CALIPSO GALAPAGOS – DIVING LIVEABOARD
Modern · Comfortable · Safe · Built for Divers
The Calipso yacht has been completely rebuilt from the keel up, delivering a world-class diving experience in the Galapagos Islands. Engines, generators, compressors, cabins, salon, dining area, dive deck, and sundeck are all brand new—designed with one purpose: maximum comfort and efficiency for underwater explorers.
Galapagos is one of the top diving destinations on the planet. Only aboard a liveaboard like Calipso can divers reach the most exclusive sites, where encounters include schools of hammerhead sharks, manta rays, turtles, sea lions, and extraordinary marine biodiversity.
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High season: whale shark encounters and peak marine life activity
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Low season: better visibility and warmer waters, ideal for hammerheads and mantas
Onboard you will enjoy the best of both worlds: ocean adventure and island exploration. Calipso features:
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8 spacious cabins for up to 16 guests
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Certified dive and naturalist guides
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Open social and dining areas
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Professional dive deck with equipment stations
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Wi-Fi onboard
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8-day Diving itineraries
Calipso Galapagos — a modern, safe, and comfortable platform to explore the most spectacular marine sanctuary on Earth.
CAPACITY
16 PASSENGERS
GUIDE
CERTIFIED DIVE & NATURALIST GUIDE
CABINS
8 CABINS
CREW
9 CREW
WI-FI
SERVICE
GALAPAGOS LIVEABOARD DIVING EXPEDITION – ITINERARY
Trip Type:
Diving Cruise
Group Size:
Up to 16 guests
Itinerary:
Western Islands
Key Activities:
World-class scuba diving combined with hiking, snorkeling, panga rides, kayaking, and wildlife observation with expert naturalist and dive guides.
Duration:
8 Days / 7 Nights
Tour Starts At:
San Cristobal Island (SCY)
Tour Ends At:
San Cristobal Island (SCY)
Activity Level:
Moderate activity including daily diving, hiking on uneven terrain, snorkeling, panga rides, and optional kayaking. Suitable for most healthy guests with basic fitness and certified diving experience.
KEY ISLAND
- Santa Cristobal
- Santa Cruz
- North Seymour
- Wolf Island
- Darwin Island
- Isabela Island
- Fernandina Island
- Cousins Rock
DESCRIPTION
Lobos Island
One of the many islets that pepper the archipelago, this one is named for the mass amounts of sea lions that invade the area. Often used as a check-out dive site, Lobos Island is a sweet dive filled with star fish, rays, various fish, turtles, eagle rays, and sometimes marine iguanas.
Highlights: Sea lions by the dozens!
Experience: Open water diver, with a minimum of 10 dives
Depth: 3-10 m (10-33 feet)
Currents: Light
Water Temp: 17C-23C / 63F-73F, depending on the season and special conditions
Thermoclines: Not generally
Difficulty: Beginner
Visibility: 6-12 M (20 -40 ft)
Carrion Point
Carrion Point creates a sheltered lagoon with beautiful, turquoise water. During this visit you can snorkel and see a variety of fish, rays and perhaps the harmless white-tip reef sharks. The point is on the north coast of Santa Cruz Island at the entrance of Channel of Itabaca.
Highlights: Fish, rays, white-tip reef sharks
Possible Activities: Dinghy ride
Type of Landing: None
Difficulty: Easy
La Ventana
Wolf Island is located in the extreme northern part of the archipelago. There are no land visits to this island, and it is only visited by live-aboard dive ships. This is a dive site only for experienced divers. The surge is heavy, currents can be quite strong, and visibility is often limited. Some very impressive and large animals such as whale sharks, hammerheads and dolphins are spotted here.
Highlights: Whale sharks, hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, dolphins
Activities: Diving
La Banana
Wolf Island is located in the extreme northern part of the archipelago. There are no land visits to this island, and it is only visited by live-aboard dive ships. This is a dive site only for experienced divers. The surge is heavy, currents can be quite strong, and visibility is often limited. Some very impressive and large animals such as whale sharks, hammerheads and dolphins are spotted here.
