Galapagos
The Bucket-list liveaboard expedition for schooling hammerhead sharks, marine iguanas, mola mola, sea lions, penguins and whalesharks.
Galapagos is an Insider Divers’ top big-animal expedition, with schools of hammerheads, endless sharks dolphins, marine iguanas, penguins, sea lions and seasonal whale sharks.
The itinerary centers on the iconic Wolf and Darwin islands aboard the Humboldt Explorer but also includes a special route extension that Insider Divers applies extra park permission for. On this route you will see Marine Iguanas, Mola Mola, Penguins, Bullhead sharks and the Red-lipped Batfish. The route extension is subject to park permit, which we have so far always received.
OUR PROMISE
Insider Divers always select the ideal season and most trusted operator for each destination. In the Galápagos, two distinct seasons each offer unique advantages, so we alternate between them to provide the best possible experience. Our chosen vessel is the Humboldt Explorer, renowned for its impeccable safety record—an essential factor for scuba diving expeditions, especially those venturing offshore.
You will be in the company of fellow ocean lovers and accompanied by an Insider Divers group leader who handles logistics, making your trip effortless. We will enrich your experience with wildlife talks and provide professional photos as a memory of your trip.
Overview
Animals
Accommodation
Humboldt Explorer
The Humboldt Explorer comfortably accommodates 16 passengers in 8 air-conditioned rooms, all of which have private bath and shower facilities and flat screen televisions. Although not large it is comfortable for the purpose of a dive vessel. A partially covered sundeck with jacuzzi and ample seating areas is located on the top level, and a salon including a lounge area, a spacious dive deck with a large camera table are just some of the features. The Humboldt Explorer is also equipped with a satellite telephone for emergency calls worldwide.
Humboldt Explorer
Lower Deck Cabin
Twin share rooms have individual AC and private bathroom with separate shower.
Upper Deck Twin Cabin
Twin share room have individual AC and private bathroom with separate shower. (There is only one such room)
Upper Deck Double Cabin
Twin share room have individual AC and private bathroom with separate shower. (There is only one such room)
Activities
Shark Diving
Shark Diving
You will see sharks on every dive. Galapagos is famous for it's hammerheads but you will also see huge Galapagos sharks on most dives. We often encounter various species of other sharks as well, such as oceanic black tips or silky sharks.
Of course we also hope to see Whalesharks as well.
Current Diving
Current Diving
A lot of the dives are so fabulous because of the currents that range from medium to strong. Rather than using a reef hook we wear gloves and hold on
Marine Iguana Dive
Marine Iguana Dive
This dive is usually one of the best experiences on the trip - diving with Marine Iguanas. We also get a lot of Turtles and Sea Lions on this dive.
Land Tours
Land Tours
No trip to Galapagos is complete without seeing the endemic Giant Tortoises or Blue Footed Boobies.
There will be at least two land tours during our trip and much more during our extension.
Trip leader
Matt Boyle
Matt Boyle is an experienced dive professional, tour guide and marine biologist with over 15 years of experience exploring the Pacific's islands and waters. Palau is his home and he is one of leading experts in animal behaviour and fish spawning aggregations in particular.
REsponsibilities
- Briefings
- All organisation and logistics
- Wildlife presentations on sharks, rays and marine life
- History Talks on WWII
- Scuba coaching
- Taking and sharing professional underwater photography
Itinerary
Inclusions
- Accommodation based on twin share
- All diving
- Full board, snacks and soft drinks
- Wildlife Presentations
- Towels, soap & shampoo
- Safety equipment such as Nautilus Lifeline
- Professional photos
- Access to Insider Divers Portal
- FREE T-shirt
- Flights to and from mainland
- Special Route extra fuel surcharge
- Tourist Card, Galapagos National Park Fee, Hyperbaric fee
- Nitrox (mandatory on all Insider Divers trips)
- Fuel Surcharge
- Tips
EXTENSION
MORE GALAPAGOS
4 Nights / 5 Days
On our extension you will visit three islands - Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and Espanola. There will be more wildlife safaris to see nesting birds like Boobies and Albatrosses as well as the rare "Santa Claus" Marine Iguana. You will also experience two additional dives sites that are not covered by any liveaboard itinerary as well snorkeling with turtles and sea lions.
