Description
Boat
Nortada a fully rebuilt fiberglass vessel, built in France by Naval Builder Guy Couach, it is perfect charter boat for a small groups of 8 to 12 divers or individuals who like smaller charter. It is 25.9 meters long and 5.4 meters wide, with average cruising speed at 8 - 10 knots.
This liveaboard was bought by Rolf Wittmer Turismo in 2008 and went through a full refurbishment in Guayaquil, Ecuador until December 2014. It started operations as a scuba diving live-aboard vessel in the Galapagos Islands in February 2015.
Nortada concept targets groups with specialized diving needs, maximizes the value of live-aboard dive departures and offers unprecedented privacy, even for small groups.
On board, the public areas consist of a main deck with bridge, galley, air conditioned dining room and lounge. The scuba diving platform has ample benches, outside showers, camera tables and rebreather rinsing facilities. And there is a sundeck with shaded sitting area and sunbath chairs.
There are two 15 foot inflatable tenders with 25HP outboard engines takes fully equipped divers to and from the dive site. All divers are provided with a Nautilus Lifeline bi-directional VHF/DSC marine radio with GPS, dive alert and a DSMB.
Nortada offers unique benefits such as full rebreather and technical diving support and photo – video or other interests oriented departures. For technical and rebreather diving, redundant oxygen clean Haskell Sport Boosters, one Tri Hunter 3000 Gas mixing stick for Trimix blending, several nitrox compatible 40 cu ft / 6 liter aluminum stage cylinders and several 19 cu ft / 2 liter steel rebreather cylinders with various valves and one Analytical Industries Trimix Analyzer are available upon request.
Nortada will operate with 2 dive masters in all full departures, diving off two tenders with 4 guests each. A feature that will make diving much safer, more enjoyable and tailored to the customers' needs.
Cabin
Nortada has 4 guest cabins, it can accommodate 8 guests on regular trip, but also can extended occupancy option of up to 12 guests on board with extra cost :
All cabins fully air conditioned cabins with private bathroom, lockers and drawers, reading light, smoke alarm and alarm system, electricity outlets.
4 Guest Cabins：
Located on the lower deck, each cabin comes with 2 single bunk beds plus one extra single bed, portholes.
Diving
3 dives per day + alternating additional sunset/night dives.
Usually 8D/7N diving trip will offer 18 - 20 dives in total.
Only 1 - 2 dives will be provided on the last diving day.
No dive will be provided on the day of disembarkation.
All diving will provide experienced guide to lead the dive.
Divers must have AOW level with at least 80 logged dives.
Other Information
- Nitrox：Available with an additional cost
- 15L Tanks：Limited available with additional cost
- Technical Dive Available:Available with additional cost
- REBREATHER Dive：Available with additional cost
- Dive Equipment Rental：Available, rate on request
- 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 only (USD preferred)
- Crew Number：8, include 1 - 2 dive guide(s)
Itineraries
Galapagos 8D/7N Diving
DAY 1 : ARRIVAL, SNORKEL TOUR AND DIVING BRIEFING
Meet at Passenger Pier at 12h30 in Puerto Ayora for lunch on board. After lunch will be time for ATM visits, souvenir shopping, sightseeing of the local town and around 14h00 you will take a snorkeling tour in Santa Cruz island Bay.A welcome cocktail and dinner will be served on board, later there will be a briefing about diving and security practices. Nortada will depart at midnight with destination to Carrión Point.
DAY 2 : CARRIÓN POINT / BALTRA NE / COUSIN ROCK
Usually starting at 6 am, one morning dive check is done at Carrión Point or the north-eastern portion of Baltra Island. First dive is followed by breakfast while Nortada refuels in Baltra. After refueling two hour navigation will take you to Cousin Rock for one or two dives.
Carrión Point and Baltra NE are considered “warm up” dives where dive procedures and equipment are tested and enforced or adapted. Cousin Rock is one of the most popular dive sites in the central islands. The islet is formed by volcanic tuff.
