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Galapagos Master Liveaboard, Galapagos

4.6Excellent68 verified reviews
from
USD
714
per day
Eco-friendly efficiency, stability, and enhanced performance
Dedicated sun deck with both shaded and open-air spaces for relaxation
Specialized camera station with extensive charging points and organized storage

It is the greatest liveaboard, offering adventure-seekers the best experience to dive into some of the world's most biodiverse waters by enabling them to visit Ecuador's iconic Galapagos Islands. Galapagos Master is a specialized dive yacht, specially designed with eco-conscious efficiency and guest comfort at the top of the agenda well-balanced, eco-friendly platform for the adventurous diver. After a major refurbishment in 2023, the renovated vessel now brings contemporary stability and speed to the already improved amenities found here, making for a premium choice for the Galapagos liveaboard.

This 32-meter Ecuador vessel accommodates up to 16 guests across eight air-conditioned cabins distributed over three decks. Each cabin is differently configured to hold twin or double beds adaptively, the configuration meeting the needs of many different groups. Private en-suite bathrooms with hot water, along with climate control and ample storage, provide guests with a comfortable and convenient retreat at the end of each day's excursions into the depths of the Galapagos liveaboard.

Onboard communal areas indoors are spacious, and it is quite easy to unwind and mix with fellow divers. A spacious lounge on the mid-deck provides comfortable lounge seating for relaxing and catching up on events of the day or reviewing underwater photography on the large plasma screen. The saloon is air-conditioned and features freshly prepared, varied cuisine with an adjacent cocktail bar, making it a friendly haven for evening post-dive refreshments. A comfortable, well-appointed camera station is available onboard with individual charging points and multiple storage drawers to ensure each dive is prepared with all the Galapagos underwater magic captured.

The sun deck has both open-air and shaded lounge areas with comfortable seating and panoramic views over the islands for relaxation. Here, guests can contemplate Galapagos scenery in style: either lying in the sun or seeking shade while observing it all. The vessel is designed to a high safety standard, incorporating GPS, VHF radios, satellite communication, two life rafts, emergency oxygen, and an automated external defibrillator in service for the reassurance of all on board. Itineraries include visits to Wolf and Darwin Islands, offering divers the chance to encounter hammerheads, whale sharks, and the incredible marine life unique to the Galapagos Islands.

Comfort combines herein with a mission of preserving, exploring, and getting the best nonesuch experiences. It showcases the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador and gives support to divers with the latest facilities in service, including their service to maintain safety in diving.

Cabins

Classic Twin/Double Cabin
Lower Deck

Classic Twin/Double Cabin

2 Guests
Premium Double Cabin (#5)
Main Deck

Premium Double Cabin (#5)

2 Guests
Premium Twin/Double Cabin (#6-8)
Upper Deck

Premium Twin/Double Cabin (#6-8)

2 Guests
Classic Twin Cabin
Lower Deck

Classic Twin Cabin

2 Guests
Boat plan
Boat deck plan

Boat Specification

Year built / Renovation
2004 / 2014
Number of cabins
9
Dive guides to divers ratio
8:1
Groups or charters
Yes
Gear rental
Surcharge
Wi-Fi
No
Nitrox
Surcharge
Fleet/Managing company
Master Liveaboards
Length and width
32 m / 8 m
Capacity
16
Tenders
2 tenders
Material
Steel
Languages crew speak
English
Power plugs onboard
110/220V US plug
Engines
2x MTU 6062 475HP
Generator
4 units
Tech diving friendly
No
Handicapped Friendly
No
Compressors
3 x Coltri-Sub M16
Nitrox Membrane
Nitrox Bank System

Dive Facilities

  • Warm Water Showers
  • Compressors
  • Rinse Hosts
  • Tenders for Diving
  • Dive Deck
  • DIN Adaptors
  • Personal Storage Space

Boat navigation & safety

Full safety

Food & Drinks

  • Western Food
  • Local Food
  • Dietary Restrictions
  • Buffet Style
  • Alcoholic Beverages and Spirits
  • Hot & Cold Soft Drinks
  • Snacks All Day

Onboard Facilities

  • Laundry Service
  • Audio & Video Entertainment
  • Air Conditioned Saloon
  • Sun Deck
  • Sun Loungers
  • Open Air Saloon
  • Indoor Saloon
  • Bar
  • Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
  • Land Excursions

Photographer Facilities

  • Camera & Photography Station
  • Separate Rinsing Tanks for U/W Camera
  • Camera Table
  • Special Storage for U/W Camera
  • Charging Stations

Frequently Asked Questions About Galapagos Master

Is diving in the Galápagos suitable for everyone?