Highlights: Whale sharks, hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, dolphins
Activities: Diving
Shark Point
Wolf Island is located in the extreme northern part of the archipelago. There are no land visits to this island, and it is only visited by live-aboard dive ships. This is a dive site only for experienced divers. The surge is heavy, currents can be quite strong, and visibility is often limited. Some very impressive and large animals such as whale sharks, hammerheads and dolphins are spotted here.
Highlights: Whale sharks, hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, dolphins
Activities: Diving
El Derrumbe
Wolf Island is located in the extreme northern part of the archipelago. There are no land visits to this island, and it is only visited by live-aboard dive ships. This is a dive site only for experienced divers. The surge is heavy, currents can be quite strong, and visibility is often limited. Some very impressive and large animals such as whale sharks, hammerheads and dolphins are spotted here.
Highlights: Whale sharks, hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, dolphins
Activities: Diving
Darwin's Arch
Darwin´s Arch is an impressive 15 M (50 ft) lava arch. A fast descent in current, where you will then grab onto the rocks below and basically be a spectator to the stuff blowing past! This is the most famous dive site in the Galapagos Islands and recognized as one of the best dive sites in the world! Whale sharks and schools of hammerheads and dolphins play in the waters. Accessible only by dive liveaboards, Darwin Island is an underwater Disneyland.
Highlights: Whale sharks, hammerhead cleaning station, turtles, pods of dolphins, countless schools of fish, Galapagos sharks, silky sharks
Experience required: Minimum 50 dives and experience in current, cold water and surge Depth: 9-40+ M (20-130+ ft)
Currents: moderate to very strong Water
Temp: Dec - April: 24- 28 C (76 – 82 F ) / May – Nov: 22- 26 C (72 – 78 F ).
Thermoclines: variable but generally around 20 m (65 ft)
Difficulty: Advanced
Visibility: 12-24 m (40-80 ft)
Interesting facts: Divers from around the world come to the "theater": hold still to the rocks, and watch the show swim past you in the blue.
El Arenal
Often coined “the best dive site in the world”, Isla Darwin is an underwater circus with stars like whale sharks, hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, pods of dolphins, and a few killer whales and tiger sharks making guest appearances! El Arenal is an underwater sloping sand “driveway” of Darwin's Arch teeming with amazing marine life. Stick with your expert guide who can show you the safest and best routes in the currents.
Highlights: hammerhead sharks and cleaning station, schools of big-eyed jacks, blacktip sharks and whale sharks
Experience required: Minimum 50 dives and experience in current, cold water and surge
Depth: 14-37 m (46-121 ft)
Currents: moderate to strong
Water Temp: Dec - April: 24- 28 C (76 – 82 F ) / May – Nov: 22- 26 C (72 – 78 F ).
Thermoclines: variable
Difficulty: advanced
Visibility: 12-24 m (40-80 ft)
Interesting facts: A great place to hang out and watch the action fly past
Darwin's Arch
Darwin´s Arch is an impressive 15 M (50 ft) lava arch. A fast descent in current, where you will then grab onto the rocks below and basically be a spectator to the stuff blowing past! This is the most famous dive site in the Galapagos Islands and recognized as one of the best dive sites in the world! Whale sharks and schools of hammerheads and dolphins play in the waters. Accessible only by dive liveaboards, Darwin Island is an underwater Disneyland.
Highlights: Whale sharks, hammerhead cleaning station, turtles, pods of dolphins, countless schools of fish, Galapagos sharks, silky sharks
Experience required: Minimum 50 dives and experience in current, cold water and surge Depth: 9-40+ M (20-130+ ft)
Currents: moderate to very strong Water
Temp: Dec - April: 24- 28 C (76 – 82 F ) / May – Nov: 22- 26 C (72 – 78 F ).
