New Galápagos Yachts for Lindblad & Aqua Expeditions
by Anne Kalosh
Lindblad Expeditions and Aqua Expeditions are each putting a new yacht into the Galápagos Islands in 2022.
For Lindblad, it’s the former Crystal Esprit, acquired in September for $13 million from Crystal Cruises.
The 62-passenger, all-suite Crystal Esprit. * Photo: Crystal Cruises
Replaces National Geographic Islander
The 62-passenger, luxurious all-suite vessel is to replace the 48-passenger National Geographic Islander.
Star Cruises’ former MegaStar Taurus had undergone an upgrade at Singapore’s Sembawang Shipyard before its introduction to the Crystal fleet in December 2015.
Lindblad hasn’t announced a new name for the vessel or any planned changes, but it’s expected Esprit would be renamed and take on its new owner’s distinctive deep blue livery.
The company also operates the 96-passenger National Geographic Endeavour II in the Galápagos.
Lindblad Expeditions also operates National Geographic Endeavour II in the Galápagos. * Photo: Lindblad Expeditions
Aqua’s New Super-Yacht
Aqua Expeditions is expanding into the Galápagos with the new 16-passenger super-yacht Aqua Mare, designed and built by Italy’s CRN shipyard with custom interiors by François Zuretti.
The Italian-designed and built Aqua Mare has capacity for 16 passengers in seven suites. * Image: ©Aqua Expeditions
The 164-foot, 640-gross-ton Aqua Mare has four shaded and open sun decks, a six-person Jacuzzi, indoor and outdoor dining, an alfresco barbecue area and an early-morning workout zone.
Meanwhile, the Beach Club, located aft on the lower deck, sports a hydraulic-opening panoramic beam-to-beam window.
Aqua Mare’s “Beach Club” with its beam-to-beam window. * Image: ©Aqua Expeditions
Starting May 6, 2022, the yacht will offer two weeklong itineraries exploring the archipelago’s eastern and western regions along with two 14-night voyages.
Coming Full Circle
The choice of the Galápagos as the destination for Aqua Expeditions’ fifth vessel holds special significance for company CEO and founder Francesco Galli Zugaro, who began his luxury travel career there. This is also the place that inspired him and co-founder Fred Brown to launch immersive small-ship expeditions in Peru’s Amazon.
“Ever since I left Ecuador in 2006 with the clarity to build my own business, I have wanted to return to the Galápagos Islands with our very own luxury expedition ship,” Galli Zugaro said. “It has been 15 years since we ventured to Peru as a family and then onward to Asia to finally come full circle back to where it all started in the iconic destination that is the Enchanted Islands.”
Francesco Galli Zugaro began his luxury travel career in the Galápagos. * Photo: Aqua Expeditions
Darwin’s legacy “gives meaning to my vision of 15 years ago,” Galli Zugaro elaborated. “Today, who would have guessed that we would be bridging the gap between the Galápagos Islands and Indonesia’s Coral Triangle, where Aqua Mare’s bigger sister yacht Aqua Blu navigates and where another British naturalist and explorer, Alfred Russel Wallace, co-discovered the theory of evolution and natural selection.”
Aqua Mare will carry 16 crew including two naturalist guides who’ll lead twice-daily excursions on two custom-made, military-grade black rib tenders.
The yacht is also equipped with double kayaks, snorkeling gear and paddle boards.
Aqua Mare Deck Plan
Suites & Dining
The owner’s suite sprawls across 861 square feet with a 215-square-foot bathroom. The other individually designed suites measure 215 square feet each.
Aqua Mare’s lavish 861-square-foot owner’s suite. * Image: @Aqua Expeditions
Award-winning Peruvian chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, the culinary mastermind behind the Amazonia-inspired menus of Aqua’s Aria Amazon and Aqua Nera, is the consulting chef. He’ll deliver a Peruvian-Japanese Nikkei-inspired menu consisting of fresh, sustainable ingredients sourced from local suppliers all the way to Ecuador’s Andes.
Dishes include Galapagueña lobster lettuce wraps with Acevichado dressing, potato llapingachos, tuna crudo, barbecued plantains and shrimp ceviche.
Alfresco dining aboard Aqua Mare. * Rendering: @Aqua Expeditions
Aqua Mare rates start at $9,450 per person including beverages premium wines and beer. Fares include local transfers to/from recommended flights, all excursions, Galápagos National Park entrance fees and INGALA transit card, laundry service and Internet.
A seven-night charter for up to 16 passengers starts at $196,000, including house spirits and a private masseuse five hours per day.
Checking out a Galápagos tortoise. * Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins/Lindblad Expeditions
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