Galapagos Liveaboards

Yes you can, up to 32%. The latest prices for nitrox can be found under the ‘Extras’ tab for the individual vessel.

While night dives are permitted in the Galapagos, due to conditions it is not often possible. The 4th day dive may be substituted for a night dive, but as this is only possible within a sheltered cove with minimal current, this averages about 1 night dive per itinerary.

Decompression dives or technical dives are not allowed due to the remoteness of the Galapagos, local diving regulations and insurance requirements.

There is no depth limits set by law or the National Park authorities, however, you will be restricted by your qualification and dive insurance depth limit. You will also have to dive at all times with a Galapagos National Park dive guide.

For every dive, you will use the “pangas”. They are tenders from where you will roll backwards in to the water. After your dive, your tank will be lifted back into the “panga” and you will board via its stern ladders or with assistance from the side.

You must have a proof of diving and travel insurance due to the nature of this trip.

All the dives will be guided by an instructor/naturalist guide and due to Galapagos National Park regulations, all divers must dive with a guide at ALL TIMES.

Please be aware that from 1st May 2018, it will be mandatory for tourists travelling through Ecuador to carry valid health insurance.

The flights to the Galapagos originate in Quito, making a quick stop at Guayaquil, then carrying on to the islands. The flights do the reverse on the way back. The flights to and from the Galapagos is are often delayed and that is why at least an overnight stay is strongly advised at the end of your trip in order not to miss your international flight home.

There are two companies operating this route and they have daily flight. (TAME & Aerogal) We will primarily use TAME as we have strong relationship with them. Both of these companies use airports in Galapgos, Baltra and San Cristobal. Should the National Park authorities request a change of itinerary, we will not have a problem flying you to another other airport. The seats are held in bulk by the ground agent and the tickets will not be issued until a week before the liveaboard’s departure. The schedule and prices of these flights change very often and, unfortunately, this is beyond our control. Should the price increase after you’ve paid your balance, the difference will have to be paid by you.

The nearest Recompression Chamber is actually on the Galapagos Islands, located in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz and can be reached within 5 minutes by car from the harbour.

This will vary according to the National Park authorities. As a rule of thumb, any inhabited island is open to visitors, while the un-inhabited are off-limit.

If possible, try to pack your regulator, your mask, your medications and a swimsuit change. In addition, we recommend that guests bring along any overnight essentials in their hand luggage. This ensures that in case of any unexpected luggage delays, guests will at least have the essentials on hand making any delay far more bearable.

Luggage: What is the weight allowance?

The luggage allowance on your flight from the UK to Ecuador will vary according to the airline. Please contact us for queries on this subject. However, there is a strict weight limit on checked-in and hand luggage on the flight from Guayaquil to the Galapagos:

” Each passenger is allowed ONE checked bag of 20kg (approx. 44 pounds)
” Each passenger is allowed one carry-on bag up to 8kg (approx. 17 pounds)

Each additional kilogram from Guayaquil is charged at U$ 1.75 and must be paid in CASH upon check in. *Prices are subject to change at very short notice.*

In the Galapagos re-breather diving is considered technical diving and unfortunately due to the remoteness of the Islands and local diving regulations technical diving is not permitted.

The M/V Galapagos Master is fit with both 220 V and 110 V US style sockets. Although universal adaptors will be available onboard, we recommend that you bring your own along with you to ensure that you will have access to an adaptor whenever you require.

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Beer, wine and a selection of spirits and cocktails are available for purchase on board the M/V Galapagos Master.

No children under the age of 16 (unless full charter) and 16 – 18 year olds must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Guests are advised to bring with them T-shirts, shorts, swimwear, sensible footwear for any island visits, as well as long trousers / skirt / sarong and pullover / jacket for cooler nights.

The following equipment is available on board the M/V Galapagos Master for rental. Please refer to our extras page for additional information on pricing. The use of a dive computer is compulsory on the M/VGalapagos Master.

