Galapago August 7 to August 17 2026 with Extension Option
Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the captivating Galapagos Islands, where the legendary Scuba Connection and Explorer Ventures combine their expertise to offer an unparalleled diving experience. Set sail aboard a luxurious liveaboard vessel specially designed for comfort and exploration in these pristine waters.
**Discover Unrivaled Marine Biodiversity**
Prepare to immerse yourself in a world of awe-inspiring marine biodiversity. Dive into crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant schools of hammerhead sharks, majestic manta rays gliding gracefully by, and curious sea lions playfully darting around underwater formations. Encounter endemic species found nowhere else on earth, such as the iconic Galapagos penguins and marine iguanas, as you explore diverse dive sites brimming with life.
**Expert Guidance and Personalized Service**
Benefit from the knowledge and guidance of experienced dive masters and naturalists who are dedicated to ensuring your safety and enhancing your understanding of this unique ecosystem. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a beginner, our team is committed to providing personalized attention and support throughout your adventure.
**Luxurious Liveaboard Accommodations**
Relax in comfort between dives aboard our state-of-the-art liveaboard vessel, equipped with spacious cabins, gourmet meals prepared by skilled chefs, and inviting social areas where you can share stories and experiences with fellow adventurers. Each day brings new opportunities for exploration and relaxation in this remote and enchanting archipelago.
**Conservation and Sustainability**
As stewards of the environment, we prioritize sustainable practices to minimize our ecological footprint and protect the fragile marine habitats of the Galapagos. Learn about ongoing conservation efforts and the importance of preserving this UNESCO World Heritage Site for future generations.
**Create Memories to Last a Lifetime**
Whether you're capturing breathtaking underwater photography, forging new friendships with like-minded travelers, or simply savoring the unparalleled beauty of the Galapagos Islands, your dive adventure with Scuba Connection and Explorer Ventures promises to be an unforgettable experience. Come discover the wonders beneath the waves and above the surface in this extraordinary corner of the world.
Availability: Contact us for booking information
The 2026 Galapagos Adventure will be aboard the Humboldt Explorer
Completely renovated in March 2023, the 16-passenger Humboldt Explorer Galapagos Islands liveaboard provides eight air-conditioned rooms located on the main and lower decks; each has a private bathroom, flat-screen television, and ocean view. All rooms except rooms 3 & 4 (forward below deck) can be converted to either one queen bed or two twin beds. The yacht features a partially covered sun deck with a hot tub and ample seating, a salon area with dining, a bar, and an entertainment area.
The large dive deck includes a bathroom, a large camera table with a charging station, individual storage areas, rinse bins for cameras, and another for gear. Diving operations are conducted from two large pangas (tenders), easily boarded from the dive deck.
The trip itenrary is as follows:
August 7 - Arrival in Quito
Austust 8 - City tour and trip to equator
August 9 Mindo Cloud Forest Tour or Antisana Volcano Tour
August 10 Flight from Quito to Baltra to Board the Humbolt Explorer
Your Dive Adventure aboard the Humbolt
Monday Aug 10: Baltra
Guests fly to the Galapagos Islands from Mainland Ecuador, arriving in the late morning. The dive guides will meet the guests at the airport between 11:00 am and 12 pm and escort them to the Galapagos liveaboard, Humboldt Explorer. Guests will board the vessel, have lunch, organize equipment and listen to the safety briefings.
Tuesday Aug 11: Baltra North (2 Dives)
Equipement check, 7:00 and 10:00 dives
Sightings include rays and schools of fish.
Afternoon North Seymour land visit. Walk the path around North Seymour Island to see the large colonies of Blue Footed Boobies and Frigate Birds. Sighting of Sea Lions and Marine Iguanas are also common.
Depart for Northern Islands (long transit).
Wednesday Aug 12: Wolf Island (3-4 Dives)
10:30, 2:00 and 4:30 dives. Possible night dive.
Sightings often include hammerheads, whale sharks, eagle rays, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, and silky sharks.
Night anchor at Wolf Island.
