Diving on the Tiburon Explorer liveaboard
The Galapagos offers some of the world’s most spectacular diving at some of the most famous dive sites. Divers aboard the Tiburon Explorer will experience up to four dives per day during the 7-night/8-day itinerary, which includes stops at Wolf Island, Darwin Island, Cabo Douglas, Punta Vincente Roca, and Cousins Rock.
Divers are likely to experience once in a lifetime wildlife sightings, including schools of hammerhead sharks, sea lions, marine iguanas, mola mola, whale sharks, orcas, and eagle rays. There are two diving seasons in the Galapagos. High season is from July to November and offers the best chance to see whale sharks in Darwin and Wolf. The low season, from December to June, offers calmer weather and the chance to see large schools of hammerheads.
Dives typically begin at 6:30 am, 10:00 am, 2:00 pm, and 4:30 pm for full dive days. At the beginning of the trip, the Tiburon Explorer crew ensures that divers are prepared with a safety briefing and equipment check. Divers can rent equipment onboard, but must indicate rental needs in advance. Additionally, nitrox is available for purchase onboard.
All diving takes place from pangas (zodiacs), and most start with a negative-entry backroll off the boat. After the dive, divers will board the panga via a stern ladder. Diving in the Galapagos can be challenging due to strong currents of 1 to 5 knots and cold waters, averaging 70 to 75 F (21 to 24 C) with lows dipping to 54 F (13 C). Visibility typically ranges from 30 to 50 feet (10 to 15 m). As such, intermediate to advanced diving experience with a minimum of 100 logged dives is recommended.
In addition to world-class diving, guests aboard the Tiburon Explorer can explore North Seymour and Santa Cruz Islands. During these land excursions, guests will have the opportunity to see and photograph blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and the famous land tortoises.
Highlights:
- Up to four dives per day at world-class dive sites
- Marine life including schools of hammerhead sharks, mola mola, and whale sharks
- Two excursions are offered to see birds and land tortoises
Onboard the Tiburon Explorer
The Tiburon Explorer is a 130-foot vessel that launched in July 2020. There’s room for up to 16 guests in nine staterooms, though departure is guaranteed with 10 guests.
All rooms are air-conditioned and have a private bathroom. Seven rooms include two twin beds that can be converted into queen beds for couples, making for maximum flexibility when it comes to guest groupings. Two more cabins feature queen beds. In each cabin, guests will find dressers, closets, and windows for admiring the gorgeous scenery as it slides by.
Outdoor spaces spread across three levels, and include a spacious dive deck, a sun deck with a hot tub, and an outside dining area. On the dive deck, you’ll find bins to store your gear, tank-filling stations, and a freshwater-rinse station.
Inside the air-conditioned salon there’s a dining area, an entertainment center, and a lounge for hanging out. A wet bar offers complimentary alcoholic beverages at the end of the dive day—perfect for a sunset cocktail upstairs to take in the stunning view.
WiFi with satellite internet access is available onboard with an additional charge.
Highlights:
- Air-conditioned rooms with windows
- Three decks, including a sun deck with hot tub
- Modern and luxury hotel feel
Dining onboard the Tiburon Explorer
Lunch and dinner are served buffet-style. Meals are a mix of western and local dishes, typically including a salad, potatoes, rice, chicken, beef, pork, and fish. Breakfast consists of eggs, pancakes, toast, and fruit. Snacks, coffee, tea, and soft drinks are available 24/7. A wet bar provides complimentary alcoholic beverages post-dive.
Dietary restrictions can be accommodated upon request, however some food items can be difficult to acquire on the islands. Guests who require specific brands or dietary restrictive foods should consider bringing supplemental foods.
Highlights:
- 24/7 snacks
- Alcohol included
- Mix of western and local meals
Things we like:
- Professional, friendly, and experienced crew
- Amazing wildlife sightings including the chance to see hammerheads, mola mola, marine iguanas, and more
- Incredible food and 24/7 snacks
- Free alcohol post-dives
- Incredible sundeck and hot tub
Things we don't like:
- Internet is not included in base cost of the trip
- Nitrox costs extra
Key Facts
| Year Built | 2019 |
| Max Divers | 18 |
| 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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