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Diving on the Galapagos Aqua liveaboard
The Aqua itinerary begins with a dive off Baltra. From there the vessel cruises north to Cape Marshall and City of the Mantas. Here you can count on seeing, as the name suggests, manta rays, and impressive walls with frequent sea lion visits.
The highlight of the itinerary is 11 dives scheduled for Wolf and Darwin Islands, famous for schooling hammerheads and dramatic rock formations under and above the surface. Other dive sites include reefs, pinnacles, and sandy bottoms with impressive wildlife including seahorses, endemic penguins, turtles, mola mola, and more. A land tour is included on Santa Cruz the final day before returning to Baltra.
Guests can look forward to 19 total dives on Aqua, conducted from two tenders. As is the norm in the Galapagos, back-roll, negatively buoyant entries are the norm. Currents and choppy surface conditions are common, so divers should be experienced.
Galapagos water visibility averages 30 to 70 feet (9 to 21 m), with the warm season offering greater visibility compared to the cool season. Cold season is also known as “whale shark season,” and the warm season is considered “manta season.” As one of the top dive destinations in the world, ultimately there is no wrong time to visit the Galapagos.
Galapagos water temperatures fluctuate seasonally. December through May ranges from 70 to 86 F (21 to 30 C), and June through November ranges from 60 to 75 F (12 to 24 C). Thermoclines are common, and northern islands have warmer waters than those in the south. A 7 mm wetsuit is common and many divers opt to wear a hood, with most dives occurring at depths of 60 to 100 feet(18 to 30 m).
Rental equipment is available onboard and nitrox is available to those who are certified for an additional charge.
Highlights:
- Mantas, sunfish & more
- Sharks, sharks, sharks
- Small group size for optimal views & guide attention
Onboard the Aqua
The Galapagos Aqua liveaboard was built in 1998 and renovated in 2019. It measures 85 feet long (26 m) and features four decks. To keep the price point lower than competing luxury vessels, some extravagances are abandoned. There is no WiFi onboard, for example, but you will be comfortable, and the crew regularly receives glowing service reviews.
The boat contains nine cabins, housing a maximum of 16 guests. Rooms are offered in an assortment of configurations, including twins, bunks, and doubles. Single occupancy is optional for an additional fee. All cabins have air conditioning and pristine ensuite bathrooms, stocked with environmentally friendly soap and shampoo.
Upper deck rooms sport picture windows, while lower deck rooms provide porthole views. All cabins are brightly lit with light wood accents and vibrant bedding.
Multiple common areas offer space for relaxing and socializing. The top sundeck is outfitted with eight lounge chairs and is an excellent place to soak up some sun. With additional deck space to stretch out, you can practice yoga or simply stroll the perimeter to take in the view from every angle.
The inside lounge features a wraparound couch and multiple small tables for snacks or journaling. A small, well-stocked library is available, while a flatscreen TV and map of the Galapagos hang on the wall for movie sessions and getting your bearings.
Adjacent to the lounge is the dining area. Padded booths and large windows are just cozy enough to make you feel like you’re eating out with your 15 closest friends. A window into the kitchen allows for chats with the chef and enticing aromas to waft through.
The dive deck consists of three benches with individual storage cubbies. A multi-level center table provides additional storage and workspace. Photographers will appreciate the separate camera rinse. Freshwater shower hoses allow you to rinse off before heading back to your cabin.
A shaded outside lounge and bar is located on the upper deck, furnished with a large wraparound couch and side tables. This is a great location to maximize your outside time while taking a break from the sun.
Highlights:
- All cabins have private en suite bathrooms
- All cabins have air conditioning
- Multiple lounges/common areas
Dining on the Aqua
International and Ecuadorian dishes are featured on the Aqua, all served buffet-style. Generally, meals consist of a minimum of two protein choices, a starch, vegetables, and salad. Water, coffee, and tea are complimentary, while soda and alcoholic drinks are available for purchase. Beer and wine is always available and sometimes liquor as well. Dietary restrictions are catered to with advanced notice.
Highlights:
- Blend of international and local cuisine
- Caters to special diets/allergens
- Bountiful buffet-style meals
Things we like:
- Amazing wildlife underwater and topside
- Additional ecological protections
- Affordable price for amenities and attractions
Things we don't like:
- Largest bed available is a double
- Soda, alcohol, and park fees not included
- No WiFi
Key Facts
| Year Built | 1998 |
| Max Divers | 18 |
| 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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