HUMBOLDT EXPLORER
INFORMATION ABOUT HUMBOLDT EXPLORER
The Humboldt Explorer is a specialist Galápagos dive vessel that believes that divers should enjoy a touch of luxury! comfortably accommodates 16 passengers in eight air-conditioned rooms, all of which have private bath and shower facilities. Most cabins can be arranged to provide two twin beds or one large bed depending on guest needs. All cabins have flat screen televisions and 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, CD/DVD, video library and lounge area.
A partially covered sundeck with Jacuzzi and ample seating areas is 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 equipped with a wireless signal that will allow communication via WhatsApp. Cell phone service is available when in proximity to Santa Cruz Island if your phone is so equipped. The vessel’s location does determine the reliability of access to these services. A satellite phone is available for emergency useThe Humboldt may be luxurious, but she's definitely a dive ship first, and her dives are often at an advanced level, against currents, challenging and therefore more rewarding than many on offer in the archipelago. Because of this, guests will need to be certified as open water scuba divers by an internationally recognized and certified organization and should be experienced (they recommend that you have more than 100 logged dives) and must have logged at least one dive within the 6 months prior to boarding the vessel..
Technical Details
- Capacity:16 passenger on board
- Length:106 ft (32.3 meters)
- Beam:21.3 ft (6.5 meters)
- Draft:8.2 ft (2.5 meters)
- Electricity:110v - 220v
- Speed:10 knotsCrew
- Members:7 crew members + 2 diving instructors
- Registry: Pto Baquerizo Moreno, Galapagos Islands
- Length overall: 111.5 ft (34 meters)
- Tonnage: 169 ITC
- Main engines: Detroit Diesel 6V92, 350 hp
- Generators: 2x Perkins 73 kw
- Maximum Speed: 10 knots
- Fuel Capacity: 5,300 gallons (20,000 liters)
- Range: 1,800 nm
Safety
- Up to 7 crew and 2 guides in crews' quarters.
- Safety Equipment: Life rafts (2)
- life rings/strobes
- life vests/strobes
- emergency position locator
- flares
- oxygen and first aid equipment
- Air Systems: 2 electric Bauer compressors with nitrox membrane
- producing 32% nitrox
- bank storage
- Tenders: Rigid hull inflatables (2)
- used for passenger transport and diver pickup
- Accessories: Diving Equipment
Service Onboard
-
Luxury cruise amenities
-
Lectures in the evening
- SUN DECK
- lounge area
- The partially covered sun deck
- Hot tub with ample seating
- MAIN DECK
- Two guest cabins, 1 & 2
- Private bath
- Shower
- 1 queen
- 2 twin beds
- Television
- The dining area
- Large dive deck.
- LOWER DECK
- Comprises six cabins, 3-8
- Private bath
- Shower
- Television
- Window
- Ample storage.
- Cabins 3 & 4 have twin beds only.
- Cabins 5,6,7 & 8 have 2 twin beds or 1 queen bed.
GALLERY YATCH
HUMBOLDT EXPLORER
DIVE DECK
DIVE DECK
ACCOMODATION
DIVE DECK:
- 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.
About Itinerary
Diving the Galapagos Islands on board HUMBOLDT EXPLORER will allow you to experience an unknown world of beauty, wonder and marine life. You will see sea lions, turtles, hammerhead sharks, white tip sharks, dolphins, whale sharks, manta rays, Galapagos sharks, and huge schools of eagle and golden Rays.We offer the elegance and comfort to make your cruise an unforgettable experience.
Days aboard the Humboldt Explorer generally involve a 6:30am dive followed by breakfast, a dive at 10:30am, lunch at 12:00pm, and afternoon dives at 2:00 pm and 4:30pm (On days with long transits between islands, the number of dives will be reduced to 2-3 dives - see itinerary).
Dinner is served at approximately 7:00 pm. Under current National Parks guidelines, night dives and land visits are strictly regulated.
At this time, each week in the itinerary includes the same islands.
