Best Liveaboards and Scuba Dive Trips in Galapagos, Ecuador
Everyone knows Charles Darwin and “the Theory of Evolution,” but do you know where he was inspired by such? Well, it’s in the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. On this archipelago, you will see marine iguanas that are found exclusively in Galapagos, the only species of iguanas that can swim. Discover, the lush wildlife and marine life the island has to offer and you might be inspired by the beauty of nature like Mr. Darwin.
The most recommended and best way to explore is through Liveaboard dive trips in Galapagos. Sleep and live in a boat for 3 nights a week or even 16 nights, it totally depends on you. You can dive at least 3 times a day and have land excursions to know more about the islands. This will be a memorable getaway.
There are many liveaboard dive trips in Galapagos, however, we have listed the best of the best and you can choose which fits your budget or you feel you would relax and enjoy the most. You will see marine iguanas, penguins, seals, sharks, whales, dolphins, tuna, and many more. Hike on mountains and sea birds like flamingos and hawks that have made Galapagos their home. Liveaboards will truly make your Galapagos adventure a top of your best adventure list.
Table of Contents
Best Budget Liveaboard Dive Trips in Galapagos
Estrella del Mar
Price: From USD 280 per day
Anchors at Quito
Speed: 9 knots
Max Guests: 16
Cabins: 8
Rooms: Lower or upper deck twin
Itinerary: 7D6N to 17D16N
Inclusive of: Local Flights, Airport Transfer, Meals and Snacks, Land Excursions, Naturalist Guide, Snorkel Gear, VAT
Required Fees: National Park Fees (EUR 100), Visas and Fees (EUR 20)
Optional Fees: Alcohol and Soft drinks, and Gratuities
Off for a budget-friendly experience? Go aboard Estrella del Mar for an amazing experience in Galapagos. Though there are no dive trips, however, you can still see marine life through snorkelling like turtles and fish. On this trip, you will be having Land Excursions where you explore islands and hike on volcanoes, sea birds and other creatures. While cruising to the next stop, feel the breeze and the sun on the lounge area and enjoy the food served. With the warm reception from the crew, this will be a memorable adventure.
Aqua
Price: From USD 273 per day
Anchors at Baltra
Speed: 9 knots
Max Guests: 16
Cabins: 9
Rooms: Lower. Upper, Main Deck Cabins
Itinerary: 4D3N or 8D7N (19 dives)
Inclusive of: Airport, Meals, Land excursions, Kayak, Land Excursions, Naturalist or Snorkeling Guide, Snorkel Guide, Towels and Toiletries, VAT
Required Fees: National Park Fees (USD 100 per trip), Chamber Fees (USD 35 per trip), Visas and Fees (USD 20 per trip)
Optional Fees: Hotel Transfer, Local Flights, Alcohol and Gratuities
On this liveaboard dive trip in Galapagos, Ecuador, prepare to meet sharks and whales. However, the dive trips are only available for 8D7N itinerary, if you choose the lower ones, you could still see marine life through snorkelling. You can also enjoy Land excursions and hike through the islands. While cruising to the next sight, relax at the indoor lounge, the bar or library, or perhaps you can catch some vitamin D in the sun deck.
Yolita
Price: From USD 279 per day
Anchors at Quito
Speed: 9 knots
Max Guests: 16
Cabins: 8
Rooms: Main and Upper Deck Cabins
Itinerary: 7D6N to 17D16N
Inclusive of: Airport Transfer, Local Flights, Meals and Snacks, Land Excursions, Naturalist Guide, Snorkel Gear, VAT
Optional Fees: National Park Fees (EUR 100), Visas and Fees (EUR 20), Alcohol and Soft drinks, Gratuities
Aboard Yolita, you will have a chance to tour all of Galapagos Island; if you choose the 17-day itinerary. Observe the wildlife on the islands from the marine iguanas, sea lions, flamingos to giant tortoises. Though this also doesn’t offer diving trips, you can snorkel to see coral reefs and marine life like sharks, rays, and fish. Enjoy a fun-filled activities as well as relaxing atmosphere in this liveaboard trip in Galapagos.
