The Aqua Galapagos Cruise offers a dynamic and flexible way to explore the Galapagos Islands, uniquely combining naturalist-led exploration programs with specialized diving itineraries. This small expedition vessel is designed for adventurous travelers who want close contact with both the terrestrial and marine ecosystems that make the archipelago world-famous.
With a limited number of guests onboard, Aqua provides an intimate and social atmosphere where exploration is the central focus. Guests may choose between classic naturalist itineraries featuring guided island landings and snorkeling, or diving-focused departures that explore some of the most thrilling underwater environments in the Galapagos Marine Reserve.
Certified bilingual naturalist guides and experienced dive professionals ensure that each itinerary delivers strong educational value, safety, and meaningful wildlife encounters — whether above or below the surface.
Aqua Galapagos Cruise features comfortable, functional cabins designed for active travelers. Each cabin includes a private en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, and practical storage space for expedition gear or dive equipment.
Cabins are modest in size yet thoughtfully arranged to maximize comfort after active days. Bedding configurations accommodate couples, friends, or solo travelers depending on availability. The vessel prioritizes clean design and practical convenience, making it ideal for guests whose primary focus is exploration rather than luxury.
The Aqua Galapagos Cruise is best suited for adventurous travelers who want flexibility in how they experience the Galápagos. It’s especially appealing to certified divers seeking world-class underwater encounters, travelers interested in combining marine exploration with island landings, and nature enthusiasts who prioritize biodiversity and close wildlife encounters over luxury amenities.
Aqua also attracts repeat visitors eager to experience the archipelago from a different perspective and guests who are comfortable with expedition-style cruising. Those who value wildlife intensity, ecological diversity, and immersive naturalist-led programming will find this vessel a particularly rewarding way to explore the islands.
Travelers choose Aqua for its rare ability to offer both diving-focused departures and traditional naturalist itineraries within one vessel. This versatility makes it an excellent option for mixed-interest groups or for travelers who want to tailor their experience to their specific passion.
Diving itineraries may include access to advanced marine environments known for strong currents and pelagic species, while naturalist itineraries highlight guided island hikes, snorkeling with sea lions, and coastal panga rides. The combination of knowledgeable crew, small group sizes, and strong marine access makes Aqua particularly appealing to travelers who want a more active Galapagos journey.
Its expedition character fosters camaraderie among guests, creating a relaxed and socially engaging onboard atmosphere.
The daily rhythm aboard Aqua varies depending on itinerary type.
For naturalist departures, mornings typically begin with guided landings or snorkeling sessions timed around wildlife activity. After returning onboard for meals, guests navigate to the next island while enjoying deck views and briefings. Afternoons often include additional hikes or water activities, followed by evening briefings about the following day’s program.
For diving itineraries, the day revolves around scheduled dive sessions, typically including multiple dives at carefully selected marine sites. Between dives, guests relax onboard, review marine sightings, and prepare equipment with support from the dive crew.
In both cases, evenings are informal and relaxed, allowing guests to reflect on their experiences and prepare for the next day’s adventures.
Designed for certified divers, this program explores some of the most biodiverse marine environments in the Galapagos Marine Reserve. Expect encounters with large pelagic species, schooling fish, rays, and dynamic underwater terrain shaped by volcanic activity.
On landing in the Galapagos Islands at Baltra Airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to the Aqua Yacht, your home for your live aboard diving Galapagos trip.
We’ll enjoy some lunch and some time to get settled on board before stopping at Galapagos North East to try on the diving kit for the week, and make sure you are comfortable with the equipment.
Galapagos Wildlife you might see today: Marine iguana, sea lion, fur seal, flamingo, manta ray, Galapagos sharks.
This morning on the Aqua Galapagos boat, there is a chance for hiking on Bartolome Island, to enjoy breathtaking views and to photograph the iconic Pinnacle Rock. There is snorkeling here, or a moderate dive. In the afternoon we’ll dive at Cousin’s Rock to the north of Bartolome, a site where the colorful underwater fauna is set against a backdrop of black coral. Dives are rated moderate here.
