Humboldt Explorer, based in the Galapagos Islands, has been newly remodeled and is back in the water ready for divers. Diving on Humboldt Explorer is already a five-star experience, but now the liveaboard has even better accommodations. It also features a more contemporary salon and sun deck, upgraded dive deck, and fresh plumbing. Humboldt Explorer received the Fleet's largest overhaul to date. Short of building a new boat, the liveaboard is brand new.
The staterooms were torn down to their bulk heads; the rooms have had a complete restoration with new walls, new plumbing in the bathrooms, and an installation of new fire protection in electrical outlets and light plugs. The cabins were redesigned with more ambient and neutral colours, plus new floors, doors, art, closets, and dressers. The cabin air conditioner units and entertainment systems have also received upgrades. Guests can be assured they will sleep well on the new Humboldt Explorer.
The salon was modernised with increased ambient lighting and neutral paint colors, new or re-upholstered living and dining room furniture, and new floors and cabinets. Along with these big changes, the salon received new air conditioners and buffet equipment. Up top, the sun deck received new teak flooring and a very attractive bar with grill to allow the chef to make meals upstairs. Two custom designed seats were added on the bow for guests to enjoy the Galapagos' panoramic views.
The dive deck had one of the biggest physical changes, with the deck being expanded and raised to a single level to allow easier movement of divers. Outdoor showers were also relocated to the stern and new charging stations were installed. The crew also did maintenance on tank hoses, stainless steel seats, and the diving table.
Humboldt Explorer is a one of a kind of Galapagos liveaboard. Building on their experience diving this one of a kind destination, they have crafted a very special itinerary that focuses on extra dive time at Wolf and Darwin. This means you have even more time to dive with the famous hammerheads, Galapagos sharks and silkies. Add to this the seasonal whalesharks and rays sightings as well as iguanas and sea lions, and you can see just why the Galapagos is one of the ultimate diving destinations.
Humboldt Explorer sleeps 16 dives in 8 cabins across 2 decks. There is no supplement for 2 main deck cabins, so please do make your request at the time of booking if you have a preference. 6 of the cabins can be arranged as either 1 queen double bed or two twin beds. All have en suite, individual air con with a flat screen TV and ocean view windows.
Humboldt Explorer has plenty of space on board for relaxing in between dives. The sun deck has a large lounge, as well as a partially covered sun deck and jacuzzi. The main deck is home to the saloon and dining area - at the end of the day enjoy alcoholic and soft drinks as part of your package. The dive deck is where you will kit up and there are large changing stations for each diver, a camera table and rinse tanks. All diving is done from the 2 tender panga vessels. You can chose to prebook and prepay for nitrox or pay locally on board.
The Main Deck features two guest cabins, 1 & 2, each with private bath and shower, television, ample storage and provides guests with an ocean view.
The Lower Deck comprises six cabins, 3-8, each with private bath and shower, television, window and ample storage. All rooms except rooms 3 & 4 (forward below deck) can be converted to either one queen bed or two twin beds.
There is an indoor saloon and dining area on the main deck, with further seating spaces upstairs
More new images coming soon of the cabin renovations
Our holiday prices are influenced by various factors, including the season, accommodation preferences, and the length of holiday you choose.
This adventure begins at a base price of £3895 per person.
Weekly departures on a variety of itineraraires available throughout the year.
Tailored Just for You:
We believe in crafting experiences as unique as the individual embarking on them.
The final cost hinges on how we meticulously tailor this trip to your preferences.
Whether you seek opulence or simplicity, we will adapt to your budget.
Trip Duration: Longer explorations may add to the overall cost.
Booking Timing: Early birds often catch favorable rates.
Your Personalized Quote:
The precise price awaits you in a bespoke quote.
Pop us an email with your date range and the budget you have in mind and our team will curate every detail, ensuring it aligns with your expectations.
It usually takes around 16 hours flying time to reach Guayaquil - this is your gateway to the Galapagos islands. The flight from Guayaquil to San Cristobal is then around 2 hours.
The Galapagos has year round big fish. It's most famous for the schooling hammerheads, but from December to May, Manta Season is the warm season for Galapagos diving. Air temperatures go up a few degrees, but typically the water at Wolf and Darwin Islands will be anywhere from 25-27C. Despite the warmth, visibility is also usually the best Galapagos has to offer during Manta Season. Between June and November, the number of whaleshark encounters increases dramatically.
View entry requirements here If you are fully vaccinated, you can enter Ecuador. At least 14 days must have passed since your second dose of the vaccine, and the vaccine must be approved by the World Health Organisation. or Ecuador will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record and proof of COVID-19 vaccination issued in the Crown Dependencies. If you are not fully vaccinated you must present a laboratory PCR or antigen test, taken up to 72 hours prior to boarding your flight, in order to enter Ecuador. All passengers are required to complete a Health Declaration Form with their itinerary and local contact details. From 18th March, when you travel to England from abroad you: do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive do not need to fill in a UK passenger locator form do not need to quarantine when you arrive This applies whether you are vaccinated or not. It includes people who are transiting through England. Updated 13SEP 2022
The Galapagos has good weather all year round. The weather is not normally too wet (inspite of its equatorial location), with the dry season running from Jul - Dec and the warm season from Jan - Jun. Temps range from 21-30C.
