In 2022, nearly 268,000 tourists visited the Galapagos Islands. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ecuador's first national park, the Galapagos spans 8,000 square kilometers and 19 main islands. This pristine paradise, 97% of which is a protected area, is known for its unique and diverse wildlife, which inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.
One of the best ways to experience its natural wonders is to board a superyacht, having the islands almost entirely to yourself and rarely encountering other tourists.
Come aboard Aqua Expeditions' superbly appointed boat Aqua Mare. On the 163-foot yacht, as it winds through the untouched splendor of the Galapagos Islands, you witness an unspoiled Eden that is as exotic as it is breathtaking. It is the first superyacht to establish a permanent berth amid the volcanic splendor of the Galapagos archipelago.
Our adventure with Aquatic expeditions began when our plane arrived on the island of Baltra in the Galapagos. Passengers booked on Aqua Mare were quickly taken to a VIP room where we relaxed while immigration checked our passports, and our guides for the week warmly welcomed us to the islands.
Indulgence aboard the Aqua Mare
THE Aqua Mare is a paradise in itself. The yacht's multitude of luxury amenities cater to relaxation and rejuvenation. Its spacious upper deck houses a jacuzzi in which guests can relax under the celestial canvas of the Galapagos night sky.
Seven cabins offer all the comfort of a five-star hotel. Large, nature-inspired interiors use neutral hues to evoke a beachy feel.
Avid readers and science enthusiasts on board can browse the library's offerings on local history, marine life and Darwinism. Whether it's sunrise yoga sessions on the terrace or savoring the sunset with a pisco sour, the Aqua Mare combines adventure and serenity for guests’ stay in the Galapagos.
The 16 crew members and two local guides offer a 1:1 staff-to-passenger ratio, promising personalization of each experience.
The experiences shared between passengers in the seven cabins create a friendly atmosphere and vacationers quickly find themselves members of a new “family”. The ship's chefs serve exquisite Latin American cuisine showcasing the bounty of the ocean. Each three-course meal ends with the pastry chef's creations, beautifully sweet and visually stunning.
THE Aqua Mare delights with its exciting culinary offerings and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu accommodates dietary restrictions and offers vegan options.
Exploring the exquisite wildlife of the Galapagos
THE Aqua Mare Its charm extends beyond the dining table. True to its name – which translates as “water of the seas” – the yacht offers numerous aquatic activities to seduce thrill-seekers and nature lovers. The adventurous itinerary includes daily snorkeling sessions, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking tours.
The Galapagos spectacle doesn't stop at the aquatic experience; This luxury yacht vacation offers intimate access to the islands’ unprecedented terrestrial biodiversity. Each land excursion is a journey back in time during which visitors can observe local wildlife uninterrupted by humans.
Both local guides a board Aqua Mare offer expert commentary on the myriad creatures and flora that guests encounter, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and an orchestra of birds serenading spectators.
Knowledgeable and passionate guides share with guests the history, geography and wildlife of the islands while honoring the delicate ecosystem. Like the experts Aqua Mare crew, guides go above and beyond guest expectations.
Our two guides for the week, Federico Idrovo and Jaime Navas, were exceptional in their knowledge and enthusiasm. The first, Fede, is a musician who brought this experience to life with his precise imitations of environmental sounds.
After days of observing the ecosystem foster reproduction and growth – blue-footed boobies performing mating dances, male frigatebirds attempting their mating signal and male land iguanas establishing their alpha ranks – Fede is exclaimed that the intimate scenes were “another Galapagos”. moment. »
We also observed some amazing and distinctive vegetation, including forests of Darwin daisy and prickly pear cactus. The breathtaking daily experiences gave my twins some exercise and NatGeo some bang for their buck.
Fernandina's surprise
In addition to breathtaking wildlife, the islands are home to other natural wonders, like the active Fernandina Volcano.
Fernandina Island is the youngest and most volcanically active island in the archipelago, located in the western part of the archipelago. I was present when it erupted on April 12, after the last eruption began in March of this year.
The visiting passengers weren't the only ones impressed by the spectacle; you could see the enthusiasm of the crew from the locals who had never witnessed such an eruption. The eruption is another reminder of the ever-changing life of this isolated paradise.
“Fernandina is considered one of the most active volcanoes in the world. There's an eruption every four years, more or less, and long eruptions,” shares Idrovo, our guide for the week. “Most of us Galapagueños have a hard time getting that far from at home, so seeing this eruption is something pretty special for us.”
“We live in these islands; we are islanders. We grew up always hearing about these eruptions and the formation of the islands, so being in the right place at the right time and having the chance to see this is very special to all of us.
It has excited locals and visitors alike with its spectacular lava displays. After a full day of swimming with sea lions, penguins, turtles and marine iguanas, species endemic to the Galapagos, we were treated to a unique evening spectacle during the eruption.
Embark on your private adventure
The unprecedented natural spectacles of this dynamic destination fascinate visitors. After a morning of visiting a new island by land or sea, followed by an exhilarating hour spent snorkeling in the real Galapagos Aquarium, guests will have worked up an appetite just in time to enjoy a fresh fish carpaccio , Linguine ai Frutti di Mare. , and the tempting Passionfruit Suspiro.
After lunch, follow the mating dance steps of the blue-footed booby or use a zodiac to glide effortlessly through the mangroves and observe the widespread wildlife.
As the hues of the sunset paint the sky, the stewards serve you a glass of wine. As you relax, your guides update you on the adventures planned for the day ahead. Nature sets the tone for potential projects.
As I pulled into Baltra Airport to leave the Galapagos, a land iguana was sitting in the middle of the road, basking in the warm sun. A airport employee had to take him back to the bushes on the side of the road. It was a fitting way to end an incredible vacation. As my guide Fede would say, it was just another moment in the Galapagos.
If you are going to
Before your luxury yacht getaway in the Galapagos Islands, note changes in island entrance fees. Starting in August 2024, most foreign visitors will pay a $200 entrance fee, double the current $100 fee. Fees for children under 12 will increase from $50 to $100, while children under two will remain exempt. Ecuadorian nationals will also see the fee increase from $6 to $30.
Understand that this fee is a one-time fee that covers a 60-day visa-free stay on the biodiverse islands. This increase marks the first price change since 1998.
This article was produced by Media decision and syndicated by The wealth of geeks.A
