The Vessel
The M/V Humboldt Explorer comfortably accommodates 16 passengers in 8 air-conditioned rooms, all of which have private bathroom facilities. Most rooms have twin bunks that convert to larger beds for couples, flat screen televisions and all have windows to maximize the view of the Pacific Ocean and Galapagos Archipelago. Cabins are located 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. Sunning/viewing areas, ample seating and a jacuzzi are located on the top level.
The dive deck is equipped with individual gear bins, large camera table, recharging station, air and nitrox filling stations, tank racks, and a separate fresh water rinse tank for underwater camera equipment. Diving operations are conducted from two large pangas (tenders), easily boarded from the dive deck. The Humboldt Explorer is also equipped with a satellite telephone for emergency calls worldwide.
Diving From The Vessel
The weather in the Galapagos has water temperatures ranging from 65 -75 degrees F from December through May and 60 – 70 (F) June through November. Water temperatures are at the higher end of the scale in both Darwin and Wolf. Air temperatures range from 75 (F) or higher in the rainy season (December-May) to the mid 60’s (F) during the dry season (June – November), with nearly constant sea breezes. Currents can range from 1 to 5 knots at the sites we visit, and visibility is generally between 30 and 80 feet. Most divers are comfortable with a 7mm wetsuit June – November with a hooded vest and gloves and a minimum 5 mm wetsuit December - May. Gloves and hood are strongly recommended. Your dives will be done from the pangas with an easy backward roll into the water. After you dive, your tank will be lifted back into the panga and you will board via its stern ladders or with assistance from the side.
Minimum Age Restrictions
The minimum certifiable age for divers is 10 for most SCUBA certification agencies; normally, the agencies restrict 10 and 11 year olds to a maximum depth of 40 ft. Explorer Ventures therefore allows children as young as 10 years to participate in our trips, with the following restrictions:
- All children under the age of 15 must travel and dive with their parent or guardian, unless undergoing active training with an instructor.
- This itinerary offers no diving opportunities at depths less than 40 feet; diving opportunities for 10 and 11 year olds are not available on this itinerary.
For this reason, a minimum age of 15 for divers is strongly suggested.
Safety Standards
To ensure your safety, we require the following of all divers:
All divers must be certified as open water scuba divers
by an internationally recognized certification
organization.- All divers must be experienced divers (we recommend
that you have more than 100 logged dives) and have
logged at least one dive within the 6 months prior
to boarding the vessel. Dives are very often at an
advanced level. Currents can be very strong and often
divers are required to swim against them.
- All dives are guided by an instructor/naturalist guide
and due to Galapagos National Park regulations all
divers must dive with the guide at all times.
- All divers must log in and out of the water with a
member of the diving staff.
- All divers must have a submersible console including
SPG & depth gauge, time piece or dive computer with
these functions.
- Decompression diving is not allowed under any
conditions. The maximum allowed depth is 130’ (110’
on nitrox).
- Diving activities must cease when the consumption of
alcohol begins.
- All divers must present proof of dive insurance per
Galapagos National Park regulations.
- All divers must also carry a DiveAlert, a surface
signaling device, and an electronic beacon while
diving (all available on board). Guests are responsible
for all items they borrow from the vessel.
- Please note that, due to a combination of staff and
equipment logistics, insurance requirements and local
diving regulations, neither rebreathers nor diver
propulsion vehicles (DPVs) may be used aboard
Explorer Ventures vessels.
What To Bring
Packing for a liveaboard trip is much easier than packing for a land-based vacation. The climate doesn’t require much more than shorts, T-shirts, and swimsuits though at sea the winds can be cold and jackets are often necessary. Soft luggage is recommended as it takes up very little space when empty. Sun screens, sunglasses, a visor, raincoat, lightweight sweater or jacket, long sleeved shirt, backpack, tevas and a hat are recommended. Guests traveling through Quito who are interested in day tours may wish to bring some items of clothing for slightly cooler temperatures and good walking shoes.
Please remember that the Galapagos Islands straddle the Equator and the sun can be very strong at times. For this reason please make sure you have sufficient strength sunscreen. In case of rough weather or if you have a tendency towards seasickness, come prepared with motion sickness medications or Transderm patches from your doctor. If you have favorite CD’s or DVD’s, feel free to bring them.
All linens (including sheets, comforters, bath towels, hand towels, dive towels, and wash cloths) are provided on board.
If possible, pack your regulator, dive computer, mask, a swimsuit, change of clothes, medications and toiletries in your carry-on bag. Having these few items with you will make an unexpected luggage delay far more bearable.
There is a weight limit on checked-in luggage for flights to and from Quito and/or Guayaquil to the Galapagos of 44 pounds (20 kilos). An additional fee of up to US$1.70* per 2.2 pounds (1 kilo) to and from Quito will be charged for luggage over the limit and US$1.50* per 2.2 pounds (1 kilo) to and from Guayaquil. In addition, passengers are allowed a carry-on bag weighing no more than 17.6 pounds (8 kilos) and a personal item. All additional luggage fees must be paid in cash at flight time.
*These prices could change at anytime. Groups traveling together with a representative from Explorer Ventures at the airport are less likely to be charged additional fees.
