Liveaboard Galaxy Diver II - Galapagos Islands
Travel period
Features
Starting at
Diving in the Galapagos Islands
Experience a fantastic diving holiday to the Galapagos Islands with the luxury liveaboard Galaxy Diver II. Discover the rich biodiversity of this extraordinary destination.
Diving at Wolf & Darwin
During this liveaboard diving vacation, you will make dives at famous sites like Darwin and Wolf. Here you are surrounded by sharks, whale sharks, manta rays, rays, turtles, penguins, marine iguanas and sea lions. The variety of marine life is the main reason the Galapagos Islands is on divers ‘bucket list’.
Staying on the Galaxy Diver II
Designed specifically for 16 divers, the Galaxy Diver II offers a luxurious and intimate setting. The yacht is equipped with advanced diving and safety equipment, including free nitrox. In addition to several lounge areas, there is a jacuzzi and the food served is simply delicious. Here you will quickly feel at home as you dive into Charles Darwin’s paradise.
Best travel time for a diving vacation to the Galapagos Islands
January to May is the “warm” season on the Galapagos, characterized by calm oceans and favorable diving conditions, ideal for beginners and diving with manta rays. Water temperatures range from 24-28°C, with daily air temperatures of 25-28°C and variable weather. During this period, water productivity is low, making large animals such as whale sharks and hammerhead sharks less common.
June to November is the “cold” season, influenced by the Humboldt Current, with colder waters (19-23°C) and more marine megafauna, such as whale sharks and hammerhead sharks. Daily air temperatures range from 21-24°C, with often gray skies and fog.
Due to the sometimes very strong currents, only experienced divers (at least Advanced Open Water or comparable with 50 logged dives and a nitrox-certification) are allowed on this liveaboard.
Average Temperatures
Wetsuit advice for diving Galapagos Islands
We recommend a 7mm wetsuit.
What will you experience on this diving holiday?
View itinerary here
Day 1 & 2 | Flight to Ecuador
Today your adventure begins with a flight from Europe to Quito or Guayaquil. Depending on your point of departure and the airline, you’ll fly direct or with a short transfer. Total travel time is about 11 to 15 hours. Upon arrival at Quito or Guayaquil airport, you will be met for an airport transfer. This transfer will take you to a comfortable hotel near the airport. Here you can relax and recover from the journey so that you are well rested for the next part of your diving holiday where adventure and luxury come together aboard the Galaxy Diver II.
Day 3 | Flight to Baltra in the Galapagos Islands
Early in the morning, after a transfer and breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. The direct flight takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes, and you will arrive during the morning. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by the guide and staff of the Galaxy Diver II, who will arrange for your transfer to the liveaboard.
After a delicious lunch, settle into your comfortable cabin. Before diving into the water, you’ll receive a briefing on the strict guidelines for visiting this national park, designed to protect its unique ecosystem. Your day ends with a safety drill and check-dive, so you are well prepared to explore the Galapagos Islands.
Day 4 | Diving at Carrion Point
As the sun rises on your first day of diving aboard the Galaxy Diver II, you immediately get excited about the two planned morning dives at Punta Carrion.
As you descend on the Punta Carrion dive site, you are immediately enchanted by the abundance of marine life around you such as schools of hammerhead sharks and, between June and December, whale sharks. At the same time, playful sea lions shoot in and out of the rocky underwater cliffs.
You’ll discover more about the vibrant and colorful world of tropical fish, including groups of doctor fish, emperor fish and parrot fish, and you’ll even find some mysterious seahorses hidden in the crevices of the reef. By late afternoon you will begin the 14-hour sail across the Galapagos Sea to Wolf Island.
Day 5 | Shark Bay, La Banana, La Ventana Islet, and El Derrumbe
You have arrived at Wolf Island! Today you will discover some of the most beautiful dive sites in the Galapagos Islands. Your first stop is Shark Bay, where you have the chance to see Galapagos sharks, eagle rays and sea lions. These impressive animals are a beautiful sight in their natural habitat.
After the morning dive, continue to La Banana to explore the rich underwater world of the Galapagos. Here you will see playful sea lions swimming and frolicking around you.
Later in the day visit La Ventana Islet and El Derrumbe, two dive sites known for their diverse marine life. You will encounter colorful fish, turtles and starfish, among others.
Day 6 | El Arenal & Darwin's Towers (Darwin's Arch)
Today you will visit El Arenal, a location that will impress you with the natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands. This dive site, close to Darwin’s Towers is known as one of the best in the world. You can expect moderate to strong currents with depths from 14 to 37 meters and visibility from 12 to 24 meters. Here you will be welcomed by an impressive underwater biodiversity, including schools of hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks and with a little luck you will also spot a whale shark.
Next you will head to Darwin’s Towers one of the most iconic dive sites. This breathtaking spot is a must for any avid diver. In the deep blue waters you will discover vivid rock formations, schools of colorful fish, manta rays and again those impressive hammerhead sharks.
Nb. In 2021, the famous Darwin’s Arch collapsed, due to natural corrosion. Since then, the place is called Darwin’s Towers.
Day 7 | El Arenal, El Derrumbe and Shark Bay
Today begin with a swim at El Arenal, where you will explore the vibrant rock formations. During this dive, you have the chance to meet a variety of species, including dolphins, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, rays, Galapagos sharks, tiger sharks and orcas. In addition to the impressive marine life, the geological formations here are also particularly beautiful.
