Description
Boat
Galaxy Diver III is a modern Galapagos liveaboard designed specifically for divers seeking an intimate and high-quality expedition experience. Scheduled to begin operations in 2026, the vessel combines contemporary comfort with a strong focus on functionality for serious diving in one of the world’s most demanding yet rewarding destinations.
With a length of approximately 35 m and a beam of 7.6 m, Galaxy Diver III offers a stable and spacious platform ideal for navigating the remote islands and strong currents of the Galapagos. The yacht accommodates up to 16 guests with a crew of around 8 members, including 2 experienced dive guides, ensuring personalized service and a safe diving environment.
The interior spaces are bright and functional, with a comfortable indoor salon located on the main deck featuring large windows, a TV, library, and entertainment options for relaxing between dives. A dedicated dining area serves as a social hub where guests can enjoy meals while taking in ocean views. Outdoor areas include a spacious sundeck equipped with loungers, perfect for relaxing after dives or enjoying the Galapagos scenery.
Galaxy Diver III places strong emphasis on diving efficiency and comfort. The large dive platform is well-organized with individual gear stations, rinse tanks for cameras, freshwater showers, and easy water access. All dives are conducted from tenders (pangas), allowing flexible access to remote dive sites such as Darwin and Wolf Islands.
Onboard cuisine combines Ecuadorian flavors with international influences, offering a varied full-board menu. Meals are freshly prepared and can accommodate dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free when requested in advance. Water, tea, and coffee are available throughout the day.
Cabin
Galaxy Diver III has 8 guest cabins, accommodating up to 16 guests:
All cabins are air-conditioned and equipped with ensuite bathrooms, a safety deposit box, wardrobe, and electrical outlets for device charging.
4 Deluxe Cabins (#6 - 9) :
Located on the upper deck, cabin size 18m², each cabin comes with a double bed plus a sofa bed, panoramic window.
2 Deluxe Cabins (#3, 4) :
Located on the main deck, cabin size 15m², each cabin comes with one large double bed or two large single beds side by side, panoramic window.
1 Deluxe Cabin (#5) :
Located on the main deck, cabin size 15m², this cabin comes with one large double bed, panoramic window.
1 Deluxe Cabin (#2) :
Located on the lower deck, cabin size 13m², this cabin comes 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 yet 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 only)
- Crew Number：9, include 2 dive guides
Itineraries
Galapagos 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 : Santa Cruz Island: Diving at Punta Carrion
PM : Navigation: In route to Wolf Island
Day 3
AM : Wolf Island: Shark Bay / La Banana
PM : Wolf Island: La Ventana Islet / El Derrumbe
Day 4
AM : Darwin Island: El Arenal
PM : Darwin Island: The Darwin's Tower
Day 5
AM : Wolf Island: El Derrumbe and Shark Bay
PM : Darwin Island: El Arenal
Day 6
AM : Isabela Island: Vicente Roca Point
PM : Fernandina Island: Douglas Cape
Day 7
AM : Santiago Island: Cousin 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
To visit the Galápagos Islands, travelers are required to pay two primary government fees: a National Park Entrance Fee and a Transit Control Card (TCT) fee.
Galápagos National Park Entrance Fee
Effective August 1, 2024, the entrance fee for International visitors : 200 USD. This has to be paid upon arrival at the airport in the Galápagos (Baltra or San Cristóbal). Cash is strongly recommended. While some airports have recently begun accepting credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), systems frequently fail due to poor Wi-Fi, and cards may incur a surcharge.
Transit Control Card (TCT)
The TCT (also known as the INGALA Card) is an immigration control measure used to monitor the flow of tourists and manage environmental impact. Cost: $20 USD per person (flat fee for all visitors). Paid at the airport in mainland Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil) before checking in for your flight to the islands.
• Round trip flight to Galapagos at US$ 490 per person (year 2025)
• Handling fee for not issuing tickets with Galagents US$ 60 per person (year 2025)
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 | Ecuador (Galapagos) |
|---|---|
| Facilities | Nitrox support, Sidemount Friendly, 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
Ecuador (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 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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