Galapagos animals to see: Marine iguana, sea lion, fur seal, flamingo, manta ray, Galapagos sharks. lava lizard.
Today there is an opportunity to take four moderately rated dives. These are among some of the best diving spots in the Galapagos Islands, and some say the world! Before the dives in pristine condition waters you can look out for vampire finches and red footed boobies from the boat. On our dives today you’ll see schools of pelagic fish.
Animals to spot today include: Galapagos shark, hammerhead shark, whale shark, spotted eagle ray, manta ray, moray eels, turtles, tropical fish.
Today there is a chance to do four dives in the area of Darwin Island, again considered one of the best sites globally. Dives are rated moderate. A common occurrence here is that sea lions will play with divers, swimming up and then darting away quickly. Interactions with dolphins also sometimes occur at this site.
Galapagos wildlife today: Hammerhead, Galapagos shark, whale shark, silkys, manta ray dolphin, sea lion and tropical fish.
We’ll head back to the remarkable spot of Wolf today for three more dives suited to those that can handle moderate diving. If you didn’t see them last time, look out again for the unusual vampire finch, as well as red footed boobies, which you may observe on the island, from the boat.
Galapagos wildlife to look for: Galapagos shark, hammerhead shark, whale shark, spotted eagle ray, manta ray, moray eels, turtles, tropical fish.
This morning’s dive opportunity is at Vicente Roca Point, Isabela Island, where calmer waters await for a fabulous wall dive, to the northwest of the Island. Here fish rise up from the ocean depths for cleaning stations.
This afternoon, at Cape Douglas, Fernandina Island, we will enjoy another dive, and a chance to see some unusual Galapagos wildlife too.
Wildlife to look out for: Seahorse, puffer fish, Galapagos penguin, sharks, flightless cormorant, whales, red-lipped batfish, marine iguana, turtle, sea lion.
This morning we can take our last dive at Roca Blanca, Pinzon, one of the best diving spots in the Central Isles, and to the southeast of Isabela Island. Be prepared to be amazed by the range of pretty tropical fish. This afternoon, a visit to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island will enlighten on how the island’s wildlife lives alongside the local population in this small town, during a relaxing afternoon.
Galapagos wildlife to spot: Eagle ray, manta ray, lobster, tropical fish, sharks, sea lion, pelican, Sally Lightfoot crab.
This morning we’ll head up into the Santa Cruz highlands for a fascinating opportunity to spot giant Galapagos tortoises in open pasture habitat. There will be some superb photographic opportunities here. Later on, we will escort you to Baltra Airport, where your Galapagos cruise voyage comes to an end, and from where you can take your onward flight to the Ecuadorian mainland.
Galapagos wildlife to spot: Giant tortoise, Darwin’s finches.
This itinerary focuses on guided landings across diverse island regions, combining volcanic landscapes, endemic wildlife encounters, snorkeling excursions, and panga rides. It offers a balanced introduction to both terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
This morning you’ll arrive for your Galapagos adventure and we’ll collect you at Baltra Airport to transport you to the Aqua Yacht for your cruise. After a short sail, lunch and settling in, we’ll get your trip started with a visit North Seymour Island for hiking along an easy trail to see colonies of marine bird life going about their daily activities along the way.
Wildlife to spot here: Blue footed booby, frigate bird, swallow-tailed gull, heron.
This morning we’ll visit South Plaza Island, a fabulous spot for seabirds and some hiking along a scenic trail. There is also a hybrid iguana here. In the afternoon there is a chance for snorkeling, hiking and kayaking at Santa Fe Island, and you’ll get to observe the fascinating cactus, Optunia Echios, a primary feature of the island’s vegetation.
Galapagos wildlife to observe here: Nazca booby, blue footed booby, red-billed tropicbirds, land iguana, Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, mockingbirds, rice rat, Darwin’s finches, lava lizard.
