Where to book
Diving on the Nortada liveaboard
Guests can look forward to 20 dives (including a night dive) over the standard 8-day/7-night voyage, but note that both diving and naturalist itineraries are offered. Make sure to book the diving itinerary unless you want lots of hikes and no dives.
The diving in the Galapagos is simply spectacular. Northernmost sites at Darwin and Wolf Island are renowned for sharks and photo ops. At Darwin Island, multiple shark species swim among the large schools of fish.
At the surface, the rock structure formerly known as Darwin’s Arch is a great backdrop for photos. Wolf Island features schooling hammerhead sharks, turtles, and pelagics.
At Cape Douglas and Vicente Roca Point you’re apt to see swimming flightless cormorants, endemic penguins, and marine iguanas. Other dive site highlights include mantas, black coral, volcanic walls, and the bizarre and breathtaking ocean sunfish, also known as mola-mola.
A land tour is scheduled for the final day to help you appreciate the terrestrial wonders of the Galapagos while off-gassing before the flight home. You’ll see multiple species of Galapagos giant tortoises at a breeding center and enjoy a short nature trail. At Twin Craters you’ll learn about topside geology with the opportunity to see many bird species. Pro-tip: bring binoculars. Transfers to the airport at the end of the trip can be arranged through Nortada for an additional cost.
Galapagos water temperatures fluctuate, with December to May ranging from 70-86 F (21 to 30 C), and June to November ranging from 60 to 75 F (12 to 24 C). Thermoclines are common, and islands in the north tend to have warmer waters than those in the south. Since most dives occur at depths of 60 to 100 feet (18 to 30 m), divers usually wear a 7mm wetsuit with a hood.
Nitrox is available for certified divers at an additional charge, as is rental gear. All dives are conducted from tenders with back-roll entries. Because of the challenging conditions, and advanced certification and around 50 dives are required to dive.
Water visibility in the Galapagos varies, but averages 30 to 70 feet (10 to 21 m), with better visibility in the warm season. The seasons are also differentiated as “whale shark season” and “manta season.” Experiencing cooler temperatures seems like a fair exchange for clear views of whale sharks, and mantas materializing in warm water sounds pretty great too.
Highlights:
- 6:1 diver-to-guide ratio
- Three days at Wolf and Darwin Islands
- Unique and bountiful marine life
Onboard the Nortada
The Nortada was built in 1986 and renovated in 2014. Most recently, WiFi was added for greater connectivity. The 84-foot (26 m) boat offers three decks; the topmost is a sundeck equipped with lounge chairs and padded bench seating. On the middle deck, you’ll find a shaded area, dining area, and the lounge. The lower level contains cabins and the dive deck.
The lounge and dining area combine in the open-concept interior space, where you’ll also find a wall-mounted television monitor and bar. Padded booth seating with a table runs along one wall, making a cozy space for filling out your dive log and socializing.
Nortada houses a maximum of 12 guests, plus crew. All four guest cabins have three berths, with one single bunk over twins. Rooms are simple, but all have air conditioning and a private ensuite bathroom.
A shaded dive deck provides respite from the sun as you gear up before boarding tenders. Smooth wooden benches with cubbies for storage occupy this space. A separate camera rinse and table and shower are also available.
Highlights:
- Free WiFi
- Camera amenities
- TV monitor in lounge
Dining on the Nortada
Local Ecuadorian and western dishes are offered on the Nortada. All meals are served buffet-style in the dining area, which features long tables with padded bench seating. Dietary restrictions are catered to with advance notice.
Complimentary snacks are available all day; coffee, tea, and soft drinks are also complimentary throughout the voyage. Beer, wine, and spirits are available for purchase onboard for when you are done diving for the day.
Highlights:
- Complimentary welcome cocktails
- Local and western-style dishes
- Snacks available all day
Things we like:
- Pristine environment and plentiful wildlife
- Land tour included on the final day
- Good price for the region
Things we don't like:
- Alcohol not included
- All beds are twins/singles
- Mandatory national park fees not included
Key Facts
| Year Built | 1986 |
| Max Divers | 12 |
| Price Range | Mid-range |
| Trip Length | 5-7 Nights |
| Internet | Yes (free) |
| Nitrox | Yes ($) |
| Equipment Rental | Yes ($) |
| Camera Station | Yes |
| Air Conditioning | Yes |
| Min. Logged Dives | 50+ |
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