The MY Aqua Galápagos 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 Galápagos 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.
Specification
Length: 26 metres
Width: 5.5 metres
Engine: 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
Compressors: 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.
Dive equipment rental: Full equipment rental available - please enquire for more information
Navigation & Safety
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 flotation 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.
Boat Features
- Nitrox Available
- Photographer Friendly
Recommended for
- Singles
- Dive Clubs & Groups
- Experienced Divers
Aqua Galapagos
From £3,568 inc. accommodation, meals, diving.
View Departures Send Enquiry Speak to an expert. Call 01353 659999
At a Glance
- When to Go Jan-Dec
- Rental Equipment Yes (£)
- Guests 16
- Nitrox Paid
- Group Discount 9 Guests
- Client Favourite
Highlights
- Client favourite
- Value option
- 7 night departures
- World-class diving
- Sharks
- Land-based extensions
What's included?
Price per person typically includes:
- Transfers
- Full board accommodation in a twin room
- Water, coffee & tea
- 3–4 dives a day (days vary)
- Tanks & weights
- Scuba safety equipment
Extras
- Please contact us for a flight-inclusive package.
- Nitrox
- 15 litre tank
- DIN/Yoke adaptor
- Hyperbaric Chamber fee
- Tourist transit card
- National Park fee
- Guaranteed single occupancy: Please enquire
- Child discount: Please enquire
- Soft and alcoholic drinks on board
- Crew gratuity
Our Price Match Promise
At Regaldive we are committed to offering you the best possible value for money on all our diving holidays. That's why we offer you a price match promise. Learn more about our promise to you.
Gallery
Aqua Galapagos
Photo: Image by Diego Toapanta Garcia
Photo: Image by Diego Toapanta Garcia
Photo: Image by Diego Toapanta Garcia
Photo: Image by Diego Toapanta Garcia
Photo: Image by Diego Toapanta Garcia
Photo: Image by Diego Toapanta Garcia
Photo: Image by Diego Toapanta Garcia
Photo: Image by Diego Toapanta Garcia
Photo: Image by Diego Toapanta Garcia
Photo: Image by Diego Toapanta Garcia
Upcoming departures
Upcoming departures for Aqua Galapagos are listed below or view all departures on our Holiday Search where you can also sort/filter.
- Departure Date: 28 Apr 26
- Country / Itinerary: Galapagos, Ecuador, Route A: Darwin's Spirit
- Nights: 7
- Embark Disembark: Baltra Baltra
- Spaces Available: 3
Offer
£3,568
3965.00
Additional information
- Dive areas visited: Ecuador: Central Islands, Ecuador: Fernandina & Isabela (Marine Iguanas), Ecuador: Wolf & Darwin
- Typical number of dives on trip: 19 dives
- Minimum dive experience: 50 dives
- Required certification: PADI advanced or equivalent
- Additional costs to be aware of:
– Galapagos National Park entrance fee:
$200
– Transit Control Card: $20
– Full diving equipment rental and nitrox: $150
– Roundtrip flight to Galapagos Islands
– Soft and alcoholic drinks tips travel insuranceand other items of personal
Cabins
Lower Deck Cabin
- Bed Type: Bunk
- Location: Lower deck
- Avble. Spaces: 2
- Last Shared Space: Male
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
Main/Upper Deck Cabin
- Bed Type: Bunk
- Location: Upper deck
- Avble. Spaces: 1
- Last Shared Space: Male
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
- Departure Date: 05 May 26
- Country / Itinerary: Galapagos, Ecuador, Route A: Darwin's Spirit
- Nights: 7
- Embark Disembark: Baltra Baltra
- Spaces Available: 1
Offer
£3,568
3965.00
Additional information
- Dive areas visited: Ecuador: Central Islands, Ecuador: Fernandina & Isabela (Marine Iguanas), Ecuador: Wolf & Darwin
- Typical number of dives on trip: 19 dives
- Minimum dive experience: 50 dives
- Required certification: PADI advanced or equivalent
- Additional costs to be aware of:
– Galapagos National Park entrance fee:
$200
– Transit Control Card: $20
– Full diving equipment rental and nitrox: $150
– Roundtrip flight to Galapagos Islands
– Soft and alcoholic drinks tips travel insuranceand other items of personal
Cabins
Lower Deck Cabin
- Bed Type: Bunk
- Location: Lower deck
- Avble. Spaces: 1
- Last Shared Space: Female
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
- Departure Date: 12 May 26
- Country / Itinerary: Galapagos, Ecuador, Route A: Darwin's Spirit
- Nights: 7
- Embark Disembark: Baltra Baltra
- Spaces Available: 2
Offer
£3,568
3965.00
Additional information
- Dive areas visited: Ecuador: Central Islands, Ecuador: Fernandina & Isabela (Marine Iguanas), Ecuador: Wolf & Darwin
- Typical number of dives on trip: 19 dives
- Minimum dive experience: 50 dives
- Required certification: PADI advanced or equivalent
- Additional costs to be aware of:
– Galapagos National Park entrance fee:
$200
– Transit Control Card: $20
– Full diving equipment rental and nitrox: $150
– Roundtrip flight to Galapagos Islands
– Soft and alcoholic drinks tips travel insuranceand other items of personal
Cabins
Lower Deck Cabin
- Bed Type: Bunk
- Location: Lower deck
- Avble. Spaces: 1
- Last Shared Space: Male & Female
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
Main/Upper Deck Cabin
- Bed Type: Bunk
- Location: Upper deck
- Avble. Spaces: 1
- Last Shared Space: Male
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
- Departure Date: 19 May 26
- Country / Itinerary: Galapagos, Ecuador, Route A: Darwin's Spirit
- Nights: 7
- Embark Disembark: Baltra Baltra
- Spaces Available: 2
Offer
£3,568
3965.00
Additional information
- Dive areas visited: Ecuador: Central Islands, Ecuador: Fernandina & Isabela (Marine Iguanas), Ecuador: Wolf & Darwin
- Typical number of dives on trip: 19 dives
- Minimum dive experience: 50 dives
- Required certification: PADI advanced or equivalent
- Additional costs to be aware of:
– Galapagos National Park entrance fee:
$200
– Transit Control Card: $20
– Full diving equipment rental and nitrox: $150