Our holidays to the Galapagos can be quoted with most major airlines from Heathrow to Guayaquil or Quito. We are able to book most major airlines. If you would like to depart from a different UK airport (eg. Glasgow/Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham or Gatwick) or have a specific airline you prefer to fly with, simply let us know in your booking request. Times and any applicable costs will be confirmed by your travel consultant before you finalise your holiday. If you wish to make your own flight arrangements to Guayaquil, let us know and we can remove the cost of the international flights from your quote. We are unfortunately not able to redeem airmiles on your behalf. Please do not confirm any flight arrangements yourself before your holiday is confirmed by us.
As there are no direct flight, it is simple to add a stop over en route - simply ask your travel consultant for a quote. Popular locations include the USA, Amsterdam or Madrid.
UK passport holders are able to obtain a free 90 day tourist visa on arrival. Do ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with immigration. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Regulations can change: please review current FCO advice: click here to review
Scuba Travel requires all of our customers to have diving insurance. Please make sure that you have appropriate cover for your diving activities. We also strongly recommend you have travel insurance. It's worth taking out travel insurance once you have paid your deposit to ensure you are covered for unforeseen events and cancellation.
Your covid proof of vaccination must match your passport name and flight ticket name. Please speak to your local GP or check out the latest NHS advice on updating your NHS details or for other travel immunisations: click here to go to the NHS
You will be able to manage your booking online once you have been ticketed (after you have paid your holiday balance). Most airlines will now enable you to select your seating at this point. There may be a small charge for prebookable seating before online check in opens. Please speak to the airline for more information about charges.
As you are flying with a scheduled airline, you will be able to check in online with your airline. Please visit their website for more information about when online check in opens.
An airport lounge is a great way to start your holiday or to while away flight connections in comfort. Scuba Travel works with Lounge Pass to offer a huge range of affordable airport lounges around the world. click here for more info on Lounge Pass
Prebook your airport parking to save money! If you have a long way to travel, why not also look at booking an airport hotel. These aren't as expensive as you might think. click here for holiday extras
On arrival to the Ecuador mainland, you will need to clear immigration and collect your baggage. You will then be met outside of arrivals by a representative. They will be holding a board with either your destination or your name on it. If you have any issues at all locating your rep, please contact us. We have an emergency contact, manned by a member of the team here in the UK. Please call 0044 7747 488 002. We will be able to help your rep locate you in the airport.
Quito airport is around 1 hour by car from Quito city. Guayaquil airport is closer to the city, and transfers to your hotel are usually no more than 30mins. You will be advised locally of your pick up time for your return to the airport and flight to the Galapagos Islands. The flying time is around 2 hours between Guayaquil and San Cristobal
At the end of your holiday, your return transfer details will be advised locally. On leaving the Ecuador there is an departure tax of $30-$40 which must be paid in cash.
The last night Sunday dinner is arranged locally.
The U.S. dollar is Ecuador’s standard currency. We strongly recommend taking cash USD to the Galapagos for gratuities and onboard charges are best paid in cash. This avoids any additional Ecuadorian taxes and service fees. Credit cards are subject to the 14% VAT plus 5% in bank fees.
Very limited, private calls might be made from the yacht by satellite phone with the crews permission.
120 volts AC, 60Hz. Plugs used are American-style (two perpendicular flat blades above a circular grounding pin) and Japanese-style (two perpendicular flat blades). It’s advisable to take an adaptor. We also highly recommend that you take a surge adaptor with you if using expensive and valuable appliances.
We recommend all divers bring their own mask, gloves, booties, fins, hood or hooded vest and computer. A personal wetsuit is also a good idea if you have space. Diving in Galapagos can be challenging and it is important that you are comfortable with the equipment you dive with.
Galapagos National Park fee: $155 (inc Hyperbaric Chamber fee & Tourist transit card). Option to prepay fuel surcharge and nitrox.
No souvenirs are included in the price, but there will be souvenirs available locally.
Nitrox is currently 150USD and can be paid either locally on the boat or prepaid.
A typical deposit will be 30% of your liveabaord package. Additional payments maybe required to secure your flights. This will be due once your holiday has been confirmed. Your balance will then be due 90 days before travel.
We accept mastercard and visa debit or credit cards. If you would like a pay by link to complete check out via email please let us know and it can be set up for you. We do not take AMEX. All non sterling card payments and UK business debit cards will be subject to the 3% surcharge. Alternatively, you are welcome to pay via bank transfer. Overseas bank transfers must add £8 to the sterling total to cover international handling fees. We are not able to accept PayPal transactions or personal cheques.
If you have booked as part of a group, you can still call and pay directly without needing to go via your group leader. Please have your trip reference number to hand to help us locate your holiday as quickly as possible. You will receive a transaction receipt - your group leader will forward your ATOL certificate and booking confirmation
Are you one of Scuba Travel's repeat customers? Over 60% of our customers trust Scuba Travel to book their next diving holiday, time after time.
And we believe you deserve a huge thanks for your ongoing support over the years, which is what our repeater discount is all about! Travel with us again in either 12 months or 24 months and you will qualify for a discount. That's all you have to do. No forms, no numbers to remember, no fuss, just a good honest price reduction.
Repeat discounts are not cumulative and cannot be applied to special offer prices
Make your wish list Galapagos diving holiday stand out from the rest with the Galapagos Extreme itinerary. This very special trip spends even longer at the shark mecca Wolf and Darwin. There is no where on earth quite like the Galapagos. Your seve... Learn more about Galapagos Extreme
Humboldt Explorer offers a unique itinerary with an extra day at Wolf and Darwin, as well as being a great choice for those on a budget. Weekly departures, year round from Baltra.
Call us or email to bookWe would be more than happy to help you. Our travel advisors are at your service to help you.
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