Humboldt Explorer

Humboldt Explorer is a steel mono-hulled motor yacht of over 105ft (32m) in length which runs Ecuador liveaboard tours of 7 nights in duration all around the best dive sites of the Galapagos archipelago.

Constructed in 2009, this purpose-built diving boat is very spacious and provides the comfortable environment necessary for those lucky enough to be diving the challenging but unforgettable waters of the Galapagos Islands. Up to 16 guests can be accommodated on these Galapagos liveaboard diving cruises in twin or double bed standard cabins, featuring air-conditioning, in-cabin audio-visual entertainment and hot water, en-suite facilities. All cabins have windows meaning plenty of natural light.

Common areas follow the roomy, high quality cruise theme with an elegant diving area and saloon which is air-conditioned and tastefully furnished. Guests tend to socialize here and enjoy the TV, DVD and music system and library of books. For added luxury you can even relax in the Jacuzzi on the sun deck. A spacious dive deck with large camera table, nitrox and multiple safety devices are all further evidence of how diver-friendly the Humboldt Explorer liveaboard truly is.

Notes: Galapagos is a popular destination with limited liveaboard spaces. We recommend you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Dive experience: A minimum of 100 logged dives is recommended.

Cruise price per person includes: Cabin accommodation with air-conditioning, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinking water, soft drinks, hot drinks, local brands of alcohol, land tours, transfers to the boat from the airport in San Cristobal, dives (as detailed in the trips above), experienced English-speaking divemaster(s) (4-5 divers per DM), tanks, weights and weightbelts, DiveAlert, a surface signaling device, and an electronic beacon.

Cruise price per person excludes (mandatory, unless customer provides own): Dinner on the final evening, scuba equipment (US$ 250 per trip), dive computer, diving insurance, chamber fee (US$ 35), Galapagos park and reserve entrance fees US$ 100, transit card US$ 20, fuel surcharge US$ 150. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival (cash or credit card + 14% tax).

Optional extras: Nitrox fills for enriched air certified divers (US$ 150 per tour), torches. Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival.

How to get there: The Humboldt Explorer liveaboard departs from San Cristobal every Monday afternoon. Guests fly into Ecuador and take a connecting flight, through Guayaquil or Quito, to San Cristobal in Galapagos. Both Guayaquil and Quito have daily flights to the islands, although Guayaquil is recommended with cheaper prices and better-timed connections.

You will need to overnight in Guayaquil or Quito before flying on to the Galapagos. To ensure easy flight connections, a 2 night stop-over is recommended. On the return leg you will probably need to overnight in Guayaquil or Quito since most international flights depart too early to make the connection possible. The flight from Galapagos arrives in Guayaquil (and then Quito) in the afternoon.

We will place your domestic flight requirements with the liveaboard operator who are responsible for booking the flights. We request your patience with this process since there are often waiting lists and slow confirmations of availability. You must inform us whether you are flying into Guayaquil or Quito before domestic flights can be considered. If you wish to extend your stay in Galapagos to enjoy land tours please decide that early in the booking process to ensure flight availability

For more information see our Galapagos travel information section. The last dive of the trip will be at around 11:00 hrs on the second last day of the trip. Please wait at least 18 hours before flying after diving.

Non-diver rate: None.

Single supplement (if you do not want to share accommodation): This is optional - single travelers may choose to share a cabin or pay a supplement of 80% of the published price.

Dive clubs and group discounts: Pay for 5 guests and 1 extra person can join the cruise free of charge (total 6 guests)
2019 DEMA special offer on group bookings made before 22 November 2019 for departures until end December 2021.

Whole boat charter rate (per night): 2019 - US$ 10,390.

Add-on package: Galapagos is a once-in-a-lifetime destination and the above water creatures and environments are just as impressive as below. You can extend your time in this nature-lovers paradise by adding a 3, 4 or 7 night wildlife safari. These are non-diving liveaboard nature tours around some of the finest locations in Galapagos with naturalist guides, literature and presentations. Don't just leave after a week of diving! Get the full picture of this incredible archipelago.

There are 8 Standard cabins on this Galapagos Islands tour boat. There are 2 cabins on the middle deck with twin beds that can be combined into a double bed. On the lower deck there are 6 cabins, 4 of which have twin beds that can be combined into a double bed and 2 are twin beds. All of the cabins have private en-suite bathrooms and their own private TV and DVD player.

All the cabins have: No. of bathrooms / showers - 13 / 13 - hot water

The Humboldt Explorer crew of 9 comprise: 2 Motorized dive dinghies - Dive platform and kit up area with hot water showers and toilet - Camera charging station with separate rinse tank - Main deck air-conditioned saloon and dining area with bar, TV, DVD, music system, fish ID books, general interest books - Satellite telephone - Sundeck and shaded area with jacuzzi and chairs - Water dispenser

The dining experience on Galapagos liveaboard safaris with the Humboldt Explorer begins with lunch on the first day which, as with all main meals, is a mix of American and Ecuadorian dishes featuring fish, beef, pork or chicken, salads, rice or potatoes.

• A selection of local Ecuadorian cuisine and international dishes.
• Air-conditioned dining area with buffet meals.
• Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are provided.
• Snacks include cookies and fruit.
• Beer, spirits, wine, coffee, tea, fruit juice, soft drinks and drinking water are all provided free of charge.
• All dietary requirements can be catered for - please send advanced notice.
• Cruise dining service begins with lunch at boarding.

Some examples: Ceviche, breaded shrimp, roast turkey, quinoa vegetable curry, Mexican burritos...

Customer reviews:

"Staff were excellent. Facilities were very good (although the boat was a bit older than I expected (I knew beforehand that this liveaboard operator was not a luxury outfit). Overall a fantastic experience." - Steven Moore, USA, 8 August 2013 ...

"The dives, food and other services provided by the staff at the Humboldt Explorer were excellent. We were very happy with each and every member of the crew at the boat. Therefore, we would rate the on-sea services as a 5 (Excellent).
However, we were not pleased with how Explorer Ventures handled the booking phase of the trip. The delays in them booking the local flights as well as the other smaller issues were not handled in a manner that we would expect from a first class service provider. Therefore, we rate the entire services as 4 (Very Good)." - Mikko Huimala, Finland, 2 February 2012 ...