MY Aqua Galapagos
GPLAQ
ABOUT THIS LIVEABOARD
A diving adventure with the whale shark experts.
Enjoy the silence & adventure of the Galapagos' unique underwater world while supporting the research & conservation of whale sharks! Dive with us and support actively the conservation of whale sharks!
All this onboard the dive liveaboard MY Aqua Galapagos. Starting in Baltra Island you head out for a seven-night, eight-day scuba diving adventure, before returning to Baltra. Your trip will be on the search for the massive fish the Whale Sharks. These majestic creatures can get up to the size of buses - that's up to 14 meters (30 + feet)!
Each dive will offer something amazing. The Wolf Island area is known for its currents which bring fish which means it attracts sharks. You could see Hammerhead Sharks, Silky Sharks & the Galapagos shark. Then there are the playful sea lions, the diving sea birds, and the Molas that pass.
Each day there will be interaction with the Galapagos Shark Research team, with presentations, videos and tips on photography. They ask that you bring a camera as they want your help to record photographically every whale sharks seen. Also, we ask that when you come on board you bring some stationery items which can be distributed out to the local school, as due to the remoteness these are in short supply. Part of the trip will also include a visit to the Charles Darwin Station and the Giant Tortoise Rearing Centre. Plus before departing we venture into the highlands to see the Giant Tortoise in its wild habitat.
Join this amazing trip all in the knowledge that you will see an AMAZING sea creature in the Whale Shark (and other species), but that you are also helping the future of these awesome fish!
BOAT FEATURES
Boat Specifications
- Beam: 5.5m (18ft)
- Length: 26 meters (85ft)
- Cruising speed 9 Knots
Boat Fixtures
- Full-service galley, freezer & refrigerator storage
- 2 x 250 H Caterpillar engines
- 2x Generators
Other Features
- Freshwater dispenser
- After each dive, snacks & cold or hot drinks served as you arrive
- 2 showers with hot and cold water to rinse after the dives, on the dive deck.
- Deck towel
Dive Facilities
- Nitrox available
- Scuba diving equipment - BCD, regulators, mask, fins, snorkel, 5mm full wetsuit, underwater torches, & computers for hire. Surface Marker Bouy(SMB), Personal Rescue GPS, Whistle, at no charge.
- Two SCUBA air compressors
- Weights, weight belts, 12L (80 cu. Ft) aluminium tanks with standard yoke valves included (some DIN available please request on booking).
- Personal Item Storage on dive deck
- Camera charging station - Both 220V and 110V (some US adapters are available but bring your own is recommended)
- Freshwater camera rinse tank.
- Wetsuit hangers
- Tender dinghies with outboard motors for scuba diving.
- Camera Table - outdoors
Boat Amenties
- Roomy, air-conditioned saloon
- Outdoor Shaded Area
- Indoor Lounge
- Indoor dining area
- Cushioned loungers
- Sundeck (un-shaded)
BOAT SAFETY
- Depth sounders
- Complete First Aid Kit & medical supplies
- Emergency Oxygen System with 100% demand regulator
- Automatic External Defibrillator (AED)
- Fire & Smoke Detection Systems
- Fire extinguishers & Fire Fighting Equipment
- Life raft & life rings
- EPIRB Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
- Life jackets for all passengers & crew
- Full Complement of Safety & Rescue Equipment
- Emergency flares
- 2 x Radar + AIS
- Magnetic Compass
- Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
- Long-range radio phone (for emergencies only)
- Multiple VHF radios +SSB
- Marine Rescue GPS - for diver location (marine GPS for every diver at no charge to use)
BOAT INCLUSIONS
General Inclusions
$300USD of the booking goes directly towards the Galapagos Whaleshark Research.
Air-conditioned cabin with en-suite, towels (changed mid-week) & linen.
Local tax (on booking cost only)
Guided diving (no solo or buddy, non-guided diving allowed). Each dive has a Dive Leader & Dive Master. Ratio 1:4 divers..
Dive equipment - personal Marine Resue GPS, diving beacon, Surface Marker Bouy (SMB), 12L aluminium dive tank (yoke valves), weights & weight belt - all other equipment is available for hire.
Transfers to & from the Seymour Airport (IATA Code GPS - Baltra Island) to the departure marina, on day of embarkation or disembarkation only.
Visit the Charles Darwin Station, the Giant Tortoise Rearing Centre & the town of Puerto Ayora.
