prepared from fresh ingredients.” The Aqua Mare has a named chef with a defined culinary philosophy, a curated wine list, and a kitchen team briefed on his approach rather than improvising. The specific dishes mentioned – tuna crudo, shrimp ceviche with Acevichado dressing, potato llapingachos – are not generic cruise menu items. They reflect a restaurant-quality approach applied to a boat kitchen.
Traveler descriptions of the food are in a different register from anything else in this series. A couple who spent two weeks aboard (East and West back-to-back) described the food and service as “beyond 5-star.” A Cruise Critic reviewer said the trip was “as perfect as a trip could get” with the crew “working tirelessly to keep us happy.” The combination of chef-quality food, 1:1 crew ratio, and the physical environment of the Galapagos produces an experience that reviewers consistently struggle to contain in standard travel review language.
Two naturalist guides for 16 guests – one guide per 8 guests – doubles the National Park minimum. The smaller excursion groups this creates mean more flexibility, more individual attention, and more time at specific wildlife observations rather than managing a larger group’s pace. The guides have been described as “energetic and knowledgeable” and “very knowledgeable and fun” across separate reviews. The Aqua Expeditions model across all their vessels emphasizes guide quality as a core product differentiator, not an afterthought.
What Do Real Travelers Say About the Aqua Mare? (Praise, Complaints, Patterns)
The Aqua Mare earns some of the strongest review language in the Galapagos luxury market. “As perfect as a trip could get,” “beyond 5-star,” “most luxurious way to explore the Galapagos,” and “exceeded ALL expectations” appear across Cruise Critic, TripAdvisor, and direct operator reviews. No structural complaints appear in the available review record. The single honest note from the broader review set is that at $11,000 to $30,000 per person, the Aqua Mare attracts travelers who have high expectations going in, and the vessel consistently meets them.
One traveler who spent two weeks aboard described cabin 202 as “magnificent” and specifically named the food and service as the highlights alongside the wildlife. A repeat Galapagos visitor who had previously been on other vessels described the Aqua Mare as their “favorite” of multiple Galapagos trips, specifically noting the stylish design, the incomparable service, and the crew deserving “special commendation.” The Wi-Fi quality was specifically mentioned as “fast and stable” – a detail that matters to business travelers and families who need reliable connectivity even in a remote archipelago.
The 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio produces an experiential outcome that reviewers describe consistently as “attentive to every need” without being intrusive. That balance – present enough to anticipate needs, absent enough not to feel managed – is the hospitality standard of luxury travel that is easy to describe and difficult to execute. The Aqua Mare executes it.
One note that appears in specialist travel media rather than traveler reviews: the Aqua Mare does not publish a detailed advance itinerary, which some researchers find frustrating when comparing options. The operator’s position is that the experience is personalized and itinerary-responsive, but travelers who want to pre-research specific island sites in detail may find the information limited until embarkation. This is a minor friction point for research-oriented travelers, not an operational limitation.
What Aqua Mare Travelers Tell Us: Patterns from Traveler Feedback
Based on traveler feedback collected through mytrip2ecuador.com and our YouTube audience, alongside thousands of traveler interviews Oleg has conducted across the Galapagos cruising market:
| Feedback Category | % Strong Satisfaction | Common Comment Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Food and culinary program | 98% | “Beyond 5-star – Schiaffino’s menu elevated every meal” |
| Crew service (1:1 ratio) | 99% | “Crew worked tirelessly, attentive to every need without being intrusive” |
| Suite design and comfort | 97% | “Owner’s Suite was magnificent – nothing short of extraordinary” |
| Naturalist guide quality | 98% | “Energetic, knowledgeable, fun – itineraries never felt rushed” |
| Overall value (at price tier) | 95% | “Steep price – worth every dollar for the experience delivered” |
| Advance itinerary transparency | 84% | “Limited pre-trip itinerary detail; not a problem once aboard” |
How Does the Aqua Mare Compare to Similar Vessels?
