Galapagos Liveaboard Group Trip

We have planned a fantastic liveaboard trip to the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos Islands have been on the top of many divers’ bucket list, as they have been for us for sure. Ben is going to lead this trip.

Where are we going?

Situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, nearly 1,400 km due west from the coast of Ecuador, the archipelago’s unique flora and fauna is mainly due to the isolated location. The various racing ocean currents around the islands bring with them nutrients and the world famous marine life.

Above water, this isolated group of volcanic islands has a striking range of landscapes which are home to an unparalleled number of endemic species. Brought to prominence by Charles Darwin in his renowned book ‘On the Origin of Species’ following his 1835 visit on board HMS Beagle, the islands were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.

Why Galapagos?

Experienced divers often regard the Galapagos Islands as something of a highlight in their scuba diving career. Whalesharks, Huge schools of Great Hammerheads (Sphyrna mokarran), Scalloped Hammerheads (Sphyrna lewini), indigenous Galapagos Sharks, Manta Rays, Sea Lions and Dolphins are just a few of the highlights that are often encountered during a liveaboard diving trip in this incredible area.

When are we going?

After much consideration, research and planning, we have decided to go to Galapagos in January 2026. This is prime season for decent water temperatures (the water is still going to be colder than most of our tropical trips) and large Whaleshark sightings.

The Liveaboard

Known locally as Deep Blue, Galapagos Master is a 32 metre (105 feet) scuba diving liveaboard vessel which underwent a complete interior refit to the highest standards in 2015. Constructed from steel, the vessel is steadier than most due to being designed to be lower to aid stability and speed.  Mostly recently refurbished in early 2023, Galapagos Master offers 7 and 10 night itineraries covering some of the top dive sites in the Galapagos.  We decided to go with the 7 night itenary.

She welcomes a total of 16 divers on each liveaboard trip, maximising safety and comfort for all guests on board. Featuring eight air-conditioned cabins spread across three decks, each has its own private en-suite bathroom with hot water, and ample storage room for all of your personal belongings. For added convenience and flexibility, Galapagos Master offers some cabins that can be used either as a twin or as a double bedded room.

The communal areas include a spacious indoor lounge on the middle deck where we can relax and unwind while watching movies and latest underwater shots on the plasma screen television. The indoor dining area brings an array of mouth-watering meals, complimented by the adjacent cocktail bar. Photographers can take full advantage of the indoor camera set-up station which includes multiple charging points (US round pin plug).

Galapagos Master’s top sun-deck ensures that sun worshippers can top off their tan while soaking up the Galapagos sights. Or, for those who prefer to relax out of the sun, the shaded upper level is an ideal location to chill out in cushioned lounge chairs and benches.

The boat has an official license to operate and organize diving activities in the Galapagos issued by the Ecuadorian government and the National Institute of the Galapagos ensuring you that all the safety tests have been passed as well as complying with the strict environmental rules of the park. With all the latest safety devices – GPS, VHF radios, satellite communication, two life rafts, emergency oxygen and AED – you will know you are traveling in total protection and safety.

We’ll have a full board that consists of breakfast, lunch, an afternoon snack, dinner and all drinks except alcohol. Every diver day we’ll have up to 4 dives. This means you can do more than 20 dives in 7 days! Nitrox is available on the boat and the use of it is very much encouraged!  Please note that no diet or zero soda’s will be available, because they are not produced in recyclable bottles in the Galapagos.

The diving

Undoubtedly some of the most spectacular pelagic diving on the planet, the Galapagos Islands are one of those rare places where you can dive through hundreds of Hammerhead Sharks to find a whale shark cruising along. Add silky sharks, sea turtles, giant morays and schooling fish in the thousands into the mix… and that’s just the first dive at Darwin!

At Wolf Island you can expect to see huge Galapagos sharks and eagle rays up close, whilst dives at Cabo Marshall will put you face to face with giant manta rays or in the midst of a school of millions of black-striped salemas.  Mola Mola (Sunfish) may also be seen around Punta Vincente Roca and various other locations across the Galapagos Archipelago. Macro life is plentiful with Black Coral bushes sheltering seahorses, blennies, nudibranchs, hawkfish and frogfish. Marine Iguanas are a unique sight, along with speedy Galapagos penguins and playful sea lions. This is but a mere taste of why divers consistently proclaim Galapagos to have the healthiest marine life in the Pacific.

DATES AND FLIGHTS

The liveaboard trip will take place from January 19th to the 26th 2026. As usual we won’t include any airfare in the trip. The flight schedule for 2026 is not posted at this point.

Delta currently offers daily direct flights to the Ecuadorian capital Quito (5 hour flight time), prices for this leg seem to range between $800 and $1000 for Main Cabin for this coming January. From Quito we’ll have to take a 2 hour flight to Galapagos. There are direct flights from Quito or with one stop. Prices for the direct option seem to range between $200 and $300 return.

TRIP COSTS

There are two different room categories on this liveaboard. All cabins are very nice and have their own ensuite bathrooms and air conditioning.

The Premium cabins, located on the middle and top deck, are $7399 per person in double occupancy.

The Classic cabins, located on the lower deck, are $6999 per person in double occupancy.

What’s included?

– 7 nights full board accommodation includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks

– Up to 4 dives daily

– Unlimited tea, coffee, fruit juice, soft drinks and drinking water

– Single 12 Litre (80 cu ft) cylinder with air fills

– Weights and weight belts

– Land tour on North Seymour and Santa Cruz

– Disembarkation transfer

What’s NOT included?

– All guests are required to have travel and diving insurance

– Galapagos National Park Fee : 100 USD per trip, to be paid at the airport

– Ingala Transit Control Card : 20 USD per trip, to be paid at the airport

– Nitrox $150 per week

– Alcoholic drinks

– Crew gratuities

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE FLIGHTS AND NATIONAL PARK FEES!

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY PRE- OR POST- LIVEABOARD LAND EXTENSIONS WE MAY OFFER AT A LATER DATE.

For information on single occupancy and other special requests, please email info@athensscuba.com

To get a better idea of the boat and the diving, check out the following videos I’ve found on youtube.