Galapagos Liveaboards: A Unique Underwater Experience
The Galápagos Islands, located 906 km west of Ecuador, are a volcanic archipelago renowned for their exceptional biodiversity. These remote islands offer some of the best diving experiences on the planet, attracting divers from around the world.
Diving Liveaboards: The Best Way to Explore the Galapagos
Galapagos liveaboard cruises are the ultimate way to explore this underwater paradise. These yachts allow access to remote dive sites, maximizing your time in the water to discover the incredible marine life. There are currently 10 dive yachts operating in the Galapagos Islands.
Diving Galapagos Liveaboard prices generally range between $4,500 and $7,000, but promotional rates can sometimes be found for $3,000 to $5,000 depending on the yacht. Most liveaboards include 2 to 4 dives per day, amounting to 20-21 dives over the course of a week onboard. Given the strong currents, it’s recommended that divers have at least 40 logged dives. For less experienced divers, hiring a private guide is advisable.
Most divers opt for Nitrox, which requires prior certification. Onboard Nitrox certification courses are available, providing certifications valid worldwide. While many divers bring their own gear, liveaboards offer rental equipment (including wetsuits and dive computers) for around $250 to $300 for a full set and $100 to $130 for a dive computer.
Yacht Options
Here are some of the most popular liveaboard yachts in the Galapagos:
Aqua Yacht
A tourist superior dive yacht with 8 cabins, private bathrooms, a sundeck, jacuzzi, and dining area. Aqua Yacht offers a range of activities including diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and shore excursions.
Nortada
A first-class dive yacht with 10 cabins, private bathrooms, a sundeck, jacuzzi, and dining area. Nortada offers diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and shore excursions.
Calipso
A luxury dive yacht with 6 cabins, private bathrooms, a sundeck, jacuzzi, and dining area. Calipso offers diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and shore excursions.
Humboldt Explorer
A research and exploration yacht with 8 cabins, private bathrooms, a sundeck, jacuzzi, and dining area. Humboldt Explorer offers diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and shore excursions.
Tiburon Explorer
A first-class dive yacht with 10 cabins, private bathrooms, a sundeck, jacuzzi, and dining area. Tiburon Explorer offers diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and shore excursions.
Aggressor Galapagos
The Galapagos division of Aggressor, a global dive yacht company, operates one yacht in the Galapagos.
Galaxy Diver 2
A first-class dive yacht with 8 cabins, private bathrooms, a sundeck, jacuzzi, and dining area. Galaxy Diver 2 offers diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and shore excursions.
Galapagos Master
A luxury dive yacht with 10 cabins, private bathrooms, a sundeck, jacuzzi, and dining area. Galapagos Master offers diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and shore excursions.
Galapagos Blue Sky
A luxury dive yacht with 8 cabins, private bathrooms, a sundeck, jacuzzi, and dining area. Galapagos Blue Sky offers diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and shore excursions.
Marine Life in the Galapagos Islands
Fish
With over 1,000 species, fish are the most diverse group in the Galapagos. From colorful reef fish like angelfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish, to pelagic fish like tuna and jacks, the waters teem with life. More unusual species like pufferfish and clownfish can also be found.
Sharks
The Galapagos Islands are home to 18 species of sharks, including the iconic hammerhead shark, a highlight for divers. Other species include white and blacktip reef sharks, whale sharks, and even tiger sharks.
Rays
With 14 different species, rays are another common sight. The majestic manta ray, which can grow up to 8 meters wide, is particularly impressive. Other species include eagle rays, golden rays, and electric rays.
Sea Turtles
Five species of sea turtles frequent the Galapagos, including green turtles, loggerhead turtles, and hawksbill turtles.
Marine Mammals
Marine mammals are some of the most exciting animals to see in the Galapagos. You can spot sea lions, seals, dolphins, and even humpback whales, sperm whales, and pilot whales.
Reptiles
The only swimming lizard in the world, the marine iguana, can be found in the Galapagos, along with sea snakes and turtles.
Galápagos Daily Dives
Daily dive tours visit popular sites like Gordon Rocks, Seymour, Mosquera, and Kicker Rock. These tours, typically priced between $180 and $250, include lunch, snacks, an English-speaking instructor, and equipment. The waters of the Galapagos offer the chance to see hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, and other large marine species.
Daily Dives – Sea Life
Dive sites such as Gordon Rocks and Seymour offer encounters with hammerhead sharks, blacktip sharks, reef sharks, and more. Visibility varies, but good conditions provide the chance to see large schools of hammerheads, sometimes up to 80 in one dive.