TIBURON EXPLORER

(1 customer review)

38m / 125ft MAX 16 NITROX PADI WIFI

PRICE PER DAY FROM USD 812

LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEE SPECIAL OFFERS APPLY

At a glance:

Cruises central Galapagos, World & Darwin
All cabins with private bathrooms
Complimentary local alcoholic and soft drinks
Jacuzzi on huge sundeck
Dive Alerts, signalling devices and lost diver devices
Large boat with steel hull

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This 125 ft (38m) purpose-built, steel-hulled liveaboard, from the reputable Explorer fleet, operates 7 night diving cruises around the best sites of the Galapagos islands. Tiburon Explorer is a Green Fins (marine conservation) member.

Although there are 9 twin share ensuite cabins, all with TVs, there is a maximum limit of 16 guests on each trip. Elegance and comfort are emphasized on board with spacious well-appointed cabins and plenty of room to socialize and enjoy your surface time. The large and stylish saloon/dining area on the main deck is the place most guests tend to hang out. Here you can enjoy the TV and music system, or read up on some of the Galapagos’ extraordinary flora, fauna and history. All day coffee, tea and nibbles are also available here. This area has 2 rows of large picture windows running along both the port and starboard sides. This means the space is flooded with natural light and enjoys beautiful, ever-changing views.

If you prefer to chill out in the fresh air, the upper deck of the Tiburon Explorer is the place to be. You can sip a cocktail by the bar or relax around the stylish tables in a shaded area. Sun lovers will prefer to stretch out on the sun loungers or slip into the hot tub for a relaxing soak after an amazing day’s diving.

The dive deck is large, well-planned and functions efficiently. Rows of tanks have individual diver bins beneath the seats for all your accessories. Tanks are filled in situ with air or nitrox. Photographers will appreciate the camera tables, recharging stations, and separate freshwater rinse tanks for kit. Once geared up you will step down onto the platform and into one of 2 RIBs, known locally as pangas. Upon returning to the liveaboard, there are 3 large freshwater showers for immediate desalination, and a toilet for immediate relief.

There are 9 Standard double or twin bed cabins on the Tiburon Explorer liveaboard. The 6 main deck cabins all feature picture windows. 2 of them feature queen beds only, while the other 4 have twin beds that can be converted to doubles for couples. The lower deck has 3 such convertible cabins with smaller windows, but these cabins also have a lounge area with a sofa. All cabins have their own private TV with DVD/USB entertainment.

All the cabins have:

Air-conditioning
Windows (large on main deck, smaller on lower deck)
En-suite bathroom with toilet and hot water shower
Hand basin, toiletries and towels
TV & DVD player
Reading lights

Cabinet, shelves and mirror
Bedding and luggage space
Lower deck cabins have sofas
US-style 3-pin 110V electricity
Life jackets
Fire extinguisher and alarm system

No. of bathrooms / showers - 10 / 12 - hot water

Western Galapagos, Wolf & Darwin

Trip highlights: shark action, dolphins, manta rays, seals/sea lions, turtles, schooling fish & big pelagics, non diving activities, onboard experts on wildlife and natural history

Diving environment: advanced divers, drift diving, off the beaten track

Dive sites and activities: Baltra North, Wolf Island, Darwin Island, Cabo Douglas, Punta Vicente Roca, Cousins Rock, 2 wildlife land tours: North Seymour and Santa Cruz Islands.
Extended trips also visit: Cabo Marshall.

Day 1
Your adventure begins as you are met at Baltra Airport and transferred to the Tiburon Explorer liveaboard. After boarding, you'll enjoy a welcome lunch while receiving a comprehensive boat briefing from the experienced crew. Settle into your cabin, familiarize yourself with the vessel, and relax as it sets sail over dinner, cruising towards the first spectacular dive sites of the expedition.

Core Days
Prepare for an unparalleled underwater experience. The nutrient-rich waters of the Galapagos are a magnet for massive schools of fish and iconic megafauna, making every dive an event. Get your cameras ready for the famous residents of these islands. You can expect thrilling encounters with playful sea lions, manta rays, and large schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks. Diving with dolphins and reef sharks is a common occurrence here. From June through November, your dives are enhanced by the possibility of coming face-to-face with the ocean's largest fish: the magnificent whale shark. This is a true bucket-list experience.
The Darwin and Wolf Islands are the crown jewels of Galapagos liveaboard diving. These remote islands are world-renowned for their sheer density of life. Expect breathtaking action with walls of hammerheads, patrolling Galapagos and silky sharks, soaring eagle rays, and the seasonal chance to witness whale sharks. This is pelagic diving at its absolute finest.
Explore the cool, nutrient-rich waters of Punta Vicente Roca for unique macro life and the chance to spot the bizarre ocean sunfish (mola mola) and turtles. At Cabo Douglas, you'll have the unique Galapagos experience of diving with the only marine iguanas in the world as they feed underwater. At Cabo Marshall you will dive along beautiful walls and reefs where sightings often include manta rays cruising the currents and large schools of barracuda.
Your safari includes 2 land-based excursions to complement your underwater adventures:
At North Seymour Island, walk amongst large colonies of blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigate birds (watch for their inflated red throat pouches!). You'll also see sea lions and marine iguanas basking on the rocks.
Journey to the misty Santa Cruz Highlands to see giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat. You'll have time to explore the town of Puerto Ayora and visit the Charles Darwin Research Centre at your own pace. Enjoy a well-earned dinner at a local restaurant before returning to the liveaboard.

Final Day
After an early breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to the amazing MV Tiburon Explorer and its crew. Transfer arrangements will be provided for your flight from Baltra Airport, taking with you a lifetime of memories from the Enchanted Isles.