Thermoclines: variable but generally around 20 m (65 ft)
Difficulty: Advanced
Visibility: 12-24 m (40-80 ft)
Interesting facts: Divers from around the world come to the "theater": hold still to the rocks, and watch the show swim past you in the blue.
El Arenal
Often coined “the best dive site in the world”, Isla Darwin is an underwater circus with stars like whale sharks, hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, pods of dolphins, and a few killer whales and tiger sharks making guest appearances! El Arenal is an underwater sloping sand “driveway” of Darwin's Arch teeming with amazing marine life. Stick with your expert guide who can show you the safest and best routes in the currents.
Highlights: hammerhead sharks and cleaning station, schools of big-eyed jacks, blacktip sharks and whale sharks
Experience required: Minimum 50 dives and experience in current, cold water and surge
Depth: 14-37 m (46-121 ft)
Currents: moderate to strong
Water Temp: Dec - April: 24- 28 C (76 – 82 F ) / May – Nov: 22- 26 C (72 – 78 F ).
Thermoclines: variable
Difficulty: advanced
Visibility: 12-24 m (40-80 ft)
Interesting facts: A great place to hang out and watch the action fly past
Shark Point
Wolf Island is located in the extreme northern part of the archipelago. There are no land visits to this island, and it is only visited by live-aboard dive ships. This is a dive site only for experienced divers. The surge is heavy, currents can be quite strong, and visibility is often limited. Some very impressive and large animals such as whale sharks, hammerheads and dolphins are spotted here.
Highlights: Whale sharks, hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, dolphins
Activities: Diving
La Banana
Wolf Island is located in the extreme northern part of the archipelago. There are no land visits to this island, and it is only visited by live-aboard dive ships. This is a dive site only for experienced divers. The surge is heavy, currents can be quite strong, and visibility is often limited. Some very impressive and large animals such as whale sharks, hammerheads and dolphins are spotted here.
Highlights: Whale sharks, hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, dolphins
Activities: Diving
Cape Douglas
Highlights: Fur sea lions and Galapagos sea lions mingle with the snacking marine iguanas and "zoom-past-you" penguins.
Experience required: Advanced open water and minimum 40 logged dives
Depth: 20 m (66 ft)
Currents: Moderate
Water Temp: 18-26 C (65-78 F)
Difficulty: Advanced
Visibility: 12-20 m (39-66 ft)
Endemic Animals: Galapagos marine iguana
Cape Marshall
A near-vertical wall of volcanic rock that plummets to the bottom of the sea, this dive site boasts the big stuff: manta rays, hammerheads, sun fish (Mola mola), and sometimes huge schools of the endemic salema.
Highlights:
Not only is the topogrpahy of this site distinct and fascinating, but so is the marine life! The “usual” sea turtles and sea lions swim along with you and the Chevron barracuda, yellow fin tuna, marbled rays, mobula rays, snappers, and more!
Experience: Minimum advanced open water and 30 dives. Experience with current, walls, and good buoyancy needed.
Depth: 10-35 m (33-98 feet)
Currents Strong
Water Temp: 17C-23C / 63F-73F, depending on the season and special conditions
Thermoclines: Prevalent at approximately 14 m (45 ft)
Difficulty: Advanced
Visibility: 3 – 10 m (10-33 feet)
Unique Animals: The Galapagos black-striped salema
Interesting facts: The red-lipped batfish can be found here, although no night diving is permitted in Galapagos, so it will be tricky to find them!
Vicente Roca Point
Highlighting an enormous amount of the “small stuff”, Punta Vicente Roca offers up a sweet home to octopi, sea horses, red-lipped batfish, frogfish, and nudibranchs. The mola mola, or sun fish has been spotted here as well.
Highlights: This drift wall dive will bring you up close and personal to a long list of invertebrates including sponges and flat worms. Keep your eyes peeled for the endemic camotillo and the occasional Port Jackson shark!