Best Mid-Range Liveaboard Dive Trips in Galapagos
Galapagos Aggressor III
Price: From USD 412 per day
Anchors at Baltra Island
Speed: 10 knots
Max Guests: 16
Cabins: 8
Rooms: Deluxe or Master Staterooms
Itinerary: 8D7N (20 dives)
Inclusive of: Airport and Hotel Transfer, Meals and Snacks with soft drinks, alcohol, and wine, Diving Package, Toiletries, and Towels, VAT
Required Fees: Dive Insurance, Chamber FEes (USD 30 per trip), National Park Fees (USD 100 per trip), Port Fees, Visas and Fees (USD 20 per trip)
Optional Fees: Travel Insurance, Hotel Transfer, Local Flights, Nitrox or Scuba Diving Course, Snorkel or Rental Gear, Extra Dives, WiFi, Gratuities
Get a chance to dive with friendly Sea Lions or see Hammerheads up close with Galapagos Aggressor. You will have four dives every day and two-night dives plus two land excursions. With newly renovated rooms, you will surely enjoy the comfort of it. There is also a covered sun deck and bar where you can relax while waiting for the next stop. This is a truly enjoyable liveaboard dive trip in Galapagos.
Cormorant
Price: From USD 405 per day
Anchors at San Cristobal or Baltra
Max Guests: 16
Cabins: 8
Rooms: Twin or Double staterooms, Suite
Itinerary: 4D3N to 8D7N
Inclusive of: Airport Transfer, Meals and Snacks with, Rental and Snorkel Gear, Naturalist Guide, VAT
Required Fees: National Park Fees (USD 100), Visas, and Fees (USD 20)
Optional Fees: Local flights, Alcohol and soft drinks, Gratuities
Though Cormorant doesn’t offer diving, you could snorkel in the waters of Galapagos Islands and see sea turtles, sea lions, colorful fishes, sharks, and rays. You would also get to hike at islands such as Fernandina and Isabela Islands, discover birds, iguanas, and active volcanoes. On this liveaboard in Galapagos, witness stunning views at the comfort of the sundeck or lounge, a worth-it getaway.
Grand Majestic
Price: From USD 343 per day
Anchors at San Cristobal or Baltra
Speed: 25 knots
Max Guests: 16
Cabins: 8
Rooms: Staterooms or Master Cabins
Itinerary: 4D3N to 8D7N
Inclusive of: Airport Transfer, Meals and Snacks, Rental or Snorkel Gear, Kayaks, Land Excursions, Naturalist and Snorkeling Guide, Toiletries and Towel, VAT
Required Fees: National Park Fees (USD 100 per trip), Visas and Fees (USD 20)
Optional Fees: Travel insurance, Alcohol and soft drinks, Local flights, Gratuities
On this liveaboard trip in Galapagos National Park, hike in islands and see active volcanoes, amazing trees, and the wildlife living there and snorkel on the pristine waters to meet sea creatures up close. With a great speed on Grand Majestic, you will get to your next destination and activity in a short amount of time. Enjoy also the comfort of the yacht and the attentiveness of the crew.
Best Luxury Liveaboard Dive Trips in Galapagos
Galapagos Sky
Price: From USD 663 per day
Anchors at San Cristobal
Speed: 12 knots
Max Guests: 16
Cabins: 8
Rooms: Deluxe or Double Cabins
Itinerary: 8D7N (18 dives)
Inclusive of: Airport Transfer, Meals and Snacks with alcohol, soft drinks, wine and welcome cocktails, Diving Package, Nitrox, Land Excursions, Naturalist Guide, Toiletries and Towel, Fuel Surcharge, VAT
Required Fees: Dive Insurance, Chamber Fees (USD 35 per trip), National Park Fees (USD 50-100 per trip), Port Fees, Visas and Fees (USD 20 per trip)
Optional Fees: Travel Insurance, Local Flights, Hotel Transfer, Private Dive Guide, Rental Gear, Gratuities
Aboard this luxurious boat, get to discover the entire Galapagos Islands including the uninhabited Wolf and Darwin Islands. You will be spending 3 days there, diving 4 or 3 times a day and you will experience one of the best dives of your life. See hammerhead sharks alone or with their groups, swim with dolphins and other sea creatures such as rays, tuna, and whales. Aside from diving, you will have land excursions too. On this stylish and lavish liveaboard dive trip in Galapagos, you wouldn’t want to go home.
