Aqua Galapagos

Overview

The MY Aqua Galapagos is a mid-range liveaboard and comfortably accommodates 16 passengers in 9 air-conditioned cabins, all of which have private bathroom facilities including showers. There are two double bed cabins (main & upper deck). The lower deck cabins have a lower double and upper single bunk. The upper deck bunk cabins feature single beds. All cabins have a window (portholes on the lower deck). The air-conditioned saloon on the main deck includes dining tables, TV, VCR, CD/DVD, video library and lounge area. The top deck is furnished with sun loungers towards the bow and a shaded outdoor lounge at the stern of the boat.

The dive deck is equipped with individual gear bins, recharging station, air and nitrox filling stations, tank racks and a separate freshwater rinse tank for underwater camera equipment. Diving operations are conducted from two zodiacs easily boarded from the dive deck.

The Aqua Galapagos is also equipped with an EPIRB, marine rescue GPS (to locate divers), long-range radio phone (for emergency only), FM and SW radio and VHF and SSB radio.

ITINERARIES

Itineraries are subject to change but generally start and end from Baltra island and include diving on Darwin and Wolf. Please see the itineraries tab for a sample diving itinerary for the MY Aqua Galapagos.

SPECIFICATION

Length: 26m, Beam: 5.5m, Main engines: Detroit Diesel 6V92, 350 hp, Generators: 1x 80 kw and 1x 60 kw Cummins, Maximum Speed: 9 knots, Fuel Capacity: 20,000 litres, Range: 1,800 nm

1 x Bauer and 1 x Kaeser compressors (air and Nitrox), producing 32% nitrox and 2 Rigid hull inflatable tenders, used for passenger transport and diver pickup.

NAVIGATION AND SAFETY

The boat is equipped with 2 radars and1 AIS radar. Fire detectors and extinguishers are located throughout the boat with 3 CO2 banks. A life raft and floatation devices are available. A complete first aid and trauma kit including emergency oxygen. All the crew are first aid and secondary care trained and undertake regular training from fire control specialists.

NITROX

Please note that Nitrox is highly recommended due to the depths and lengths of dives at Wolf and Darwin. A diver on air will not be able to complete all dives at Wolf & Darwin. Nitrox certification cards must be presented to our Dive Guides on board to be able to dive Nitrox. The Nitrox blend on board is typically 32%.

OVERNIGHTS

We encourage divers to arrive and 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. In addition, in case your luggage is delayed for any reason, we also recommend 2 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.

An overnight in the city is always 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.

With so much to discover in the Galapagos, we recommend an extension. It’s possible to extend on board and experience the naturalist side of the islands (see the itineraries tab for a sample). Alternatively, you can extend your stay on Santa Cruz Island. Speak to your travel consultant about the options.

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 fur 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 the Galapagos Bullhead shark.

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 Humpback whales that migrate to the coast of Ecuador in August and September. Water temperature can vary from 17 - 24ºC.

Join our exclusive expert led departure in September 2024 on board Aqua Galapagos where we dive with whale sharks, large schools of fish, hammerhead and Galapagos sharks. Planning ahead? Ask about our 2023 departure.

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 one of the central islands.

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

Please note that liveaboard itineraries can change without notice. The itinerary will depend on several factors including, but not limited to, weather, diving ability of guests & the number of other boats already present at the various dive sites. All dive sites visited are subject to weather conditions and are at the discretion of your dive guides and vessel captain.

Aqua Galapagos: sample diving itinerary

Join Founder of the Galapagos Whale Shark Project Jonathan Green on our group trip - Galapagos Whale Shark Expedition. Staying on board The Aqua Galapagos we spend 7 days exploring the island's highlights on land and underwater.

DIVING IN THE GALAPAGOS - LIVEABOARDS

The diving in Galapagos is not for novice divers. Before attempting to dive in Galapagos you should be completely comfortable in the water and comfortable with all aspects of your equipment. Having experience of diving in cold water with a thicker wetsuit and hood, as well as experience of diving in strong currents, up currents and down currents is highly recommended. Experience in mixed surface conditions, mixed currents and varying water temperatures, proficient use of a DSMB and the ability to cope in buddy pairs or on your own should you become temporarily separated, is imperative.

Regaldive advise that guests booking on to a Galapagos liveaboard should be minimum PADI Advanced or equivalent and have more than 50 logged dives. This may vary depending on which boat you book. Some require diver's to have a minimum of 100+ logged dives. 

WATER TEMPERATURES

The water in the Galapagos is relatively cold, ranging from 15 - 26ºC between May and November and 20 - 26ºC between December and June. Divers are highly recommended to wear a minimum full 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry with a hood and vest, or 5mm layers.

VISIBILITY

The visibility in the Galapagos is often limited, due to the high nutrient content of the water. Visibility can be as low as 4m and as high as 30m but the average is 15m. Visibility varies between dive sites and with the time of day and can even change during a dive. The visibility at Darwin & Wolf tends to be higher than in the Southern islands.

DIVING FROM THE ZODIAC/PANGA

Diving in the Galapagos is conducted from a zodiac (locally known as a panga). The currents in Galapagos are strong and so it is important the divers enter the water together as a group.

The majority of dive sites are small islands that break the surface of the water and then taper down. Because of this, it is impossible to bring the dive yacht directly over the dive site.

Divers suit-up on the main yacht before stepping over to the zodiac. The zodiac then approaches the dive site and the divers back-roll into the water.

DIVING REQUIREMENTS

A mandatory check dive will be required of every diver on the first day of the charter, regardless of diving certification or experience. Every dive in the Galapagos will be guided – this is a requirement of the Galapagos National Park. Please note that, due to frequently strong currents, it is mandatory for each diver to carry a DSMB and small light on all dives. A method for attracting attention through noise and reflective light, plus a system such as EPIRB is highly recommended; some of these items can be hired or will be offered as part of your liveaboard.

For peace of mind, all divers are issued with scuba safety equipment free of charge (personal marine rescue GPS, storm whistle, diving beacon, and surface marker tube).

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