After the morning dive, head to El Derrumbe. Here you dive among underwater cliffs and caves. Here you will encounter many species, such as green turtles, sea lions and eagle rays. 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.
The last dive of the day takes you to Shark Bay. This location is known for its diversity of marine life, including the Galapagos shark, eagle ray and sea lion.
Day 8 | Cabo Marschall
Today you will make two dives at the iconic site of Cabo Marshall in the Galapagos Islands, known for its impressive volcanic walls that plunge into the depths of the ocean. This underwater landscape is a haven for large schools of fish and graceful manta rays gliding through the water.
During your morning dive along the volcanic walls, you may encounter schools of hammerhead sharks, barracudas and, of course, the elegant manta rays that call this place home.
Your afternoon dive will take you to the “City of the Mantas,” a hidden gem of the Galapagos Islands, famous for its encounters with manta rays. The area is a spectacle of biodiversity, with colorful corals and tropical fish completing the underwater landscape.
Day 9 | Cousins Rock & Santa Cruz Highlands
On your last day of diving in the Galapagos Islands, two more dives are scheduled in the morning. The first and last dive takes you to Cousins Rock, one of the most colorful dive sites in the archipelago. The vibrant coral walls and gorgonians provide a beautiful backdrop for encounters with seahorses, reef fish and various nudibranchs. Diving deeper, you might see a school of eagle rays gliding or a white tip shark resting in a crevice between the rocks. With luck, you’ll even spot mobulas and schools of barracuda. Finally, the playful sea lions will make one more appearance.
In the afternoon, head to a reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz. There you have the chance to see the iconic Galapagos tortoise in its natural habitat. While strolling through the lush vegetation, you may also encounter other local residents, such as the rare Galapagos dwarf grunt or the bright red Vermilion Flycatcher.
Day 10 & 11 | Return home
After a week of unforgettable dives, it is time to say goodbye. Early in the morning you will be transferred to the Baltra airport. From here you will fly via Quito or Guayaquil, and if schedule permits, directly to Europe on an overnight flight.
Not had enough of Ecuador yet? Then consider extending your trip to explore the beauty above water, or visit the Amazon in the interior of this beautiful country.
For example, check out this roundtrip where you can island hop for 2 more weeks on the Galapagos Islands or exactly this liveaboard trip but with extension in the Amazon jungle.
The liveaboard
The ship and cabins
Galaxy Diver II
The Galaxy Diver II is a luxury liveaboard offering a delightful diving vacation in the Galapagos Islands. On board you will find various facilities that make the trip complete.
The main deck restaurant serves delicious and varied meals, with a mix of national and international dishes, a la carte or buffet style. Special dietary needs, such as vegetarian or gluten-free options, are available. With a gourmet chef on board, every meal becomes a culinary experience. The bar next to the lounge offers a wide range of drinks, including local and international wines, cocktails and exotic juices.
For relaxation, there is a solarium with comfortable chairs and a Jacuzzi, where you can enjoy 360° views of the ocean. The lounge next to the restaurant is ideal for relaxing after dinner. The shaded deck provides a place to relax between activities.
The Galaxy Diver II offers several cabin options, each with its own unique features, focused on comfort and stunning ocean views.
Located on the upper deck, there are four cabins ideal for couples or friends. They can be converted into one large bed (double) or two separate beds (twin). The cabins are equipped with large windows that not only let in plenty of light but also offer spectacular panoramic ocean views.
On the main deck, there are two twin cabins with panoramic views and another cabin that can be set up as a double or twin as desired. On the lower deck is another twin, perfect for families, friends or couples.
Each cabin is equipped with a private bathroom equipped with a shower and hot/cold water, a hair dryer and a towel dryer. Furthermore, each cabin is equipped with a selection of the best ecological hospitality products, such as soap, shampoo and conditioner for daily use, allowing guests to enjoy luxury and comfort while also contributing to the environment.
Travel costs
What is included
This diving holiday to the Galapagos Islands is available from €6693 per person based on two people in one room. The diving trip can be expanded as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about this diving vacation? Get in touch with us!
Included in this diving trip, from €6693, - p.p.
- 7 nights in a cabin (shared)
- Full board accommodation (+ coffee, tea, snacks)
- Return transfers Baltra Airport
- Dive package consisting of approximately 19 dives
- Nitrox
- Described land excursions
- WiFi if available
- VZR, Calamity Fund & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flight to Quito or Guayaquil
- Return flight Baltra
- National Park Fee
- TCT Card (Tourist Tax)
- Chamber Fee
- Airport hotel(s) Quito/Guayaquil
- +/- €1100,- p.p.
- +/- €350,- p.p.
- $200.00 p.p.
- $20.00 p.p.
- $35.00 p.p.
- +/- €100,- p.p.
Optional
- Diving equipment
- 15L Tank
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips
- $275.00 p.p.
- $80.00 p.p.
Email this diving holiday
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FAQ's about diving on the Galaxy Diver II
General dive information
Boat diving, and in some cases drift diving.
See the daily program. Total make 19 dives.
Nee. This liveaboard is geared toward experienced divers. Nitrox certification is possible on board.
Diving equipment
The tanks are DIN, but can also be with adapter to INT.
Yes. These can be rented in advance for USD 80. Do make reservations in advance.
Nitrox is free.
Yes. This can be rented for $275. Do make reservations in advance.
Liveaboard
Yes, if there is coverage.
Yes. Booth be shared with someone of the same sex. Private room is with 50% surcharge.
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