A usual day on the Humboldt Explorer starts with a dive at 6:30 am, followed by breakfast. Another dive typically takes place at 10:30 am, followed by lunch at noon. Afternoon dives are scheduled for 2:00 pm and 4:30 pm; however, on days with longer travel between islands, the number of dives may be reduced to 2-3, as specified in the itinerary. Dinner is typically served around 7:00 pm. Night dives and land visits are closely regulated according to current guidelines set by the National Parks.
The weekly schedule features consistent island destinations, though the order of visits is decided by the National Parks Foundation. The Humboldt Explorer strictly follows the designated itinerary of islands and land excursions outlined.
Galapagos Diving Cruise
Day 1: Baltra Airport – Baltra
Travelers arrive in the Galapagos Islands from mainland Ecuador in the late morning. Dive guides will meet them at the airport and escort them to the Humboldt Explorer. Guests will embark on the ship after 1:00 pm, have lunch, organize equipment, and participate in safety briefings.
Day 2: Baltra North (Equipment Check - 2 Dives)
Inspect gear, dive at 7:00 am and 10:00 am, observing rays and schools of fish.
In the afternoon, explore North Seymour on foot to see Blue Footed Boobies, Frigate Birds, Sea Lions, and Marine Iguanas. Later, embark on a transit to the Northern Islands, which will take over 16 hours.
Day 3: Wolf Island (3-4 dives)
Diving occurs at 6:30 am, 10:30 am, 2:00 pm, and 4:30 pm, totaling four dives, with the possibility of a night dive. Common marine sightings include hammerhead sharks, whale sharks (during their season), eagle rays, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, and silky sharks. The Humboldt Explorer anchors overnight at Wolf Island.
Day 4: Wolf Island (2 dives) /Transit to Darwin Island ( 2 dives)
At Wolf Island, dives are scheduled for 6:30 am and 9:30 am (two dives), followed by a journey to Darwin Island for dives at 2:00 pm and 4:30 pm (two dives). Anticipate encountering hammerhead sharks, red-lipped batfish, eagle rays, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, and silky sharks during these dive sessions.
Day 5: Darwin Island ( 4 dives)
Dives are scheduled at 6:30 am, 10:30 am, 2:00 pm, and 4:30 pm, totaling four dives. Typical sightings might include hammerhead sharks, whale sharks (in season), eagle rays, Galapagos sharks, and silky sharks. Following the dives, the next destination is Wolf Island.
Day 6: Wolf Island (3 dives)
Diving will take place at 6:30 am, 9:00 am, and 11:00 am, comprising three dives. Anticipate sightings of hammerhead sharks, whale sharks (in season), eagle rays, Galapagos sharks, and silky sharks. After the dives, there will be a long transit lasting over 20 hours to Cousin's Rock.
Day 7: Cousin´s Rock (1-2 dives) / Santa Cruz: Highlands
Morning dives are typically scheduled at 6:30 am and 9:30 am, though the number of dives may change depending on the travel time from Wolf Island. Enjoy exceptional macro diving with a high chance of encountering sea horses, sea lions, and eagle rays.
During a 3-hour transit to Santa Cruz, lunch will be provided on board. Afterwards, embark on a bus journey to the Santa Cruz Highlands to observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Take leisure time to explore Puerto Ayora and the Darwin Centre. Dinner arrangements are at your discretion in Puerto Ayora. Return to the Humboldt Explorer by 8:30 pm.
Day 8: Baltra- Return to Mainland
Leave the ship by 9:00 am and head to the airport for your return flight to the mainland.
Included
- 7 nights/8 days aboard the vessel
- Up to 4 dives daily (Weather Permitting).
- 3 meals daily, except Sunday’s evening meal
- Between-dive snacks
- Towels, linens
- Use of tanks, weights and weight belts
- All air fills
- Transfers between vessel and airport for same day arrivals & departures
- Local alcohol
- Non-alcoholic beverages
Not Included
- Flights to/from Galapagos
- Dive instruction and retails sales
- Dive gear rental (Wetsuit, BCD, regulator, dive computer, fins, masks, booties, gloves, hoods)
- Crew gratuities
- Trip Cancellation & Dive Accident Insurance
- Premium Alcoholic Beverages
- Galapagos National Park tax – USD 100 per person, cash only.
- Ingala Transit Card USD 20 per person, cash only).
- Nitrox: USD 150 per person.
- Hyperbaric chamber fee USD 35 per person.
- Fuel tax USD 150 per person.
Highlights
- Witnessing Blue Footed Boobies, Frigate Birds, and other unique bird species during the land visit to North Seymour Island.
- Enjoying multiple dives each day at various locations such as Wolf Island and Darwin Island, with the chance to encounter hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and other marine life.
- The possibility of a night dive at Wolf Island, providing a unique perspective on nocturnal marine activity.
- Engaging in macro diving and potentially encountering fascinating marine creatures like sea horses and sea lions.
- Exploring the Santa Cruz Highlands to observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat, followed by free time to explore Puerto Ayora and the Darwin Centre.