Description
Boat
Galapagos Sky is a 33 metres long, 7.5 meters wide professional dive liveaboard, it is designed by Peter A. Hughes and current owner Santiago Dunn in the year 2000, and launched in 2001. It has twin diesel-powered engines and cruises at 12 knots per hour, onboard it has 110/220 volt power.
Galapagos Sky is built to exceed any/all international safety standards, is not only your live-aboard dive platform to the undersea wonders of Galapagos – but also has the crew, chefs, and amenities for you to enjoy five-star service during your entire trip.
On the main deck, there is a fully air conditioned and spacious lounge area and separate fine dining area with a bar, Apple TVs, music system, DVD players, and a library with many books, DVDs for entertainment.
Gourmet style menus with Ecuadorian and International cuisine is served, using locally sourced ingredients from providers who act sustainably are creatively prepared by our culinary school trained chefs. Depending on the dive schedule, either a full breakfast will be served first thing in the morning, or light continental breakfast followed by a dive then a full breakfast will be served. Breakfast and lunch are buffet style. Dinner is fine plated and your order will be taking in the morning. Snacks are provided through the day. Chips, crackers and cookies are available on the bar. Vegetarian, Gluten Free, No Seafood etc dietary preferences can be accommodated with advanced notice.
Galapagos Sky's upper deck is partially covered and has an outdoor bar with sun charis. And for those who enjoy the sun there is a top level partially shaded deck with chaise longues and hammocks.
The dive deck was designed with diver’s needs in mind. Camera table, charging station for camera batteries, hot showers, bathroom, separate rinse bins for wetsuits and separate rinse bins for cameras. Each dive station has individual bin storage under the seat. Dive deck towels are labeled with numbers to coordinate with the diver’s seat location. Towels are heated. Our crew is experienced and helpful with gear donning, mask rinsing, hanging wetsuits, etc.
Cabin
Galapagos Sky has 8 deluxe guest cabins, it can accommodate up to 16 guests per trip:
All cabins feature ensuite bathroom, A/C, mirrored cabinet and wardrobe, bathrobes, hairdryer, and marine safe (biodegradable) toiletries, smoke alarm and alarm system, electricity outlets.
4 Master Staterooms (#1 - 4) :
Located on the upper deck, each cabin comes with two single beds side by side, upon request, can be converted to a queen size double bed, seaview windows.
4 Deluxe Staterooms (#5 - 8) :
Located on the lower deck, each cabin comes with two single bed side by side, 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 100 logged dives.
Other information
- Nitrox：Available free of charge for Nitrox divers
- 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, 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 (USD) or credit cards.
- Crew Number：11, include 2 dive guides
Itineraries
8D/7N Galapagos itinerary
The seven night cruises offers a total of approximately 18 - 20 dives (check out dive included) all weather, current and sea condition dependant) and 3 land excursions on every trip.
We visit Wolf and Darwin Islands on every trip, you will enjoy 4 dives per day at Wolf and Darwin. – the diving there is arguably the best in the world! The Galapagos Sky itinerary has two days with long (you’ll be asleep) overnight navigations in order to get to these crown jewels of world class diving.
Day 1 (Embarkation day) : When you arrive at the airport at San Cristobal on Sunday (Avianca flight 1636), the crew of the Galapagos Sky will personally meet you, collect your luggage, and escort you to the Galapagos Sky. Your luggage will be delivered to the dive deck for you. After everyone is on board, we will introduce you to the boat and do our mandatory safety briefings and drills. Then, we cruise to the area of Los Lobos for your check-out dive.
Day 2 : 1 dive at Bartolome with a land walk, 2 dives at Cousins Rock.
Penguins can be seen at Bartolome, guests enjoy a favorite land tour where they can climb to the top of the hill to where breathe taking views abound. At Cousins Rock, the diving is done along a beautiful wall and allows for great viewing opportunities for corals, frog fish, sea horses, scorpion fish and octopus. It is also a great dive for large schools of Barracuda and also Hammerhead shark sightings. Sea lions will be your companions upon entry and on the safety stops.
Day 3 : 4 dives at Wolf island plus a night dive (depends on the sea conditions).
Day 4 : 4 dives at Darwin Island.
Day 5 : 2 dives at Darwin in the morning and 1 afternoon dive at Wolf island before long transit back to central islands.
Day 6 : 1 dive at Cabo Douglas for the marine iguana, then depends on the timing, 1 - 2 dives at Punta Vincenta Roca, then followed by a Panga ride if time allows.
Day 7 : 1 dive at the Northeast tip of Isla Pinzon/Islote Dumb, then land tour to the Galápagos Tortoise Reserve/Highlands of Santa Cruz/Time in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz.
Day 8 (Disembarkation day) : Land tour to Interpretation Center in San Cristóbal where an interesting human history of Galapagos is presented, town walk (last chance for shopping). Then, late morning departure to the airport.
Diving in Galapagos is considered ADVANCED diving as it occurs in the presence of strong currents, cold water and at times limited visibility. Divers must be comfortable in these conditions, as well as have very good buoyancy and be able to do negative (sometimes rapid) back-roll entries/descents from small boats. Recommended requirements include 50-100 open water dives, experience in currents, ability in removing gear in water and ability in getting into small boats in choppy seas.
Diving from tenders/pangas (small inflatable boats) is also the rule and not an exception in this World Renowned destination.
While diving the “central islands” on your Galapagos Sky cruise you will experience the diversity of Galapagos diving. Besides our resident mantas, sharks, and seasonal whale sharks, this is also the time to photograph little Galapagos invertebrates in vibrant color as well as keep an eye out for mola molas.
During your time in the central islands, you’ll also walk in the steps of Charles Darwin, with 3 guided land excursions. Your first land experience you will enjoy will be the beautiful panoramic views as you climb to the top of Bartolome. Views will include those of Pinnacle Rock in the bay and also lagoons in the distance that those who have watch “Master and Commander” with Russel Crowe will recognize! You will also visit later in the cruise the Highlands in Santa Cruz in search of the Galapagos Tortoises in their natural habitat while later in the day you can finish this excursion with an unguided visit to the Charles Darwin Research Center during free time in the port area. Lastly on Sunday morning our guests will explore the Interpretation center in San Cristobal where much about Galapagos history and conservation efforts can be learned. This visit occurs just before your return flight to Ecuador.
As on any live-aboard or diving adventure – Itineraries may be changed due to current or pending weather conditions or at the Captain’s discretion for your safety. Itineraries can also be changed at the discretion of the Galapagos National Park who administer cruise itineraries.
More
| Destinations | Galapagos |
|---|---|
| Facilities | Nitrox support, Camera Station, Nautilus GPS |
| Languages spoken | English, Spanish |
Schedules & routes
Prices & conditions
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)
- Alcoholic beverage
- Soft drinks
- 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
- 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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