Galapagos Master
Price: From USD 547 per day
Anchors at San Cristobal
Speed: 12.5 knots
Max Guests: 16
Cabins: 9
Rooms: Lower, Middle, Upper Deck Cabins
Itinerary: 8D7N (18 dives) to 11D10N (30 dives)
Inclusive of: Airport Transfer, Meals and Snacks with soft drinks and wine, Diving Package, Land Excursions, Toiletries and Towel, VAT
Required Fees: Dive and Travel Insurance, Chamber Fees (USD 35 per trip), National Park Fees (USD 100 per trip),
Optional Fees: Alcohol, Nitrox, Rental or Snorkel Gear, Laundry, Gratuities
In this liveaboard dive trip in Galapagos, you will have a mind-blowing experience s you dive at Darwin and Wolf Islands, Cabo Douglas and Punta Vicente Roca. See sharks, whales, marine iguanas and many more in your dive trip. While you cruise towards the next destination, enjoy the buffet-style meals or the comfort of the indoor or outdoor lounges. Relax and unwind on this amazing vacation.
Humboldt Explorer
Price: From USD 549 per day
Anchors at San Cristobal
Speed: 11 knots
Max Guests: 16
Cabins: 8
Rooms: Cabins (Lower Deck and Master)
Itinerary: 8D7N (16 dives)
Inclusive of: Meals and Snacks with alcohol and soft drinks, Diving Package, VAT
Required Fees: National Park Fees (USD 100), Chamber Fees (USD 35), Visas and Fees (USD 20)
Optional Fees: Airport Transfer and Local Flights, Nitrox, Nitrox or Scuba Diving Course, Snorkel Gear, Land Excursions, Gratuities
Get to the best dive sites in Galapagos with Humboldt Explorer. Discover marine life like no other like Marine Iguanas, penguins, seals, and many more. Be ensured with your trip with the accommodating crew. Relax under the sun on the sun deck with Jacuzzi as well as check the sunrise and set and the stars at night. You will have the best liveaboard dive trip in Galapagos.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. I don’t know how to dive, is that okay?
Yes, everybody is welcome. You may choose to snorkel near the ocean’s surface. However, if you want to dive there are Diving Courses available for an additional fee.
2. I want to dive, however, I have no experience, can I do it?
Some (open water) can let you dive without experience. However, some advanced ones will need a minimum of logged dives. You can also get a Diving Course on the vessel. A dive log, btw, is a record of the number of times you have been diving underwater
3. I don’t know how to swim, is that okay?
Yes, there is swimming equipment (like life jackets) that could help you float. However, if you are driving, it’s okay if you don’t know how to swim.
4. Is Insurance included?
Some liveaboards provide travel and dive insurance, however, some don’t. To be safe, you have to purchase travel insurance every time you travel.
5. I’m vegetarian or allergic to some food, can I have special requests?
Liveaboards can cater to those who have different food preferences, just make sure to state it on your reservation.
6. Can we spend time at the beach?
Most liveaboards have land excursions included in their itinerary, you may have hiked at some islands. Please check the itinerary you are booking.
7. Why do you need to pay National Park fees?
The Galapagos Islands is a UNESCO World Heritage; the fee is for the everyday maintenance and protection of the site.
8. How to get here?
You may fly to Quito or Guayaquil as they have international flights from US or Europe. There are domestic airports in Galapagos; Baltra and San Cristobal where there are also liveaboards that anchor there.
With amazing marine life and wildlife in Galapagos, Ecuador, you wouldn’t regret booking this adventure. You might want to do it again! I hope this list, you have found what you feel fits you best and enjoy diving, hiking, or relaxing under the sun or stars. Make a memorable once in a lifetime trip with a liveaboard dive trip in Galapagos.
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