Let Academy Bay Diving help you choose which Galapagos liveaboard is right for you!
At the time of writing, there are ten dive liveaboards in the Galapagos Islands. They all visit the Northern Islands of Wolf and Darwin. Which one do you choose?
Having lived in Galapagos for more than ten years and worked with all these boats in some form, I will give you a quick rundown of all of them, show you the differences between them, and hopefully help you to make your choice!
Of course, if you would rather have a land-based dive package, please browse all the Galapagos Land Tours available. (Our Galapagos Diving Trips aren’t too shabby either.)
This is just my humble opinion, but let’s start with the boats we work with the most due to:
- reasonable pricing for what they are offering
- good service on board
- good installations on the boat – dive deck, cabins, rest areas
- last minute deals for lucky travelers in the right place at the right time
Humboldt Explorer
The Humboldt is a very good mid-range option. The company that runs this boat and the first-class option Tiburon Explorer has been running dive boats in Galapagos and around the world for quite a few years now and know how to provide good customer service and a great dive cruise.
It is one of the boats that can offer a last-minute price if you are looking to book a cruise within the week of its departure (they still have space, of course). Due to the reasonable price (for the Galapagos) and the excellent reputation, they are pretty full year-round, but you can snag a great deal if you are lucky.
You can see more details, pictures, itinerary, and prices here.
This boat also offers some discount for group bookings of 8 or 16 passengers – ask us about it.
- Itinerary: Monday – Monday
- Departure: San Cristobal
- Nitrox: on board – $150 fee
- Max passengers: 16
- Approx cost: $5495
Points of Intrest
- spends four days at Wolf and Darwin for maximum whale shark and hammerhead encounter chances
- great last-minute deals if they have space left
- Hot tub on the deck
- Great Crew
- Visit North Seymour island – land tour
- Complementary local beer & wine
Monday – Pick up from Airport – San Cristobal, transfer to boat, lunch, briefing & check dive.
Tuesday – Dive x 2 Punta Carrion & Early afternoon Land tour onto North Seymour Island. Depart for Wolf and Darwin early afternoon – 16+ hours transit.
Wednesday – Dive x 4 Wolf Island
Thursday – Dive x 2 Wolf Island/ Dive x 2 Darwin Island
Friday – Dive x 4 Darwin Island
Saturday – Dive x 3 Wolf Island/ Afternoon departure to return South
Sunday – Dive x 2 Cousins Rock/ Arrive at Santa Cruz Island & visit Giant tortoise reserve. Last dinner in town
Monday – Overnight travel to San Cristobal/ Transfer to airport
Aqua
The Aqua is relatively new, the name that is, this boat has changed operators quite a few times over the last few years, but I think they are on a good stretch now. The boat was recently refurbished and is a nice tourist-class option.
The itinerary still takes its passengers to Wolf and Darwin, but the cabins are a little smaller, have bunk beds, and the recreational áreas are a Little smaller than it’s first-class cousins.
The service provided will rival any on the higher-class boats, so I would definitely consider it if you are on a Budget. You can see more detailed information here.
Itinerary: Tuesday – Tuesday
Departure: Baltra Island/ Santa Cruz
Nitrox: on board – $150 fee
Max passengers: 16
Approx cost: $4295 – this boat has some spectacular deals for the next few months, with some dates being offered at $2495 per person. Unheard of prices on a tourist class boat to reach the Northern Islands. Check your dates.
Points of Intrest
- spends three days at Wolf and Darwin and one day on Isabela’s west coast for more variety.
- great last-minute deals if they have space left
- Great Crew
- Chance to dive with the Marine Iguanas at Cape Douglas
Tuesday – Pick up from Airport – Baltra, transfer to boat, lunch, briefing & check dive
Wednesday – Dive x 2 Bartolome/ Dive x 2 Cousins Rock / Depart for Wolf and Darwin early afternoon – 16+ hours transit.
