Liveaboard Humboldt Explorer – Focus on: Darwin & Wolf
Travel period
Features
Starting at
Diving at Wolf, Wolf, Darwin én..... Wolf!
Best travel time for diving in 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 less common. Hammerhead sharks do tend to still be there in large numbers.
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 are allowed on this liveaboard. You must be in possession of a Advanced Certification and Have a minimum of 50 (preferably 100) logged dives . A nitrox certificate is highly recommended so that you can do all dives at Darwin & Wolf. The past 6 months, prior to the liveaboard, you must have at least 1 logged dive.
Average Temperatures
Wetsuit advice for diving Galapagos Islands
We recommend a 7mm wetsuit + cap & gloves.
What will you experience on this diving vacation?
View itinerary here
Day 1 & 2 | Travel to Ecuador
Today your adventure begins with a flight from Europe to Quito or Guayaquil. Several efficient routes are available, often with a short transfer. At EWDR, we are happy to think with you about the best options, but you can also book your flight yourself. Total travel time is between 11 and 15 hours. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and taken to a comfortable hotel near the airport, where you can relax and recover from the long journey. This is the beginning of an unforgettable diving vacation in the Galapagos Islands. After a good night’s sleep and breakfast at the hotel, you are ready for the next part of your adventure.
Nb. The liveaboard always starts on a Monday, so usually you will start your trip to Ecuador on Saturday/Sunday.
Day 3 | Arrival at Baltra
On Saturday you will fly from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands, to Baltra, arriving in the late morning. The dive guides will meet you at the airport between 11:00 and 12:00 and escort you to the Humboldt Explorer. After boarding, you will enjoy lunch, prep your dive gear and receive a safety briefing. Today you won’t be diving yet, so you can settle into your cabin at leisure and get acquainted with fellow travelers.
Day 4 | North Seymour and Departure to Wolf Island
The day starts early with a comprehensive equipment check to make sure all your dive gear is ready to go. Then you will make two dives, at 7:00 and 10:00. During these dives you can see impressive rays and schools of fish, a fantastic start to your diving trip.
In the afternoon, a land excursion to North Seymour Island is scheduled. Here you walk on trails past large colonies of Blue-footed Terns and Frigatebirds. Sea lions and marine iguanas are also frequently seen here. This excursion offers a unique opportunity to experience the diverse nature of the Galapagos up close.
After this adventurous day, the Humboldt Explorer departs for a long crossing (about 14 hours) to Wolf Island, one of the Galapagos’ most iconic dive sites.
Day 5 & 6 | Wolf Island
Today and tomorrow is dedicated to the spectacular dive sites of Wolf Island. You start the day with a dive at 10:30 a.m., followed by dives at 2 and 4:30 p.m. These places are known for their abundance of marine life. You have a great chance of seeing hammerhead sharks,eagle rays, sea lions, Galapagos sharks and silky sharks. Possibly also a whale shark, but in the right season that chance is greater at Darwin. For the truly adventurous, a possible night dive is also planned, where you can observe the nocturnal activities of these impressive sea creatures. Wolf Island offers some of the most memorable diving in the Galapagos.
On Day 6 you will make another 2 dives in the morning around 06:30 and 09:30. Then you sail on to Darwin.
Day 6 & 7 | Darwin Island
You will arrive at Darwin around noon on Day 6. Here you will make 2 more beautiful dives in the afternoon. Another 4 dives are scheduled the following day. The day starts early again with a dive at 6:30 a.m., followed by dives at 10:30, 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. The most famous dive site here is ” Darwin’s Towers ” (formerly “vDarwin’sArch “), where you can often see large schools of hammerhead sharks, similar to Wolf. However, Darwin is also famous for frequent sightings of whale sharks, especially during their migration season. Other common species include eagle rays, Galapagos sharks and silky sharks.
The diversity and visibility of marine life here are exceptionally high. Moreover, the underwater structure at Darwin is very impressive, adding an extra dimension to the diving experience. Darwin Island will certainly be a highlight of your diving trip, with its unique combination of rich biodiversity and beautiful underwater landscapes.
Day 8 | Return to Wolf Island
Today you return to the adventure dive sites of Wolf Island with dives at 6:30, 09:00 and 11:00. Here you can again see large schools of hammerhead sharks, whale sharks (in season), eagle rays, Galapagos sharks and silky sharks. The playful sea lions also make these dives extra special, often swimming and frolicking around you. The strong currents and rich marine life make every dive exciting.
After these dives, the 20-hour crossing to Cousins Rock begins.
Day 9 | Diving at Cousins Rock and Santa Cruz Highlands Excursion
The day begins with dives at Cousins Rock at 6:30 and 9:30 am. This location is ideal for macro diving, with excellent opportunities to see seahorses, sea lions and eagle rays. During lunch, the Humboldt Explorer sails to Santa Cruz, an approximately three-hour crossing.
Upon arrival, travel by bus to the Santa Cruz Highlands, where you can admire the giant land turtles in their natural habitat. You will then proceed to the town of Puerto Ayora, where you will dine on your own. At 8:30 p.m. return to the Humboldt Explorer for a well-deserved rest.
