Table of Contents

General Description

The M/Y Aqua diving cruise sails in the Galapagos Islands and offers the choice between 7-night diving itineraries or 3, 4, or 5-night naturalist itineraries. The vessel accommodates 16 guests and features 9 cabins spread across 3 decks, offering twin or double beds. All cabins include private bathrooms, individually controlled air conditioning, and storage space. Main and upper deck cabins also have windows with sea views. Common areas onboard include an outdoor lounge, sun terrace, indoor lounge with library, and dining area. Meals served onboard are a mix of Ecuadorian and international flavors.

The itineraries feature various activities allowing guests to experience the Galapagos wildlife up close. Naturalist itineraries include guided walks, birdwatching, and fantastic photography opportunities. Divers can marvel at the astonishing marine biodiversity, with chances to see whale sharks, hammerhead shark schools, and even Mola Molas. The dive platform is spacious with ample room for gearing up and equipment storage. The vessel’s two auxiliary boats facilitate dive site access. Nitrox is available for certified divers, and for added safety, divers are provided with personal GPS, storm whistle, dive beacon, and surface marker.

Note: A minimum of 50 registered dives as experience is required for Aqua, due to the more advanced conditions of certain dive sites

Specifications

  • Category: Midrange
  • Type: Motor yacht
  • Length: 26 m / 85 ft
  • Beam: 5.5 m / 18 ft
  • Capacity:
    • 16 passengers + 8 staff / crew members
    • 1 instructor guide and 1 divemaster guide on diving liveaboards
    • 1 bilingual naturalist guide on naturalist programs
  • Electricity: 110 V / 220 V
  • Dinghies:
    • 2 Caribe (C-20 and C-17) with 50 HP Yamaha four stroke outboards
  • Social Areas:
    • Sun deck: Solarium area and shaded relaxing area
    • Upper deck: Shaded outside deck
    • Main Deck: Dive platform
  • Amenities: TV, DVD, laptop, beamer, deck chairs
  • Speed: Cruising speed: 9 knots (16.6 km/h)

Itineraries

AQUA DIVING ROUTE – Itinerary A / 8D – 7N 

Overview: Dive into the mesmerizing world of Galapagos with our 8-day diving expedition aboard M/Y Aqua! Explore breathtaking dive sites and encounter unique marine life.

Highlights:

  • Witness the majestic whale shark.
  • Swim with tropical fish and friendly sharks.
  • Visit iconic diving spots like Darwin’s Arch and Cousin’s Rock.

Itinerary:

  • Day 1 – Tuesday:
    • Arrival at Baltra Airport (GPS).
    • Checkout dive at Baltra Northeast.
  • Day 2 – Wednesday:
    • Explore Cape Marshall and the City of Mantas.
  • Day 3 – Thursday:
    • Dive at Darwin.
  • Day 4 – Friday:
    • Dive at Darwin and Wolf.
  • Day 5 – Saturday:
    • Dive at Wolf.
  • Day 6 – Sunday:
    • Dive at Vicente Roca Point and Cape Douglas.
  • Day 7 – Monday:
    • Dive at Cousin’s Rock.
    • Hike at Highlands (Santa Cruz).
  • Day 8 – Tuesday:
    • Transfer to Baltra Airport (GPS).

AQUA NATURALIST ROUTE B – Itinerary B / 8D – 7N / 

Overview: Experience the wonders of Galapagos with our 8-day naturalist itinerary aboard M/Y Aqua! Encounter diverse wildlife and explore fascinating islands.

Highlights:

  • Interact with giant tortoises and marine iguanas.
  • Walk along the remarkable red beach in Rabida Island.
  • Play with sea lion pups in Mosquera.

Itinerary:

  • Day 1 – Tuesday:
    • Arrival at Baltra Airport (GPS).
    • Visit North Seymour.
  • Day 2 – Wednesday:
    • Explore South Plaza and Santa Fe.
  • Day 3 – Thursday:
    • Discover Cormorant Point and Post Office Bay.
  • Day 4 – Friday:
    • Visit El Chato Reserve, Twin Craters.
  • Day 5 – Saturday:
    • Explore Dragon Hill and Sullivan Bay.
  • Day 6 – Sunday:
    • Discover Egas Port and Chinese Hat.
  • Day 7 – Monday:
    • Visit Rabida and Bartholomew.
  • Day 8 – Tuesday:
    • Transfer to Baltra Airport (GPS).

AQUA NATURALIST ROUTE B5 – Itinerary B5 / 5D – 4N /

Overview: Embark on a memorable journey with our 5-day naturalist itinerary aboard M/Y Aqua! Explore the heart of the archipelago and encounter unique wildlife.

Highlights:

  • Take incredible photos of Bartholomew’s views.
  • Interact with wildlife above and under the waves.
  • Discover the marine life at Bartholomew.

Itinerary:

  • Day 1 – Friday:
    • Arrival at Baltra Airport (GPS).
    • Visit CC Fausto Llerena.
  • Day 2 – Saturday:
    • Explore Dragon Hill and Sullivan Bay.
  • Day 3 – Sunday:
    • Discover Egas Port and Chinese Hat.
  • Day 4 – Monday:
    • Visit Rabida and Bartholomew.
  • Day 5 – Tuesday:
    • Explore Mosquera Islet.
    • Tour ends. Transfer to Baltra Airport.

AQUA NATURALIST ROUTE B4 – Itinerary B4 / 4D – 3N / 

Overview: Discover the beauty of Galapagos with our 4-day naturalist itinerary aboard M/Y Aqua! Encounter diverse wildlife and explore enchanting islands.

Highlights:

  • Explore North Seymour and South Plaza.
  • Meet the giant tortoises of Galapagos.
  • Visit the seabird colonies of North Seymour.

Itinerary:

  • Day 1 – Tuesday:
    • Arrival at Baltra Airport (GPS).
    • Visit North Seymour.
  • Day 2 – Wednesday:
    • Explore South Plaza and Santa Fe.
  • Day 3 – Thursday:
    • Discover Cormorant Point and Post Office Bay.
  • Day 4 – Friday:
    • Visit El Chato Reserve, Twin Craters.
    • Tour ends. Transfer to Baltra Airport.
Included: Not Included:
  • Lodging on board in cabin with private facilities.
  • All meals, water, coffee and tea.
  • All diving and visits as mentioned in the itinerary (please note that the itinerary is subject to change).
  • English-speaking dive instructor.
  • All transfers in the Galapagos (airport-yacht-airport). These transfers are only guaranteed if the flight has been booked through us.
  • For our diving liveaboards: 12 L tanks for enriched air, weights, belts, and scuba safety equipment (personal marine rescue GPS, storm whistle, diving beacon, and surface marker tube).
  • Towels.
  • Roundtrip flight to Galapagos Islands.
  • Galapagos National Park entrance fee (USD 100 pp) and Transit Control Card (USD 20 pp).
  • Full diving equipment rental (BCD, regulator, mask, fins, 7 mm wetsuits, hoods, gloves, boots, dive computer, and torch) and nitrox (USD 250 pp).
  • Soft and alcoholic drinks, tips, travel insurance (medical coverage, trip cancellation and dive accident insurance) and other items of personal nature.
  • Please note that the flight rates and entrance fees are subject to change.