| GALAPAGOS
ISLANDS
Diving
The 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
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
The
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 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 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 >>>
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