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). Tiburon 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.

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.

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. Sunglasses, a visor/hat, raincoat, lightweight sweater or jacket, long sleeved shirt, backpack, tevas (or similar) are recommended. Soft luggage is also recommended as it takes up very little space when empty. 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 environmentally friendly 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, divetowels, and washcloths) are provided on board.
If possible, pack your regulator, dive computer, mask, swimsuit, change of clothes, medications and toiletries in your carry-onbag. Having these few items with you will make an unexpected luggage delay far more bearable.
There is a checked luggage limit of one bag up to 50 pounds (23 kilos) for flights between Quito and/or Guayaquil and the Galapagos. An additional fee of up to $50* will be charged for the second bag or overweight luggage. 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 mustbe paid in cash at flight time. (*Prices could change at any time.)