The order of the islands, however, is dictated by the National Parks Foundation.The Humboldt Explorer must follow the schedule of islands and land tours as noted below.
The Trip Highlights
• Two of world's best diving spots: Darwin & Wolf
• Hundreds of hammerheads at Darwin's Arch
• Majestic whale sharks at Wolf Island
• Sunfish, Mantas, Turtles sighted regularly
ITINERARY DIVING - 8 DAYS
MONDAY
AM: Baltra Arrival and Transfer to the Boat
PM: Baltra
TUESDAY
AM: Baltra North (Equipment Check - 2 Dives)
PM: North Seymour (land visit) .
WEDNESDAY
AM: Wolf Island (2 Dives).
PM: Wolf Island (2 Dives)
THURSDAY
AM: Wolf Island (2 Dives)
PM: Darwin Island (2 Dives).
FRIDAY
AM: Darwin Island (2 Dives).
PM: Darwin Island (2 Dives).
SATURDAY
AM: Wolf Island (2 Dives).
PM: Wolf Island (1 Dives)
SUNDAY
AM: Cousin’s Rock (1-2 Dives)
PM: Santa Cruz: Highlands
MONDAY
AM: Baltra: Transfer to the Airport
DAY BY DAY
AM: BALTRA ARRIVAL AND TRANSFER TO THE BOAT
Guests fly to the Galapagos Islands from Mainland Ecuador, arriving in the late morning. The dive guides will meet the guests at the airport and escort them to the Humboldt Explorer.
Once on board your ship, you will be introduced to the crew and given a welcome briefing as well as an important safety drill. After this you'll be shown to your cabin. While you're served a well-deserved and delicious lunch, the captain will cast off and your adventure truly starts.
Wildlife you might see
Please be aware that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed and depend on seasons.
Darwin's Finches - Galapagos Sea Lion
Galapagos Marine Iguana - Galapagos Dove
Brown Pelican - Galapagos Land Iguana
Galapagos Mockingbird - Blue-Footed Booby
Galapagos Frigatebirds - Galapagos Lava Lizard
AM: SANTA CRUZ: CARRION POINT
Equipment check, 7:00 and 10:00 dives
Carrion Point on the eastern coast of Santa Cruz protrudes into the ocean, creating a sheltered cove which is a superb place to snorkel. There's no landing here, you can simply dive into the water from your boat. The sheltered waters are crystal clear and you will see a wide range of marine wildlife, including Galápagos rays, sharks, and innumerable tropical fish.
PM: NORTH SEYMOUR
Afternoon North Seymour land visit. Walk the path around North Seymour. to see the large colonies of Blue Footed Boobies and Frigate Birds. Sighting of Sea Lions and Marine Iguanas are also common. Depart for Northern Islands. (16+ hour transit)
AM: WOLF SHARK BAY
6:30, 10:30, 2:00 and 4:30 dives. (4 dives).
Night anchor at Wolf Island.
Shark Bay at Wolf Island is an underwater visitor point well known as being among THE best dive sites in Galápagos to see Hammerheads and Galápagos Sharks. Whale sharks have alse been encountered here, as well as a huge range of fish, rays, turtles, marine mammals and many more iconic Galápagos creatures.
PM: WOLF FONDEADERO
This is one of the only places in the whole Galápagos where night diving is allowed. Fondeadero means "anchoring site", and it's well names - this is the perfect place for a night dive as it's protected from the winds and currents. This makes it possible to enjoy night diving, and to witness a whole new side to Galápagos' undersea world. Highlights to a night dive here include the chance of seeing the see glow gently with an eerie light, thanks to the bioluminescence of tiny plankton in the water when conditions are right. You've also got an excellent chance of being joined by Galápagos Fur Seals on your dives here.
AM: WOLF DIVE SITE
Wolf 6:30 and 9:30 dives (2 dives) Transit to Darwin Island 2:00 and 4:30 dives (2 dives) Sightings often include hammerheads, red-lipped batfish, eagle rays, sea lions, Galapagos sharks and silky sharks.
