Description
Boat
Aqua is a motor yacht with expert diving instructors/naturalist guides will accompany you on your journey to discovering the unique Galapagos Islands. It was originally built back in 1998 and it was completely renovated during 2010 - 2012, 2015, and again in 2019. It It measuring 26 meters in length and 5.5 meters in width, cruises at 9 knots per hour. It is the ideal boat for divers and adventure lovers of all ages!
Aqua has cozy social areas that will complement a comfortable and adventurous stay with indoor dining area, bar and conference area with TV, DVD, chart games, library of books and DVDs, shaded outside lounge.
On the upper deck, there are 2 relaxation area : at the front and back of the boat. The front sundeck is completely open, equipped with chaise longues. And at the back of upper deck, the is an outdoor shaded lounge with cushioned benches, tables and drinking water supply.
Aqua diving platform offers space for all guests’ dive equipment, camera table, cleaning tanks with fresh water, and space for drying suits. It has 50 Aluminium scuba tanks, 2 compressor and 2 zodiacs with Yamaha engines for diving. Additionally, there is a bath on the platform and two showers with warm water.
Cabin
Aqua has 9 guest cabins, it can accommodate up to 16 guests per trip:
All cabins have ensuite bathroom, A/C, closets, reading lamps, smoke alarm and alarm system, electricity outlets, amenities and towels.
4 Deluxe Cabins (#5 - #8) :
Located on the upper deck, size 10m2, each cabin comes with two single bunk beds, seaview windows.
1 Deluxe Cabins (#9) :
Located on the upper deck, size 10m2, this cabin comes with one double bed, seaview windows.
1 Deluxe Cabins (#4) :
Located on the main deck, size 10m2, this cabin comes with one double bed, seaview windows.
3 Standard Cabins (#1 - 3) :
Located on the lower deck, size 10m2, each cabin comes with one double bed and one single bed in bunk style, portholes.
Diving
- 3 dives per day + alternating additional sunset/night dives.
- Usually 8D/7N diving trip will offer 18 - 20 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.
- Personal marine rescue GPS will be provided to divers for free.
- Diving beacon and surface marker tube will be provided to divers.
Other information
- Nitrox:Available with an additional cost
- 15L Tanks:Limited available with an additional cost
- Technical Dive Available: Not available at the moment
- REBREATHER Dive:Not available at the moment
- Dive Equipment Rental:Available with an additional cost
- Dive insurance:Divers must have valid dive insurance
- Wi-Fi Internet :Not available at the moment
- Laundry Service:Not available at the moment
- Massage Service:Not available at the moment
- Payment on board:By cash (USD) or credit cards.
- Crew Number:8, include 2 dive guides
Itineraries
Diving Itinerary 8D/7N
Day 1 (Check dive) :
AM - Baltra Airport : Upon arrival, you will have to pay your Galapagos National Park entrance fee and your luggage will be inspected to make sure no foreign substances are introduced
PM - Baltra Northeast : Your first stop will be in Baltra North East, where you will disembark close to the yacht in order to try on your diving suit. Make sure you get comfortable; you’ll be using this equipment during your entire diving journey!
Day 2 (3 dives) :
AM - Cape Marshall : This area on the northeast side of Isabela island offers a few great dive spots.. One of them is Ciudad de las Mantas, named for how common it is to see giant mantas. The plankton-rich waters of this area are an attraction for many species of rays, sharks, sea lions, turtles, etc.
PM - City of the Mantas : The main attraction of Cape Marshall is a spot where it is so frequent to see giant mantas that it was named “City of the Mantas”. They come to feed on the plankton-rich waters, which is why visibility can be low.
Day 3 - Day 5 (11 dives) :
Due to the large number of dive sites available in Darwin and Wolf as well as the marked influence that marine conditions can have on the area, the dive sites will be chosen with these factors in mind. On Friday, conditions may be suitable for night diving in one of the two available locations.
