Galapagos Master

Boat

Galapagos Master was built in 2004 the yacht, formerly known as "Deep Blue". It was undergo a full refit in November 2014 - April 2015, and finally re-launched in May 2015 as a professional dive liveaboard under the Master Liveaboard Fleet. The refit was overseen by the experienced yacht building team of Siren Fleet, Jan & Frank Van Der Linde.

Galapagos Master is a 32.3 meters long, 7.5 meters wide professional steel dive liveaboard, cruises at 9 knots, it has 110v and 220v power with US plugs onboard.

On the main deck there is air-conditioned indoor lounge with cushioned bench seating and plasma screen for movie and photo viewing. The indoor dining area is adjacent to the lounge and complete with cocktail bar. It has an indoor camera set-up station, with numerous charging points (US round pin plug) and storage drawers is situated to the rear providing ample room for a full photography charter group. Further camera preparation areas can be found on the rear deck next to the dive deck.

The upper level has shaded outdoor bench seating with cushioned loungers from where our guests can enjoy the fresh air and views of The Galapagos. For those who enjoy to relax in the sun there is the top level sun-deck or upper level bow area with additional cushioned loungers provided for your comfort. Guests are free to take advantage of the gangways on both the port and starboard sides to walk around the yacht or visit the Captain in his bridge on the upper deck.

Galapagos Master offer a choice of international and local cuisine, all meals are served in buffet style. In between the meals, there is always some tasty treats for you to pick up. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let our booking agents know, so we can put an note for you.

There is a range of fruit juices, balck/green herbal teas, carbonated soft drinks available any time of the day, as well as instant and freshly brewed coffee. Guests may also select beer, wine or spirit from the cocktail bar for an additional fee, in accordace with local law, we have a "Ship-Only" bar policy.

The dive deck is found on the aft deck of the main deck. Equipped with individual set up areas, under bench storage for masks, fins and other personal items. Rinse tanks are conveniently located for washing dive equipment and camera gear, whilst there are 2 shower heads for those wishing for a quick post-dive rinse down, and also 2 deck bathrooms.

A further 2 deck heads are situated on the starboard side of the boat, just in front of the salon entrance.

Cabin

Galapagos Master has 9 well-appointed modern guest cabins, limited by the license the boat takes no more than 16 divers per trip, although, it can accomodate up to 18.

All cabins have ensuite bathroom, Wall fan, A/C, storage area, safety box, bathrobes, hiar dryer, shower gel, US plug outlet 110 & 220 Volts, adapter.

4 Upper Deck Cabins (# 6 - 9)
On the upper deck, each cabin comes with two single beds side by side upon request, it can be converted into one king size double bed, seaview windows.

1 Main Deck Cabin (# 5)
On the main deck, this cabin comes with a large double bed, seaview windows.

4 Lower Deck Cabins (# 1 - 4 ):
On the lower deck, each cabin comes with two single beds side by side upon request, it can be converted into one king size double bed, portholes.

Diving

• 3 dives per day + alternating additional sunset/night dives.
• Usually 8D/7N diving trip will offer 18 - 20 dives in total.
• Usually 11D/10N diving trip will offer up to 30 dives in total.
• 1 Check dive will be provided on the embarkation day.
• Only 1 - 2 dives will be provided on the last diving day.
• All diving will provide experienced guide to lead the dive.
• Divers must have AOW level with at least 50 logged dives.

Other Informations

• Nitrox：Available with additional charge
• 15L Tanks：Available with additional charge
• REBREATHER Dive：Not available at the moment
• Technical Dive：Not available at the moment
• Dive Equipment Rental：Available with additional charge
• Dive insurance：Divers must have valid dive insurance
• Wi-Fi Internet ：Not available at the moment
• Laundry Service：Available with additional charge
• Massage Service：Not available at the moment
• Payment on board：Cash(USD), credit cards
• Crew Number：11, include 2 dive guides

Galapagos Itinerary

On a typical day we offer up to 4 day dives. On our 7-night itinerary we schedule 18 - 20 dives, whilst during our 10-night itineraries 27 - 30 dives . We do not offer night dives in the Galapagos.