El Derrumbe is particularly well known as THE dive in Galápagos to see Hammerheads and Galápagos Sharks. Whale sharks have alse been encountered here, as well as a huge range of fish, rays, turtles, marine mammals and many more iconic Galápagos creatures.
Wildlife you might see
Please be aware that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed and depend on seasons.
PM: WOLF NORTH ISLET / LA BANANA
North Islet is a small outcrop just off the north coast of Wolf, and because of the wall's shape it's known to locals as "the banana"! This is a stunning sheer wall with caverns, tunnels and other wonderful rock formations. Depth here ranges from 30 to 120ft and the visibility is usually excellent, varying from 40 to 80ft depending on season. There is always a moderate to heavy current here. A superb site for spotting Galápagos sharks, hammerheads, manta rays, green turtles and a wide range of fantastic Galápagos marine life.
Wildlife you might see
Please be aware that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed and depend on seasons
AM: DARWIN
6:30, 10:30, 2:00 and 4:30 dives (4 dives) Sightings often include hammerheads, whale sharks (in season) eagle rays, Galapagos sharks and silky sharks. Transit to Wolf Island.
Darwin Island (originally named Culpepper Island) was renamed in honor of the famous naturalist. It is considered by many to be one of the best underwater habitats anywhere on earth. Darwin is the most northerly island in the Galápagos, and is over 100 miles northwest of Isabela. Together with its neighbour Wolf Island, it is the most remote part of the archipelago. Renowned for the large schools of hammerhead sharks that gather here (for reasons scientists still don't fully understand), Darwin and Wolf are tips of huge long-extinct undersea volcanoes that grew up over half a mile from the seafloor below. You will enjoy spectacular diving here, and among the species you are likely to encounter are hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, rays, green turtles, and a myriad of tropical reef fish.
Wildlife you might see
Please be aware that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed and depend on seasons.
PM: DARWIN TOWERS
Huge schools of hammers and Galápagos sharks, whale sharks, Mantas: Darwin's Towers (formerly: Darwin's Arch) is arguably one of the world's best diving sites. Located just off the southeast tip of Darwin Island, the islet of Darwin's Towers (formerly known as Darwin's Arch, but the arch collapsed in 2021) is a fantastic marine wonderland. The main attractions are the whale sharks and hammerhead sharks that often gather here. But there are many other species you can find - green turtles, majestic manta rays, dolphins, large schools of fish, and other species of sharks are all frequent encounters. We have met divers with over 1000 logged dives that still called it the single best diving site of their life! If you have any particular species that you are keen to see on your dive, contact one of our Galápagos experts today, and we can advise on the best dive itinerary to suit your requirements.
AM: WOLF FONDEADERO
6:30, 9:00 and 11:00 dives (3 dives) Sightings often include hammerheads, whale sharks (in season), eagle rays, Galapagos sharks and silky sharks. Long transit to Cousin’s Rock (20+ hours).
This is one of the only places in the whole Galápagos where night diving is allowed. Fondeadero means "anchoring site", and it's well names - this is the perfect place for a night dive as it's protected from the winds and currents. This makes it possible to enjoy night diving, and to witness a whole new side to Galápagos' undersea world. Highlights to a night dive here include the chance of seeing the see glow gently with an eerie light, thanks to the bioluminescence of tiny plankton in the water when conditions are right. You've also got an excellent chance of being joined by Galápagos Fur Seals on your dives here.
PM: WOLF
The Cave is a well known as being among THE best diving sites in Galápagos to see Hammerheads and Galápagos Sharks. Whale sharks have alse been encountered here, as well as a huge range of fish, rays, turtles and many more iconic Galápagos creatures here at the iconic Wolf Island.
Shark Bay at Wolf Island is an underwater visitor point well known as being among THE best dive sites in Galápagos to see Hammerheads and Galápagos Sharks. Whale sharks have alse been encountered here, as well as a huge range of fish, rays, turtles, marine mammals and many more iconic Galápagos creatures.
