Galapagos Aggressor III

Overview

Custom designed for divers, the luxury Aggressor III offers the highest standards of service and makes a superb base from which to explore the fantastic diving on offer around the Galapagos Islands.

Accommodation

This well-equipped vessel accommodates 16 guests in 8 air-conditioned, en-suite cabins. Four Deluxe Staterooms offer two single berths and TV/DVD player. Four Master Staterooms offer the option to combine the two single beds into a queen for couples. Additionally the Master Staterooms feature a closet, hairdryer and porthole picture window.

The Aggressor III offers very spacious interior and exterior seating areas, sun deck, on deck hot tub, hammocks and BBQ area. Diving is operated from 2 RIBs.

Please click here to view a floorplan for Aggressor III

Itineraries

All itineraries encompass Darwin & Wolf and Santa Cruz islands among others. Itineraries also include a visit to a Tortoise Reserve to see giant tortoises and the option to go to the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Nitrox

It is highly recommended, due to the depths and lengths of dives at Wolf and Darwin, that all divers are Nitrox qualified.  A diver on Air will not be able to complete 4 dives at Wolf & Darwin. Please enquire if it is possible to complete a Nitrox course on the boat, if you are not qualified.

Group Discounts

The FREE places below relate to the 'boat space' and do not include flights.

• 8 pay full price - 1 free
• 14 pay full price - 2 free

Overnights

We encourage divers to arrive and stay on the Ecuador mainland two nights before travelling onto the Galapagos. You are travelling a long way on the trip of a lifetime and we want you to join your liveaboard rested and hydrated. In addition, in case your luggage is delayed for any reason, we also recommend two nights.

Guayaquil is the best option, as the internal flights are slightly less expensive and most internal flights departing from Quito stop in Guayaquil on the way. Also, Quito is at slight altitude, so you may not find it as restful to overnight in this city to recover from a flight. However, Quito may be the best option if you are extending you travel on the Ecuador mainland.

One city overnight is frequently required on the return due to international flight times, in case of internal flight delay.

Your final schedule will be tailored according to flight seat availability at time of booking. If you would like to make your arrangements for more travel on mainland Ecuador, we can tailor the international flights to fit your schedule where available.

Extend your stay?  With so much to discover in the Galapagos, we recommend an extension on Santa Cruz Island at the Hotel Silberstein in Puerto Ayora, home to the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Schedules & prices

Dive info

The Galapagos Islands lie on the equator 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. Evolved over millennia and isolated from any continental landmass, the Galapagos enjoys a completely unique biodiversity that is simply spectacular. These actively volcanic islands host a distinct and unique flora and fauna, including prehistoric creatures found nowhere else on earth.

Thirteen primary islands, five smaller islands and numerous islets and rock formations make up part of the Ecuadorian National Park System and are a World Heritage site in their own right. This includes the world famous diving mecca of Darwin & Wolf.

Diving

Several oceanic currents meet in the island group. This has led to an abundance of marine life that has few equals anywhere in the world. The mixed temperature range underwater delivers a fascinating and rarely seen mix of tropical and temperate fish species.

Many divers are drawn to the Galapagos by the presence of large schools of rays and sharks, which are encountered year round. Various species of turtle breed in the islands, whilst endemic marine iguanas have adapted to local conditions, feeding off the sea algae that thrives in the waters that surround the islands. Inquisitive seals and penguins provide divers with unforgettably thrilling shows as they perform their aquatic acrobatic displays. Occasionally divers are afforded an encounter with some of the islands rare species like Mola Mola, flightless Cormorants and Port Jackson Sharks.

Whale Sharks and more Whales

From May to November cooler currents rich in nutrients attract many of the great pelagic plankton feeders. During these months, The Galapagos Islands are recognised as one of the world’s best locations to encounter Whale sharks in large numbers. Numerous species of whales are also regularly seen in the Galapagos over these months. The most common encounters are with Melon Headed, Pilot and Humpbacked whales that migrate to the coast of Ecuador in August and September. Water temperature can vary from 17 - 24ºC.

Manta Rays and more Rays

In December to April, the waters rise slightly in temperature with shifting Oceanic currents, and in come the rays. Water temperature is a slightly warmer 21 - 26ºC. Large Mantas, schools of mobula rays, cow nosed rays, spotted eagle rays and marble rays are frequent visitors.

Darwin and Wolf

These two islands are located 14 hours sailing north of the main island group. The seas surrounding Wolf and Darwin support large concentration of the marine life that makes the Galapagos the dive destination that it is. Certainly no dive itinerary to the Galapagos is complete without a visit to Darwin and Wolf. Schools of hammerheads, dolphins and rays make these islands a highlight for many divers visiting the Galapagos. The whale shark aggregation occurs in the warmer water surrounding these islands.