Thursday – Dive x 4 Wolf Island
Friday –Dive x 4 Darwin Island
Saturday – Dive x 3 Wolf Island
Sunday – Dive x 1 Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela)/ Dive x 1 Cape Douglas (Fernandina)/ Afternoon departure South
Monday – Dive x 1 Roca Blanca/ Dive x 1 Pinzon Island/ Arrive at Santa Cruz island – Puerto Ayora, some free time in the afternoon.
Tuesday– visit Giant tortoise reserve/ Transfer to the airport
Tiburon Explorer
The Tiburon Explorer is the luxury sister of the Humboldt Explorer and arrived in Galapagos in September 2020.
It is beautiful and luxurious inside, with large cabins, big showers, and bathrooms (for a ship). The top deck is fitted with a large hot tub, bar area, and lounge, perfect for watching the Galapagos sea birds circling Darwins Arch after a long day of diving. This boat will also have some great last-minute deals if they have spaces left, which I don’t think will be many once the world gets back to some normality!
As the boat is brand new, I don’t have a page for it yet, but you can ask us anything here.
Itinerary: Saturday – Saturday
Departure: Baltra/ Santa Cruz
Nitrox: on board – $150 fee
Max passengers: 16
Approx cost: $6395 – Check your dates.
Points of Intrest
- spends three days at Wolf and Darwin for great whale shark and hammerhead chances and also has one day on the west coast of Isabela to see the Mola Mola and Marine Iguanas
- great last-minute deals if they have space left
- Hot tub on the deck
- Great Crew
- Visit North Seymour island – land tour
- Complementary local beer & wine
Saturday – Pick up from Airport – Baltra, transfer to boat, lunch, briefing & check dive.
Sunday – Dive x 2 North Baltra & Early afternoon Land tour onto North Seymour Island. Depart for Wolf and Darwin early afternoon – 16+ hours transit.
Monday – Dive x 4 Wolf Island
Tuesday –Dive x 4 Darwin Island
Wednesday – Dive x 3-4 Wolf Island
Thursday – Dive x 1-2 Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela)/ Dive x 1-2 Cape Douglas (Fernandina)/ Afternoon departure South.
Friday – Dive x 2 Cousins Rock/ Arrive at Santa Cruz Island & visit Giant tortoise reserve. Last dinner in town
Saturday –Transfer to airport – Baltra
Galapagos Master
The Galapagos Master is run by another international liveaboards group – Master Liveaboards, so you know you will be getting the first-class treatment they advertise. The boat has eight well-appointed modern cabins, a spacious interior, and generous outside areas. The upper deck cocktail bar is great for gathering to relive the day’s diving adventures.
For more information and pictures, please click here
Itinerary: Monday – Monday
Departure: San Cristobal
Nitrox: on board – $150 fee
Max passengers: 16
Approx cost: $5950 – The Master is giving a 40% discount for the rest of the year! AMAZING. So the cruise rates are – Lower deck $3521/ Upper Deck $3570
Points of Intrest
- spends three days at Wolf and Darwin for great whale shark and hammerhead chances and also has one day on the west coast of Isabela to see the Mola Mola and Marine Iguanas
- great last-minute deals if they have space left
- Visit North Seymour island – land tour
Monday– Pick up from Airport – San Cristobal, transfer to boat, lunch, briefing & check dive.
Tuesday – Dive x 2 North Baltra & Punta Carrion & Early afternoon Land tour onto North Seymour Island. Depart for Wolf and Darwin early afternoon – 16+ hours transit.
Wednesday – Dive x 4 Darwin Island
Thursday – Dive x 4 Darwin Island
Friday – Dive x 3-4 Wolf Island
Saturday – Dive x 1-2 Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela)/ Dive x 1-2 Cape Douglas (Fernandina)/ Afternoon departure South
Sunday – Dive x 2 Cousins Rock/ Arrive at Santa Cruz Island & visit Giant tortoise reserve. Last dinner in town
Monday – Overnight transfer to San Cristobal/ Transfer to the airport – Baltra
Calipso
The Calypso is one of the newer liveaboards in the Galapagos and is worthy of its first-class category. The Cabins are spacious, the dining area and decks very nicely furnished, and the dive deck has plenty of room for everyone and their equipment.