Day 10 to 12 | Return home
Alas, it is already over. The crew of the Humboldt Explorer will take you to the Baltra airport on day 10. From here you will fly back to Quito or Guayaquil. Depending on your flight schedule, you may fly home the same day and arrive on day 11. If the connecting flight does not leave immediately, stay overnight in Quito or Guayaquil and fly the next day, arriving home on day 12.
Want to extend your adventure? Then consider staying in the Amazon, as described in this trip, for an extra special experience.
The liveaboard
The ship and cabins
M/V Humboldt Explorer
The Humboldt Explorer, completely renovated in March 2023, offers a luxurious and comfortable stay in the Galapagos Islands. This liveaboard has room for 16 passengers in eight air-conditioned rooms divided between the main and lower decks. Each room features a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV and stunning ocean views. All rooms, except rooms 3 and 4 (lower deck forward), can be converted to a queen bed or two single beds. All cabins are air-conditioned, so you can enjoy a comfortable temperature regardless of the weather outside.
The yacht has a partially covered sun deck with a Jacuzzi and ample seating, a salon with dining area, a bar and an entertainment area. The spacious dive deck is equipped with a bathroom, a large camera table with charging stations, individual storage areas and sinks for both cameras and dive gear.
Safety equipment on board includes life rafts, life buoys with strobe lights, life jackets, an emergency position locator, flares, oxygen and first aid equipment. For air supply, there are two electric Bauer compressors with nitrox diaphragms, producing 32% nitrox.
Explorer Ventures
Learn more about boat organization
Explorer Ventures is a leading liveaboard dive travel company that has been around for nearly four decades. With a fleet of ten ships, they offer unique and varied itineraries to eight destinations worldwide. What sets this organization apart is their commitment to treating guests like family, their comfortable and well-equipped boats, and their carefully crafted itineraries.
A key aspect that places Explorer Ventures at the top of the liveaboard industry is their commitment to sustainability. Under the“Dive Green” initiative, they have pioneered the promotion of environmentally friendly practices in the diving industry. They were the first liveaboard organization to be accredited in 2018 as a “symbiotic partner” with Green Fins, a joint initiative of the United Nations Environment Programme and the Reef-World Foundation. Their Galapagos fleet was also recently designated as the first and only PADI Eco Centers in the Galapagos Islands.
At EWDR, we also offer the Tiburon Explorer from Explorer Ventures on the Galapagos. Other destinations we offer are the Caribbean Explorer (St. Maarten/Saba/St.Kitts) , the Turks & Caicos Explorer and the Black Pearl in Palau.
Travel costs
What is included
This dive vacation to the Galapagos Islands is available from €5878 per person based on two people in one lower or main deck Stateroom. 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 to the Galapagos? Get in touch with us!
Included in this diving trip, from €5878, - p.p.
- 7 nights in a Stateroom
- Accommodation on full board basis
- Coffee, tea, local non-alcoholic, alcoholic beverages and snacks
- Return transfers Baltra Airport
- Dive package consisting of approximately 17-19 dives
- VZR, Calamity Fund & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flight to Quito or Guayaquil
- Return flight Baltra
- National Park Fee
- Chamber Support Fee
- TCT Card (Tourist Tax)
- Fuel Surcharge
- Airport hotel(s) Quito/Guayaquil
- +/- €1100,- p.p.
- +/- €350,- p.p.
- $200.00 p.p.
- $35.00 p.p.
- $20.00 p.p.
- $150.00 p.p.
- +/- €100,- p.p.
Optional
- Nitrox
- 15L Tank
- Diving equipment, including computer
- DIN/Yoke Adapter
- Tips
- $150.00 p.p.
- $130.00 p.p.
- $350.00 p.p.
- $25.00 p.p.
Email this diving vacation
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Frequently asked questions about diving on the Humboldt Explorer
Diving in the Galapagos Islands general information
Boat dives. There is regular current, then you make drift dives or current dives with a reef hook.
At Explorer Ventures, you can make up to 4 dives per day.
Weather conditions permitting, you will make a night dive on Day 5.
Yes, several courses are available on board.
Diving equipment
Most tanks are INT, there are also some DIN tanks. You can possibly rent an adapter for the week for $25.
Yes, these cost $130 per week
Yes, this costs $150 per week
Full diving equipment, including a computer costs $350 per week.
Activities, Excursions and Wellness
Yes indeed, including sea lions! But the trip is very diver-oriented, you won’t be able to snorkel at every dive site, partly because of the currents.
On Day 4 you will go to North Seymour and on Day 10 to Santa Cruz. See the daily description for more information.
Liveaboard
During your stay on the Humboldt Explorer, you will have the ability to make cell phone calls and access the Internet, provided you are near some of the islands and your phone is capable of doing so. Cell phone cards are available at the airport for this purpose. The connection is based on a 3G network and the reliability of network access depends on the location of the ship. This means you may have a good connection in some areas, while it may be less stable in others.
Yes, normally you share the cabin. The cabin can also be booked as a single, an 80% surcharge applies.
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