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Description
Boat
Aqua is a well-established Galapagos liveaboard designed for divers seeking an adventurous yet comfortable experience in one of the world’s most iconic marine environments. Originally built in 1998 and later refurbished, this 26m long, 5.5m wide motor yacht combines practical design with a warm and relaxed onboard atmosphere.
Aqua is built to navigate efficiently between the remote islands of the Galapagos, maintaining a cruising speed of around 9 knots. The vessel hosts up to 16 guests and is supported by a professional crew of around 8 members, including typically 1 instructor dive guide and 1 divemaster, ensuring safe and well-organized diving operations.
The interior spaces are simple yet inviting, designed to provide a comfortable retreat after full days of diving. The indoor salon and dining area serve as the social heart of the boat, where guests gather to share experiences, enjoy meals, and relax. Large windows in selected areas bring in natural light and offer views of the surrounding volcanic landscapes.
Aqua offering freshly prepared meals onboard and served in a relaxed setting, typically featuring a mix of international cuisine and local influences. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided daily, with snacks available between dives to keep energy levels up during active itineraries.
Outdoor spaces include a shaded lounge area and a sun deck with both covered and open sections, ideal for relaxing between dives or enjoying the unique scenery of the Galapagos. Additional onboard facilities include a small library, TV/DVD entertainment system, and comfortable seating areas designed for unwinding after dives.
Diving operations are conducted from the main dive platform and supported by two zodiac tenders, allowing efficient access to remote and current-swept dive sites such as Darwin and Wolf Islands. The boat is equipped with compressors, nitrox capability, and full safety equipment, making it well-suited for advanced divers exploring the region.
Cabin
Aqua has 9 functional guest cabins, accommodating up to 16 guests:
All cabins have ensuite bathroom, A/C, closets, reading lamps, smoke alarm and alarm system, electricity outlets, amenities and towels.
4 Deluxe Cabins (#5 - #8) :
Located on the upper deck, size 10m2, each cabin comes with two single bunk beds, seaview windows.
1 Deluxe Cabins (#9) :
Located on the upper deck, size 10m2, this cabin comes with one double bed, seaview windows.
1 Deluxe Cabins (#4) :
Located on the main deck, size 10m2, this cabin comes with one double bed, seaview windows.
3 Standard Cabins (#1 - 3) :
Located on the lower deck, size 10m2, each cabin comes with one double bed and one single bed in bunk style, portholes.
Diving
- 4 dives per day, with alternating sunset/night dives.
- 8D/7N diving trip usually offer 18 - 20 dives in total.
- 1 Check dive will be provided on the embarkation day.
- Only 2 dives will be provided on the last diving day.
- All diving will provide experienced guide to lead the dive.
- Divers must have AOW level with at least 50 logged dives.
- Personal marine rescue GPS will be provided to divers for free.
- Diving beacon and surface marker tube will be provided to divers.
Other information
- Nitrox：Available with an additional cost
- 15L Tanks：Limited available with surcharge
- Technical Dive: Not available at the moment
- REBREATHER Dive：Not available at the moment
- Dive Equipment Rental：Available with surcharge
- Dive insurance：Divers must have valid dive insurance
- Wi-Fi Internet ：Limited due to remote location
- Laundry Service：Not available at the moment
- Massage Service：Not available at the moment
- Payment on board：By cash (USD) only
- Crew Number：8, include 2 dive guides
Itineraries
Diving Itinerary 8D/7N
Day 1 (Check dive) :
AM - Baltra Airport : Upon arrival, you will have to pay your Galapagos National Park entrance fee and your luggage will be inspected to make sure no foreign substances are introduced.
PM - Baltra Northeast : Your first stop will be in Baltra North East, where you will disembark close to the yacht in order to try on your diving suit. Make sure you get comfortable; you’ll be using this equipment during your entire diving journey!
Day 2 :
AM - Cape Marshall : This area on the northeast side of Isabela island offers a few great dive spots.. One of them is Ciudad de las Mantas, named for how common it is to see giant mantas. The plankton-rich waters of this area are an attraction for many species of rays, sharks, sea lions, turtles, etc.
PM - City of the Mantas : The main attraction of Cape Marshall is a spot where it is so frequent to see giant mantas that it was named “City of the Mantas”. They come to feed on the plankton-rich waters, which is why visibility can be low.
Day 3 :
AM - Darwin (2 Dives)
PM - Darwin (2 Dives)
Due to the large number of dive sites available in Darwin and Wolf as well as the marked influence that marine conditions can have on the area, the dive sites will be chosen with these factors in mind. On Friday, conditions may be suitable for night diving in one of the two available locations.
Day 4 :
AM - Darwin (2 Dives)
PM - Wolf (2 Dives)
Due to the large number of dive sites available in Darwin and Wolf as well as the marked influence that marine conditions can have on the area, the dive sites will be chosen with these factors in mind. On Friday, conditions may be suitable for night diving in one of the two available locations.
Day 5 :
AM - Wolf (2 Dives)
PM - Wolf (1 Dive)
Due to the large number of dive sites available in Darwin and Wolf as well as the marked influence that marine conditions can have on the area, the dive sites will be chosen with these factors in mind. On Friday, conditions may be suitable for night diving in one of the two available locations.
Day 6 (2 dives) :
AM - Vicente Roca Point : The calmer waters of the coves are well-protected against the ocean swell and are great place for snorkelling amongst various species of shark, penguins, puffer fish and even seahorses!
PM - Cape Douglas : Cape Douglas is sure to provide you amazing opportunities to observe a large amount of wildlife, above and under the water! Keep an eye out for Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, red-lipped batfish, baleen whales, and more!