Day 6 (2 dives) :
AM - Vicente Roca Point : The calmer waters of the coves are well-protected against the ocean swell and are great place for snorkelling amongst various species of shark, penguins, puffer fish and even seahorses!
PM - Cape Douglas : Cape Douglas is sure to provide you amazing opportunities to observe a large amount of wildlife, above and under the water! Keep an eye out for Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, red-lipped batfish, baleen whales, and more!
Day 7 (2 dives) :
AM - Cousin’s Rock : This triangular volcanic rock formation with blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, and Galapagos fur seals is the summit of a great underwater cone. Beautiful shelved reef terraces offer colorful algae, mollusks, sponges, sea fans, and endemic black coral surrounded by a variety of colourful fish as well as a cleaning station of white-spotted eagle rays.
PM - Highlands (Santa Cruz) : The road to the highlands leaves from Bellavista, a small village located a 15-minute drive from Puerto Ayora, and passes through the agricultural zone, near the National Park boundary, the Miconia Zone, and then goes to the Fern and Sedge zone.
Day 8 :
Transfer to Baltra Airport. Assisted by the naturalist guide and some crew members, the dinghy will bring you and your luggage to Baltra, where we will take the airport shuttle. Your guide will accompany you to the check-in counters in the departure hall.
Layering is the best plan for diving in the Galapagos. 7 mm wetsuit with a lightweight hood, booties, and gloves is a good option or a dry suit with a full 5 mm hood will keep most divers warm and toasty.
More
Destinations | Galapagos |
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Facilities | Nitrox support, Camera Station, Nautilus GPS |
Languages spoken | English, Spanish |
Schedules & routes
Date | Duration | Destination | Departure - Arrival | Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
30/04/2024 to 07/05/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
07/05/2024 to 14/05/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
14/05/2024 to 21/05/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
21/05/2024 to 28/05/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
28/05/2024 to 04/06/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
04/06/2024 to 11/06/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
11/06/2024 to 18/06/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
18/06/2024 to 25/06/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
25/06/2024 to 02/07/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
02/07/2024 to 09/07/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
09/07/2024 to 16/07/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
16/07/2024 to 23/07/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
23/07/2024 to 30/07/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
30/07/2024 to 06/08/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
06/08/2024 to 13/08/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
13/08/2024 to 20/08/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
20/08/2024 to 27/08/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
27/08/2024 to 03/09/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
03/09/2024 to 10/09/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
10/09/2024 to 17/09/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
17/09/2024 to 24/09/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
24/09/2024 to 01/10/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
01/10/2024 to 08/10/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
08/10/2024 to 15/10/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
15/10/2024 to 22/10/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
22/10/2024 to 29/10/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
29/10/2024 to 05/11/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
05/11/2024 to 12/11/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
12/11/2024 to 19/11/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
19/11/2024 to 26/11/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
26/11/2024 to 03/12/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
03/12/2024 to 10/12/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
10/12/2024 to 17/12/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
17/12/2024 to 24/12/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
24/12/2024 to 31/12/2024 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
31/12/2024 to 07/01/2025 | 7 nights | Galapagos | Baltra - Baltra | From $4,595.00 | Detail |
Prices & conditions
Destination | Duration | Cabin | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Galapagos | 7 nights | Lower Deck | From $4,595.00 |
Galapagos | 7 nights | From $4,795.00 |
Included
- Transfers from airport and/or hotel to the yacht
- VAT and local taxes
- Full-board meal plan (including snacks)
- Complimentary beverages (water, tea, coffee)
- Diving activity (incl. tanks, weights, weight belts)
- Dive guide service
- Nitrox fills
- Naturalist guide
- Land excursions and activities throughout the trip
- Boat accident insurance
- Cabin towels and complimentary toiletries
- Cabin cleaning service
Not included
- Domestic flights in destination country
- Marine park fees & Port fees
- Fuel surcharge
- Alcoholic beverage
- Soft drinks
- Dive equipment rentals
- Larger tank (15 L)
- Dive insurance (mandatory requirement)
- Travel insurance (trip cancellation insurance)
- Crew gratuity
Useful information
Galapagos
Best time for diving
There is no "wrong time" for Galapagos! There are two seasons in the Galapagos : The Manta season (Wet season, warmer water) - December to April/May, the Whale shark season (Dry season, cooler water) - June to November. Any time is a good time, as you'll see more species in Galapagos on a bad day than you see in most dive sites around the world on the very best day. However, Dive and Cruise team do recommend to visit Galapagos between mid June and November, as the chances of seeing whale sharks are definitely higher and the schools of hammerheads usually tend to be bigger in this period.
