Humboldt ExplorerSan Cristobal

The Humboldt Explorer is a new 32 meter (105 ft) long liveaboard, a state of the art vessel which is the latest addition of the Explorer Ventures Fleet. Particularly built for the waters of the Galapagos, this vessel offers 7-night dive excursions from/to San Cristobal, which are always starting and finishing on a Monday.

The M/V Humboldt Explorer comfortably accommodates 16 passengers in 8 air-conditioned cabins, all of which have private bathroom facilities, twin bunks that convert to larger beds for couples, flat screen televisions and windows to maximize the view of the Pacific Ocean and Galapagos Archipelago.

Cabins are on the main and lower decks. The air-conditioned salon on the main deck includes dining tables, TV, VCR, CD/DVD, video library and lounge area. Aboard the Humboldt Explorer, lunch and evening meals usually consist of lots of fresh vegetables, rice, chicken, beef, pork, and fish. Breakfast is the usual fare of eggs, bacon, pancakes, toast, and fresh fruits. Snacks are available between dives.

Stunning/viewing areas, ample seating and a Jacuzzi are located on the top level. The dive deck is equipped with individual gear lockers, camera table, recharging station, air and Nitrox filling stations, tank racks, and a separate fresh water rinse tank for underwater camera equipment.

The Humboldt Explorer is also equipped with a satellite telephone for outgoing calls worldwide. The spacious dive deck with dive platform has two special camera tables and separate sinks for equipment and cameras. Electronic equipment is state-of-the-art and meets the latest safety standards.

Up to 4 dives are offered daily on each dive day, a detailed briefing is done beforehand. Under current National Parks guidelines, no night dives are allowed by any vessels within the Galapagos National Park.

Diving is done in small groups from the two dinghies, easily boarded from the Humboldt Explorer's dive deck. Rental dive equipment is available (must be booked in advance) and they have12-litre aluminium tanks with INT-connections. Nitrox is available for an additional charge.

The waters surrounding the Galapagos Islands are quite cool. From December to May: 21°-27°C (70°-80°F) and from June to November 15°-23°C (60°-75°F). It is advisable if you bring at least a 5mm - 7mm wetsuit (semidry) with hood, boots and gloves. If you have, bring a dry suit.

The dive sites of the Galapagos Islands possess some of the world's most spectacular large fish varieties. Some of the biggest attractions include huge hammerhead schools, countless Galapagos sharks, sea lions and sea turtles. The impressive underwater lava formations of the islands create a bizarre landscape with unique vegetation.

Highlights include the far north of Wolf and Darwin Islands (hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, Galapagos sharks, manta rays, eagle rays, turtles). The schedule is determined by the captain and may change depending on weather conditions.

Following is the sample itinerary (which is subject to weather conditions):

Monday: Arrive in San Cristobal, lunch and briefing. In the afternoon check out dive at Sea Lion Islands.

Tuesday: In the morning 2 dives, in the afternoon arrive in North Seymour, then voyage to Darwin Island.

Wednesday: 4 dives around Darwin

Thursday: 3-4 dives in Darwin, after that departure to Wolf Island.

Friday: 3-4 dives around Wolf Island, after that departure to Marshal Cape, the island Isabela.

Saturday: 3-4 dives Marshal Cape, then departure to Cousins Rock.

Sunday: in the morning 2 dives at Cousins Rock, at midday departure to Santa Cruz, in the afternoon land excursion Charles Darwin Station.

Monday: Departure from San Cristobal airport

The Humboldt Explorer is a very luxurious and comfortable vessel with high standard of service and offers a very comfortable way to explore the Galapagos Islands.