First, at Puerto Ayora we’ll head to the Charles Darwin Research Station to gain a deeper understanding of conservation in the archipelago and see the giant tortoise breeding center. Snorkeling at Devil’s Crown is a major highlight this afternoon, and a common chance for playing with sea lions in the water. We’ll also visit Cormorant Point, an unusual green tinged beach where flamingos can be found nearby.
Wildlife you can see today: Flamingo, turtle, sea lion, giant tortoise, land iguana, pelican, stingray, tropical fish.
Back at Santa Cruz Island we’ll stop this morning at Dragon Hill, a low-lying hill which has a sizeable population of land iguanas. The hiking trail passes through various vegetation types and there is a visit to a saltwater lagoon. You’ll easily spot Chinese Hat, our second visit today, as it is shaped like a traditional conical hat. Here we can enjoy snorkeling and kayaking.
Galapagos wildlife to observe: Land iguana, flamingo, Darwin’s finches, stilts, yellow warbler, pintail duck, lava lizard, Galapagos penguin, sharks, American oystercatcher.
This morning’s visit is to Cowley, a small islet off the coast of Isabela Island, to enjoy snorkeling among a kaleidoscope of underwater color at this site that is popular with divers. In the afternoon we will head to Albany Islet and Buccaneer Cove at Santiago Island, for snorkeling, kayaking, and more chances to spot wildlife.
Look out for this Galapagos wildlife: Sea lion, sharks, turtles, stingray, Galapagos penguin, flightless cormorant, sea horse, golden eagle ray.
There’s a lot to see at Santiago Island and today we’ll visit two more of its Galapagos visitor sites. First, we go to Egas Port for some hiking along some easy trails close to the stunning black sand beach, followed by some snorkeling. Later we visit Sullivan Bay, a very photogenic spot which has moon-like scenery, and wildlife if you look closely. We can also snorkel here.
Galapagos species: Sally Lightfoot crab, marine iguana, Galapagos fur seal, sea lion, heron, oystercatchers, turtles.
Rabida’s bright red coloring may surprise you this morning, and here there is hiking along a trail to enjoy the unusual volcanic scenery. Snorkeling here is fun, as the sea lions sometimes like to play. There is kayaking here too. This afternoon at Bartolome Island we do some hiking to a panoramic viewpoint and photograph Pinnacle Rock, one of the most scenic spots in the archipelago.
Look out for wildlife including: Rays, sea lion, blue footed booby, Nazca booby, fur seal, pelican, Galapagos penguin, Darwin’s finches, heron, hawk.
For a last taste of paradise in the Galapagos Islands we’ll stop at Mosquera Islet, for a visit to a stunning white coral sand beach. After our final visit as part of the Aqua Galapagos Tour we’ll make our way to Baltra Airport where your visit to the archipelago draws to a close. From here you can board your return flight for your onward journey.
Look out for wildlife including: Pelican, sea lion, shore birds.
This 5-day itinerary offers a broader exploration of the archipelago, combining diverse island landscapes with abundant marine life encounters. With additional time for snorkeling, scenic navigation, and guided hikes, travelers experience a deeper connection to the Galápagos’ remarkable biodiversity both above and below the water.
When your airplane arrives at Baltra Airport this morning, we’ll be there to transfer you to the Aqua Galapagos Yacht where your exciting trip begins. We’ll have some time to settle in your cabin and some lunch and a short sail. You’ll likely spot Chinese Hat, your first Galapagos visitor site from a way off, as its shaped just like a conical hat. There is a chance for snorkeling and kayaking here.
Galapagos wildlife to spot: Pelican, sea lion, marine iguana, lava lizard, white tipped reef shark, Galapagos penguin.
First up today is a trip to Cowley islet, found off the coast of Isabela. This is a diving site where snorkelers can also enjoy the range of pretty tropical fish and underwater life. Later we visit Albany Islet and Buccaneer Cove at Santiago Island. The latter is a former pirate hide out, and today a fabulous spot for seabird spotting. Here we can do snorkeling and kayaking.
