Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Location/Type
Galapagos Liveaboard
Tour type
Pelagics
Diving Type
Advanced
ABOUT THE TRIP
Join us at the most spectacular pelagic diving destination on the planet, GALAPAGOS! This famous archipelago is the start of a shark “super highway.” The waters are rich in nutrients, which brings in all kinds of large animals. This trip will give guests the unique opportunity of diving with hundreds of hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, oceanic mantas, sea lions, the endemic marine iguana and some rare deep sea species such as the red lip bat fish and the bull head shark!
We have created an exclusive diving itinerary to the most amazing locations all around the archipelago. Our divers will also get up close and personal with the iconic Galapagos tortoises at the end of the trip.
The luxury liveaboard vessel is fully equipped with all the amenities you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay including cozy cabins with ensuite bathrooms, a jacuzzi, spacious social areas, a dedicated dive deck, a sun deck, and extraordinary food selection taking into consideration your dietary restrictions.
Join the Apex Ocean Travel family and embark on an epic adventure with us to discover why Charles Darwin labeled Galapagos “the land that time forgot!”
Pricing
$ 7300
Special Offer
Domestic Flights and Hotel Included
Book your spot!
Contact Us Today
Trip Leader
Alex Schmidt
Itinerary
Know More about the days
- 8 Days 7 Nights
Galaxy Diver is tailored so divers can experience the top sites that Galapagos has to offer. It is subject to change based on conditions.
Day 1
- Arrival at the Gateway to the Enchanting Galapagos Islands Welcome to the Galapagos Islands, where today marks the beginning of our diving adventure onboard the Galaxy Diver liveaboard yacht. Our journey starts with our arrival at Seymour Airport, also known as Baltra Airport, located on the island of Baltra. As we step off the plane, we'll be greeted by our guide and the friendly staff of the Galaxy Diver, who will help us with our luggage and transfer us to the Galaxy Diver.
- Then, we'll enjoy a delicious lunch and settle into our cabins. But before we dive into the waters, it's important to note that there are strict guidelines for passengers to the archipelago due to the area's designation as a national park. These guidelines help preserve the delicate environment of the Galapagos Islands, ensuring that we can continue to enjoy the beauty of this unique ecosystem for years to come.
- After all, we have the safety drill and check dive to try all the equipment by having our first immersion among the wonders of the Galapagos Islands. With the Galaxy Diver as our home base, we'll explore the pristine waters and encounter incredible marine life that can't be found anywhere else. It's sure to be an unforgettable experience that will leave us with memories to last a lifetime.
Day 2
- Carrion Point and en route to Wolf Island - A Diver's Paradise As the sun rises on our first day of diving aboard the Galaxy Diver yacht, we can feel the excitement building for what's in store at our first dive site, Punta Carrion. We gather our gear, and with the guidance of our expert dive master instructors, we dive into the crystal-clear waters surrounding the stunning Santa Cruz Island. Descending deeper into the underwater world of Punta Carrion, we'll be immediately mesmerized by the incredible visibility and the abundance of marine life that surrounds us—schools of hammerhead and whale sharks, this last one available between June to December. At the same time, playful sea lions dart in and out of the rocky underwater cliffs.
- We learn more about the vivid and colorful world of tropical fish as we continue our exploration, including groups of surgeonfish, angelfish, and parrotfish. Luckily, we can even find a few secretive seahorses hidden in the reef's crevices. Later, we joyfully discuss our underwater excursions. At the same time, the onboard cook makes a lovely lunch when we return to the Galaxy Diver. Finally, in the late afternoon, we'll begin our 14 hours of navigation through the Galapagos Sea to Wolf Island
Day 3
- Shark Bay, La Banana, La Ventana Islet, and El Derrumbe - A Magnificent Marine Expedition Today, we'll have an exciting diving adventure as we discover the hidden riches of this enchanted location. Our first stop is the breathtaking Shark Bay, where we can spot the majestic Galapagos shark, eagle ray, and sea lion will meet you as you plunge into the ocean's depths. These magnificent creatures are a sight to behold, with exquisite movements that will take your breath away.
