East & West Galápagos Intensive

Day 2: El Barranco & Bahía Darwin, Genovesa Island

This morning, you will wake up north of the equator and start the day by exploring the coral beaches of Bahía Darwin, which are perfect for hiking and snorkeling.

After an exquisite lunch, we continue to Genovesa Island, where you will travel by dinghy along the volcanic rocky coast of El Barranco. Keep an eye out for Galápagos fur seals, which like to rest in the crevices of the rocks there.

A 1.5-kilometer inland walk then takes you across lava fields, past red-footed boobies, magnificent frigatebirds, and the nimble Galápagos storm petrels.

In the evening, a private movie screening awaits you on the lower deck, featuring the impressive "Planet Earth" documentary about the Galápagos Islands or the adventure film "Master and Commander." Or simply enjoy the clear starry sky from the sun deck.

Day 4: Bartolomé Island & Cerro Dragón, Santa Cruz Island

Early in the morning, the Aqua Mare anchors off Bartolomé Island, where you set off on a gentle climb up a cinder cone to enjoy a magnificent view of the famous Pinnacle Rock, the island's landmark.

Afterwards, cool off with a snorkel in the clear water – with a little luck, you may be accompanied by sea turtles and Galápagos penguins. Then return to the yacht for lunch while it sets course for Santa Cruz Island.

In the afternoon, there will be an excursion to Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill), named after its significant population of land iguanas.

Back on board, you can round off the day with a glass of wine and regional specialties.

Optional: A dive is possible in the morning by prior arrangement.

Day 6: Punta Suárez, Gardner Bay & Osborn Islet, Española Island

Start the day with a guided meditation on the upper deck before setting off on your morning excursion to Punta Suárez. This destination is one of the most fascinating in the Galápagos Islands, mainly due to the exceptionally high proportion of endemic species such as the Española mockingbird, lava lizards, marine iguanas, and, of course, the Galápagos albatross, which breeds exclusively here.

In the afternoon, a dinghy will take you to a group of small islands where you can snorkel among playful sea lions and colorful reef fish.

The crowning glory of the day is a visit to the stunning Bahía Gardner, a coral sand beach that is home to one of the largest sea lion colonies in the entire archipelago.

Day 8: Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island

Choose from a variety of exciting activities today: whether snorkeling, hiking, cycling, or even diving —there is something for everyone. Your cruise director on board will be happy to provide you with further information.

Today, you will also welcome new fellow travelers who will accompany you on the upcoming seven-day route. In the evening, you will have the opportunity to explore charming Puerto Ayora on your own. We particularly recommend a stroll along the waterfront promenade with its small boutiques and jewelry stores.

Back on board, your naturalist guides will give an exciting lecture offering further insights into the unique world of the Galapagos Islands. The best way to end the day is with a fresh seafood dinner.

Day 10: Punta Moreno & Bahía Urbina, Isabela Island

After a night at sea, you will wake up to views of the impressive west coast of Isabela Island, the largest and youngest island in the archipelago. Formed by five relatively young volcanoes, Isabela is known for its large populations of giant tortoises and marine iguanas.

The morning excursion takes you on foot to Punta Moreno, where you hike through mangrove landscapes and across gas-rich basalt lava fields that flowed from the Cerro Azul volcano centuries ago. Along the coastal lagoons, you explore the wildlife by dinghy, including marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and Galápagos penguins.

In the afternoon , the Aqua Mare sails further north to Bahía Urbina, a six-square-kilometer area that rose up to three meters above sea level in 1954 due to tectonic uplift. Here you will encounter wild land iguanas, the largest marine lizards in the archipelago, and, with a little luck, giant tortoises.

End the day relaxing with a view of Isabela's five volcanoes, accompanied by dinner under the stars with specialties such as macambo rice, fish in maito leaves, and candied pear.

Day 12: Puerto Egas, Playa Espumilla & Caleta Bucanero, Santiago Island

In the morning, take the dinghy to Caleta Bucanero, a former refuge for pirates in the 17th century, who came here for fresh water and turtle meat. If the sea is too rough, head to Playa Espumilla, where a golden sandy beach is known as an important nesting site for sea turtles.

Back on board, lunch awaits you, inspired by the flavors of the South American Pacific coast.

In the afternoon, we continue to the black sand beaches of Puerto Egas in the northwest of Santiago Island. Here, you can explore the intertidal zone on foot to the fur seal caves or snorkel among sea turtles, sea lions, and whitetip reef sharks.

Day 14: Seymour Norte Island & Mosquera Island

On your penultimate day of travel, you will set off for Seymour Norte Island, which was formed around 3.1 million years ago by undersea volcanic eruptions. The island is best known for its intact populations of land iguanas, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and impressive frigatebirds.

After an active morning, you will return on board to recharge your batteries with a delicious lunch.

In the afternoon, take the dinghy to Mosquera Island, one of the smallest but most wildlife-rich spots in the archipelago. Here you have the best chance of seeing sea lions claiming the beach for themselves.

Optional: A dive is possible in the morning by prior arrangement.