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Diving on the Humboldt Explorer liveaboard
The Humboldt Explorer charter runs on a 7-night/8-day or 10-night/11-day itinerary departing from and returning to Santa Cruz, Baltra. Divers can expect to log up to four dives a day, with the first dive typically beginning at 6:30 am and the last dive beginning at 4:30 pm. Depending on the itinerary, divers can log up to 19 dives or 28 dives during the trip. Additionally, night dives may be offered contingent on national park regulations.
Spectacular dive sites include Punta Carrion, Wolf and Darwin Islands, and Cousins Rock. The Humboldt Explorer spends more time at Wolf and Darwin than other liveaboards, totaling up to four days at these iconic sites. Divers are likely to see pelagic megafauna including hammerheads, eagle rays, whale sharks, sea lions, Galapagos and silky sharks, and large schools of fish.
Dives will vary in depth from 40 to 130 feet (12 to 40 m) and will, at times, have strong currents and marginal to moderate visibility. This charter is best for divers who have more than 100 logged dives and confidence diving in those conditions. Additionally, to dive aboard the Humboldt Explorer, divers must have logged at least one dive within six months of their trip’s departure. The dive ratio is eight divers to one guide. Personal guides are available upon request and upcharge.
The Humboldt Explorer runs year-round, but two distinct diving seasons offer different opportunities to see megafauna. High season is from June to November, when water temperatures range from 60 to 75 F (16 to 24 C). These cooler temperatures coincide with an increased chance to dive with whale sharks.
Low season is from December to May, when water temperatures range from 70 to 86 F (21 to 30 C). Waters during this time are typically warmer and clearer, and divers have a greater chance to see hammerheads, manta rays, and eagle rays. Regardless of the time of year, divers should wear a 5 to 7 mm wetsuit to stay warm on multiple dive days.
All dives are done from two tenders that guests will board from the dive platform. On the dive deck you’ll find individual gear storage, a camera table and rinsing station, a charging station, and bathroom. Nitrox and rental gear are available for an additional charge.
Guests will also get to experience two land excursions—one to the Santa Cruz highlands and one to North Seymour Island. Keep that camera ready for giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and more.
Highlights:
- Four days at Darwin and Wolf Islands
- Diving with megafauna like whale sharks, manta rays, and hammerheads
- Two land excursions included
Onboard the Humboldt Explorer
The Humboldt Explorer is a 111.5-foot (34 m) vessel, built in 2010 and completely renovated in 2023. There’s space for up to 16 divers in eight air-conditioned staterooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, TV, and ocean view. Cabins 3 and 4 have two twin beds, but the rest of the rooms can be configured into twins or queens.
Within the large salon, you’ll find a dining area, a bar, and an entertainment center with a TV. The top deck offers partial shade and a hot tub, perfect for soothing dive-tired muscles. On the dive deck there’s a bathroom, plenty of storage space, and easy access into the dive tenders. No internet is available on this vessel.
Highlights:
- Fully renovated in 2023
- All staterooms have an ocean view
- Covered deck with hot tub
- Bathroom on the dive deck
Dining onboard the Humboldt Explorer
Expect three full meals per day, with a mix of American and local cuisine. Breakfasts feature the usual eggs, cereals, and fresh fruit. Lunches and dinners typically include salad, rice, potatoes, chicken, fish, beef, and pork.
Ample snacks are provided between dives. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are complimentary; however, premium alcohol is only available for an extra cost. Dietary and vegetarian requests may be accommodated onboard with advance notice.
On the final night, dinner will be the guest’s responsibility while in Puerto Ayora, giving guests the opportunity to eat at local restaurants. Breakfast is served on the last day before divers depart for the airport.
Highlights:
- A mixture of cuisines
- Opportunity to eat at a local restaurant on the last night
- Complimentary wine and beer
Things we like:
- The chance the see megafauna including whale sharks, hammerheads, and manta rays
- Four full days at Darwin and Wolf
- Newly renovated with the highest safety standards
- Complimentary local beer and wine
- Two land excursions
- Hot tub and ample lounging areas
Things we don't like:
- Best for advanced divers as currents in the Galapagos can be strong
- No internet
- Night dives are contingent on the trip and may not occur
- Eight divers to one guide can feel crowded
Key Facts
| Year Built | 2010 |
| Max Divers | 16 |
| Price Range | Luxury |
| Trip Length | 5-7 Nights |
| Internet | Yes (free) |
| Nitrox | Yes ($) |
| Equipment Rental | Yes ($) |
| Camera Station | Yes |
| Air Conditioning | Yes |
| Min. Logged Dives | No minimum |
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