Equipment List
The vessel provides tanks, weights, and weight belts for your use. If you prefer to rent the rest of your equipment from us, we have all of the equipment that you will need. Please indicate on your application form what equipment you will require. Otherwise, the following items are the diver’s responsibility:
- Certification Card
- Diving Log Book (strongly encouraged)
- Mask
- Snorkel
- Fins
- Booties (if you wear them)
- Buoyancy Control Device (required) *
- Regulator w/alternate air source *
- Submersible pressure and depth gauges (required)*
- Underwater time piece (required)
- Dive computer (recommended) *
- Wet suit – 5 mm to semi-dry .5-.7 mm *
- Hooded vest
- Gloves
- Repair kit w/ spare parts
* Available for rent on board
Dive Insurance
Due to the nature of this trip and the very remote nature of the destination, all divers are required to have dive accident insurance when diving from the Humboldt Explorer, and to note the policy number on their application form. See our website for further information and options on dive and travel insurance.
Arrival/Departure
Passports are required for all arriving foreign nationals. If in doubt about visas, contact the Ecuadorian Consulate for specific requirements from your country.
Transfers within the Galapagos are included in your package for same day arrivals, and you will be met at the airport by our tour operator. If you miss any of your flights and are not able to make it to Ecuador or the Galapagos on schedule, please contact Galasam, our Ecuadorian partner, at 011-593-9703-1382 and notify them of your updated arrival time should you have that information, and where you may be reached in the meantime. The vessel will leave port on Monday at approximately 1:00pm. Retrieving lost luggage after the vessel departs on charter is impossible. It can be retrieved when the vessel returns to port at the end of the charter.
The vessel arrives at its final destination port on Monday morning. Sunday night’s dinner is in town and is not included in the price of the trip. Transportation is organized and included for transfer to the airport. There is a departure tax, payable in cash, of US$40.80 in Quito, US$26 in Guayaquil (both subject to change) upon leaving on a flight from either Quito or Guayaquil.
Please note: Flight times, prices and the Galapagos airport of arrival are all subject to change with little or no notification, and flights often run late. We strongly encourage our guests to plan on arriving at least one and preferably two days prior to your flight to the Galapagos Islands, to ensure that your luggage is with you or to make up for any travel delays. We also recommend that guests plan on an extra night in Quito or Guayaquil upon departing Ecuador. The earliest time a guest can reliably expect to connect to another flight is 10 p.m on the last Monday of the trip. Ticket holders are required to check-in a minimum of three hours prior to flight time for all international departures, even when connecting from an Aerogal or TAMI flight.
Meals
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, ham, cereal, toast, and fresh fruits. Snacks are available between dives. If you have any dietary restrictions or requests, please indicate so on your application form. Please note that specific brands of soft drinks, dressings and foods are often unavailable in the islands, and that it can be very difficult for us to find low-fat or soy products, fresh fruit, fish, and other items common elsewhere. While we will do our best to accommodate your requests, please be realistic and consider bringing some of your own foods if the lack thereof may constitute a health risk or seriously compromise your enjoyment of your holiday.
Currency
The U.S. dollar is the official currency of Ecuador; therefore, it is not necessary to purchase currency before arriving. Most major credit cards are accepted widely when shopping ashore, however, additional fees are charged in Ecuador for the use of credit cards.
On Board Charges
Though all meals, most beverages, transportation between islands, and much more has been taken care of with your trip payment, there are additional items which you may charge to your on board bill. These include retail items (shirts, etc.), scuba instruction, rentals, nitrox, premium alcoholic beverages, and crew gratuities.
The bill may be paid at the end of the trip using cash, Visa, or MasterCard. American Express, traveler’s checks and personal checks are not accepted on board, and we are unable to advance cash on credit card charges. Travelers checks are not accepted in Ecuador nor can they easily be changed into cash. Gratuities and onboard charges are best paid in cash. This avoids any additional Ecuadorian taxes and service fees. Bills will be settled onboard on Sunday morning. ATM machines are available in Quito, Guayaquil, Puerto Ayora and San Cristobal.
Communications
Outgoing calls may be made from the Humboldt Explorer via satellite phone. Please be aware that a charge is assessed for both incoming and outgoing calls.
Crew Gratuities
Crew gratuities are not included in your package. The crew works very hard, 7 days a week and up to 12 weeks at a stretch, providing the best possible service for our guests. The industry standard for crew gratuities on dive trips (if of course you are happy with the service which you have received) is between 10% and 15% of the package price per passenger. Your generosity will be greatly appreciated.
Package Information
Packages Include:
- 7 nights/8 days aboard vessel
- 3 meals daily, plus between-dive snacks
- 3 - 4 dives daily most days – total of 17-18 dives weekly
- Use of tanks, weights and belts
- All domestic alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Packages Do Not Include:
- Airport transfers
- Hotel accommodations
- Flights to/from Galapagos
- Last evening meal (Sunday)
- Rental, instruction, nitrox and retail charges
- Crew gratuities
- Trip Cancellation & Dive Accident Insurance
- Quito/Guayaquil departure taxes
- Premium alcoholic beverages
- National Marine Park Fees
- TCT Tourist card
- Hyperbaric chamber fee
- Fuel Surcharge, if applicable
