Galapagos Master Liveaboard, Galapagos

The Galapagos Master liveaboard is a 32-metre steel-hulled dive yacht designed to explore the extraordinary underwater world of Ecuador's Galápagos Islands. Following a major refurbishment in 2023, the vessel accommodates up to 16 divers in eight air-conditioned cabins across three decks, combining practical diving facilities, comfortable social spaces and access to celebrated sites around Wolf and Darwin Islands.

Boat Interior

The Galapagos Master combines a functional layout with comfortable spaces for relaxing between dives. Its spacious indoor lounge on the middle deck provides cushioned seating and a large plasma-screen television, where you can unwind, watch a film or review photographs from the day's underwater adventures.

The indoor dining area is located beside the cocktail bar, creating a welcoming setting for meals and evening refreshments. Above, the sundeck offers a choice of open-air and shaded seating areas, with cushioned lounge chairs and benches overlooking the Galápagos Islands. Whether you prefer to soak up the sunshine or relax in the shade, the upper deck provides a comfortable place to take in the remarkable scenery.

Cabin Types

The Galapagos Master accommodates up to 16 people in eight air-conditioned cabins distributed across the lower and upper decks. Each cabin has a private en-suite bathroom with hot water and ample storage. The vessel offers three cabin categories, with options for fixed twin beds or flexible twin and double-bed configurations.

Classic Twin Cabin

Located on the lower deck, the two Classic Twin Cabins each accommodate two people in fixed twin beds. These cabins feature individually controlled air conditioning, a private en-suite bathroom and ample storage space for personal belongings. Extra towels are provided for convenience.

Classic Twin/Double Cabin

The two Classic Twin/Double Cabins are situated on the lower deck and accommodate up to two people each. Their flexible bedding arrangements allow the cabins to be configured with either two single beds or one double bed, making them suitable for friends travelling together or couples.

Each cabin includes air conditioning, a private en-suite bathroom and ample storage space. Extra towels are provided. Please note that these cabins do not have windows or portholes.

Premium Twin/Double Cabin

Located on the upper deck, the four Premium Twin/Double Cabins offer flexible accommodation for up to two people each. The beds can be arranged as twin singles or one double bed, while the upper-deck position provides views of the surrounding seascape.

Each cabin features air conditioning, a private en-suite bathroom and ample storage space. Extra towels are also provided, making these cabins a comfortable option for divers who appreciate both flexible sleeping arrangements and views from their accommodation.

Dive Deck

The Galapagos Master is equipped for dedicated diving expeditions in the Galápagos, with two tenders providing transport to dive sites. Three compressors support the yacht's diving operations, while two dive guides accompany diving activities.

Nitrox is available for an additional fee, and scuba equipment can be rented on board. Standard 12-litre cylinders are provided, while alternative cylinder sizes and additional equipment are available at extra cost.

The vessel's diving facilities are designed to support trips to the Galápagos' renowned offshore sites, where conditions and marine encounters can make each dive a distinctive experience.

Safety

Safety is a key consideration on the Galapagos Master, particularly when exploring the remote waters of the Galápagos Islands. The vessel carries GPS navigation equipment, VHF radios and satellite communication systems, helping maintain communication and navigation capabilities while at sea.

Emergency provisions include two life rafts, emergency oxygen and an automated external defibrillator (AED). The vessel also operates under the applicable permissions for diving activities in the Galápagos, with operations subject to the region's environmental regulations.

These facilities support diving expeditions in a destination where preparation and appropriate safety procedures are essential.

Onboard Facilities

The Galapagos Master offers Wi-Fi for an additional fee, with data packages available for seven-night and 10-night trips. Laundry service is also available at an extra cost, providing a practical option during longer expeditions.

These services add convenience to extended stays while allowing divers to focus on exploring the Galápagos underwater environment.

Photographer Facilities

The Galapagos Master provides a dedicated indoor camera station with individual charging points and multiple storage drawers for photographic equipment. The setup offers a convenient place to prepare cameras, organize accessories and recharge batteries between dives.

Additional equipment storage at the aft of the vessel provides more room for photographic gear, making the yacht suitable for underwater photographers travelling with multiple cameras, lenses and accessories.

The dedicated preparation area is particularly useful on itineraries where divers may want to document encounters with hammerhead sharks, whale sharks and other marine life found in Galápagos waters.

Food & Drinks

Dining aboard the Galapagos Master centres on freshly prepared meals served in the indoor dining area. Located beside the cocktail bar, the dining space provides a comfortable setting to enjoy meals and share experiences from the day's diving.

The adjacent bar offers a place to relax with a drink after returning from the water. A selection of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, spirits and cocktails, is available for an additional fee.

With dining and social spaces conveniently arranged on the vessel's interior, the Galapagos Master provides a comfortable setting for unwinding after time spent exploring the islands' underwater environments.

Itineraries

The Galapagos Master operates seven-night and 10-night itineraries exploring some of the most celebrated dive sites in the Galápagos Islands. These expeditions include visits to Wolf and Darwin Islands, remote destinations renowned for encounters with large pelagic species.

The waters around these islands offer opportunities to encounter schools of hammerhead sharks and whale sharks, alongside the diverse marine life that makes the Galápagos a distinctive diving destination. The region's exposed offshore sites appeal to experienced divers seeking encounters with larger marine animals in a remarkable island setting.

The seven-night itinerary offers a focused Galápagos diving expedition, while the 10-night option provides a longer stay exploring the region. Both formats allow divers to experience the archipelago's celebrated underwater environments from a dedicated liveaboard.

When to Go

The Galapagos Master operates diving itineraries around Ecuador's Galápagos Islands throughout the year, but the underwater experience changes with the seasons. The main distinction is between the warmer season, generally from December to May, and the cooler season, from June to November. Each offers different conditions and marine-life highlights.

December to May is generally warmer, with higher water temperatures and often calmer seas. These conditions can make diving more comfortable, while encounters with hammerhead sharks, rays, turtles and other marine life remain possible. This period is worth considering for divers who prefer warmer water and potentially more settled surface conditions.

June to November brings cooler, nutrient-rich waters influenced by ocean currents and upwelling. Conditions can be more challenging, with stronger currents and rougher seas, but this period is particularly notable for encounters with large pelagic species around Wolf and Darwin Islands. Whale sharks are most frequently encountered between July and October, although sightings are never guaranteed.

The best time to travel depends on your priorities. Choose the warmer months if you favour higher water temperatures and generally calmer conditions, or consider the cooler season if encounters with whale sharks and large schools of hammerhead sharks are high on your list. Both seasons offer distinctive opportunities to experience the remarkable marine life of the Galápagos Islands.