The diving in the Galapagos is challenging and not for inexperienced divers. There are many dive sites where strong currents and demanding conditions are prevalent. Guests must have an Advanced Open Water certification and have logged at least 50 dives, preferably in similar conditions. Divers who have less experience must hire a private guide at an additional fee. It is left to the crew's discretion to inform guests that dives should not be made if either skill or experience level is considered insufficient

Are Galápagos Islands good for snorkeling?

Galápagos liveaboards are not particularly good value for snorkelers and non-divers. With just a few exceptions most of the dive sites have significant current, surge, and/or rocky shallows - especially around Wolf and Darwin; and land visits cannot easily be arranged outside the required tour schedule since there is a ban on island tourism in addition to regular visiting

What is the Water Temperature in Galápagos?

Water temperatures in the Galápagos range from 16°-26°C (61°-79°F), with the warmest waters around Wolf and Darwin averaging 24°-25°C (75°-77°F) year-round. In the Southern and Central regions, temperatures can drop as low as 15°C (59°F). Thermoclines are common, and a 5mm-7mm wetsuit with additional layers such as a hood or vest is recommended. Gloves are advised for warmth and assistance in strong currents

What does the Galápagos diving itinerary include?

Galápagos itineraries are long-distance cruises that include scheduled dives and island tours. Cruises run for seven nights and offer up to 18 dives; 10-night cruises include up to 27 dives. Two land tours are usually scheduled: North Seymour Island for its local wildlife, which may include blue-footed boobies and iguanas, and the Santa Cruz Highlands to see giant tortoises. Night diving is not allowed for safety reasons, and dive briefings are given in both English and Spanish

Are dive guides mandatory in the Galápagos?

Yes, local rules dictate that all dives must be guided. Rebreather divers must dive with a dedicated rebreather guide and remain within recreational no-decompression limits. Rebreather support is not available on standard trips but can be organized for groups with prior notice and additional cost

Minimum certification and experience requirements for Galápagos diving

The minimum required for dives around Galápagos is an Advanced Open Water certification, with 50 logged dives. Experience with currents is also required, with prior certification and logged dives that need to be produced at the time of boarding. Anyone without this or even showing up and appearing as inexperienced to the crew could very well be excluded from specific dives

Galapagos Master Reviews

4.6
Excellent
68 verified reviews
Cabins & Facilities
Food & drinks
Guiding & Safety
Service & Infrastructure
4.8
Thank you for A MUST DO trip
Great experience last year a few weeks before the Arch fell to the sea. Guides were great (Geoffrey, Natalia), the boat team was great, the captain was great and the sharks were great. Prey to get good current and good divers around you. This boat caters to great divers. Should be your first choice for the Galapagos if the diving experience is paramount to you. Must do trip, particularly if you can afford the 10 days trip for the full HH sharks experience. Will try to go for it again one day!
Service & Infrastructure
Guiding & Safety
Food & drinks
Cabins & Facilities
2022-02-15by A. Mohamed Yacine 
3.5
Safety first but lack of positive spirit
Very attentive but pretty stiff dive guides. Food ok but nothing special. Friendly waiters and boat crew. Premium cabin smaller than standard cabin but on upper deck. The dive guides could work a bit on their hospitality skills.
Service & Infrastructure
Guiding & Safety
Food & drinks
Cabins & Facilities
2021-09-16by G. Daniel  
5.0
June 2021
Pros: Amazing team onboard provided excellent service! Good choice of diving sites. 2 full days in Darwin! Cons: Nitrox very low, average 29.
Service & Infrastructure
Guiding & Safety
Food & drinks
Cabins & Facilities
2021-07-11by K. Anna 

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Galapagos Master Liveaboard Itineraries

Galapagos Islands (7 nights) (Port of San Cristobal-Port of San Cristobal)

7 nights nights, ±18 dives,
Port of San Cristobal
San Cristobal Airport (SCY)
14:00-14:30
Port of San Cristobal
San Cristobal Airport (SCY)
08:00-08:30
Requirements: Minimum 50 dives, AOWD or equivalent

Included

  • 7 nights full board accommodation includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
  • Unlimited tea, coffee, fruit juice, soft drinks and drinking water
  • Bath towels, deck towels and shampoo
  • Up to 4 dives per day
  • Single 12 Litre (80 cu ft) cylinder with air fills
  • Weights and weight belts
  • Land tour on North Seymour and Santa Cruz
  • Disembarkation transfer
  • Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)

Obligatory surcharges

  • All guests are required to have travel and diving insurance
  • Ingala Transit Control Card: 20.00USD per trip, to be paid at the airport
  • Galapagos National Park Fee (unavailable until 2024-08-01): 200.00USD per trip, to be paid at the airport

