When Charles Darwin and his shipmates on the HMS Beagle arrived in the Galapagos Islands in 1835, they quickly found that navigating the archipelago’s islands was an arduous task. Guests aboard Aqua Expeditions new Galapagos superyacht Aqua Mare will find no such difficulty when it launches in May 2022, as every moment of their journey is carefully orchestrated to create the adventure of a lifetime.
Billed as the most luxurious vessel to ply the waters of the Galapagos, Aqua Mare has been designed and built by Italian shipyard CRN, with custom interiors swathed in Italian veneer by designer François Zurett. Seven individually designed suites provide room for up to 14 guests to explore the archipelago, with a palatial Owners Suite and en suite bathroom spanning a generous 80 square metres.
For her debut season, Aqua Mare will set sail on two seven-night itineraries and two epic 14-day adventures that promise an unforgettable journey around the Galapagos.
Guests will discover one of the world’s most biodiverse destinations in the company of two naturalist guides; one each for the two custom-made, military-grade tenders that will ferry passengers between Aqua Mare and the islands on two daily shore excursions. A garage full of toys including kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and snorkelling gear will enable passengers to explore the coastal waters at their own pace, and there’s an outdoor barbeque area, sun decks and a six-person Jacuzzi from which to bask in the equatorial sunshine.
Onboard, Peruvian chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino has put together a menu inspired by the Pacific Coast of the Americas, with Nikkei-inspired dishes made from fresh sustainable ingredients; while passengers opting to charter Aqua Mare for their own private adventure will be able to enjoy the services of a private masseuse for five hours each day.
Prices for the seven-night journey start from US $9,450 per person on a fully inclusive basis, while a seven-night private charter for up to 16 passengers starts from $196,000.