Accommodation based on two people sharing (twin or double cabin) or single use (at surcharge).
All meals - breakfast, lunch, dinner + snacks
Our Exclusive Inclusions
$100USD from every booking will be donated by Pelagic Dive Travel directly towards the Galapagos Whaleshark Research.
Type of Meals
Your onboard cook will prepare a combination of international and Ecuadorian dishes, served in buffet style, in the dining area. The vessel can cater to special dietary requirements (within reason), please inform on booking about your requirements, well in advance. Also, a selection of fresh fruit & some tasty treats are readily available, should you feel peckish in-between meals & dives.
Drinks
There is filtered water available, (please bring your reusable water bottle) black, green and herbal teas, as well as coffee, at all times. Guests may also select beer, wine or spirits from the bar for an additional fee.
BOAT EXCLUSIONS
General Exclusions
No International or domestic flights are included
No Visas (responsibility of the traveller)
All rental diving equipment can be hired - BCD, regulator with Occy & pressure gauge, mask, fins, snorkel, dive computer, underwater torch - pre-book possible when booking, payment on board. Make & model will vary.
Crew & Guide gratuities - if you wish to tip you can do so, tips will be divided between the crew & dive guides (Suggested rates by the dive vessel - crew: US$ 10-12 per day per guest - guide: US$ 5-7 per day per guest).
Any Optional Activities which may include but not limited to: Dive Courses, excursions - must be paid in cash (USD only).
Marine Port & Park fees are paid directly upon a visitor’s arrival to Galapagos. This is used to help fund Park management, community & conservation projects in the islands.
All alcohol is not included - local beer, wine, spirits & cocktails all at extra cost, payable onboard in cash only (USD).
Satellite Internet & Wifi is NOT available. (Please be aware that this area is remote & not offered by a range of providers).
Rates & local taxes subject to change.
Travel & Diving Insurance is for the traveller to organize before travel - Your diving insurance is MANDATORY & must cover all of your scuba diving & snorkelling activities, including the costs for recompression chamber treatment & emergency air evacuation,(this must be shown on board).
PADI medical statement will need to be signed, any "yes" answers will need a medical certificate - any medical costs associated are to be covered by the traveller & should be done in your home country as there will not be a local dive doctor available + a Liability release & express assumption of risk agreement, will need to be signed on board before any diving will be allowed.
NOTE: The Galapagos has strict diving rules; no un-guided diving; certification cards must be carried; the conditions vary with cold water, strong currents and deep water, you should have over 50 logged dives.
Any Extra Services must be paid in USD, cash only, onboard.
Nitrox is not included but can be purchased - $150USD per week, payable on board in cash.
Fuel surcharge - $150USD - payable on board (subject to change).
Taxes and Surcharges
Galapagos National Park tax - $100USD per person, cash only, payable upon arrival at Galapagos Airport.Transit Control Card - $20USD per person, cash only, at Quito or Guayaquil Airport on your departure to the Galapagos Islands.
VESSEL IMAGES
REVIEWS
Coming Soon
Departure and Return Date
15/08/2023 - 22/08/2023
Length Of Cruise
7 nights, 8 days
Destination Description
The Galapagos Islands, Wolf Island
Diving Description
The yacht offers up to four dives per day, due to regulations. All dives are guided & you can choose your own buddy on board or one will be allocated to you by the dive crew. Diving will be from the tender, Dive computers & Surface Marker Buoy's (SMB) are both mandatory. 12L (80 cubic ft.)tanks, SMB's, personal marine GPS, weight belts & weights are provided. Rental equipment is available on board at an extra cost. All diving onboard should be within the limits and standards of the training agency that certified you. All dives should be planned no-decompression dives.
Diving Weather Temp
The weather in the Galapagos has water temperatures ranging from 16 - 22˚C / 60-70˚F June through November. Water temperatures are at the higher end of the scale in both Darwin and Wolf. Air temperatures will be around 18˚C / 65˚ F during the dry season June-November, with nearly constant sea breezes. Currents can range from 1 to 5 knots at the sites we visit, and visibility is generally between 10 and 25 meter / 30 and 80 feet. Most divers are comfortable with a 7 mm wetsuit June through November with a hooded vest and gloves. Gloves and hood are strongly recommended.
Diver Level
Advanced Open Water & higher