Extra cost

  • Flights
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Crew gratuities (Cash only)
  • Laundry
  • 3% surcharge for card payments on board
  • BCD: 72.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Fins: 30.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Wetsuit (7mm Full-length): 72.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Dive Computer: 72.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Regulators: 72.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Booties: 30.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Mask: 30.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Full Equipment (excl. computer and torch): 270.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Extra 12 Litre cylinder: 72.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • 15 Litre cylinder: 72.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Cabin Guarantee: 70.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance
  • Standard Nitrox Package: 150.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board

Program

Mirriad of pelagic animals
Healthy corals
Whale sharks can be seen
Galapagos sharks, white tips, hammerheads, and silky sharks

Day 1:
Meet & greet at the airport. Group transfer to the port. Onboarding, meeting the crew & briefing.

Day 2:
2 dives in the morning at Punta Carrion and Baltra North East followed by an afternoon land tour of North Seymour Island before cruising north during the evening.

Day 3-4:
Wednesday and Thursday will be spent at Darwin.

Day 5: 
Diving at Wolf Island followed by the cruise south.

Day 6:
Diving at Punta Vicente Roca.

Day 7:
Diving at Cousin Rock with dive at Los Gemelos, followed by a land visit to see giant land tortoises on Santa Cruz.

Day 8:
Check-out from the yacht. Visiting of Interpretation center in San Cristobal Island. Group transfer to the airport.

 

Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons


Departure
  • Arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito or Guayaquil International Airport.
  • You are recommended to arrive 1 day prior to the boat's departure.
  • There are domestic flights to San Cristobal from both airports (Flight information can be found by the link).
  • Boat's crew will arrange a transfer from San Cristobal Airport to the boat
Return
  • Disembarkation from the boats after 10:00.
  • You will be transferred to the airport

Galapagos Islands (10 nights) (Port of San Cristobal-Port of San Cristobal)

10 nights nights, ±27 dives,
Port of San Cristobal
San Cristobal Airport (SCY)
14:00-14:30
Port of San Cristobal
San Cristobal Airport (SCY)
08:00-08:30
Requirements: Minimum 50 dives, AOWD or equivalent

Included

  • 10 nights full board accommodation includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
  • Unlimited tea, coffee, fruit juice, soft drinks and drinking water
  • Bath towels, deck towels and shampoo
  • Up to 4 dives per day
  • Single 12 Litre (80 cu ft) cylinder with air fills
  • Weights and weight belts
  • Land tour on North Seymour and Santa Cruz
  • Disembarkation transfer
  • Embarkation transfer
  • Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)

Obligatory surcharges

  • All guests are required to have travel and diving insurance
  • Ingala Transit Control Card: 20.00USD per trip, to be paid at the airport
  • Galapagos National Park Fee (unavailable until 2024-08-01): 200.00USD per trip, to be paid at the airport

Extra cost

  • Flights
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Crew gratuities (Cash only)
  • Laundry
  • 3% surcharge for card payments on board
  • BCD: 108.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Fins: 45.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Wetsuit (7mm Full-length): 108.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Dive Computer: 108.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Regulators: 108.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Booties: 45.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Mask: 45.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Full Equipment (excl. computer and torch): 405.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Extra 12 Litre cylinder: 108.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • 15 Litre cylinder: 108.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Cabin Guarantee: 100.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance
  • Standard Nitrox Package: 225.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board

Program

Mirriad of pelagic animals
Healthy corals
Whale sharks can be seen
Galapagos sharks, white tips, hammerheads and silky sharks can be spotted

Day 1:
Meet & greet at the airport. Group transfer to the port. Onboarding, meeting the crew & briefing.

Day 2:
2 dives in the morning at Punta Carrion and Baltra North East followed by an afternoon land tour of North Seymour Island before cruising north during the evening.

Day 3-4:
Wednesday and Thursday will be spent at Darwin.

Day 5-6: 
Diving at Wolf Island followed by the cruise south.

Day 7:
Diving at Punta Vicente Roca.

Day 8:
Diving at Cabo Douglas.

Day 9:
Diving at Cabo Marshall.

Day 10:
Diving at Cousin Rock with dive at Los Gemelos, followed by a land visit to see giant land tortoises on Santa Cruz.

Day 11:
Check-out from the yacht. Visiting of Interpretation center in San Cristobal Island. Group transfer to the airport.