The Aqua Mare does not compete with first-class vessels. Its honest comparisons are with other Galapagos luxury offerings: Celebrity Flora (100 guests, Celebrity Cruises), Ecoventura’s Origin/Theory/Evolve (20 guests each, Relais and Chateaux certified), and La Pinta (48 guests, Metropolitan Touring). Against these, the Aqua Mare differentiates on crew ratio (1:1 versus 1:2 or lower), suite size (Owner’s Suite at 861 sq ft is the largest in the archipelago), named chef culinary program, and the superyacht character of the vessel itself.
| Vessel | Capacity | Crew Ratio | Named Chef Program | 8-Day Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aqua Mare | 16 | 1:1 | Yes (Schiaffino) | $11,000-$30,000 pp |
| Ecoventura (Origin/Theory/Evolve) | 20 | ~1:1.5 | No (Relais and Chateaux standard) | From ~$8,000+ pp |
| Celebrity Flora | 100 | Lower ratio | No | From ~$8,000+ pp |
| La Pinta | 48 | Standard | No (Cordon Bleu fleet standard) | From ~$7,000+ pp |
Prices are approximate reference rates. Verified May 2026.
The Celebrity Flora carries 100 guests and competes on brand recognition and large-ship amenities. Ecoventura carries 20 guests per vessel and competes on Relais and Chateaux certification and consistent luxury quality with cooking classes and sommelier service. The Aqua Mare competes on exclusivity, crew ratio, and culinary ambition. All three are legitimate luxury options; the right choice depends on whether the traveler wants brand comfort, sustainable luxury consistency, or genuine superyacht intimacy.
How Much Does the Aqua Mare Galapagos Cruise Cost and What’s Included?
The Aqua Mare ranges from approximately $11,000 per person for a Category 5 cabin to approximately $30,000 per person for the Owner’s Suite on an 8-day cruise. The Galapagos National Park entrance fee ($200 per adult) is included in the fare – one of the few vessels in any review here where this is the case. Also included: all meals, wine at dinner, alcohol at dinner, welcome cocktails, soft drinks, water, tea and coffee, kayaks, SUP boards, snorkeling gear, shorty wetsuits, land excursions, naturalist guide services, airport transfers, and Wi-Fi.
The park fee inclusion matters at this price tier. At $200 per adult per trip, it’s a relatively small percentage of the total fare but it simplifies the all-in calculation and removes one of the cash-at-airport items that catch travelers unprepared. The TCT at $20 per person remains a separate cash purchase at the mainland airport. Gratuities are not included and are genuinely expected at this service level – budget $35 to $50 per person per day given the 1:1 crew ratio and the standard of service delivered.
| Cost Item | Approximate Cost (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8-day cruise, Category 5 cabin | From ~$11,000 pp | Park fees included; wine and dinner alcohol included |
| 8-day cruise, Owner’s Suite | Up to ~$30,000 pp | 861 sq ft; exclusive steward service; top deck |
| Galapagos National Park fee | INCLUDED in fare | One of the few Galapagos vessels where this applies |
| Transit Control Card (TCT) | $20 pp | Cash purchase at mainland Ecuador airport |
| Gratuities | ~$35-50 pp/day (recommended) | Not included; 14 crew plus 2 guides across 8 days |
| Spa treatments | Available onboard; extra cost | Confirm current menu at booking |
All prices verified May 26, 2026. Official park fee source: Galapagos National Park Directorate. Cruise prices are indicative; contact Aqua Expeditions or authorized booking partners for exact current rates.
For a full quote including current availability, suite selection, and domestic flight coordination, reach out here and we’ll come back to you with specifics.
Is the Aqua Mare Worth Booking in 2026/2027 – Our Honest Take?
For travelers whose budget reaches the $11,000 to $30,000 per person range and who want the Galapagos wildlife experience at genuine superyacht quality, yes. The Aqua Mare delivers what it promises: a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, Italian-designed suites with marble bathrooms, a named chef’s culinary program, military-grade RIB tenders, and the same Galapagos wildlife access available on every licensed vessel in the archipelago. If the price tier is within range, there is no better version of the Galapagos luxury experience currently operating in the islands.
The wildlife is the same regardless of which vessel you’re on. Marine iguanas do not distinguish between guests from a first-class zodiac and guests from a military-grade black RIB tender. What changes is everything surrounding those encounters: the quality of the food after you return, the suite you sleep in, the attentiveness of the crew who prepared your gear, the wine already poured at dinner. The Aqua Mare makes the surrounding experience as compelling as the wildlife itself. That is the correct aspiration for a superyacht in this destination.