The top Deck with Jacuzzi, Bar, and Alfresco diving área is the most popular área of the boat and is perfect for sipping an ice-cold refreshment after a long but enjoyable day of diving.
For more information and pictures, please click here
Itinerary: Thursday – Thursday
Departure: San Cristobal
Nitrox: on board – $150 fee (free for 2020)
Max passengers: 16
Approx cost: $5495 – the Calipso crew is giving a $1000 discount (so the cost is $4495) for departures for the rest of the year. They also offer free nitrox and a one-night stay in Quito or Guayaquil on your way out to Galapagos.
Have a question or want to book your dive?
Points of Intrest
- spends three days at Wolf and Darwin for great whale shark and hammerhead chances and also has one day on the west coast of Isabela to see the Mola Mola and Marine Iguanas
- WiFi onboard
- Jacuzzi on the top deck
- Seasonal itinerary change to see Mantas at Cabo Marshall
Thursday– Pick up from Airport – San Cristobal, transfer to boat, lunch, briefing & check dive
Friday– Dive x 2 Punta Carrion & North Seymour/ Depart for Wolf and Darwin early afternoon – 16+ hours transit.
Saturday – Dive x 4 Wolf Island
Sunday –Dive x 4 Darwin Island
Monday – Dive x 2 Darwin Island/ Dive x 1-2 Wolf Island
Tuesday – Dive x 1-2 Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela)/ Dive x 1-2 Cape Douglas (Fernandina)/ Afternoon departure South (from JUNE – DEC) (from JAN – MAY you dive at Cabo Marshall)
Wednesday– Dive x 2 Cousins Rock/ Arrive at Santa Cruz Island & visit Giant tortoise reserve. Last dinner in town
Thursday – Overnight transfer to San Cristobal/ Transfer to the airport – Baltra
The Galapagos SKY
This is the boat with which I have worked the least. They do not offer last-minute spots, which we sell a lot of, and are the most expensive in the market, with a price of approx $6800.
The company has been running for years in Galapagos and has the service of a dive cruise boat down pat. With eight luxury cabins featuring private ensuites and fully airconditioned, it is one of the first class boats.
Have a question about the SKY?
Itinerary: Sunday – Sunday
Departure: San Cristobal
Nitrox: on board – $150 fee
Max passengers: 16
Approx cost: $6805 – I am not aware of any specials. Check your dates.
Points of Intrest
- spends three days at Wolf and Darwin for great whale shark and hammerhead chances and also has one day on the west coast of Isabela to see the Mola Mola and Marine Iguanas
- Hot tub on the deck
- Great Crew
- Visit Bartolome island – land tour
Sunday – Pick up from Airport – San Cristobal, transfer to boat, lunch, briefing & check dive.
Monday – Early morning Land tour onto Bartolome Island/ Dive x 2 Cousins Rock Depart for Wolf and Darwin early afternoon – 16+ hours transit.
Tuesday – Dive x 4 Wolf Island
Wednesday –Dive x 4 Darwin Island
Thursday – Dive x 2 Darwin Island /Dive x 1 Wolf Island
Friday – Dive x 1-2 Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela)/ Dive x 1-2 Cape Douglas (Fernandina)/ Afternoon departure South
Saturday– Dive x 1 Pinzon/ Arrive at Santa Cruz Island & visit Giant tortoise reserve. Last dinner in town
Sunday – Overnight transfer to San Cristobal/Visit Interpretation Center/Transfer to airport
Agressor III
I am sure everyone has Heard of the Agressor dive liveaboard company. They used to run two cruises here in Galapagos but upgraded the boat and stayed with just one a few years ago. The service on the Agressor is very nice, and the installations are what you would expect from a first-class liveaboard.
The itinerary is varied and gets you over to Isla Fernandina & the west coast of Isabela and Wolf and Darwin. The partially covered sun deck is equipped with deckchairs, a hot tub, bar service, soft drinks, local beer, and wine are complimetary.