DAY 3 : WOLF ISLAND
Up to 4 dives during the day at Shark Bay Point, El Derrumbe, La Ventana Islet and La Banana; and one optional night dive during day 3 or day 5. Wolf Island is located at North West of the Archipelago.
Wolf is known as “The Meca of sharks”. Divers are usually able to swim alongside several species of sharks, dolphins, turtles, eagle rays and colorful schools of fishes. Wolf also offers an opportunity to explore the erosion underwater caverns and tunnels. Meals are scheduled around diving, usually with one dive before breakfast and one dive after lunch. The better part of the night is spent in the anchorage and transit to Darwin starts in the early AM of day 4.
DAY 4 : DARWIN ISLAND
It is located at North West of the Archipelago. Up to 4 dives are done on this day.
Darwin is considered as one of the best places to dive over the world. Divers are usually able to see several species of sharks, dolphins, turtles, eagle rays and colorful schools of fishes. Schooling hammer head sharks and whale sharks are the highlights of dives at Darwin’s Arch. Meals are scheduled around diving, usually with one dive before breakfast and one dive after lunch. Transit back to Wolf and dinner. Navigation is roughly 20 nautical miles / 2 hours.
DAY 5 : WOLF ISLAND
Up to 4 dives during the day at Shark Bay Point, El Derrumbe, La Ventana Islet and La Banana; and one optional night dive during day 3 or day 5.
The marine life of Wolf Island includes: schooling hammerhead sharks, occasionally whale sharks, as well as green turtles, manta rays and other pelagic fish. Birdlife on the island is abundant with frigatebirds, red-footed boobies, and vampire finches. Meals are scheduled around diving, usually with one dive before breakfast and one dive after lunch. Navigation to Cape Douglas will be 100 nautical miles and can be rough at times.
DAY 6 : CAPE DOUGLAS / VICENTE ROCA POINT
One or two dives are done in Cape Douglas followed by a short transit of about 90 minutes to Vicente Roca Point for one or two dives. Up to 4 dives are done on this day.
Isabela and Fernandina dive sites are where Flightless Cormorants, Galapagos Penguins, Marine Iguanas and several other endemic species can be seen consistently. The highlight in Cape Douglas are the marine iguanas feeding underwater but red lipped batfish, horn sharks and Mola-Mola plus different types of Baleen Whales, are usually sighted during this day.
DAY 7 : CAPE MARSHALL / ROCA BLANCA
Located in the northeast coast of Isabela, these volcanic walls are sparsely covered with black coral bushes. During January to May, divers usually enjoy encounters with Giant Mantas; schools of fish, including the endemic black-stripped Salema, white- tip reef sharks, Galapagos sharks and some hammerheads.
DAY 8 : PUERTO AYORA / TRANSFER OUT
Breakfast and check out from Nortada followed by a land visit to Fausto Llerena Breeding Center and Charles Darwin Research Station.
The breeding center land visit will provide with an opportunity to learn about the breeding programs for giant tortoises and land iguanas. If required, a transfer to the airport with a visit to the tortoises in the wild can be arranged for an additional fee.
Humbolt and Panama seasons itinerary include visits to Wolf - Darwin Islands. Maximum capacity of 12 people only with special charters. Nortada offers 7 and 14 night itineraries.
Nortada’s eight guest arrangement for diving itineraries leverages encounters with marine wild life and enhances diver supervision, this renders in a safer and more personalized dive experience.
More
| Destinations | Galapagos |
|---|---|
| Facilities | Nitrox support, Sidemount Friendly, Rebreather Friendly, Tech Friendly, Camera Station |
| Languages spoken | English, Spanish |
Schedules & routes
Prices & conditions
Included
- VAT and local taxes
- Full-board meal plan (including snacks)
- Complimentary beverages (water, tea, coffee)
- Soft drinks
- Diving activity (incl. tanks, weights, weight belts)
- Dive guide service
- 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
- Transfers from airport and/or hotel to the yacht
- Marine park fees & Port fees
- Fuel surcharge
- Alcoholic beverage
- Dive equipment rentals
- Larger tank (15 L)
- Nitrox fills
- 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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