Liveaboards in the Galapagos offer one of the most thrilling diving experiences on the planet. These remote Ecuadorian islands are home to hammerheads, whale sharks, marine iguanas, and countless endemic species. The only way to access legendary dive sites like Wolf and Darwin is by liveaboard – making Galapagos diving safaris essential for any serious diver.
With ZuBlu, you can book a liveaboard trip in the Galapagos Islands from a selection of the island’s top liveaboards, and experience the fabled scuba diving of the Galapagos Islands for yourself. Liveaboards include luxurious vessels and more affordable options, with amenities such as nitrox, camera facilities and hot tubs, and year round departures and itineraries that include dives at Wolf Island and Darwin Island.
Whether you’re traveling solo or in a group, ZuBlu’s expert travel team can help you select and book the ideal liveaboard trip in the Galapagos Islands.
Choosing the right liveaboard in the Galapagos Islands
As the majority of liveaboards in the Galapagos Islands offer similar itineraries, your choice of liveaboard should depend on considerations such as your budget, range of onboard amenities and whether you would prefer a more luxurious holiday experience or not. The total number of guests and dive guides onboard is also worth taking into account. If you need some help choosing, get in touch with one of ZuBlu's experienced travel team who will happily recommend the ideal liveaboard.
Liveaboard itineraries in the Galapagos
Diving liveaboard itineraries in the Galapagos Islands are normally 7 nights, though some liveaboards offer longer trips of 10 nights or more. The focus of these itineraries is the diving at the remote Wolf and Darwin islands, which lie roughly 18 hours sailing to the north of the central islands of the Galapagos. Dive sites at these islands - including the famous Darwin’s Arch - are where divers have the best chance of encounters with big schools of hammerhead sharks and whale sharks that have made dive trips in the Galapagos Islands so sought after. Longer trips spend more time at Wolf and Darwin Islands, and as well as explore some of the less visited sites in the central islands. As Wolf and Darwin lie so far from the main islands, there are no dive liveaboard itineraries shorter than 7 nights.
Liveaboards depart from either Baltra or San Cristobal and in addition to the northern islands, include stops at central and southern islands like Española and Isabela, offering a chance to experience more of the Galapagos’ unique ecosystems. Land excursions are also scheduled, allowing divers to explore volcanic landscapes, encounter endemic species like the giant tortoise, and observe blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas in their natural habitats.
Liveaboards seasons in the Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos islands can be dived year round, and liveaboards operate throughout the year, however there are two distinct seasons with different climates, water temperatures, and marine life highlights.
The wet season runs from January to May and offers warmer seas, more manta ray encounters and larger schools of hammerheads. The dry season from June to December is famous for whale sharks, although the seas are colder and schools of hammerheads tend to be smaller at this time of year. Learn more about the diving in the Galapagos Islands, including additional information about seasonal changes that may influence your decision when to travel to the islands.
What experience do I need to join a liveaboard in the Galapagos Islands?
Liveaboard diving in the Galapagos is world class, but demanding. Divers are normally required to hold an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent and have at least 50 logged dives - some liveaboards or itineraries require more. We recommend guests have prior experience in cooler water (15-26C) with a 7mm wetsuit, are able to enter from a tender in surge, and can handle strong currents. Liveaboards in the Galapagos typically offer 3-4 dives a day, so nitrox certification is also very useful. SMBs and other similar dive gear can be brought from home, or rented onboard your liveaboard.
How much will a liveaboard in the Galapagos Islands cost?
Liveaboards in the Galapagos Islands are relatively expensive compared to other popular dive destinations in the world, simply because of the cost of fuel and basic supplies in these remote islands. Liveaboard diving trips range from US$ 550 a day, to US$ 900+ a day, and there are non-diving naturalist trips that can cost up to US$ 1,300+ a day. This rate includes all food and accommodation, water, tea and coffee, and the diving. It is important to consider additional costs such as equipment rental, purchases onboard, marine park and port fees, dive and travel insurance, and transfers, which may or may not be included in the basic rate. Special offers and last minute discounts for liveaboards in the Galapagos are common - you can browse all special offers for liveaboards in the Galapagos Islands here.
