Galapagos Islands Liveaboard: July 5-14, 2013
Interested in visting one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet? Mark your calendar for July 5 -14, 2013. Scientists, naturalists and tourists have explored the Galapagos for decades, but only in the last 20 years it has become a diving destination. And only very recently have divers ventured from the protected bays and inlets to discover true Galapagos diving. That is to say, adventure diving on remote and current-swept islets and rocks where the profusion and concentration of marine life is staggering. There is a palatable excitement to Galapagos diving. As you suit up and climb into the panga and head out across open water to the dive site, you feel like you’ve just stepped into a Discovery Channel special, or maybe even an early Jacques Cousteau documentary. The anticipation of what lies ahead, just below the surface, makes even the most experienced diver quiver. Each site and island has its own flavor, and everyone has their favorites; Isla Los Lobos famous for the sea lions, Wolf and Darwin where many sharks can be seen or Roca Redonda and Vincente Roca where an encounter with Sun Fish can be expected but regardless of which site you’re on, they’re all exciting.
We will be living on board very comfortable yachts owned by Buddy Dive, the same organization we have been diving with in Bonaire for ten years. Smooth, stylish, spacious and comfortable, M.Y. Wolf Buddy and M.Y. Darwin Buddy, the newest and most spacious liveaboard dive-yachts in the archipelago of Galapagos, are much more than just two floating hotels. All suites are air conditioned, have their own private bathroom and are serviced multiple times per day. They are equipped with an entertainment system that includes a flat-screen monitor and a DVD player. The comfort of the furnishings makes these suites very inviting after a beautiful day of diving. Between dives and at night, divers will have more than enough time to explore all the great services on board the Darwin Buddy and Wolf Buddy. Whether you relax and read a book on our spacious sun deck, take a plunge in our whirlpool, watch your underwater pictures on our entertainment system in the lounge, or simply enjoy a cocktail at the bar, both yachts provide plenty of opportunities to make your time on board a delight. The local chefs prepare first-class meals, a combination of local, international and European cuisine, including a healthy and complete breakfast, delicious lunch and dinner.
The diving in the Galapagos Islands is a little more challenging, with heavier currents, colder water, and climbing in and out of the water from small diving launches (similar to Zodiacs) off the yachts. Therefore we suggest this trip is for divers who are a little more experienced (at least 25 logged dives) and who are Advanced Open Water certified. Comfort in cooler waters is also advised; the Galapagos waters vary widely from low 60s to mid 70s.
The general cost for the trip will be $4495 plus airfare. Flights to Ecuador will probably run about $2000 depending on the market as the trip dates get closer.
*** We strongly recommend that you get trip insurance to help cover or recover your scuba travel investment, and we also recommend buying the coverage available through DAN (Diver’s Alert Network). DAN has been a loyal and supportive partner with us for many years, and our staff uses this coverage when we travel. Click here to get more information and a super fast quote on the DAN website.
Talk with the New Horizons staff for more information. A deposit of $500 will hold you place on this special trip. You can call us at 859-277-1234 or just stop by the store to get more information.