AM: SANTIAGO COUSIN ROCK
6:30 and 9:30 dives (number of dives dependent on travel time from Wolf Island) This is a great macro diving with an excellent chance of seeing sea horses, sea lions and eagle rays.
This is a famous site thanks to the wide variety of marine life you can encounter in just one dive, but it is for moderate to advanced divers only. Depths range from 10 to 90ft, with visibility between 30 and 60ft depending on the season. Currents here are moderate, and surges will be experienced in the shallows. In the water you'll encounter sloping rock plate formations and a fantastic wall that drops far down out of sight. These rocky formations are home to seahorses, Galápagos black coral, octopus, a wide range of tropical fish and Galápagos sharks and hammerheads. When you add to this the friendly sea lions who almost always come to play with divers and the elegant green turtles that cruise past, this dive site really does have it all.
PM: SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS
Santa Cruz is the only island on the Galápagos that allows you to travel through every habitat type that exists in the archipelago. This makes the journey north from the coast up into the highlands a fantastic opportunity to experience the breadth of life that exists on these islands. Your bus journey starts from Puerto Ayora on the coast and you slowly start to climb through the agricultural zone where open fields begin to give way to lush, green, mist-covered forests. This is a marked contrast to many of the islands which are at much lower elevation and much more arid. This rich verdant landscape is predominantly made up of dense Scalesia forest. Among the stops will be a Giant Tortoise reserve, and also a visit to the famous lava tubes. Over half a mile long, a walk through these natural volcanic features is eerie and unforgettable.
AM: TRANSFER TO BALTRA AIRPORT
Depart the vessel by 9:00 am. Transfer to the Airport. Flight to Mainland.
Your Galápagos adventure ends with the arrival of your ship back at Baltra Island. After what many guests describe as an emotional goodbye to your ship and its crew, you'll board the transfer vehicle that will take you on the short journey to the airport in plenty of time for your flight back to the mainland.
INCLUDED:
- Accommodation in double cabin with private bathroom and Air conditioning
- All meals during the cruise.
- Certified Diving guides
- Unlimited purified water, coffee and tea.
- Towels, linens
- All air fills
- Between-dive snacks
NOT INCLUDED:
- Flight tickets Quito - Galapagos - Quito
- Galapagos National Park Entrance fee ($200 per person)
- INGALA control Card ($20 per person)
- Diving insurance
- Diving equipment (available for rent)
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
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.
| GEAR | 7 NIGHTS CRUISE |
| Full Scuba Package -BCD, Regulator, Console, wetsuit (does not include computer) | $250,00 |
| Regulator Package with gauges, octopus and inflator | $90,00 |
| DIVE COMPUTER | $100,00 |
| BCD | $90,00 |
| Full Body Wetsuit (7MM) | $75,00 |
| Mask & Snorkel | $25,00 |
| Fins/booties | $50,00 |
| DIN/Yoke Adaptor (limited availability) | $25,00 |
| 15 Liters Tank | $130,00 |
| Nitrox fills | $150,00 PER WEEK |
Notes: Full dive kit includes BCD, regulators, wetsuit, mask, booties, hoods and fins only and must be requested prior arrival in order to guarantee service.
Facts & Questions
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 feet (12 meters). Children 12-14 years old are restricted to 70 feet (21 meters).
Humboldt Explorer therefore allows children as young as 10 years to participate in our trips, with the following restrictions:
1. All children under the age of 15 must travel and dive with their parent or guardian, unless undergoing active trainingwith an instructor. A guardian must accompany minors onboard at all times.
2. 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, and 12-14-year olds will not be able to dive all sites.
For this reason, aminimum age of 15 for divers is strongly suggested.
3. A parent/legal guardian will be required to sign the liability release on behalf of a child under the age of 18
Galapagos is famous for huge schools of hammerheads, but there is more to Galapagos than just its schooling
sharks. You will be diving in a protected and healthy marine environment with an abundance of rare species
including Galapagos sharks, whalesharks, mantas, mobulas, eagle rays, stingrays, penguins, orcas, dolphins, mola mola, marine iguanas, turtles, sea lions, butterflyfish, tuna, and pufferfish among many others.