– Roundtrip flight to Galapagos Islands
– Soft and alcoholic drinks tips travel insuranceand other items of personal
Cabins
Lower Deck Cabin
- Bed Type: Bunk
- Location: Lower deck
- Avble. Spaces: 1
- Last Shared Space: Female
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
Main/Upper Deck Cabin
- Bed Type: Bunk
- Location: Upper deck
- Avble. Spaces: 1
- Last Shared Space: Male & Female
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
- Departure Date: 09 Jun 26
- Country / Itinerary: Galapagos, Ecuador, Route A: Darwin's Spirit
- Nights: 7
- Embark Disembark: Baltra Baltra
- Spaces Available: 1
£3,965
Additional information
- Dive areas visited: Ecuador: Central Islands, Ecuador: Fernandina & Isabela (Marine Iguanas), Ecuador: Wolf & Darwin
- Typical number of dives on trip: 19 dives
- Minimum dive experience: 50 dives
- Required certification: PADI advanced or equivalent
- Additional costs to be aware of:
– Galapagos National Park entrance fee:
$200
– Transit Control Card: $20
– Full diving equipment rental and nitrox: $150
– Roundtrip flight to Galapagos Islands
– Soft and alcoholic drinks tips travel insuranceand other items of personal
Cabins
Lower Deck Cabin
- Bed Type: Bunk
- Location: Lower deck
- Avble. Spaces: 1
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
Liveaboard Information
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 Galápagos. 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 Galápagos, 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.
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. Itineraries generally start and end from Baltra island and include diving on Darwin and Wolf.
DIVING IN THE GALÁPAGOS - LIVEABOARDS
The diving in Galápagos is not for novice divers. Before attempting to dive in the Galápagos, 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 Galápagos 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 Galápagos 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 Galápagos 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 Galápagos is conducted from a zodiac (locally known as a panga). The currents in Galápagos 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 Galápagos will be guided – this is a requirement of the Galápagos 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).
Dive Information
The Galápagos Islands lie on the equator 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. Evolved over millennia and isolated from any continental landmass, the Galápagos 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 Galápagos 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 Galápagos Bullhead shark.
Whale Sharks & More Whales
From May to November cooler currents rich in nutrients attract many of the great pelagic plankton feeders. During these months, The Galápagos 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 Galápagos 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.
Manta Rays & 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 & 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 Galápagos the dive destination that it is. Certainly no dive itinerary to the Galápagos 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 Galápagos. 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 Galápagos Islands please click here
Land-based Extensions
Regaldive holidays to the Galápagos Islands are completely tailor made 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 Galápagos, we recommend an extension on one of the central islands.
Please contact the Regaldive Team for help planning your Galápagos Islands holiday.
Planning your Holiday
Flight Information
It's possible to reach Ecuador from the UK via Europe, or via the USA. Common routings include travelling via either Amsterdam or Madrid. The Galápagos Islands are then reached via a 90-minute flight from Quito or Guayaquil, normally flying 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 two nights before travelling onto the Galápagos. 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.
Visas
Entry requirements vary from country to country, and it’s important to check the latest visa information well before you travel. Some destinations may allow visa-free entry for a limited period, while others require an eVisa or a visa obtained in advance. To ensure you have the correct documentation for your trip, we recommend checking the official advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or contacting the relevant country’s embassy or consulate. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.
Passports
Before you travel, make sure your passport is valid for the full duration of your trip and meets the entry requirements of your destination. Many countries require at least six months’ validity beyond your planned return date, while others may have different rules. For the most reliable and up-to-date information, visit the UK Government’s passport guidance or the official travel advice pages for your destination. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.
If you’re planning to travel to or via an EU country (with certain exceptions) your UK passport must meet two key requirements, it must be less than 10 years old on the day you enter the country and it must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure date.
Vaccinations & Health Advice
Health and vaccination requirements differ depending on where you're travelling. Some destinations may require proof of specific vaccinations or recommend certain precautions to protect your wellbeing.
We’re not qualified to provide you with specific advice on vaccinations and strongly recommend that you contact your healthcare professional before you travel to discuss the inoculations you may need to consider.
For trusted guidance on health and vaccination advice, refer to the NHS Travel Vaccination Advice, Masta Travel Health or Travel Health Pro websites.
Enquire about Aqua Galapagos
Speak to an expert. Call 01353 659999 Send Enquiry