 

Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons


Departure
  • Arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito or Guayaquil International Airport.
  • You are recommended to arrive 1 day prior to the boat's departure.
  • There are domestic flights to San Cristobal from both airports (Flight information can be found by the link).
  • Boat's crew will arrange a transfer from San Cristobal Airport to the boat
Return
  • Disembarkation from the boats after 10:00.
  • You will be transferred to the airport

Family Adventure - Master the Galapagos (7 nights) (Port of San Cristobal-Port of San Cristobal)

7 nights nights, ±18 dives,
Port of San Cristobal
San Cristobal Airport (SCY)
14:00-14:30
Port of San Cristobal
San Cristobal Airport (SCY)
08:00-08:30
Requirements: Minimum 50 dives, AOWD or equivalent

Included

  • 7 nights full board accommodation includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
  • Unlimited tea, coffee, fruit juice, soft drinks and drinking water
  • Bath towels, deck towels and shampoo
  • Up to 4 dives per day
  • Single 12 Litre (80 cu ft) cylinder with air fills
  • Weights and weight belts
  • Land tour on North Seymour and Santa Cruz
  • Disembarkation transfer
  • Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)

Obligatory surcharges

  • All guests are required to have travel and diving insurance
  • Ingala Transit Control Card: 20.00USD per trip, to be paid at the airport
  • Galapagos National Park Fee (unavailable until 2024-08-01): 200.00USD per trip, to be paid at the airport

Extra cost

  • Flights
  • Nitrox
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Crew gratuities
  • Laundry
  • BCD: 72.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Fins: 30.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Wetsuit (7mm Full-length): 72.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Dive Computer: 72.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Regulators: 72.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Booties: 30.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Mask: 30.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Full Equipment (excl. computer and torch): 270.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Extra 12 Litre cylinder: 72.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • 15 Litre cylinder: 72.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Cabin Guarantee: 70.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance
  • Standard Nitrox Package: 150.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board

Program

Mirriad of pelagic animals
Healthy corals
Whale sharks can be seen
Galapagos sharks, white tips, hammerheads, and silky sharks

Day 1:
Meet & greet at the airport. Group transfer to the port. Onboarding, meeting the crew & briefing.

Day 2:
2 dives in the morning at Punta Carrion and Baltra North East followed by an afternoon land tour of North Seymour Island before cruising north during the evening.

Day 3-4:
Wednesday and Thursday will be spent at Darwin.

Day 5: 
Diving at Wolf Island followed by the cruise south.

Day 6:
Diving at Punta Vicente Roca.

Day 7:
Diving at Cousin Rock with dive at Los Gemelos, followed by a land visit to see giant land tortoises on Santa Cruz.

Day 8:
Check-out from the yacht. Visiting of Interpretation center in San Cristobal Island. Group transfer to the airport.

 

Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons


Departure
  • Arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito or Guayaquil International Airport.
  • You are recommended to arrive 1 day prior to the boat's departure.
  • There are domestic flights to San Cristobal from both airports (Flight information can be found by the link).
  • Boat's crew will arrange a transfer from San Cristobal Airport to the boat
Return
  • Disembarkation from the boats after 10:00.
  • You will be transferred to the airport

Custom Itinerary (12 nights) (Port of San Cristobal-Port of San Cristobal)

12 nights nights, ±33 dives,
Port of San Cristobal
San Cristobal Airport (SCY)
14:00-14:30
Port of San Cristobal
San Cristobal Airport (SCY)
08:00-08:30
Requirements: Minimum 50 dives, AOWD or equivalent

Included

  • 12 nights full board accommodation includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
  • Unlimited tea, coffee, fruit juice, soft drinks and drinking water
  • Bath towels, deck towels and shampoo
  • Up to 4 dives per day
  • Single 12 Litre (80 cu ft) cylinder with air fills
  • Weights and weight belts
  • Land tour on North Seymour and Santa Cruz
  • Disembarkation transfer
  • Embarkation transfer
  • Free short-term DAN diving insurance (upon request)

Obligatory surcharges

  • All guests are required to have travel and diving insurance
  • Ingala Transit Control Card: 20.00USD per trip, to be paid at the airport
  • Galapagos National Park Fee (unavailable until 2024-08-01): 200.00USD per trip, to be paid at the airport

Extra cost

  • Flights
  • Nitrox
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Crew gratuities
  • Laundry
  • BCD: 132.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Fins: 55.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Wetsuit (7mm Full-length): 132.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Dive Computer: 132.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Regulators: 132.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Booties: 55.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Mask: 55.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Full Equipment (excl. computer and torch): 495.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • 15 Litre cylinder: 132.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board
  • Cabin Guarantee: 100.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance
  • Standard Nitrox Package: 275.00USD per trip, to be paid in advance, on board

Program

Day 1:
Meet & greet at the airport. Group transfer to the port. Onboarding, meeting the crew & briefing.

Day 2-12:
Diving according to the planned route.

Day 13:
Check-out from the yacht. Group transfer to the airport.

 

Routes can be affected by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen events, force majeure or other similar reasons