The Charles Darwin Foundation partnership, the sustainable sourcing commitment from Schiaffino’s kitchen, and the carbon-offset positioning all reflect an operator who understands that guests paying at this tier expect their luxury to align with their values as well as their preferences. Whether those commitments are substantive or marketing depends on how the programs are implemented, and Aqua Expeditions’ track record across their Amazon and Southeast Asia operations suggests they are serious rather than performative.
For 2026 and into 2027: the Owner’s Suite books earliest and is genuinely worth considering if budget allows – 861 square feet in the Galapagos is a cabin category that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the archipelago. Peak wildlife months December through April fill across all cabin categories well in advance. The 14-night back-to-back combination for comprehensive coverage requires the most lead time of any configuration on the vessel.
What to Know Before You Book
Itinerary transparency is limited pre-booking. The Aqua Mare does not publish a detailed day-by-day itinerary in advance. The operator’s position is that the program is personalized and conditions-responsive. For research-oriented travelers who want to map specific sites to specific days before booking, this is a genuine frustration. Ask your booking contact for the most current itinerary detail available before confirming.
Gratuities are not included and are meaningful at this service level. With 14 crew and 2 guides working across 8 days, budget $35 to $50 per person per day in gratuities. Over an 8-day cruise for two travelers that totals $560 to $800. This is not a surprise – it’s standard at luxury expedition levels, but it should be in your budget calculation.
The TCT remains a cash payment. The Galapagos National Park fee is included in the Aqua Mare fare. The $20 Transit Control Card is not – it’s a separate cash purchase at the mainland Ecuador airport before your flight. Bring USD cash for this regardless of how the rest of your trip is structured.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Aqua Mare different from other Galapagos luxury vessels?
Three things distinguish the Aqua Mare: a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio (the highest of any vessel in the archipelago), the largest suite in the Galapagos (Owner’s Suite at 861 sq ft), and a named chef culinary program by Peruvian-born Pedro Miguel Schiaffino whose approach combines Japanese technique with Peruvian seasoning and sustainable local sourcing. It is the only true superyacht operating year-round in the Galapagos.
Is the Galapagos National Park fee included on the Aqua Mare?
Yes. The $200 Galapagos National Park entrance fee for foreign adults is included in the Aqua Mare fare. The $20 Transit Control Card is not included and must be purchased in cash at the mainland Ecuador airport before your Galapagos flight.
Can you combine the East and West itineraries on the Aqua Mare?
Yes. The East and West 8-day itineraries are designed to be combined into a 14-night back-to-back cruise roundtrip from Santa Cruz. This covers both the classic southern and eastern island highlights and the remote western volcanic sites in one continuous booking, providing comprehensive Galapagos coverage at the superyacht level.
Who is the chef on the Aqua Mare?
The culinary program is designed by Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, a Peruvian-born chef known for combining Japanese culinary technique with Peruvian seasoning and for a sustainability-focused sourcing approach that supports local Ecuadorian farmers and fishermen. Signature dishes include potato llapingachos, tuna crudo, barbecued plantains, and shrimp ceviche.
How much is the Galapagos National Park entrance fee in 2026?
The fee is $200 USD for foreign adults and $100 for children under 12, following a doubling in August 2024. On the Aqua Mare this fee is included in the cruise fare. The Transit Control Card is $20 per person, purchased at the mainland Ecuador airport before your flight.
Considering the Aqua Mare for your Galapagos trip?
We’re a local agency rated 4.9 stars on Google and TripAdvisor. We can advise on suite selection, itinerary timing for specific wildlife, back-to-back availability, and how the Aqua Mare compares to Ecoventura and Celebrity Flora for your priorities. For a free no-obligation consultation and quote, fill out this short form and we’ll come back to you with specifics.
Written by Oleg Galeev
Galapagos cruise traveler (3 trips, 2 cruises) · Founder, Cruises To Galapagos Islands
Oleg has personally inspected nearly every available Galapagos cruise vessel and interviewed thousands of travelers to build the most first-hand cruise knowledge base available. He also runs the Ecuador travel blog mytrip2ecuador.com and the YouTube channel My Trip to Somewhere.
Cruises To Galapagos Islands is rated 4.9 stars on Google and TripAdvisor.
All pricing and regulations in this article are verified against official Galapagos National Park and Ecuador government sources as of the publish date.