Hammerhead sharks and other shark species make regular appearances in numbers year round.

Above Water

Because of their isolation, most species have evolved in different ways to their mainland relatives and even within the archipelago species have developed differently. Of the extraordinary animals to be found many are reptiles, such as the great tortoise, large land iguanas, numerous lizards and three species of non-poisonous snakes.

Up to three quarters of a million seabirds flock to the islands, including a third of the world's blue footed boobies, frigate birds, pelicans, cormorants, albatross and petrels. Aside from the extraordinary marine and land borne wildlife, the islands themselves are a fascinating place to walk around, with dramatic volcanic cones and solidified lava flows.

For a map of the Galapagos Islands please click here

land based extensions

Regaldive holidays to the Galapagos Islands are completely tailormade to your personal requirements, giving the option to extend your liveaboard holiday with a land-based stay for as many nights as you choose. With so much to discover in the Galapagos, we recommend an extension on Santa Cruz Island at the Hotel Silberstein in Puerto Ayora, home to the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Please contact the Regaldive Team for help planning your Galapagos Islands holiday.

Flight Information 

KLM, via Amsterdam to Quito or Guayaquil.

Iberia via Madrid to Quito or Guayaquil.

Continental Airlines via Houston to Quito (ESTA USA visa waiver required).

KLM and Iberia may offer good UK regional departures.

The Galapagos Islands are reached via a 90 minute flight from Quito or Guayaquil. You normally fly into San Cristobal.

Extra nights: A minimum of one night on the outbound and one night on the inbound is required in Quito or Guayaquil, due to international flight schedules and internal flights.

We encourage divers to stay on the Ecuador mainland 2 nights before travelling onto the Galapagos. You are travelling a long way on the trip of a lifetime and we want you to join your liveaboard rested and hydrated. This also helps in case your luggage is delayed.

Internal flight luggage allowance: 23kg, plus 10kg hand baggage. Excess, overweight and oversize baggage fees apply.

Passports & Visas & insurance

Please always check your own entry requirements regardless of your nationality. Your passport should always have at least 6 months validity on date of return travel.

British Nationals are currently granted a 90 day tourist visa on entry.

Always check for last minute changes in entry requirements at the Foreign & Commonwealth website www.fco.gov.uk

Nationalities other than British citizens should check with their own consular office.

On February 2017, a decree was issued by the National Assembly of Ecuador, whereby all travelers entering the country will be required to show proof of either public or private health insurance for their entire stay in Ecuador. If the traveler cannot provide proof of said insurance, immigration officers could deny the traveler entrance into the country.

Vaccinations

Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure. For the most up to date advice please consult your travel clinic or GP. Further information regarding vaccinations for travel to this country can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk and from your local healthcare provider.

There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to Galapagos Islands area of Ecuador, but we always recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and polio.

Itineraries

Reviews

Galapagos - Brilliant!

"we had a brilliant diving holiday in the Galapagos Isles. Brilliant but different in that the colours of the Red Sea Coral were replaced with very large boulders but the sea life was amazing – hammerheads, very large black tip and white tip sharks in large numbers, close enough to touch (although we did not of course!!). Large groups of massive eagle rays, a Mola, Mola fish, Iguanas, sea lions, Orca’s, Dolphins.

The ship and crew were outstanding and all of the admin arrangements (meeting off the plane etc.) went perfectly.

The only potential negative were the currents around Wolfe Island, very, very, very strong – too strong to maintain control and the only option was to hopefully grab a passing large bolder and hold on for a few seconds! We all survived but remained uneasy about these conditions.

As ever credit to Regal Dive and your very good service – naturally we will book again with you guys next year but how do we find such a brilliant, amazing and great holiday like this again?"

Bernard and Emma - UK | 18 March 2014

10

Guest rating: 10/10 (1 vote)

Galapagos Diving

"Simon,

Just wanted to thank you for our amazing holiday... everything went well.

The reception at the Mercure Alameda were very good about advising us of places to go whilst in Quito, and getting us a friendly taxi to do some sightseeing... The Hotel was of a very good standard, rooms very large and clean.

The Aggressor trip was excellent, I think helped by the fact there were only 8 divers on the boat and only 9 guests in total. But that aside food was excellent, accommodation good and the trips well thought out.

Hotel Silberstein receptionists were excellent and, as you had said, we could always get on some trip or other.

You did an excellent job of organising an amazing holiday for us.

Thank you

Karen and Pete
"

12 October 2012

10

Guest rating: 10/10 (1 vote)

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