The average visibility is around 10 - 30 meters. Currents can be very strong at times, and the surface conditions can be choppy.
About temperatures
Air : Wet season (Dec - May) is between 23°C - 30°C, Dry season (Jun - Nov) between 21°C - 27°C. Evening temperatures can drop to just 15°C.
Sea : Wet season (Dec - May) is between 18°C - 26°C - with the western part of Galapagos being the coolest at 17°C -19°C. Dry season (Jun - Nov) between 17°C - 25°C - with the western part of Galapagos being the coolest at 15°C -18°C. Wolf and Darwin are usually between 24°C - 25°C all year.
Wetsuit Recommendation
Thermoclines are to be expected throughout the year and divers are advised to bring suitable thermal protection for all expected temperatures. We recommend 5mm - 7mm wetsuit with additional layers (shorty / skin-suit /vest / hood) for cooler waters and gloves for warmth and support in strong currents.
Diver requirement
Diving in Galapagos can be challenging even for experienced divers. Strong currents and tough conditions are not rare. Therefore, all liveaboards require divers to have at least AOW certification with minimum 50 logged dive. In addition, we strongly suggest divers to get some experience in strong currents and reduced visibility! You can find out more informations about diving in the Galapagos Islands here : Galapagos
Embarkation / Disembarkation
Depends on the liveaboard you pick, the embarkation and disembarkation is either San Cristobal (SCY) or Baltra (GPS) in the Galápagos islands.
Guests need to take their international flights to Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE), in mainland Ecuador at least one day before the embarkation.
Flights to the Galápagos Islands originate in Quito, making a quick stop at Guayaquil, then carrying on to the islands and do the reverse on the way back.
One the day of embarkation, please at the airport in Quito or Guayaquil one and a half hours (90 minutes) prior to departure for check-in. A Transit Control Card (also referred to as TCT card) is required for travel from mainland Ecuador to the Galápagos Islands. The cards are obtainable from the INGALA booths at Quito and Guayaquil Airports before checking in for your flight to the Galapagos, and cost 20 USD.
Upon arrival in Galápagos, passengers form a line to process passenger Passports and Park entrance fees in cash. Then you will meet the pickup crew outside of the airport door with a sign.
Visa Requirements
There is no visa requirement for most foreign visitors who carry passports with at least six months’ validity from their entry date. Please contact your nearest Ecuadorian embassy / consulate for the latest requirements.
Vaccinations
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for anyone arriving from regions where the disease is prevalent, such as Brazil, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda (including airport transit).
Insurance Requirements
In addition to the mandatory Dive insurance, a Travel health insurance is a mandatory requirement for entry into Ecuador. All foreign tourists are required to have travel health insurance which covers the entire duration of their intended stay in the country. Traveller who are unable to provide proof of insurance may be denied entry.
Ban on plastic
Since 2018, single use, non-recyclable and non-biodegradable plastics have been banned in Galapagos. Before travelling, please ensure that plastic packaging is removed from any items you are bringing with you.
Money Matters
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.
Drones
Tourists are NOT permitted to fly camera drones anywhere in the Galapagos Islands. Please refer to Drone Laws in the Galapagos Islands for more details.
Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.
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