Day 7 (2 dives) :
AM - Cousin’s Rock : This triangular volcanic rock formation with blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, and Galapagos fur seals is the summit of a great underwater cone. Beautiful shelved reef terraces offer colorful algae, mollusks, sponges, sea fans, and endemic black coral surrounded by a variety of colourful fish as well as a cleaning station of white-spotted eagle rays.
PM - Highlands (Santa Cruz) : The road to the highlands leaves from Bellavista, a small village located a 15-minute drive from Puerto Ayora, and passes through the agricultural zone, near the National Park boundary, the Miconia Zone, and then goes to the Fern and Sedge zone.
Day 8 :
Transfer to Baltra Airport. Assisted by the naturalist guide and some crew members, the dinghy will bring you and your luggage to Baltra, where we will take the airport shuttle. Your guide will accompany you to the check-in counters in the departure hall.
Schedules & routes
Prices & conditions
Included
- Transfers from airport and/or hotel to the yacht
- VAT and local taxes
- Full-board meal plan (including snacks)
- Complimentary beverages (water, tea, coffee)
- Diving activity (incl. tanks, weights, weight belts)
- Dive guide service
- Nitrox fills
- Naturalist guide
- Land excursions and activities throughout the trip
- Boat accident insurance
- Cabin towels and complimentary toiletries
- Cabin cleaning service
- Wi-Fi
Not included
- Domestic flights in destination country
- Marine park fees & Port fees
- Fuel surcharge
- Alcoholic beverage
- Soft drinks
- Dive equipment rentals
- Larger tank (15 L)
- Dive insurance (mandatory requirement)
- Travel insurance (trip cancellation insurance)
- Crew gratuity
Useful information
Ecuador (Galapagos)
Best time for diving
There is no "wrong time" for Galapagos! There are two seasons in the Galapagos : The Manta season (Wet season, warmer water) - December to May, the Whale shark season (Dry season, cooler water) - June to November. Any time is a good time, as you'll see more species in Galapagos on a bad day than you see in most dive sites around the world on the very best day. However, Dive and Cruise team do recommend to visit Galapagos between mid June and November, as the chances of seeing whale sharks are definitely higher and the schools of hammerheads usually tend to be bigger in this period.
The average visibility is around 10 - 30 meters. Currents can be very strong at times, and the surface conditions can be choppy.
About temperatures
Air : Wet season (Dec - May) is between 23°C - 30°C, Dry season (Jun - Nov) between 21°C - 27°C. Evening temperatures can drop to just 15°C.
Sea : Wet season (Dec - May) is between 18°C - 26°C - with the western part of Galapagos being the coolest at 17°C -19°C. Dry season (Jun - Nov) between 17°C - 25°C - with the western part of Galapagos being the coolest at 15°C -18°C. Wolf and Darwin are usually between 24°C - 25°C all year.
Wetsuit Recommendation
Thermoclines are to be expected throughout the year and divers are advised to bring suitable thermal protection for all expected temperatures. We recommend 5mm - 7mm wetsuit with additional layers (shorty / skin-suit /vest / hood) for cooler waters and gloves for warmth and support in strong currents.
Diver requirement
Diving in Galapagos can be challenging even for experienced divers. Strong currents and tough conditions are not rare. Therefore, all liveaboards require divers to have at least AOW certification with minimum 50 logged dive. In addition, we strongly suggest divers to get some experience in strong currents and reduced visibility! You can find out more information about diving in the Galapagos Islands here : Galapagos
Embarkation / Disembarkation
Depends on the liveaboard you pick, the embarkation and disembarkation is either San Cristobal (SCY) or Baltra (GPS) in the Galápagos islands.
Guests need to take their international flights to Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE), in mainland Ecuador at least one day before the embarkation.
Flights to the Galápagos Islands originate in Quito, making a quick stop at Guayaquil, then carrying on to the islands and do the reverse on the way back.
One the day of embarkation, please at the airport in Quito or Guayaquil one and a half hours (90 minutes) prior to departure for check-in. A Transit Control Card (also referred to as TCT card) is required for travel from mainland Ecuador to the Galápagos Islands. The cards are obtainable from the INGALA booths at Quito and Guayaquil Airports before checking in for your flight to the Galapagos, and cost 20 USD.
Upon arrival in Galápagos, passengers form a line to process passenger Passports and Park entrance fees in cash. Then you will meet the pickup crew outside of the airport door with a sign.
Visa Requirements
There is no visa requirement for most foreign visitors who carry passports with at least six months’ validity from their entry date. Please contact your nearest Ecuadorian embassy / consulate for the latest requirements.
Vaccinations
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for anyone arriving from regions where the disease is prevalent, such as Brazil, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda (including airport transit).
Insurance Requirements
In addition to the mandatory Dive insurance, a Travel health insurance is a mandatory requirement for entry into Ecuador. All foreign tourists are required to have travel health insurance which covers the entire duration of their intended stay in the country. Traveller who are unable to provide proof of insurance may be denied entry.
Ban on plastic
Since 2018, single use, non-recyclable and non-biodegradable plastics have been banned in Galapagos. Before travelling, please ensure that plastic packaging is removed from any items you are bringing with you.
Money Matters
The local currency in Ecuador is the US Dollar (USD). Larger hotels, resorts, shops and restaurants will normally accept Visa and Mastercard for which a charge of 4 – 10% may be levied.
Drones
Tourists are NOT permitted to fly camera drones anywhere in the Galapagos Islands. Please refer to Drone Laws in the Galapagos Islands for more details.
Extending your holiday
We offer a range of hotels/resorts, land-based diving packages, and excursions that can be arranged before or after your liveaboard holiday. Just ask us if you need such service.
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