GALAPAGOS INTRODUCTION


The Galapagos archipelago is located at a point where major ocean currents come together, mingling nutrient rich cool waters from the south, warm currents from the north, and a deep cold current from the west. This convergence of ocean currents has combined flora and fauna from contrasting environments, and given rise to unique marine species. Nearly 20% of marine life in Galapagos is endemic, found nowhere else on earth. This level of endemism is rare for marine species, which tend to migrate and intermingle to a much larger degree than terrestrial (land-based) species. The Galapagos Islands are home to the world’ s only marine iguana and the most northern-living penguin. Coral beds share the same waters as fur seals.

Galapagos is one of the only places where pelagic species — species that live neither close to the bottom of the ocean nor near the shore — can be seen close to shore, such as tunas, spotted eagle rays, golden rays, and hammerhead sharks. No other site in the world showcases such a diversity of marine life forms. Additionally, geological and biological processes in Galapagos have helped create a high variety of habitats relative to other marine areas in the eastern Pacific. Coastal areas include vertical cliffs, sandy beaches, rocky shores, mangroves, coral reefs, lagoons, and salt flats (hypersaline panne habitats).

SEA CONDITIONS AND WEATHER IN THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS


WATER TEMPERATURE CONSIDERATIONS

  • Water temperatures fluctuate through the year.
  • Water temperatures are typically warmer in the northern islands at Wolf and Darwin and cooler in the western, southern and central islands of Galápagos.
  • Thermoclines are common. Divers should be prepared for the water temps listed for all water temps: Western, Southern & Central AND Wolf & Darwin.

Temperature during the year

  • December – May: The water is warmer, clearer 65-80°F, 18-27°C
  • June – November: The water is cooler, 60-77°F, 15-25°C.

Weather in Galapagos

  • Dec-May is our warm season with more sunshine and higher temps.
  • Feb and March are the hottest months.
  • June – Nov is the cooler season. Garua, a light mist, is often present, creating overcast days. Winds can create choppier seas.

GALAPAGOS TEMPERATURE AND RAINFALL

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Would you like to contribute to the Shark conservancy?



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Shark Count is a user-friendly tool that allows divers visiting Galapagos to help monitor marine life in the Galapagos Marine Reserve.
Using Shark Count, divers become “Citizen Scientists” and make important contributions to our understanding of Galapagos marine ecosystems by recording the sharks, sea turtles, rays and ocean sunfish they encounter during their dives.

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GET TO KNOW OUR RATES TO RENT THE DIVING GEAR


The person who rents the equipment is responsible for any loss or damage to the rented equipment while in his/her possession and agrees to return it in the same condition as received. All rental gear must be rinsed with fresh water and properly cleaned before it is returned. In case of damages, the renter will have to cover its expenses

RENTAL GEAR (Net prices per person)


GEAR 7 NIGHTS CRUISE
BCD $75,00
BOOTS & HOODS $80,00
DIVE COMPUTER $70,00
FINS $30,00
SNORKELING EQUIP. $20,00
REGULATOR WITH OCTOPUS AND CONSOLE $75,00
WETSUIT 7mm (full length) $70,00
15L Aluminum Tank $80,00
MASK (frameless) $25,00
GLOVE 1.5 mm Tropic (only for sale) $5,00
FULL DIVE KIT $275,00
NITROX Course $250,00

REPLACEMENT COSTS FOR DAMAGE OR LOSS OF PROVIDED OR RENTED EQUIPMENT:


Dive Alert or SMB $50 USD replacement cost
Nautilus Lifeline $250 USD replacement cost
Nitrox Analyzer or Computer $350 USD replacement cost
Weight Belt with weight (non emergency loss) $75 USD replacement cost
Mask $100 USD replacement cost
Fins $100 USD replacement cost
Booties $50 USD replacement cost
Wetsuit, BC, Regulator, Hoses $50 - $750 USD replacement cost

Notes: Full dive kit includes BCD, regulators, wetsuit, mask, booties, hoods and fins only.

Net price per person and must be requested prior arrival in order to guarantee service

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Diver Booking Form


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Waiver Agreement


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Diving Gear Rental


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Itinerary- 8D/7N


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FREQUENT QUESTIONS


What is the minimun age for divers in the Galaxy diver II?
Minimum age of 15 for divers is strongly suggested.
Do not confuse regular travel medical and/or travel insurance with diving-specific insurance such as DAN (Divers Alert Network) or Dive Assure. This type of insurance will cover all of your scuba diving and snorkeling activities, including the costs for recompression chamber treatment and emergency air evacuation. These are not covered by the average travel insurance.