- Following a thrilling morning dive, we'll travel to La Banana to continue our journey and discover the Galapagos Islands' abundant marine life. In addition, we'll be able to see playful sea lions in their native environment, darting and whirling about us with elegant, engaging, and mesmerizing beauty. As the day unfolds, we'll make our way to La Ventana Islet and El Derrumbe, two diving locations known for their diverse marine life. Go into the fascinating world of colorful fish, turtles, and sea stars as they welcome you into their natural home. The beauty and magic of the undersea environment will wow you as you explore these hidden jewels. As we wrap up our diving day, take a minute to enjoy the beautiful sunset while reflecting on the incredible experiences of the day. The Galapagos Islands are indeed a treasure trove of natural beauty, and we are privileged to accompany you on this magnificent voyage. Therefore, be ready to immerse yourself in a world of wonder and go on a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Day 4
- Today, we'll take you to El Arenal. This magnificent location will leave you spellbound by the natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands. A diving site considered one of the best diving points in the world. This site is close to Darwin's Arch and offers moderate to strong currents with depths ranging from 46 to 121 ft and visibility from 40 to 80 ft. As you dive deeper into the sea, you'll be greeted by the impressive Galapagos underwater biodiversity. We'll then move on to Darwin's Tower, commonly known as Darwin's Arch, one of the most iconic dive sites in the world. This awe-inspiring location is a must-visit for any avid diver. We're thrilled to share this incredible experience with you. As you dive into the deep blue waters, a world of vibrant coral, schools of colorful fish, and the majestic beauty of the hammerhead shark will be waiting for you with their imposing presence and graceful movements. The thrill of diving at Darwin's Tower is indescribable, and you'll be amazed by the sheer beauty of this underwater wonderland.
Day 5
- El Arenal, El Derrumbe, and Shark Bay - A Marine Adventure Our first dive site of the day is El Arenal. As we explore the vibrant coral reefs and discover the diverse marine life, we'll have the chance to encounter an incredible array of species. Some of them could be dolphins commonly sighted feeding on schools of fish, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, rays, Galapagos sharks, and even tiger sharks and killer whales. But the beauty of El Arenal isn't just in its impressive marine life; the geological formations are also a sight to behold.
- After an exhilarating morning dive, we'll move on to El Derrumbe, where we'll discover the fascinating marine diversity of the Galapagos Islands. This site offers a unique diving experience with its underwater cliffs and caves. You'll encounter many species, including green turtles, sea lions, and eagle rays. But what makes this site truly special is the presence of bull sharks, one of the few places in the world where you can dive with them in shallow waters.
- Our last dive of the day takes us to Shark Bay, where we'll explore the hidden treasures of the Galapagos Islands. This site is famous for its incredible diversity of marine life, including the Galapagos shark, eagle ray, and sea lion. But what makes this site truly unique is the presence of whale sharks that visit the Galapagos Islands every year from July to November. It's a rare opportunity to witness these gentle giants, and we're honored to share this experience with you.
Day 6
- Marshall Cape is an iconic location in the Galapagos Islands, especially known for its majestic volcanic walls that plunge into the ocean's depths. This underwater landscape becomes a sanctuary for large schools of fish and graceful manta rays that dance in the waters. Popular among divers, Cabo Marshall, as it is known in Spanish, offers a unique diving experience, thanks to the currents and the rich biodiversity these waters house. Diving: Its volcanic walls provide shelter to various marine species. It's not uncommon to encounter schools of hammerhead sharks, barracudas, and, of course, the elegant manta rays that call this spot home. Highlights: Underwater volcanic walls, manta rays, schools of fish, and hammerhead sharks.
- City of the Mantas: It's one of the hidden gems of the Galapagos Islands, a site that, as its name suggests, is famous for its encounters with manta rays. This destination offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in a deep blue world, where giant manta rays, along with other marine residents, glide gracefully and majestically. The area, besides being a sanctuary for these creatures, is a biodiversity spectacle, with colorful corals and tropical fish complementing the scene. Diving: Provides an even more intimate experience with marine life, where the sensation of floating among manta rays becomes a tangible reality. Highlights: Manta rays, rich coral reefs with diverse marine fauna.
Day 7
- Cousin Rock and Santa Cruz Highlands - An Adventure to Remember This morning we'll have the opportunity to do our last dive at Cousin Rock—one of the most colorful dive sites in the archipelago. The vibrant coral walls and gorgonians create a stunning backdrop for encounters with seahorses, reef fish, and various nudibranchs. Keep an eye out for the curious coral hawks as they dart around the reef. As we dive deeper, we might glimpse a school of eagle rays gracefully gliding by or spot a white-tip shark resting in a crevice. If we're lucky, we might even see mobulas and schools of barracudas. Finally, the playful sea lions will appear and invite us to join their underwater games.