Experience: Minimum open water diver with good buoyancy control
Depth: Average dive depth 20 M (66 ft)
Currents Mild to none
Water Temp: 17-24 C (62-76 F), depending on the season and special conditions
Thermoclines: Variable; often below 20 m (66 ft)
Difficulty: Beginner
Visibility: 8-15 m (26-49 ft)
Unique Animals: Camotillo
Cousin's Rock
Just one of the many islets that help form the archipelago, this dive has a great deal to offer the advanced diver. With sloping rock plate formations and a wall that drops farther than the eye can see, divers will come across hidden sea horses and octopi, Galapagos black coral, frogfish, and hammerheads and Galapagos sharks!
Highlights: Green sea turtles and sea lions accompany the diver on the lookout for hammerheads and Galapagos sharks.
Experience: Minimum advanced open water diver and 30 logged dives. Divers must have good buoyancy control.
Depth: 2 m-30 m maximum dive depth (one side has a rock-plate slope)
Currents Moderate, with surge in shallower waters
Water Temp: 17C-23C / 63F-73F, depending on the season and special conditions
Thermoclines: Often at approximately 25 meters
Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
Visibility: 10-20 m (33-66 feet)
Unique Animals: Juvenile Galapagos black coral
Interesting facts: This site offers up a buffet of amazing sights for the diver: giant mantas below, sea turtles above, sea horses in the coral, and sea lions that play with your bubbles.
El Chato Tortoise Reserve
The El Chato reserve is divided into two areas: Caseta and Chato. The trail begins at Santa Rosa (13.7 miles / 22 km) from Puerto Ayora, with the Caseta route being the more challenging. The reserve allows visitors to observe giant tortoises in the wild during the dry season and is also a good place to spot short-eared owls, Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers, Galapagos rails and paint-billed crakes.
Highlights: Giant tortoises, finches, Galapagos rails
Possible Activities: Hiking
Type of Landing: Dry landing
Difficulty: Easy / medium
Charles Darwin Station / Fausto Llerena Breeding Center
The Charles Darwin Research Station is home to turtles ranging from 3-inches (new hatchlings) to 4-feet long. Subspecies of turtles interact with one another and many of the older turtles are accustomed to humans stretching out their heads for a photo opportunity. The babies are kept until they are about four years old and strong enough to survive on their own.
Highlights: Giant tortoises in captivity
Possible Activities: Hike
Type of Landing: Dry landing
Difficulty: Easy
DIVE DECK & EQUIPMENT – CALIPSO GALAPAGOS
The Calipso dive deck is spacious, organized, and designed for maximum comfort and efficiency. Each diver has a personal stainless-steel station with storage for equipment, plus dedicated areas for camera care and charging (110v & 220v).
After every dive, guests enjoy hot freshwater showers, warm towels, and a comfortable shaded deck, ensuring a relaxed and professional experience between immersions.
Key Features Onboard
Nitrox available (extra cost)
DIN adaptors & rinse hoses
2 zodiacs (pangas) for dive operations
2 dive guides (1 per 8 divers)
Individual dive stations
Equipment rental available
Side-mount friendly setup
Calipso provides a fully equipped, diver-focused platform to explore the best dive sites of the Galapagos with safety, comfort, and efficiency.
COMFORT ONBOARD CALIPSO
All cabins aboard Calipso combine modern design, functionality, and comfort, offering hotel-style accommodation in the heart of the Galapagos. Soft linens, daily housekeeping, and attentive crew service guarantee a pleasant stay, so guests can focus on what matters most: extraordinary diving experiences.
MASTER CABINS – DOUBLE BED
Calipso’s master cabins are designed for couples seeking comfort after unforgettable days of diving. Each cabin features a spacious double bed, private bathroom, air conditioning, and modern finishes, creating a relaxing retreat at sea. Thoughtful storage, reading lights, and a calm atmosphere ensure guests recharge in total privacy and comfort between dives.
