Western Galápagos Expedition through Ecuador's Noah's Ark

Day 2: Punta Cormorant, Bahía Post Office, and Mirador de la Baronesa, Floreana Island

On the second morning of your trip, you will wake up off the south coast of Floreana Island, one of the most historic islands in the archipelago. After a leisurely breakfast, your day will begin with a shore excursion to the brackish water lagoon at Punta Cormorant. This green oasis between volcanic hills is an excellent place to observe flamingos, stilts, ducks, and other wading birds. With a little luck, you may also spot rays and small reef sharks along the coast as you stroll past the nocturnal nesting sites of sea turtles.

At lunchtime, a carefully curated menu awaits you on board, combining the flavors of fresh regional ingredients with influences from traditional Andean cuisine.

In the afternoon, you will continue your exploration of Floreana Island. The program includes a visit to the legendary Bahía Post Office. For centuries, this post barrel was used by sailors, explorers, and travelers as an improvised post office. Before that, you will take a look at the remains of a former fishing company from the 1920s, which are silent witnesses to the island's eventful history.

The dinghy will then take you to the Mirador de la Baronesa viewpoint. From here, you can enjoy sweeping views of bays, lava coasts, and the green interior of the island—a place that not only impresses with its scenery but is also steeped in historical legends.

In the evening, Aqua Mare invites you to enjoy another culinary highlight: the cuisine combines fine elements of Japanese culinary art with Peruvian flavors – serving dishes such as tuna tartare or creatively interpreted quinoa yakimeshi. If you wish, you can end the day on the sun deck with a drink in your hand and the starry sky above both the northern and southern hemispheres.

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

Day 4: Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island & Caleta Tagus, Isabela Island

Start the day however you like – perhaps with a morning workout on the sun deck – while the Aqua Mare is anchored off Punta Espinoza. This impressive lava field was created by repeated eruptions of La Cumbre, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. The black coastal landscape is home to numerous endemic species:huge colonies of marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, lava lizards, Galápagos penguins, buzzards, and even snakes.

In the morning, explore the shores of Fernandina Island on foot before snorkeling to discover the beauty of the underwater world. Back on board, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch with views of the wild coastline.

In the afternoon, the Aqua Mare crosses the Bolívar Channel and heads back to Isabela Island. A special experience is on the agenda here: exploring Caleta Tagus, once a refuge for whalers and privateers. A hike takes you to the mysterious Darwin Lake, a saltwater lagoon in an old tuff cone. Alternatively, you can actively explore the sheltered bay by kayak, stand-up paddleboard, Zodiac, or snorkeling again.

Back on board, the evening comes to a stylish close with a sundowner on the deck overlooking the open sea. After dinner, you will have the opportunity to join the captain on the bridge as the Aqua Mare crosses the invisible line of the equator twice.

Day 6: Rábida Island & Caleta Tortuga Negra, Santa Cruz Island

Wake up to the gentle sounds of nature in the morning and enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast on board before taking a dinghy to Rábida Island – also known as "the Red Island." It owes its intense color to the iron-rich, oxidized lava rock that makes its slopes and beaches shimmer in a bright reddish-brown.

The diverse landscape of Rábida invites you to enjoy a variety of activities: hike through the colorful volcanic landscape, explore the coast in a double kayak or on a stand-up paddleboard, or glide through the clear waters while snorkeling. On the beach, you are likely to encounter a group of curious sea lions.

After a relaxed lunch on board, your nature guides invite you to an exciting lecture in the Panorama Lounge in the afternoon, where you will gain even deeper insights into the fascinating flora and fauna that surrounds you on your journey.

Meanwhile, the Aqua Mare sets course for the north of Santa Cruz. Its destination: Caleta Tortuga Negra, a natural harbor surrounded by mangroves that can only be reached by boat. On a gentle tender ride, you glide silently through this tranquil labyrinth – and with a little luck , you may spot green sea turtles, blacktip reef sharks, or even Galápagos sharks in the shallow waters.

The crowning glory of the day awaits you on board: another gourmet menu created by chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, who showcases regional ingredients with creative sophistication.

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

Day 8: Disembarkation on Baltra Island

Your last day of travel begins with a luxurious breakfast at sunrise.

Enjoy the view from the Aqua Mare one last time before setting course for Baltra Island to disembark.
Say goodbye to the crew and your wonderful home for the past week.
You will then be accompanied to the airport, where your return flight to the mainland and your onward journey home will begin – with all the wonderful memories that you will hopefully cherish forever. We would also be happy to make suggestions for extending your trip in Ecuador or another region of South America.