Liveaboard trips are the only way to reach two of the Galapagos' most important diving highlights: Wolf Rock and Darwin.  These are some 16 hours across the water from the rest of the islands and it is here where you will find some of the largest schools of Hammerhead Sharks you are likely to see anywhere in the world.  This is also one of the best places in the world to dive with Whale Sharks of which Aqua-Firma clients have been lucky enough to see full grown individuals more than 15 metres in length.

There is a huge amount more to see at these dive sites and others, including manta rays, blue spotted rays, sealions, white tip sharks and Galapagos penguins.  Our clients have even seen schools of dolphins underwater so large that they have been impossible to count in amongst the hammerhead sharks.

When to go

Hammerhead sharks accumulate at Wolf Rock and Darwin throughout the year.  You are very likely to see whale sharks between May and October whilst your chances fall to about 50/50 between November and April.  The waters here are always fairly cool but they are at their coldest in August, choppiest in September and at their warmest around February time.

Combining diving with non-diving

Something to bear in mind when choosing a dive liveaboard trip which incorporates Wolf Rock and Darwin, is that your opportunities to explore on land will be much more limited than on a natural history yacht safari.  Whilst on these trips you will be able to land and explore islands in the main island group, it is not possible to land at Wolf Rock and Darwin, so days spent here are very much dive focused and not recommended for accompanying non-divers.  We can help you to make up for this by arranging additional land or boat based exploration for you before or after your trip.  The other alternative is to conduct a non-diving yacht safari in which snorkelling can be incorporated daily, whilst we arrange boat dives from a land base for as many days as you wish to extend your stay in the islands.

Motor Yacht Dive Liveaboards

We use well equipped dive liveaboards with diving licenses to Wolf Rock and Darwin secured long into the future.  These boats are large and comfortable, with plenty of space on deck and below.  NITROX is available and scuba equipment and digital cameras are available for rental onboard.  Each boat takes a maximum of 14 divers in deluxe and master suite cabins. 11 days: 8 days onboard plus 3 nights in Quito

Prices  from US$4,290 pp sharing (£2,680*)
            add $200 pp for master suite

            Special 15 days trip 15 - 29 Oct for $7,490pp
            add $275 for master suite (male share space only)

*Approximate £ price. Invoicing will be in US$.

Dates various dates still available. Please enquire for an update. Price above is for a discounted departure running 6^th - 16^th April, 2010.

Sailing Yacht Dive Liveaboards

For those who fancy a sailing yacht experience as well as excellent diving, join us on our Sailing Yacht Dive Liveaboard trips incorporating Wolf Rock & Darwin. It will be onboard one of the largest charter trimarans in the world, whose extensive refit will be completed in earlu 2010 to a very high standard.

Price:  US$4,390 pp sharing (£2,745*) if booked before 31^st March plus free NITROX & no fuel surcharge (worth $250)
           add $200 pp for larger cabins

Dates various dates still available. Please enquire for an update.

Our prices include Return flights Quito-Galapagos 3 nights boutique Cafe Cultura Hotel* in Quito Breakfasts in Quito All transfers Galapagos diving liveaboard as indicated Shore excursions and zodiac activities All meals onboard vessels Coffee, tea and water Beer onboard (some motor liveaboard departures) All boats are accompanied by English speaking naturalist guides who have been trained by the Charles Darwin Station and are licensed by the National Park. A year's free membership of the Galapagos Conservation Trust (our donations go towards stamping out illegal fishing of sharks in the islands) (*subject to availability) Our prices exclude Diving equipment rental. International flights to Quito Galapagos National Park entrance fee - $110** per person to be paid in cash at the airport in Galápagos). International departure tax - $44.30** Drinks, tips, snorkeling equipment and wet suits (depending on the ship). Travel insurance. (**correct at time of writing) Single Supplements 1.5 - 1.75 times the per person cabin price depending upon which vessel (please call to check). If you are willing to share a cabin then the single supplement is just £79 to cover transfers and hotels in Quito. *Please note some vessels are booked far in advance and spaces can be very limited.*

Diving Experience Required for Galapagos

There are many levels of dive site around the Galapagos so it is worth discussing with us what kind of diving trip in the islands is right for you.  Some sites offer reasonably confined water surroundings, whilst other can involve strong currents and thermoclines.  The best is to call us on 0844 412 0848 (or international on + 44 1428 620012) to discuss your recent diving experience.  For clients who need some topping  up, we regularly arrange land based diving prior to a liveaboard trip.  Even experienced divers find this a great way to enjoy an even more rewarding dive liveaboard trip.