- After lunch, we disembark and head for a reserve in the Santa Cruz Highlands. Here, we have the unique opportunity to witness the iconic Galapagos Tortoise in its natural habitat. Walking through the lush vegetation, we might even spot some of the other residents of the highlands, like the elusive Galapagos Rail or the bright Vermilion Flycatcher.
Day 8
- Baltra Airport - A Farewell to the Enchanting Galapagos Islands After a week of unforgettable experiences, it is time to bid farewell to this enchanting land. As you'll be transferred to Baltra Airport, take the memories of a lifetime and the magic of the Galapagos Islands.
- Domestic Flights (Apex Ocean Travel Special)
- One night hotel stay in Quito on June 16th (Apex Ocean Travel Special)
- Rental Gear (Apex Ocean Travel Special)
- Photo/Video Package (Apex Ocean Travel Special)
- Accommodations
- Nitrox
- All meals during the cruise
- Unlimited purified water, coffee and tea
- Up to 3-4 dives daily, compressed air, tanks, weights, and weight belts, and we have 2 Dive Masters AKA guides (ratio is 7:1).
- Snorkel Gear (mask, tube and fins)
- Kayaks and Paddle Boards without any additional cost
- Long Wetsuits (3mm)
- Airport assistance from Quito or Guayaquil in order to help travelers with logistic manners.
- Once guests arrive at Galapagos and after passing customs they will see the National Park Guide with the yachts´ name banner ready to take them to the shuttle towards the first activity depending on their itinerary.
- Transfers in Galapagos (Once guests arrive at Baltra airport our tour guide will be waiting in order to take them to the boat)
- Biodegradable amenities: shampoo, conditioner & soap
- Lock box
- Hair dryer
- Outlets: 110v/220v
- We guarantee the same gender for cabins willing to share
- Naturalist Bilingual Guide (English)
All visits & excursions according to the itinerary
- Galapagos National Park Entrance fee ($200 per person)
- Galapagos Transit card ($20 per person)
- Alcoholic drinks
- Travel Insurance
- Gratuities
- If you need a special guide like bird watching/photographer or someone who speaks in another language, ask our prices and availability.
Liveaboards
Wildlife
Cabins
$ 7,300
Located on the upper deck of the vessel, these spacious cabins offer flexible accommodation for two guests in either twin single beds or one double bed
$ 7,300
Located on the main deck of the vessel, these versatile cabins offer flexible accommodation for two guests in either two single beds or one double bed
$ 7,300
Situated on the lower deck of the vessel, these fixed twin cabins offer comfortable accommodation for two guests in two single beds.
*All rooms include daily housekeeping and complimentary breakfast buffet.
About the Operator
The Galaxy Diver II luxurious motor yacht specializes in thrilling diving expeditions and educational naturalist cruises around the Galapagos Islands. Guests can indulge in delicious, freshly-made meals and the boat offers complimentary nitrox for certified divers. Designed for comfort, the vessel promises an unforgettable eight-day journey through this world famous archipelago. Divers will be well looked after by the knowledgable crew, and can expect to experience close encounters with hammerhead sharks, marine iguanas, manta rays, penguins, sea lions, and other fascinating wildlife. After diving, guests can relax in the state of the art jacuzzi. Every trip on the Galaxy Diver II is a memorable experience, topside and underwater!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about planning your perfect adventure. Can’t find the answer? Our travel experts are here to help.
Which airport should I fly into?
Guests will fly into Quito International Airport (UIO) in mainland Ecuador. They will then take a domestic flight to Galapagos Ecologic Airport in Baltra (GPS).
How many cabins are there on the boat?
There are 8 cabins.
What kind of food is served?
The chef will be preparing a delicious mix of international and Ecuadorian meals. Special dietary requests can be accommodated.
What dive certification is recommended?
Some dives in Galapagos reach depths of at least 80ft/24m, so advanced open water is highly recommended. Nitrox also helps with bottom time. Divers should be comfortable diving in current.
How do the domestic flights work?
Apex Ocean Travel will book everyone’s domestic flights for the morning of the 17th, UIO to GPS, around 8am. The boat will pick everyone up at the airport.