Thursday Aug 13: Wolf Island (2 Dives)
6:30 and 9:30 dives
Transit to Darwin Island (2 Dives)
2:00 and 4:30 dives.
Sightings often include hammerheads, red-lipped batfish, eagle rays, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, and silky sharks.
Friday Aug 14: Darwin Island (4 Dives)
6:30, 10:30, 2:00 and 4:30 dives.
Sightings often include hammerheads, whale sharks (in season) eagle rays, Galapagos sharks, and silky sharks.
Transit to Wolf Island
Saturday Aug 15: Wolf Island (3 Dives)
6:30, 9:00 and 11:00 dives.
Sightings often include hammerheads, whale sharks (in season), eagle rays, Galapagos sharks, and silky sharks.
Long transit to Cousin’s Rock (20+ hours)
Sunday Aug 16: Cousin’s Rock (1-2 Dives)
6:30 and 9:30 dives (number of dives dependent on travel time from Wolf Island)
This is great macro diving with an excellent chance of seeing sea horses, sea lions, and eagle rays. Lunch will be served while transiting to Santa Cruz (3 hours). Travel by bus to the Santa Cruz Highlands to visit the giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Visit the town of Puerto Ayora and the Darwin Centre on your own. Dinner on your own in Puerto Ayora. Return to the Humboldt Explorer at 8:30 pm.
Monday Aug 17:Baltra
Depart the vessel by 9 am. Transfer to the airport for return to Quito for the flight home.
***** For those with the trip extension
Monday Aug 17: Trip Extension group head off for an early morning boat trip to Isabela Island for Los Tunelels Tour
Tuesday Aug 18: Tour of Sierra Negra Vocano
Wednesday Aug 19: Kayaking in Isabela and a PM boat ride to Sanata Cruz
Thursday Aug 20: Transfer to airport to depart to Quito for travel home
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
- Airport transfer from Quito to Hotel upon arrival
- 3 Nights Accomodations in Quito
- Tours and Excersions in Quito
- 7nights/ 8 days aboard the Humbolt with up to 4 dives daily (weather permitting)
- 3 meals daily, except Sunday Aug 16 evening meal
- Between-dive snacks
- Towels, linens, etc.
- Use of tanks, weights nad weight belts
- All air fills
- Transfers within Galapagos Island for same-day arrivals and departures
- Local alchol and non-alcoholic beverages
EXCLUSIONS
- Travel Insurance (You must secure travel insurance for this package, no refunds for this booking after October 2024)
- Divers Insurance (All Travelers must have DAN Diver Insurance)
- Airfare to and from US Mainland to Quito and from Quito to Baltra* Flights from Qutio to Baltra will be arranged with the assistance of Explorer Ventures
- Currently Flights from the NYC area to Quito range from $400 to $750.00
- Currently Flights from Quito to Baltra range from $300 to $400.00
- Meals except for on the Humbolt as described.
- OnBoard Charges Listed Below
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Chamber Support Fee: US$35 per person
- Fuel Surcharge: US$150 per person
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Crew gratuities, dive instruction, dive gear rental (other than tanks, weights and weight belts)
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Nitrox (US$150 per week) and retail sales
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Entry to the Galapagos Islands also requires cash payment of US$100 entry fee, as well as the purchase of Tourist Card for US$20 in cash
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Update on January 31, 2024: We have just heard from the Galapagos National Park Authorities the entry fee will increase in a short notice. No precise amount or deadline has been confirmed yet.
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Onboard charges may be paid in cash or with Visa or MasterCard only. US Dollars larger than $20 are not accepted on board or at local banks. Credit card payments aboard the vessel and elsewhere in Ecuador are subject to a 12% IVA and 5% service fee.
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PAYMENT INFORMATION
Deposit of $500.00 to lock in your spot - By July 10, 2024, for Special Package
1st minimum installment of $1,000 (or $500 if pre-deposit was paid) due by October 1st, 2024
2nd Installment of $2500.00 due by August 1 of 2025
3rd Installment of $2500.00 due by December 1 of 2025
Balance of the Trip to include any extras, excursions etc. - less the fees to be paid on board is due by May 1st, 2026.
