Galapagos Diving Cruise - Humboldt Explorer Yacht

A typical day aboard the Humboldt Explorer typically begins with a dive at 6:30 am, followed by breakfast. This is followed by another dive at 10:30 am, then lunch at noon. Afternoon dives are scheduled for 2:00 pm and 4:30 pm, although on days with longer travel between islands, the number of dives may be reduced to 2-3 as outlined in the itinerary. Dinner is usually served around 7:00 pm. Night dives and land visits are subject to strict regulation according to current National Parks guidelines.

Each week's itinerary includes the same islands, but the sequence of visits is determined by the National Parks Foundation. The Humboldt Explorer must adhere to the prescribed schedule of islands and land tours detailed below.

8 Day Galapagos Itinerary

Day 1: Baltra Airport – Baltra

Visitors arrive in the Galapagos Islands from mainland Ecuador in the late morning. Dive guides will greet them at the airport and accompany them to the Humboldt Explorer. Guests will board the ship after 1:00 pm, enjoy lunch, arrange equipment, and attend safety briefings.

Day 2: Baltra North (Equipment Check - 2 Dives)

Equipment inspection, dives at 7:00 am and 10:00 am, observing rays and fish schools.

In the afternoon, explore North Seymour on foot to observe Blue Footed Boobies, Frigate Birds, Sea Lions, and Marine Iguanas. Depart for the Northern Islands with a transit of over 16 hours.

Day 3: Wolf Island (3-4 dives)

Diving sessions at 6:30 am, 10:30 am, 2:00 pm, and 4:30 pm, totaling four dives, with the potential for a night dive. Common sightings include hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, eagle rays, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, and silky sharks. Anchoring overnight at Wolf Island.

Day 4: Wolf Island (2 dives) /Transit to Darwin Island ( 2 dives)

At Wolf Island, there will be dives at 6:30 am and 9:30 am (two dives). Then, a transit to Darwin Island for dives at 2:00 pm and 4:30 pm (two dives). Expect to see hammerhead sharks, red-lipped batfish, eagle rays, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, and silky sharks during these dives.

Day 5: Darwin Island ( 4 dives)

Diving sessions at 6:30 am, 10:30 am, 2:00 pm, and 4:30 pm (four dives). Common sightings may include hammerhead sharks, whale sharks (during their season), eagle rays, Galapagos sharks, and silky sharks. Journeying to Wolf Island after diving.

Day 6: Wolf Island (3 dives)

Diving sessions at 6:30 am, 9:00 am, and 11:00 am (three dives). Expect to spot hammerhead sharks, whale sharks (during their season), eagle rays, Galapagos sharks, and silky sharks. Following the dives, there will be a lengthy transit of over 20 hours to Cousin's Rock.

Day 7: Cousin´s Rock (1-2 dives) / Santa Cruz: Highlands

Morning dives at 6:30 am and 9:30 am (number of dives may vary based on travel time from Wolf Island). Experience fantastic macro diving with high probabilities of encountering sea horses, sea lions, and eagle rays.

During a 3-hour transit to Santa Cruz, lunch will be served on board. Then, take a bus trip to the Santa Cruz Highlands to observe giant tortoises in their native environment. Explore Puerto Ayora and the Darwin Centre at your leisure. Dinner is self-organized in Puerto Ayora. Return to the Humboldt Explorer by 8:30 pm.

Day 8: Baltra- Return to Mainland

Disembark from the ship by 9:00 am and proceed to the airport for your flight back to the mainland.

8 Day Galapagos Itinerary Includes

7 nights/8 days aboard the vessel

Up to 4 dives daily (Weather Permitting).

3 meals daily, except Sunday’s evening meal

Between-dive snacks

Towels, linens

Use of tanks, weights and weight belts

All air fills

Transfers between vessel and airport for same day arrivals & departures

Local alcohol

Non-alcoholic beverages

8 Day Galapagos Itinerary Does not Include

Flights to/from Galapagos

Dive instruction and retails sales

Dive gear rental (Wetsuit, BCD, regulator, dive computer, fins, masks, booties, gloves, hoods)

Crew gratuities

Trip Cancellation & Dive Accident Insurance

Premium Alcoholic Beverages

Galapagos National Park tax – USD 100 per person, cash only.

Ingala Transit Card USD 20 per person, cash only).

Nitrox: USD 150 per person.

Hyperbaric chamber fee USD 35 per person.

Fuel tax USD 150 per person.

8 Day Galapagos Itinerary Highlights

Witnessing Blue Footed Boobies, Frigate Birds, and other unique bird species during the land visit to North Seymour Island.

Enjoying multiple dives each day at various locations such as Wolf Island and Darwin Island, with the chance to encounter hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and other marine life.

The possibility of a night dive at Wolf Island, providing a unique perspective on nocturnal marine activity.

Engaging in macro diving and potentially encountering fascinating marine creatures like sea horses and sea lions.

Exploring the Santa Cruz Highlands to observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat, followed by free time to explore Puerto Ayora and the Darwin Centre.