Wildlife you might see today: Sea lion, sharks, turtles, stingray, Galapagos penguin, flightless cormorant, sea horse, golden eagle ray.
Remaining at Santiago Island we visit two more exciting sites here.
This morning at Egas Port there is hiking along a coastal backdrop, amid tidal pools. Afterwards there is snorkeling. In the afternoon at Sullivan Bay, the Galapagos visitor site here is a photographer’s dream, with its moonscape scenery to shoot. Wildlife scuttles around, even though it at first appears barren here. There is a chance for snorkeling here too.
Galapagos wildlife to observe here: Sally Lightfoot crab, marine iguana, Galapagos fur seal, sea lion, heron, oystercatchers, turtles.
Rabida’s is well known for its bright red beach. Here we can hike and snorkel in this unusual, red scenery. At this snorkel spot, sea lions will sometimes enjoy playing with the people in the water. You may recognize the iconic scenery on Bartolome Island, this afternoon’s visit. We can do a spot of hiking to a spectacular viewpoint and take pictures of the famous Pinnacle Rock too.
Galapagos Wildlife: Rays, sea lion, blue footed booby, Nazca booby, fur seal, pelican, Galapagos penguin, Darwin’s finches, heron, hawk.
A beautiful white sand beach adorned with sea lions awaits this morning at Mosquera Islet, our final Galapagos Islands visit of your Aqua Yacht cruise. From here it is time to say goodbye and we’ll transfer you to Baltra Airport. From this point you can take your flight to the Ecuadorian mainland with fond memories of your Galapagos visit.
Wildlife: Pelican, sea lion, shore birds.
Designed for travelers seeking a compact yet immersive Galápagos experience, this 4-day program explores the wildlife-rich central islands. Guests enjoy guided landings, snorkeling sessions, and panga rides that reveal sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and vibrant coastal ecosystems shaped by volcanic landscapes.
Your Galapagos cruise on the Aqua Yacht begins here, and on arrival we’ll transfer you to the boat. There will be some time for lunch, a briefing and some time to settle, while we sail to our first Galapagos visitor’s site. At North Seymour Island we’ll take a hiking trail to observe colonies of birds that make the island their home. Depending on the time of year, there could be nesting or amusing mating rituals.
Galapagos wildlife to spy today: Blue footed booby, frigate bird, swallow-tailed gull, heron.
At South Plaza Island on our first visit, seabirds can be seen nesting on the cliffs, and the interesting vegetation makes for some great photography. You might spot the hybrid iguana on your trail hiking. Santa Fe Island is our second visitor site today. Here we’ll learn about the cacti vegetation on the island, and in particular Optunia Echios. There is an opportunity for snorkeling and kayaking too.
Galapagos wildlife to look out for today: Nazca booby, blue footed booby, red-billed tropicbirds, land iguana, Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, mockingbirds, rice rat, Darwin’s finches, lava lizard.
This morning we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here there is a fascinating giant tortoise breeding center, and the chance to learn more about conservation in the Galapagos Islands. After some sailing, we’ll arrive at Devil’s Crown, one of the best snorkeling spots in the archipelago. Here, sea lions sometimes play with snorkelers. After a dip we’ll visit Cormorant point, with its unusual green beach and brackish lagoon.
Galapagos wildlife: Flamingo, turtle, sea lion, giant tortoise, land iguana, pelican, stingray, tropical fish.
Before you say goodbye, there is time for one final visit to Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island. Here there are excellent opportunities for hiking along a trail with fascinating vegetation, and spotting of land iguanas, as there is a large colony here. Later on, after the visit, we’ll transfer you to Baltra Airport for your onward trip in Ecuador or beyond.
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Year of Refurbishment 2019
Length 85 feet / 26 meters
Beam 18 feet / 5.5 meters
Speed 9 knots
Capacity 16 passengers + 8 Crew members
Accommodation
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