Galaxy Sirius Galapagos Cruise

Aqua Mare

As the first true superyacht in the Galapagos Islands, the 50m Aqua Mare takes an iconic once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the next level. With her expansive size and world-class pedigree, she boasts 30 percent more indoor volume than most yachts her size, making her the perfect respite after active days exploring the remote wildlife and dynamic nature of the Archipelago. Aboard the Italian CRN Yacht-built Aqua Mare, guests will find seven large Zuretti-designed suites, including an 80 sqm Owner’s Suite complete with exclusive steward service, extravagant indoor and outdoor social spaces, elegant finishing, and immaculate attention to detail, making it the first of its kind in the region, and the ultimate retreat while exploring the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Galapagos Archipelago. Exclusivity is combined with the most personalized service enabled by two naturalist guides for 16 guests, on top of the islands’ most exclusive one-to-one crew to guest ratio. A truly stunning example of signature Italian luxury mega yacht builders CRN Yachts, Aqua Mare is a vessel of distinction in every way. Designed and built in 1998, the 50m superyacht incorporates original custom interiors by famous yacht designer François Zuretti, and timeless exterior styling by the Italy-based Studio Scanu. Originally consisting of five elegant staterooms, the 2021 refurbishment led by Aqua Expeditions Director Birgit Galli Zugaro sees Aqua Mare add two spacious cabins to the already luxurious mix. A personalized interior makeover that complements the rich history of its destination, Aqua Mare reveals the personalized Aqua Expeditions touch and is ready to be enjoyed in all her sophisticated and contemporary glory.

Endemic

Endemic is one of the ships we place high on the shortlist for travellers who want the intimacy of just 16 guests without giving up generous private space. The atmosphere is contemporary rather than nautical and traditional: broad glass, light interiors and private balconies keep the ocean in view even during the pause between a landing and dinner. What makes Endemic work particularly well is how the day flows. After a landing, panga ride or snorkel, you can retreat to a 32 m² Golden Suite, join the guide in the briefing area, or follow the open-air decks up to the shaded terraces and Sky Deck. The eight suites can be arranged as king or twin beds; a separate 14 m² Upper Deck single cabin makes the ship a genuine option for solo travellers. Wetsuits, snorkelling gear, kayaks and paddleboards are part of the setup, so active days feel integral to the journey. We recommend Endemic to couples, friends and solo travellers who want a premium, modern small ship with enough space to decompress without losing the sociable rhythm of a 16-guest expedition. Its 3–5-night programmes work as focused introductions, while the 7-night route and 9–14-night combinations give more time to build island variety; we can help match that choice to your wildlife priorities. The honest trade-off is price and style: choose a simpler yacht if value or classic character matters more, and ask us about Main versus Upper Deck if you are particularly sensitive to motion.

Petrel

Petrel is one of the catamarans we recommend when travellers want their Galapagos days to feel adventurous and their time on board to feel genuinely spacious. She carries just 16 guests, every double stateroom and suite has a private balcony, and the two 43 m² master suites offer exceptional room for a yacht of this size. The result is a polished small-ship experience without losing the sociable rhythm that makes a Galapagos expedition so rewarding. The route matters just as much as the ship. Petrel's published programmes can focus on Española and Floreana, connect Genovesa with the central islands, or head west to the young volcanic landscapes and marine life of Isabela and Fernandina. Days are built around landings, walks, snorkelling and panga exploration, while the open bridge and observation spaces keep the islands present even during the transfers. We recommend choosing the route by wildlife and activity priorities, not simply by the number of nights. Back on board, Petrel is especially good at turning the pauses between excursions into part of the trip. Our travellers repeatedly praise the Ecuadorian dishes, fresh snacks after outings and top-deck BBQs. The sky-deck bar, al-fresco dining area and whirlpool give you several inviting places to compare notes or simply watch the light change over the water. Book Petrel if generous cabins, balcony time and an active small-group programme matter more than having the newest panoramic interior. She is less suitable if budget is the main priority or if you expect a catamaran to remove all motion: some overnight Galapagos passages can still be lively, and we would prepare motion-sensitive travellers accordingly.

Alia

Alia