The diving day aboard is scheduled as follows:

Light Breakfast followed by a briefing and Dive 1
Full Breakfast, relaxation period, briefing and Dive 2
Lunch, relaxation period, briefing and Dive 3
Snack relaxation period, briefing and Dive 4, where possible
Dinner

To allow our guests to explore the Galapagos to its fullest, on days 2, 7 and 10, dives 3 and 4 will be substituted by an island visit. Prior to your flight home, you may also opt to visit the Interpretation Center on San Cristobal Island.

Diving in the Galapagos can be challenging, even for the experienced diver. At many sites currents can be strong and visibility may diminish due to currents and an influx of nutrients. We highly recommend our guests have training beyond beginner level and a minimum experience of 50 dives, preferably in similar conditions. If our dive crew feel that you do not have the relevant skills or experience to dive the more challenging sites safely then they may stipulate that you sit out some dives.

Water temperature ranges from 21-30°C (70-86°F) between December and May when manta rays are more commonly sighted. However it drops to an average of 16-24°C (60-75°F) between June and November when the Humboldt Current comes up from the south, bringing with it plankton; making this the best time for seeing whale sharks. Thermoclines can also be expected and divers are advised to bring suitable thermal protection.

8D/7N Itinerary

Day 1: Morning airport arrival, transfer to Galapagos Master and lunch, followed by an afternoon check dive - carried out in a sheltered bay in an excellent shallow spot, at a max depth of 9 meters (30ft), this will allow you to check your dive gear but also become acquainted with some of the local marine life.

Day 2: Morning will be 2 dives at Punta Carrion and Baltra North East followed by an afternoon land tour of North Seymour Island before cruising north during the evening.

Day 3 & 4: Will be spent at Darwin island, diving all day.

Day 5: Will be spent at Wolf island followed by a cruise South during the evening

Day 6: Will be spent at Punta Vicente Roca.

Day 7: Morning we will dive at Cousin Rock followed by an afternoon dive at Los Gemelos, plus a land visit to see giant land tortoises on Santa Cruz.

Day 8: Morning there will be a visit to the Interpretation Centre on San Cristóbal Island followed by disembarkation and transfer to the airport or local hotels.

For each liveaboard safari in the Galapagos the additional fees are payable locally:
US$100 Galapagos National Park Tax – payable on arrival at San Cristobal Airport
US$20 Ingala Transfer Card – payable on arrival at Guayaquil/Quito Airport

Fuel surcharge ($140 for 8D/7N, $200 for 11D/10N) is subject to change at any time and applies to all Galapagos Master itineraries departing from 1st April 2022 onwards. The applicable amount will be added to bookings and invoiced to be paid in advance, between 21 - 60 days before departure date.

Getting there and away…
The Galapagos Master embarks and disembarks at the island of San Cristóbal.

Book your international flight into and out of Quito or Guayaquil International Airport in Ecuador from where there are daily domestic flights to San Cristóbal (SCY). Our representative will meet you at the airport.

Embarkation time is depending on flight arrivals; disembarkation at the end of the cruise will be just before 10 am allowing plenty of time for your onward domestic connection.

International flights are possible to some destinations on the day of disembarkation but please ensure you allow plenty of time for transfers and check in.

On arrival…
The Galapagos Islands are a province of Ecuador. Passport holders of most Western and Asian countries will be issued with a visa on arrival into Ecuador that allows for stays of up to 90 days, please make sure that your passport has validity of at least 6 months beyond the period you intend to stay in Ecuador. If you are travelling with medication please bring your physician’s prescription with you.

Staying there…
The local currency in Ecuador is the US Dollar (USD). Larger hotels, resorts, shops and restaurants will normally accept Visa and Mastercard for which a charge of 4 – 10% may be levied. We work with a number of hotels and resorts. Should you wish to extend your stay in the Galapagos, our team will be pleased to assist you.