Central Galapagos, Wolf & Darwin (11 Days / 10 Nights - 29 Dives)

Trip highlights: whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, shark action, dolphins, manta rays, seals/sea lions, turtles, schooling fish & big pelagics, non diving activities

Diving environment: advanced divers, drift diving, off the beaten track

Dive sites and activities: Punta Carrion, Baltra North, Wolf Island, Darwin Island, Cabo Douglas, Cabo Marshall, Cousins Rock, 2 wildlife land tours: North Seymour and Santa Cruz Islands

Day 1
The Tiburon Explorer departs just after noon and your liveaboard diving adventure begins after you are met at Baltra Airport and transferred to the vessel. Once onboard, acquaint yourself with the vessel over a welcome lunch and an essential safety and cruise briefing from the crew. As you settle into your cabin, you will set sail during dinner, beginning your voyage to the initial dive sites of your Galapagos adventure.

Core Days
Prepare for a series of dives that define a lifetime. The convergence of currents in the Galapagos creates an explosion of biodiversity, bringing you into the heart of the action with some of the ocean's most magnificent creatures. You will dive alongside curious sea lions, be surrounded by schools of hammerhead sharks, and marvel at the graceful flight of manta rays. Dolphins often play in the bow wake, and reef sharks patrol the reefs. For an unparalleled highlight, the months from June to November offer the chance to witness the gentle filter-feeding of the whale shark.
These world-famous sites of Darwin and Wolf are at the heart of the action, where you can experience the adrenaline rush of diving amidst hundreds of sharks, including hammerheads, Galapagos and silky sharks, with seasonal visits from whale sharks and eagle rays.
Drift along the walls of Cabo Marshall where manta rays are commonly seen gathering to be cleaned, alongside large fish schools. Cabo Douglas offers the unique Galapagos experience of diving with marine iguanas as they forage for algae on the underwater rocks.
Your journey also includes 2 land tours:
Traverse a path through active nesting grounds of blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigate birds on North Seymour Island, with opportunities to see their iconic courtship behaviours.
Journey from the coast into the lush Santa Cruz Highlands to observe giant tortoises in their natural, misty habitat. The day also includes exploration of Puerto Ayora town and the Charles Darwin Research Centre, as well as a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Final Day
Enjoy one final breakfast onboard the liveaboard before bidding farewell to the Tiburon Explorer and its crew. Provided transfers will ensure a timely arrival at Baltra Airport for your onward journey, filled with unforgettable memories of the Galapagos Islands.

[Information is best estimate in ideal circumstances and subject to changes beyond our control. The itinerary is a guide only and may be adapted to best suit the weather, tides, currents, availability and other prevailing events. Price is for the cruise, not for an exact number of dives].

Daily dive schedule (a typical day):
• 6:30 am: 1st dive. After 1st dive: breakfast
• 9:30: 2nd dive
• 12:00: Lunch
• 2 pm: 3rd dive
• 4:30 pm: 4th dive
• 7 pm: Dinner. After dinner: drinks at the bar
Note: On days with long journeys between islands, the schedule may be reduced to only 2 or 3 dives.

Meals feature a mix of international and local dishes, served in the air-conditioned dining area of the liveaboard.
* Breakfast: Eggs, ham, cereals, toast, and fresh fruit.
* Lunch & dinner: A selection of salads, rice, potatoes, fresh fish, chicken, beef, and pork.
* Beverages: All domestic alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included and enjoyed at the bar.
Dietary requests: Please indicate any dietary restrictions or requests on your application form.
Allergy advisory: Please be advised that while the chef is careful, there is only one galley (kitchen), one set of preparation equipment, and one chef. Therefore, the Tiburon Explorer cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment or eliminate the possibility of cross-contamination.

"Excellent staff service, comfortable rooms, amazing food, safe diving - everyone worked hard to make our dreams come true!
Very helpful and responsive service from Vic and the Dive The World team as usual! " - Jo Nhan, UK, 28 December 2023 ...

DEPARTURE SCHEDULE & PRICES

MORE TRIP DETAILS

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 local airport, dives (as detailed in the trips above), experienced English-speaking divemaster(s) (7-8 divers per DM), tanks, weights and weightbelts, DiveAlert, a surface signaling device, and an electronic beacon, all taxes.

Cruise price per person excludes (mandatory, unless customer provides own): Dinner on the final evening, scuba equipment (7 nights USD 250), dive computer (7 nights USD 100), diving insurance, Galapagos park and reserve entrance fees (USD 200). With effect from 13 August 2022, a fuel surcharge will apply to all cruises (7 nights USD 150, 10 nights USD 215). Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival (cash or credit card + 14% tax).

Optional extras: Alcoholic drinks, nitrox fills for enriched air certified divers (7 nights USD 150), 15 liter tank (7 nights USD 130), chamber fee (USD 35). Unless otherwise stated, all the listed items need to be paid on arrival. Note: prices of items purchased onboard are subject to change.

How to get there: The Tiburon Explorer liveaboard dive tours depart from Baltra every Saturday at 12 noon. Guests fly into Ecuador and take a connecting flight, through Guayaquil or Quito, to Baltra in Galapagos, landing no later than 11:30 am. Passengers flying into San Cristobal must arrange their own transportation to Baltra. 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 details, including airlines, see our Galapagos travel information section.
The last dive of the trip will be at around 11 am on the penultimate day, before returning to port for dinner, and then disembarking at 9 am on the final day. 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 additional person can join the cruise free of charge.

Whole boat charter rate (per night): Pay for 14 guests and 2 extra persons can join free of charge, except December-May season: pay for 13 guests and 3 extra persons can join free of charge.

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.

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