Description
Boat
Galaxy Diver is an exclusive motor yacht liveaboard, fully renewed in 2022. It was built to the highest standards in order to minimise its carbon footprint and contribute to the conservation of the archipelago, without compromising on guests’ comfort and experience whilst on board.
Galaxy Diver is 29 meters long and 6.6 meters wide, with cruising speed at 8 - 10 knots per hour and both 110v and 220v electric power available onboard. It boasts a stylish modern aesthetic with deluxe and inviting living areas and feature artworks to help set the scene.
Galaxy Diver offering both diving and naturalist voyages, this exclusive liveaboard allows both diving and non-diving guests to enjoy this one-of-a-kind destination - providing exhilarating interactions with impressive wildlife above and below the water.
There is a comforting relaxing lounge area on the main deck with beverages station and scenic view windows, entertainment center include thematic books, board games, multimedia library etc. Besides the lounge, there is the delightful dining room area which includes 4 tables for 5 guests each one. A gourmet chef, with deep knowledge of the magical flavors of Galapagos ingredients, will leave you with an unforgettable taste memory.
On the upper deck, there is the outdoor lounge for you to explore the nature and unique views of the archipelago. This area provides a cosy observation area with lazy sofas, beverages, and bar service.
Galaxy Diver has an extensive dive platform provides ample space for pre-dive preparation and post dive adulation, and features twin staircases for easy access to the two accompanying zodiacs. Full equipment rental is available on board this vessel, including torches, computers, 7mm full-length wetsuits, boots and hoods.
Cabin
Galaxy Diver has 8 guest cabins, it can accommodate up to 12 guests per trip:
All cabins feature air-conditioning, en-suite bathroom, hair dryer, electric towel dryer, internal phone, safe box, closet and speaker.
2 Deluxe Cabins (#6, #8) :
Located on the upper deck, size 7.85m², each cabin comes with one double bed, seaview windows.
1 Deluxe Cabins (#9) :
Located on the upper deck, size 7.85m², this cabin comes with one double bed and an extra pulldown bed (subject availability), can be used as a triple cabin, seaview windows.
1 Deluxe Cabins (#5) :
Located on the main deck, size 12m², this cabin comes with one double bed or two single beds side by side, seaview windows.
2 Standard Cabins (#1, 2) :
Located on the lower deck, size 10m² , each cabin comes with two single beds side by side, portholes.
2 Standard Cabins (#3, 4) :
Located on the lower deck, size 10m², each cabin comes with one double bed or two single beds 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.
- 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.
- Nautilus LifeLine Marine GPS will be provided to divers.
- Divers must have AOW level with at least 50 logged dives.
Other information
- Nitrox：Complimentary for certified 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 with an additional cost
- Dive insurance：Divers must have valid dive insurance
- Wi-Fi Internet ：Complimentary for all guests
- Laundry Service：Not available at the moment
- Massage Service：Not available at the moment
- Payment on board：By cash (USD)
- Crew Number：10, include 2 dive guides
Itineraries
Diving Itinerary 8D/7N
Day 1
AM : Arrival at Baltra airport where you will meet our dive guides at designated area. Escorted transfer from airport to the Galaxy Diver We’ll show your accommodations and the Dive master will hold a short briefing on all safety and emergency protocols. Lunch is served onboard.
PM : 1 (Check out Dive) in Baltra North East, where you will disembark close to the yacht and have a first “Galapagos taste”.
Day 2
AM : Wolf Island, 2 dives at El Derrumbe / La Ventana Islet
PM : Wolf Island, 2 dives at La Banana / Shark Bay
Day 3
AM : Darwin Island, 2 dives at El Arenal
PM : Darwin Island, 2 dives at The Darwin´s Towers
Day 4
AM : Wolf Island, 2 dives at Shark Bay / La Ventana Islet
PM : Wolf Island, 2 dives at El Derrumbe / La Banana
Day 5
AM : Fernandina Island, 1 dive at Douglas Cape in the morning
PM : Isabela Island, 1 dive at Vicente Roca Point.
Day 6
AM : Isabela Island, 2 dives at Marshall Cape.
PM : Isabela Island, 1 dive at the city of the Mantas.
Day 7
AM : Santiago Island, 2 dives at Cousins Rock.
PM : Bartolome Island, Bartolome is one of the most iconic places in the Galapagos and one of the few where you can see penguins without going to the remote areas of western Isabela and Fernandina. You will get great views of Pinnacle Rock, located in the northern side of the island, right next to a beautiful peach-color sand beach. The hike to the top of the island is fantastic and will offer you incredible views of lunar landscapes with scattered volcanic cones. Many islands are visible from this outlook, as well as the bay of Sullivan and the Pinnacle rock.
You will have the option to swim or snorkel from the beach. This area holds a well-deserved reputation of being one of the best snorkeling places in the Galapagos, not only because it’s clear and calm water, but also because of the presence of penguins, which are relatively easy to find while snorkeling, along with an incredible diversity of fish, colorful invertebrates, sea lions, turtles, rays and reef sharks.
Day 8
AM : Visit the Twin Craters or also known as “Los Gemelos”, are located on the way to the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island. You will find them on both sides of the road leading from Puerto Ayora to Baltra. In fact, they are not real craters, they were created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers. You will have a wonderful view of the local flora, like Scalesia plants. On this site it is also possible to observe the endemic short-ear owl.
Then, transfer to the airport to take your flight back to continental Ecuador.
About the Galapagos Park Fee
Upon arrival at Baltra the entrance fee of US$ 100,00 is collected. This fee is only payable in cash.
We can pre-arrange the migration cards before taking the flight to Galapagos and the National Park entrance fee, at least 15 days prior to the cruise.
About Photographic Equipment
The Galapagos Islands are the perfect place to bring your photo equipment no matter if you are a pro or a beginner. Batteries, waterproof camera bags, and extra memory cards is always a good idea. Waterproof housings will be necessary if you wish to take your camera underwater.
Camera lenses: one 35mm or less, one 80 to 220mm with a doubler or an extra 400mm should do. A tripod is recommended. However, a mono-pod / walking-stick may do. Regarding drones the Galapagos National Park does not allow the use of this equipment due to their own regulations.
More
| Destinations | Galapagos |
|---|---|
| Facilities | Nitrox support, Watersport equipment, Camera Station, Nautilus GPS, Wi-Fi |
| 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)
- Soft drinks
- Diving activity (incl. tanks, weights, weight belts)
- Dive guide service
- Nitrox fills
- Naturalist guide
- Use of Kayaks or/and SUPs
- Land excursions and activities throughout the trip
- Boat accident insurance
- Cabin towels and complimentary toiletries
- Cabin cleaning service
- Wi-Fi
Not included
- Domestic flights in destination country
- Marine park fees & Port fees
- Fuel surcharge
- Alcoholic beverage
- Dive equipment rentals
- Larger tank (15 L)
- Dive courses on board
- 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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