Aboard the Galapagos Master
Where we are diving
Galapagos is about 620 miles from the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. The 19 islands sit at the conjunction of three ocean currents and are considered the “melting pot” of marine life. The island inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection during his visit in 1835.
Galapagos is unquestionably the hammerhead shark capital of the world. Still, it is also home to the sleek Galapagos shark, horn shark, white tip, silkies, and the occasional pelagic visitors like the tiger shark. And that’s just the beginning. You will also have the opportunity to see whale sharks, giant manta rays, giant schools of fish and incredible macro marine life. You’re going to wonder if a week is enough time to see it all!
One of the most popular dive site in Galapagos is “Darwin’s Arch”. It provides great drift diving with medium to strong currents. Unfortunately, in 2021, the top part of the arch collapsed due to natural erosion, but the pillars remain standing and still provide incredible diving.
While in Galapagos, you will also be able to visit North Seymour Island to see iguanas and blue-footed boobies. As well as visit the Highlands of Santa Cruz, where Charles Darwin Station houses giant land tortoises.
To dive this location you must to be an Advanced Open Water Diver and have completed a minimum of 50 dives. Failure to meet these requirements may result in sitting out from dives.
Registration closes soon!
Trip Leaders
Don Peterson, Instructor Certifier
Don is a level 10 diver. He has been diving since 1964 and teaching safe scuba since 1966. He’s a world-traveling diver with extensive experience and a former scuba shop owner. Don loves the people he teaches, getting to share with them his love of the sea, and making sure they enjoy safe diving!
Galapagos is my favorite of all places I have explored! Can’t wait for the opportunity to return!
Top reasons you should travel with me to Galapagos!
1. Sharks sharks sharks: The waters around Galapagos are home to 30+ species of sharks! June through November / December is generally considered whale shark season in Galapagos, with a higher probability of diving with these gentle giants.
2. Underwater diversity: Galapagos diving is known for its rich and unique diversity giving you the chance to dive pristine waters with the likes of marine iguanas, penguins, mola mola, all kinds of rays, huge schools of pelagic fish and one of a kind marco.
3. Land-based excursions: We will have the opportunity to check out the sights above the water as well, seeing the famous blue-footed boobies and the giant land tortoise.
4. Bucket list trip: Galapagos has been on my list for as long as I can remember!
Liveaboard Details
Where we are staying
The Galapagos Master liveaboard features eight air-conditioned cabins spread across three decks with each cabin offering stunning views of the Galapagos archipelago. Each cabin has its own private suite bathroom with hot water and ample storage room for all of your personal belongings. The communal areas available to guests include a spacious indoor lounge on the middle deck.
Relax and unwind from your day’s diving while watching your favorite movie or your latest underwater shots on the plasma screen television. The indoor dining area brings you a tantalizing array of mouth-watering meals, complemented by the adjacent cocktail bar. Photographers can take full advantage of the indoor camera set-up station which includes multiple charging points.
The liveaboard features a top sun deck that ensures sun worshippers can get their tan while soaking up Galapagos’ sights. Or if you prefer to relax out of the sun, the shaded upper level is an ideal location to chill out in cushioned lounge chairs and benches.
Trip Details
Price
Ground only
Classic
- Double Occupancy Diver: $6,670
- Single Occupancy Diver: $12,780
Premium
- Double Occupancy Diver: $6,770
- Single Occupancy Diver: $12,970
Deposit and payments
- 1st deposit: $1,000 due upon sign up
- 2nd deposit: $1,500 due May 12, 2023
- 3rd deposit: $2,000 due August 11, 2023
- Full Balance: Due November 3, 2023
- Pre-Trip meeting: February 11, 2024
Other info
- Prices are based upon double occupancy
- All payments are non-refundable
- Prices are subject to change due to events outside of our control
Itinerary
The diving day aboard the Galapagos Master is typically scheduled as follows:
- Light Breakfast followed by a briefing and dive 1
- Full Breakfast, relaxation period, briefing and dive 2
- Lunch, relaxation period, briefing and dive 3
- Snack relaxation period, briefing and dive 4, where possible
- Dinner
To allow our guests to explore the Galapagos to its fullest, on days 2 and 7, dives 3 and 4 will be substituted by an island visit. Prior to your flight home, you may also opt to visit the Interpretation Centre on San Cristobal Island.
What’s included
- Full board accommodation (based on double occupancy)
- Transfers
- Tea, coffee, fruit juice & soft drinks
- Up to 4 dives daily
- Land excursions
- Trip shirt
What’s not included
- Airfare: Diventures will assist
- Nitrox: $150
- Galapagos National Park fees: $100
- Transit control card: $25
- Dive insurance (required)
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Recommended courses
- Waves, Tides and Currents
- Enriched Air Nitrox Level 2
- Perfect Buoyancy
Required
- Minimum certification: Advanced Open Water Diver
- Minimum number of logged dives: 50
- Experience in currents
Failure to meet these requirements may result in sitting out from dives.
Know Before You Go
COVID restrictions/requirements – Effective October 20, 2022, most Galapagos travel restrictions have been lifted. Visitors to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands are no longer required to present a certification of vaccination for COVID-19 or a negative test result. A declaration of traveler health and insurance is still required. Special rules apply for entry to the Galapagos Islands.
Passport – Passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the dates of your trip.
Money exchange – The US dollar is the official currency of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.
Dress code – You will most likely want to be in shorts and a loose comfortable t-shirt or tank top. A wide-brimmed or long-billed hat and a pair of sunglasses are essentials for protecting face, eyes, ears and neck from the bright and scorching equatorial sun.
Electricity – There are no adapters required. If you’re visiting from the States, you won’t need to worry about an adapter for your cell phone or computer.
Language – The official language of Ecuador and Galapagos Islands is Spanish. However, English is widely spoken and understood.
Weather and water temp – Air 77º – 88º / Water 76º
Sunscreen – Sunscreen in the Galapagos Islands is very important. The sun hits the equator hard and can burn you before you know it. We recommend SPF 45 Reef Safe waterproof sunscreen, and everywhere. Don’t forget the tops of your feet! Strong sunburn can be a debilitating condition, especially for those with lighter skin. Cream is better than spray.
Wi-Fi – There will be no access to wi-fi on the liveaboard.