Reviews
First time Insider Divers - wont be the last!
That was an experience i will never forget for the rest of my life. Even after roughly 600+ dives. Galapagos delivered everything imagined and wished for.
Everything perfectly organized. From the communication prior to the trip, transfers, accountability and the guidance ! Free presentations about wildlife and sharks during surface intervals to educate guests and improving skill and knowledge was a really nice add on.
Last but not least the fact that Simon took photos during the whole trip below and above the surface - edited them on the boat and uploading them for everybody to use and absolutely free of charge, that's nothing to be taken for granted!
Magical second trip with ID to the Galapagos
My second trip with Insider Divers, and it was just as exceptional as the first (Palau.)
I specifically chose to go with I.D. because I 100% trust them to only partner with great local organisations (liveboards, tours, etc) ensuring safety, ethics & professionalism.
On top of that Simon and the ID crew are welcoming, friendly & fun - as are the people drawn to his trips. Nature can never be guaranteed, but they ensure we hit the right places at the right time to have the highest chance. Absolutely magical trip - seeing more than I dreamed of!
I will definitely be using this company again!
I’m a dive shop owner from San Diego, and my Galapagos Liveaboard with Insider Divers exceeded every expectation.
Simon was an outstanding leader, adding huge value with his presentations and incredible wildlife photos. The crew worked tirelessly, kept us comfortable, and made every dive smooth. I arrived not knowing anyone and left with lifelong friends, better photography skills, and a deeper understanding of Galapagos marine life.
Highlights included marine iguanas, hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, and a massive pregnant whale shark. Can’t wait for the next trip!
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FAQ
What dive experience do I need for this trip?
This destination offers accessible diving conditions, yet it is not suitable for absolute beginners. To join, participants must have:
- A minimum of 50 logged dives
- Advanced Open Water (AOW) certification or higher
- Nitrox certification (mandatory on all Insider Divers trips to ensure longer, safer dives)
This is a great trip for people doing their first time on a liveaboard as the water is calm and we never experience rough seas.
Which season should I choose?
The Galapagos features two diving seasons: the Warm Season (December to May) and the Cool Season (June to November) . Each season offers distinct marine life, water temperatures, and underwater conditions for diving.
Warm Season - pleasant water temperature, more sunshine, less waves.
Cold Season - colder and rougher seas, more wind and cooler air temperature, better chances for whalesharks and penguins.
What should I pack and bring?
As part of our process you will receive a log in to our Insider Divers portal which will have downloads, such as an extensive packing list after signing up.
We do recommend bringing your own gear but you can also rent everything on site.
Will I get seasick?
This destination can be a tiny bit challenging for those prone to seasickness, but it is usually not bad at all. There are several overnight crossings to get to Wolf and Darwin, this is where it can get choppier. Spring generally has calmer seas, so if you are sensitive you may choose the spring expeditions.
If you are sensitive to seasickness, we strongly recommend bringing medication for these crossings. Tablets work well for most guests, while patches can be especially effective for those who are more prone to seasickness.
What marine life can I expect in the Galapagos?
Expect huge schools of scalloped hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, silky sharks, whale sharks, manta and mobula rays, eagle rays, sea lions, marine iguanas, Galapagos penguins, turtles, mola mola, and dolphins. Topside, land excursions showcase giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and more.
How do I get to the Galapagos?
Fly into Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE) in mainland Ecuador, then take a domestic flight to Baltra (GPS) where the Humboldt Explorer boards. Plan at least one night in mainland Ecuador before boarding to avoid missed connections, and remember to budget for the Galapagos National Park fee and transit control card. If you are doing the extension with us then the flight out will be from San Cristobal (SCY)
We’re here to help — reach out with any question you may have.