Experience the Magic of Galápagos on a Gorgeous Liveaboard!

Why We Love It

Embark from San Cristóbal Island on a luxury liveaboard trip to the Galápagos! With three full days at Darwin and Wolf and three land excursions, the dedicated crew will make sure you experience the best the archipelago has to offer. We like that the dive guides are trained naturalists, and the possibility of hiring a private guide if you want to dive in a small group. With only 16 guests on board, well-designed common areas, and comfortable cabins, you'll even love the surface intervals! Last but not least, the culinary school-trained chef will prepare gourmet meals and snacks, using locally sourced ingredients.

Conservation

The liveaboard mother company has proudly partnered with the Charles Darwin Foundation and Galapagos National Park Service to establish the Galapagos Biodiversity and Education for Sustainability Fund, in order to bolster conservation in the Galapagos Islands and ensure that the diverse plant, animal, and marine life of the archipelago are preserved for future generations.

Who Is It For?

For passionate, experienced divers. Strong currents attract the pelagic, which is why most sites are challenging. A minimum of 50-100 logged dives is required. All divers should be Nitrox certified prior to the cruise.

Prices and Dates

Dive Briefing!

Marine Life

• The Galápagos Marine Reserve, established in 1998, is the second largest marine preserve in the world.
• Since 2001, the Marine Reserve has been added as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (an expansion from the Galápagos National Park, which was recognized in 1978).
• Located at the confluence of three ocean currents, the Galápagos are a "melting pot" of marine species: the extraordinary diversity of marine life is unmatched anywhere else in the world.
• Nearly 20% of marine life in the Galápagos is endemic, found nowhere else on Earth, such as the world’s only marine iguana and the most northern-living penguin.
• Due to the island topography, pelagic species like tuna, manta ray, and hammerhead sharks can be seen extremely close to the shoreline.
• The diversity of underwater terrain is exceptional and cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Dive Conditions

• Season: December to May is when manta rays are more commonly sighted; it's also the best season to see plenty of hammerheads. It is the warmest season, but daily rain showers and cloudier skies should also be expected. From June to November, the Humboldt current comes up from the south, bringing with it plankton and making this the best time for seeing whale sharks. Cooler temperatures with occasional showers should be expected.
• Currents: medium to strong.
• Visibility: 10 to 20 m (30 to 66 ft)
• Water Temperature: 23° to 29°C (73° to 84°F) from December to May and 22° to 27°C (72° to 81°F) between June and November, with some thermoclines
• Depth: shallow and deep dives

Dive Sites

• There will be up to four dives a day, and three land excursions
• A total of 19 dives on seven different islands of the Galápagos!

DAY 1: Sunday

• Morning: check-in on the liveaboard by 11:00 at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal
• Afternoon: Isla Lobos (Check Dive)

DAY 2: Monday

• Morning: Bartolome (1 dive), and Land tour
• Afternoon: Cousins Rock, Santiago Island (2 dives)

DAY 3: Tuesday

• Morning: Wolf Island (2 dives)
• Afternoon: Wolf Island (2 dives, including a night dive)

DAY 4: Wednesday

• Morning: Darwin's Arch (2 dives)
• Afternoon: Darwin's Arch (2 dives)

DAY 5: Thursday

• Morning: Darwin's Arch (2 dives)
• Afternoon: Wolf Island (1 dive)

DAY 6: Friday

• Morning: Marine Iguana Dive, Cabo Douglas, Fernandina Island (1 dive)
• Afternoon: Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela Island (2 dives)

DAY 7: Saturday

• Morning: Pinzon (2 dives)
• Afternoon: Galapagos Tortoise Reserve, time in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz
• End of day: early optional disembark for Guests with plans on Santa Cruz

DAY 8: Sunday

• Morning: Land tour at the Interpretation Center, San Cristobal
• End of the morning: disembark in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal, and transfer back to San Cristobal Airport (SCY) for flights back to mainland Ecuador

The Team

• Dive operator in the area since 1991
• Boat built in 2001
• Languages spoken: English and Spanish
• Maximum 8 divers per guide

Safety Information

• Equipment Recommended: a 7 mm long wetsuit, hood, dive gloves, an SMB, a reef hook, and the usual diving equipment. All can be rented on board
• Insurance: Both dive insurance and travel insurance are mandatory. We recommend DAN Europe that has plans to cover both - ask us for a quote.
• Nearest Hyperbaric Chamber: Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island.

Visas, Flights, and More!

Visa Requirements

• You must have a valid passport to enter Ecuador, and a return ticket
• Most citizens do not require a visa to stay in Ecuador for up to 90 days
• Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the period you intend to stay
• Please check current visa policies that apply for your country on Ecuador Virtual Consulate

How to Get There

• You need to first go to Guayaquil (GYE) or Quito, at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Ecuador.
• Plan to arrive in Ecuador mainland at the latest on Saturday morning.
• Take a domestic flight from Quito or Guayaquil to San Cristóbal Airport (SCY)
• In all cases, we recommend spending an additional night before the cruise on San Cristóbal island to ensure you do not miss any connections and are well-rested before diving.

More...

• Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, mosquito repellent, and long clothing (dengue is present in the Galápagos).
• December to May has an average daytime air temperature of 23° (73°F) with daily rain showers and cloudier skies.
• June to November is drier, but with cooler temperatures - average of 21° (70°F) - with local rain showers generally confined to the highlands of the larger islands. Evening temperatures can drop to just 15° (59°F) so bring extra trousers, jumpers, a hat, and a windbreaker.