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Diving on the Calipso liveaboard
Dive trips on the Calipso begin at Punta Carrion with a check-out dive that features an exciting chance to see mola mola. Seymour Island offers multiple shark species, serious fish numbers and mantas, as well as the endemic red-lipped batfish.
The stars of any Galapagos dive trip are Wolf Island and Darwin’s Pillars, also called the Pillars of Evolution, which were in turn called Darwin’s Arch before the structure collapsed in 2021 due to natural erosion. Commonly ranked among the best dive sites in the world, here you’ll see schooling hammerheads, whale sharks depending on the season, countless turtles, and incredible fish diversity.
Bird life is outstanding here, as both Wolf and Darwin are only accessible to liveaboards. Bring binoculars so you don’t miss out on airborne action.
At Isabela and Fernandina, exact dive sites change seasonally, so check Calipso’s website for full details. Flightless marine birds, swimming iguanas, and playful sea lions make these islands stand out.
Next come Cousins Rock and Santa Cruz, where a backdrop of black coral offsets frogfish, seahorses, and octopus hiding from sea lions. Pelagics are always a possibility, so remember to look out into the blue from time to time. Visit terrestrial Santa Cruz to see Galapagos tortoises; we recommend walking through the Charles Darwin Research Center, then grabbing gelato from a vendor to cool down.
Underwater, the crew maintains an 8:1 diver-to-guide ratio. Guests should be experienced divers due to advanced conditions, with 50 to 100 dives logged prior to this trip. Nitrox certification is best, and it’s available onboard if you don’t have it before the trip. All dives are done from tenders with back-roll entries.
Due to frequent thermoclines and cool Pacific waters, it’s best to bring gear that you are familiar with. However, rental gear is available for an extra charge. There are several night dives, so bring your own torch for the best view.
Galapagos water temperatures fluctuate seasonally. December through May ranges from 70 to 86 F (21 to 30 C), and June through November sees 60 to 75 F (12 to 24 C). Water temperature varies, but a 7mm wetsuit is common and many divers wear a hood.
Water visibility in the Galapagos ranges from 30 to 70 feet (10 to 21 m). When timing your visit, consider that the warm season has greater visibility than the cool season, but sea life sightings can differ significantly. Cold season is also known as “whale shark season,” and the warm season is considered “manta season.”
Highlights:
- Shark variety and abundance
- Corals and geologic features
- Cool endemics like the red-lipped batfish
Onboard the Calipso
Fully rebuilt in 2019, the approximately 114-foot (35 m) Calipso is pristine and memorable, just like the waters it visits. Communal areas include the bright dining room, with multiple tables and panoramic windows. You’ll also find a bar, adjacent to the lounge and coffee station. WiFi is available free of charge in shared spaces.
Eight cabins contain two twin beds that can be converted into a single or queen, accommodating up to 16 guests, with a ninth cabin on the lower deck available for tour leaders and passengers who don’t want to pay a single supplement for a larger cabin. Bathrooms have multiple storage cubbies and comfortably sized showers. Stylish design and vivid artwork hanging above the beds make the cabins stand out.
Outside, on the upper sundeck, you’ll find a hot tub, alfresco dining area, bar with a BBQ, and lounge chairs. Choose a seat in the shade or stretch out to soak in all the rays. Either way, you’ll feel like you’re living the high life.
The spacious dive deck features four showers with rainfall heads. Camera amenities include charging stations, a multilevel storage table, and a double-sided rinse tank. Serious photographers and recreational go-pro documentarians will both feel catered to on the Calipso. Secure storage is below every bench station to keep your belongings in place. A head is located on the dive platform, just outside of the dining area.
Highlights:
- Rainfall shower heads on dive deck
- Free WiFi in communal areas
- Multiple, spacious communal areas
- Cabin amenities and style
Dining on the Calipso
All meals are served buffet-style on the Calipso. International and local Ecuadorian fare is offered, all with fresh local produce and seafood. Additionally, most of the fruits and vegetables are organic.
Dietary restrictions are accommodated with advance notice. After each dive a hot beverage, snack, and warm towel are provided. Additionally, fruit, candy, and other snacks are available all day.
For beverages, juice, soda, coffee, tea, and water are all complimentary. Alcohol is not included, but beer, wine, and liquor are available for purchase. You can also bring your own and pay a corkage fee.
Highlights:
- Local and often organic fruits and vegetables
- All you can eat buffet-style meals
- Snacks available all day
Things we like:
- Hot tub on sun deck
- Spacious and multiple common areas
- Dive site fauna
Things we don't like:
- No Wi-Fi in cabins
- Alcohol not included
- Mandatory fees not included
Key Facts
| Year Built | 1991 |
| Max Divers | 14 |
| Price Range | Mid-range |
| Trip Length | 5-7 Nights |
| Internet | No |
| Nitrox | Yes ($) |
| Equipment Rental | Yes ($) |
| Camera Station | Yes |
| Air Conditioning | Yes |
| Min. Logged Dives | No minimum |
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