We usually recommend contacting DAN or Dive Assure who can set you up with a travel insurance plan which includes general travel insurance, including trip cancellation …. plus full dive coverage.
Galapagos Islands is a truly unique experience. So yes, you should definitely take that PADI scuba diving Galapagos beginner course before opting for a liveaboard.
Currents are moderate to strong and may require you to grab hold of rocks below the surface so you don’t drift away.
Due to its currents Only experienced divers should be going on a liveaboard. (Minimum Advanced Open Water, 50 logged dives, and experience in cold water and currents.)
Visitors will need to have a PADI Certification (minimum Open Water Diver license) or equivalent and a total of at least 50 logged dives.
In December and May, the water temperature becomes warmer, creating a favorable environment for impressive and colorful marine biodiversity. In these warm waters, divers can enjoy excellent visibility as the presence of sediments and algae is minimal.
From June to November, the water temperature decreases, providing an opportunity for cold-water diving. During this period, unique species such as hammerheads and whale sharks can be encountered. These months create a paradise for diving enthusiasts and marine life lovers.
The cold season lasts for 3.7 months, from November 14 to March 6, with an average daily high temperature below 56°F/ 13 C . The coldest month of the year in Galápagos is January.
Although there can be 30 meter (100 feet) visibility in the Galapagos Islands, the more common visibility conditions are between 10 – 20 meters (30 – 70 feet).

Visibility is very dependent on the amount of plankton in the water. For this reason, the colder months of the year have poorer visibility than the warmer months. In exchange, more plankton in the water means more activity.
Most diving cruises have the following gear available for rent: BCD, Reg-set, wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins, computer, and gloves.
We highly recommend a liveaboard experience because the most interesting dive sites are remote and are around islands whose shores tourists aren’t permitted to visit on foot.
Yes they do rent equipment, refer to our rental pricing
Yes it does. There is an SSS chamber in Puerto Ayora which is open 24/7 . So if you are in need of emergency treatment it can be done in the islands without having to return to mainland Ecuador.
If you are a single traveler joining a liveaboard at the Galapagos Islands, you can normally expect to share a cabin with another guest and pay the standard price. However, if you do not wish to share but want to ensure a private cabin for you alone, you can pay a single supplement on top of the published price. With us is 50% single supplement.
Spanish is Ecuador’s official language , English, however is spoken aboard Galaxy Diver II by guides and part of the crew.
The US dollar is the currency of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.
We included accommodations aboard the vessel, diving, compressed air, tanks, weights, and weight belts, 3 meals, potable water, 2 Dive Master(ratio is 7:1).
Do not confuse regular travel medical and/or travel insurance with diving-specific insurance such as DAN (Divers Alert Network) or Dive Assure. This type of insurance will cover all of your scuba diving and snorkeling activities, including the costs for recompression chamber treatment and emergency air evacuation. These are not covered by the average travel insurance.

We usually recommend contacting DAN or Dive Assure who can set you up with a travel insurance plan which includes general travel insurance, including trip cancellation …. plus full dive coverage

Baltra Airport is used for embarking and disembarking.
Yes, all dives are dinghy diving.
Current studies show that you should wait at least 24 hours after multiple days with repetitive diving before flying. Please keep this in mind before you book your onward international or domestic flights.
All liveaboards use top of the line navigational equipment, safety aides, and safety equipment, including: VHF and HI-SUB radios, GMDSS, Furuno GPS, Depthsounder with alarm, EPIRB, defibrillator, Oxygen system and first aid kit. All of the required safety equipment and drills are carried out.
Diving in the Galapagos Islands is recreational and our team will follow PADI safety protocols.
For your consideration we are equipped with : DAN oxygen system , First Aid Equipment , 2 Tenders at your service and Life Jackets
Your diving package includes : Surfer Marker Buoy , nautilus Lifeline for each travelers , Dive alert with standar air couplings
Nitrox is free of charge as long as the diver is Nitrox Certified. Please contact yout travel agent for more information regarding this certification.
International and Local menu is included in your package . We will do our best to accommodate your requests and please indicate on your forms In advance as many products are hard to find in the islands . Consider water and coffee station aboard is available 24/7.
Yes. internet service is available , but please be aware that low speed connection due to the remoteness of the islands.

What are the tipping guidelines?
Crew gratuities are not included in the package , all depends of your tipping habits and your generosity is appreciated.

What is the luggage Weight allowance for the Liveaboard?
The allowance on your international flight will vary depending on the airline. The allowance on your flight from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos is very strictly monitored. Each passenger is allowed one checked bag of 23kg (50 pounds) and one carry-on bag up to 8kg (17 pounds approx). Charges will be made for any excess weight.
No, all dives are guided by an instructor and under the Galapagos national park regulations.
This is consider technical diving and this is not allowed by the National Park.
Due to the remoteness of the Galapagos Islands, the local diving regulations and insurance requirements do not allow decompression or technical dives.
Typically a 7mm thickness is recommended.
Please refer to the weather in Galapagos by month because you may overheat with a drysuit. No drysuits onboard or contact us for suggestions.
No, we prefer not to take non divers on the dive boat for snorkeling. Most of the time they would be the only one snorkeling, most people don’t like snorkeling in deep water, and many times non divers get quite seasick waiting for the divers to surface.
Standard services found in the Galaxy Diver II : Private bathroom, hot shower, air conditioning, life vest, room cleaning, toiletries & towels.
No there is not.
1 Dive guide for 8 divers.
The standard cylinders with us 11 Litres (80 cuft) aluminium, which are included in the liveaboard price.

We have a limited number of 10 Litre steel, 13 Litre aluminium (100 cuft) and 15 Litre steel cylinders available for an additional charge, which must be pre-ordered.

All cylinders have convertible valves which can fit either Yoke (INT) or DIN regulators.