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GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Diving

Galapagos IslandsThe Galapagos Islands are situated in the Pacific Ocean 960km west of Ecuador and form the second largest Marine Reserve in the world. The primary attractions are the large pelagics, including schooling scalloped hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks and whale sharks. The combination of warm and cold water brings sea lions, fur seals, penguins, mantas, eagle and golden rays, turtles and schools of tuna, jack and snapper to the Galapagos Islands. Occasionally there are sightings of whales, marlin, dolphins and orcas. Most dive trips include thrilling shark dives at remote Wolf and Darwin Islands. There is also the opportunity to snorkel with penguins and marine iguanas.

The waters of the Galapagos Islands are a unique mixture of warm and cold water. Water temperatures range from 18 to 29 degrees Celsius with cooler thermoclines. The diving in Galapagos can be strenuous due to currents and surge, varying water temperatures, limited visibility and changeable conditions. This trip is recommended for intermediate and advanced divers.


 

Galapagos Aggressor I & II

Galapagos Aggressor Liveaboard The Galapagos Aggressors' itinerary is designed to give guests the opportunity to experience the best of the Galapagos Islands above and below the surface.

The Galapagos Aggressor is a 100ft vessels built and powered for comfort, safety and stability. It sleeps up to 14 guests in privacy and comfort. Accommodations include 7 double Staterooms all with ensuite bathrooms, TV/VCR, CD player, temperature control and storage box.

The Galapagos Aggressor features a beautiful spacious salon with entertainment centre, large sun deck and hot tub.

The menu on board is varied and plentiful, with a range of fresh tropical fruit, local and international cuisine. Wake up to fresh fruits, hot entrées, cereals and juices. Lunches are buffet-style, featuring hot soups, homemade breads, salad and sandwiches. Dinners are diverse, including seafood, beef or chicken. Each evening enjoy fresh homemade desserts. Soft drinks, beer and wine are complimentary. With their unique combination of talents the crew of the Galapagos Aggressor offers the ultimate service.

There is a variety of nightly entertainment, including fish identification slide shows, films, games and more.

Taxes and fees (payable locally):
•  Port fee US$70/person
•  Galapagos Park entry fee US$100/person
•  Domestic flights from Ecuador to Galapagos
•  Airport departure tax US$2/person (domestic), US$32/person (international)
•  Fuel surcharge US$100/person

For more information on GALAPAGOS or to book please call 0208 744 0474

Enquiry Form CLICK HERE >>>           GALAPAGOS Offers CLICK HERE >>>


 

M/V Sky Dancer

M/V Sky DancerThe M/V Sky Dancer cruises the Galapagos Islands in search of sea lions, penguins, schooling hammerhead sharks, turtles, stingrays, whale sharks and the magnificent mantas. Included in planned itineraries are visits to the very remote islands of Wolf and Darwin. The newly constructed Sky Dancer features including Nitrox fills, eight private en-suite facilities, spacious lounge areas, fine dining and more. The boat offers 7 & 10 night departures.
Click picture to enlarge

Best time to visit? Any time is a good time to visit Galapagos. The large schools of rays and sharks, plus sea turtles, sea lions, iguanas and penguins are found all year round. There are two main seasons:

Whale Shark Season, from April to November, is when the chance to see whale sharks is almost 100%, and when the water in the central islands happens to be the coolest. The water temperatures at Wolf & Darwin, where we spend most of the time is warmer than in the rest of the archipelago (74-78°F). The divers who choose to travel during the cool season will be rewarded by the almost guaranteed presence of whale sharks at Darwin Island.

Warm season, when the temperature all over the archipelago goes from 75° (at the central Islands) up to 80° (at Wolf & Darwin) and when the chance to see whale sharks is 50-50%, and when there is more "ray" activity (Manta, mobula, spotted eagles, and olden eagle rays get together in sometimes large schools to mate). December to April is the warmer wet season with water temperatures ranging from the mid 70's F to the low 80's F. The general rule is that the warm season is not as windy as the cooler season.

For more information on GALAPAGOS or to book please call 0208 744 0474

Enquiry Form CLICK HERE >>>           GALAPAGOS Offers CLICK HERE >>>


 

Mistral Liveaboard

Mistral LiveaboardMistral is 22.5 m. / 74 ft. Motor Yacht capable of a cruising speed of 10 knots. She is fully equipped for diving and ideal for the more adventurous naturalist or diver, who prefers the atmosphere of a small boat. Accommodations are in 6 cabins with upper/lower berths for a total of 12 passengers. Each cabin has their private facilities with fresh hot and cold water showers and manually operated heads. The main salon is bright and has a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Its ample windows give a great view of the scenery. At mealtimes, there are two alternatives: inside, in the salon and dining room, with tables for 8 and 4 guests respectively, or "al fresco", in the aft deck, where all guests can sit together. The sundeck has plenty of space to be in the open air for sunning and napping. It is also possible to go to the front of the boat and lie on the cushions near the bow.
(Click on pictures to enlarge)

Diving
Like the Lammer Law, the Mistral also offers selected ‘dive dedicated’ dates throughout the year, and the itinerary always includes Wolf and Darwin Islands. These diving cruises will offer two to three dives a day. A normal diving itinerary consists of dives, together with land visits to the islands. At certain dive sites like Roca Redonda, or the northernmost islands of Wolf and Darwin four dives a day may be offered. Night dives are also provided if conditions are good.

Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Sunday A.M. - Baltra, Galapagos P.M.North Seymour (Seymour Norte) Island (equipment test)
Day 2: Monday A.M. - Cousins (dive) / Albany (dive) P.M.Santiago: Puerto Egas (land visit)
Day 3: Tuesday All Day - Roca Redonda and Punta Vicente Roca (dive)
Day 4: Wednesday All Day - Wolf Island (dive)
Day 5: Thursday All Day - Wolf or Darwin Island (dive)
Day 6: Friday A.M. - Cape Marshall (dive) P.M.Jervis (dive)
Day 7: Saturday All DayS - anta Cruz (Indefatigable)  Puerto Ayora Town - Charles Darwin Station and Highlands (land visit)
Day 8: Sunday A.M. - Santa Cruz (Indefatigable)  Black Turtle Cove  Baltra

For more information on GALAPAGOS or to book please call 0208 744 0474

Enquiry Form CLICK HERE >>>           GALAPAGOS Offers CLICK HERE >>>


 

Lammer Law

Lammer Law LiveaboardLammer Law is a large 93 ft trimaran offering plenty of space and comfort for the dedicated diver. It is a large yacht with all the comfort you could expect of a cruise ship. The artful combination of stability, grace and speed make this yacht a perfect partner for Galapagos discovery dive expeditions. There are 8 cabins, all with airconditioning and private facilities. The boat has a crew of seven plus two dive guides, and a large main salon with stereo, TV and VCR plus large sundeck for sunbathing and ‘al fresco’ dining.

Diving

Diving in the Galapagos is recommended for experienced divers only as most of the best diving sites have strong currents, surge and cold waters. Lammer Law’s divemasters are well trained and knowledgeable about life above and below the water. Their job is to teach about the unique Galapagos environment and to take care of the visitor’s safety and enjoyment – they will make diving a complete learning experience. There are selected ‘dive dedicated’ dates throughout the year, and the itinerary always includes Wolf and Darwin Islands. There are two to three dives per day, with most sailing taking place at night. Your trip will include some land excursions if required.

For more information on GALAPAGOS or to book please call 0208 744 0474

Enquiry Form CLICK HERE >>>           GALAPAGOS Offers CLICK HERE >>>