Galapagos has two seasons. High season is regarded as July to November when the Humboldt Current is at is
maximum force, bringing upwelling of nutrients from the cold depths. This is your best opportunity to dive with
whale sharks in Darwin and Wolf. In these months, the water is cooler, visibility is lower, currents can be
stronger and the seas can be rough at times. Theair temperature is cooler and evenings can be fresh.
The chances of seeing whale sharks are slim during the low season months of December through June. Other
popular species,such as the scalloped hammerheads and large schools of fish are present year-round however,
making the “low” season desirable if whale sharks are not on your must-see list. Temperatures are warmer and
visibility is generally better.
Galapagos is a cold-water destination. Regular temperatures in Darwin and Wolf are 12-14 C (70-74°F) but can be warmer in the early months of the year. Thermoclines can dip to 13C (54° F) in the Western Islands of PuntaVincente Roca and Cabo Douglas, which stay cooler year-round.
To ensure your safety, we require the following of all divers:
1. All divers must be certified as open water scuba divers by an internationally recognized certification organization.
2. 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.
3. All dives are guided by an instructor/naturalist guide and due to Galapagos National Park regulations all divers mustdive with the guide at all times.
4. All divers must log in and out of the water with a member of the diving staff.
5. All divers must have a submersible console. In addition, a timepiece must be worn by at least one diver in a buddyteam. Dive computers are required.
6. Decompression and solo diving are not allowed under any conditions. The maximum allowed depth is 130’ (110’ on nitrox).
7. Diving activities must cease when the consumption of alcohol begins.
8. All divers must present proof of dive accident insurance per Galapagos National Park regulations.
9. All divers must also carry a DiveAlert, a surface signaling device, and an electronic beacon while diving (all availableon board). Guests are responsible for all items they borrow from the vessel.
10. 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 Humboldt Explorer.
11. Please note that flash photography is not permitted while taking photos of wildlife on land.
Professional photography and videos recorded for commercial purposes must be authorized by the Galapagos National Park Directorate. Dronesare not permitted in the Galapagos.
All dives aboard the Humboldt Explorer are offered at scheduled times, up to 4 times daily (weather & itinerary permitting).
Schedules must comply with Galapagos National Park rules, allow for adequate surface intervals and enable the vessel to travel to different locations. Please note that Galapagos regulations limit the maximum depth for all dives to 130 feet (30 meters). All dives are done from pangas (zodiacs)
The vessel provides tanks, weights, and weight belts for your use. If you prefer to rent the rest of your equipment from us, wehave all of the equipment that you will need. Please indicate on your application form what equipment (and size) you will require. Otherwise, the following items are the diver’s responsibility:
Certification Card
Diving Log Book (strongly encouraged)
Mask *
Snorkel
Fins/Booties *
Buoyancy Control Device (required) *
Regulator w/alternate air source, submersible pressure and depth gauges (required)*
Dive computer (required) *
Dive light
Wet suit – 5 mm to 7 mm *
Hooded vest or hood
Gloves
Repair kit w/ spare parts
Safety flag *
DiveAlert air horn for regulator *
Nautilus Lifeline *
Most of our guests bring their own complete set of dive gear. This is the ideal situation; however, due to weight limits or additional travel plans, some of our guests choose to rent gear. We strongly recommend that you bring your own mask, gloves, booties, fins, hood or hooded vest and computer. A personal wetsuit is also a good idea if you have space. Diving in Galapagos can be challenging, and it is important that you are comfortable. Gloves are suggested as the rocks can be sharp and can damage hand.
Nitrox is available for an additional charge, as long as the diver is Nitrox Certified
MORE DIVING TOUR OPTIONS
Price per person $6795
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HUMBOLT EXPLORER
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TIBURON EXPLORER
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GALAPAGOS MASTER
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GALAPAGOS SKY
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