TWIN CABINS – IDEAL FOR FRIENDS & BUDDIES
The twin cabins are perfect for friends or dive partners traveling together. Equipped with two comfortable single beds, en-suite bathroom, and climate control, these cabins offer a practical and welcoming layout. Every space is designed with divers in mind, providing room for personal belongings and a peaceful environment to rest before the next adventure.
SUN DECK
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Length: 35.4 m / 117 ft
Power: 2 Cummins engines – 400 hp
Generators: 2 Cummins – 99 kw
Cruising Speed: 11 knots
Safety Standards
- First aid kits, AED & large oxygen supply
- Life jackets, life rafts & emergency beacons
- Nautilus lifelines, SMBs & dive safety devices
- Radar, sonar, GPS & VHF communication
- Fire detection, sprinkler system & CO₂ bank
Onboard Comfort & Services
- Satellite Wi-Fi & emergency satellite phone
- Hot showers & individual cabin climate control
- Apple TV, USB outlets, safety boxes, hair dryers
- Jacuzzi, library & BBQ area
Calipso Galapagos combines professional diving infrastructure with premium amenities, ensuring a safe, reliable, and comfortable expedition in the world’s most iconic marine reserve.
SOCIAL AREAS
DECK PLANS
On the main deck guests will find the dining room and several cabins, all thoughtfully arranged for convenience and comfort. This level combines easy access to social areas with cozy, climate-controlled accommodation for a restful stay.
The upper deck hosts inviting common spaces designed for relaxation and connection. The indoor lounge, bar, and entertainment area provide a comfortable setting for dive briefings, photo reviews, or quiet moments after an exciting day underwater.
The lower deck is the heart of the diving experience. Here you’ll find the spacious dive deck, individual stations, camera area, showers, and direct access to the zodiacs, ensuring smooth and efficient operations before and after every dive.
The top deck is the perfect place to unwind between dives. Featuring a jacuzzi, sun loungers, and shaded seating, guests can enjoy panoramic views of the Galapagos seascape, socialize with fellow divers, or simply relax while cruising to the next world-class dive site.
INCLUSIONS
- Transfers in Galapagos Islands.
- Accommodation with all amenities.
- All meals, snacks and beverages.
- Bilingual National Park certified dive guide.
- Weights, weight belts and air tanks ( 12L)
- We provide DA1 Dive Alerts, basic SMBs and Nautilus Lifeline at no charge
- Wi-Fi
- All visits and excursions according to the itinerary.
- Shampoo, hair conditioner, and soap for daily use.
- Unlimited purified water, coffee and tea.
- Beach towels.
EXCLUSIONS
- Flight tickets Quito - Galapagos - Quito
- Galapagos National Park Entrance fee ($200 per person)
- INGALA control Card ($20 per person)
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Wetsuit, Fins & Booties, Mask.
- Computer rental is $85.
- Equipment - Full kit rental is $275.
- Unlimited Nitrox (DIVE ITINERARY) $200
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance (Highly recommended)
- Additional services not indicated
GET TO KNOW OUR RATES TO RENT THE DIVING GEAR
The person who rents the equipment is responsible for any loss or damage to the rented equipment while in his/her possession and agrees to return it in the same condition as received.
Equipment Full kit rental is $275 (Rental includes BC,Regulator, Wetsuit, Fins & Booties, Mask.)
● Computer rental is $85.
● Diver will be responsible for replacement costs if equipment is
damaged
● $50 for dive alert
● $40 for SMB
● $250 for Nautilus Lifeline.
● $75 for ditched weight belt
● Personal expenses and gratuities are not included.
● Diving Insurance and personal insurance.
We recommend each guest purchase the following insurance that covers cancellation, trip interruption, accidents, medical while in Ecuador, baggage loss and, if applicable, equipment (dive & photography) insurance.