– Aqualung BCD
– Regulator
– Wetsuit
– Mask / snorkel
– Fins
– Dive computer
– Torch

The M/V Galapagos Master is stocked with a fully equipped medical first aid kit, designed to treat minor ailments and injuries. In addition, our kit can assist in helping trained medical professionals in remote locations. Medical grade oxygen is in place in the vessel. An AED is also on board.

Guests on board the M/V Galapagos Master will have a choice of International and Asian cuisine. All food is served in the dining area as a buffet spread.

Mobile phones that have a roaming option will likely function while you’re on board the M/V Galapagos Master. However, some remote areas may have very weak coverage or no coverage at all. Due to the remote locations that the M/V Galapagos Master sails, Internet connection is not available on board. A satellite phone which is present on board can be used in case of any emergency.

Yes. Divers who are qualified to do so can opt to dive with nitrox should they decide. Nitrox can be purchased on board the M/V Galapagos Master for a fee of $150 for 7-night diving itineraries, and $200 for 10-night diving itineraries (prices subject to change).

Our crew are rigorously trained in emergency management procedures. You will be given a thorough boat briefing upon boarding the vessel. Additional emergency equipment on board our vessels include automated life rafts, Personal Locator Beacons (or Personal EPIRBs), satellite communication and emergency pumps.

In addition, divers can opt to rent a Surface Safety Kit on board. The kits include visible surface markers, a dive alert air-horn and high lumen strobe light.

Smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor areas.

All special dietary requirements, whether allergy or simply personal preference, can be catered to. Please inform us prior to arrival to ensure there are plenty of dishes to suit your needs.

Crew gratuities are not included in your package. Tips are at your discretion; should you feel that the crew on board have gone above and beyond in making your trip as memorable and comfortable as possible, tips would be greatly appreciated. If you woul like to show your thanks for all their hard work, then you can leave a tip in the envelope provided. Please hand this directly to the Captain. Please note that all gratuities are divided equally between the eleven members of crew, including the guides. If you are unsure how much to tip, other liveaboards in the Galapagos typically propose a figure around 10% of the cost of your cruise, or just $60-$70/day in our case. Please note that we cannot currently accept credit card payments on Galapagos Master. We accept payment/cash in USD, Euro, GBP, AUD and NZD.

All linens and towels are provided on board. Hairdryers will be provided in your cabin. Shower gel will be provided, however you should bring any additional beauty products you may require such as shampoo and sunscreen on board with you.

Our vessels are specially equipped for photographers and videographers. The M/V Galapagos Master includes camera tables both inside and outside for preparation of equipment. In addition, guests have access to large storage drawers and large fresh water rinsing tanks which are frequently changed.

Visa Information

Generally, you will need a visa to enter Ecuador. However, Ecuador operates a visa exemption scheme for several countries. To find out if you need a visa to enter Ecuador, please visit the Ecuador embassy/consulate website at www.ecuador-travel-guide.org/general/VISASs.htm#nonWorking

Yellow fever certificate requirements – check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s HealthTravelPro website.

Proof of onward travel and funds

You may be asked about your reason for travel and to provide evidence of a return or onward flight/bus ticket when you arrive.

Passport validity

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry; this is a strict legal requirement from the Ecuadorean government. Without this minimum validity entry to the country will be denied.

Please visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ecuador/entry-requirements for the most up to date advice.

Vaccinations

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have had the required vaccines for the countries you are visiting. Please contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice if you are unsure which vaccinations you require. There is a risk of yellow fever transmission in parts of Ecuador but there is no risk of yellow fever in the Galapagos Island. We are unable to give specific advice on vaccines or other medical precautions as this information should be provided by a medical professional. Further travel health advice can be found on:

www.travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries
wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list/

Insect-borne diseases

Take appropriate precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitos and other insects, see https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/38/insect-and-tick-bite-avoidance.

Severe allergies

If you have a severe allergy, please inform us before you travel.