You can see more detailed information here
Itinerary: Thursday – Thursday
Departure: Baltra
Nitrox: on board – $150 fee
Max passengers: 16
Approx cost: $6595 – The Aggressor offers a couple of dates at $2000 off the normal price! (That never happens in Galapagos!) and other dates with a 25% saving. These trips need to be booked by the end of the month, so don’t think too long about it.
Are you and your buddies considering diving in Galapagos in 2021, 22, or 23? Don’t miss fantastic savings! Want to check some dates?
Points of Intrest
- spends three days at Wolf and Darwin for great whale shark and hammerhead chances and also has one day on the west coast of Isabela to see the Mola Mola and Marine Iguanas
- Seasonal itinerary change to see Mantas at Cabo Marshall
- Jacuzzi on the top deck
- Complementary local beer & wine
- Visit Bartolome island – land tour
Thursday– Pick up from Airport- Baltra, transfer to boat, lunch, briefing & check dive.
Friday– Dive x 2 Punta Carrion/ Early afternoon Land tour onto Bartlome island/ Depart for Wolf and Darwin early afternoon – 16+ hours transit.
Saturday – Dive x 4 Wolf Island.
Sunday –Dive x 4 Darwin Island (June – Dec)/ Dive x 4 Wolf Island (Jan – May)
Monday – Dive x 2 Darwin Island/ Dive x 1-2 Wolf Island (June – Dec)/ Dive x 4 Cabo Marshall (Jan – May)
Tuesday – Dive x 1-2 Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela)/ Dive x 1-2 Cape Douglas (Fernandina)/ Afternoon departure South.
Wednesday– Dive x 1 Cousins Rock/ Arrive at Santa Cruz Island & visit Giant tortoise reserve. Last dinner in town
Thursday –Transfer to airport – Baltra
Nortada
The Nortada is one of the smallest liveaboards that head to Wolf and Darwin, but its passenger count is also less, giving a personalized experience to smaller groups of 8-12 passengers. The cabins are a little smaller than most other boats, with three berths in each, though the 3rd bed is only used with charters and groups who are comfortable to share. The lounge and dining area are comfortable, and the dive deck is certainly sufficient for its needs.
See more detailed information here.
Itinerary: Friday – Friday
Departure: Baltra Island/ Santa Cruz
Nitrox: on board: $150 fee
Max passengers: 8-12
Approx cost: $5500 – I am not aware of any specials
Points of Intrest
- spends three days at Wolf and Darwin and one day on Isabela’s west coast for more variety.
- great last-minute deals if they have space left
- Chance to dive with the Marine Iguanas at Cape Douglas
- Personalized service for smaller groups
Friday – Pick up from Puerto Ayora main pier (Isla Santa Cruz)/ transfer to boat, lunch, briefing & check dive.
Saturday – Dive x 2 Punta Carrion/ Dive x 2 Cousins Rock / Depart for Wolf and Darwin early afternoon – 16+ hours transit.
Sunday – Dive x 4 Wolf Island
Monday –Dive x 4 Darwin Island
Tuesday – Dive x 3 Wolf Island
Wednesday – Dive x 1-2 Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela)/ Dive x 1-2 Cape Douglas (Fernandina)/ Afternoon departure South.
Thursday – Dive x 1 Cabo Marshall/ Dive x 1 Roca Blanca/ Arrive at Santa Cruz island – Puerto Ayora, some free time in the afternoon.
Friday– visit Charles Darwin Research Station/ Transfer to airport – Baltra.
Blue Spirit
This boat is brand new.
It promises to be an excellent first-class liveaboard, but we still await the finished pictures and arrival to Galapagos. I will update you as soon as it arrives.
Danubio Azul
This dive cruise is an economical option for visiting Wolf and Darwin. It is small but eventually does arrive.
Due to past inconveniences with some of my passengers, this boat has a long way to go before I provide further information about it for my readers.
So there you have it. If you have any questions about the Galapagos liveaboards that I have missed, please don’t hesitate to ask!
After reading all this, if you have decided that you might prefer a land-based diving package you can check the amazing dive sites we visit here.