Galaxy Diver Liveaboard Overview

Diving in the Galapagos Islands is a dream for many—and for good reason. The Galapagos rank among the top 10 dive sites in the world. Designated as a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Galapagos are also classified as a marine reserve. Spectacular underwater biodiversity developed here due to isolation—the islands lie about 600 miles (965 km) west of Ecuador—and ocean current convergence. These conditions ensure clear, clean water and healthy, unique flora and fauna.

Due to their remoteness, liveaboards in the Galapagos are the only way to access large swaths of the island chain. Cruising in and out of Baltra/Seymour on the Galaxy Diver, you’ll travel north of Isabela Island to an area rich in dive sites. Explore multiple locations, and have the chance to spot sharks, sea lions, marine iguanas, and more.

Note that this yacht offers diving and naturalist charters, so be sure to book the diving charter unless you want to log hikes instead of dives.

Dive in to learn more about the Galaxy Diver.

Where to book

Galaxy Diver liveaboard yacht cruising open water near the Galapagos

Liveaboard.comNo booking fees Divebooker.comFree DAN insurance

Diving on the Galaxy Diver

Diver hovering beside a coral wall crowded with yellow snapper in the Galapagos

Scuba tanks and gear lined up on the Galaxy Diver's dive deck

Scuba diver swimming alongside a large manta ray in clear blue water

Diver swimming alongside a dense wall of schooling jacks in the Galapagos

Galapagos diving includes currents, surge, depth, and the aforementioned thermoclines. Due to these factors and the remoteness, divers should be experienced with either an advanced certification or 50+ logged dives. The only course offered onboard the Galaxy Diver is nitrox certification.

Darwin’s Towers, aka Darwin’s Arch, are known for the iconic rock arch that rose out of the water until 2021, when the top portion collapsed due to erosion. Currently, as the new name suggests, towers are the new topside backdrop for photos.

The site is also called the Pillars of Evolution. Underneath, divers will find a riot of life, including large schools of fish, iconic schooling hammerheads, and mantas or whale sharks, depending on the season and luck.

Expect lots of sharks at nearby Wolf Island, where the dive sites offer a chance to spot silky sharks, hammerheads, whale sharks, Galapagos sharks, sea turtles, and manta rays.

Elsewhere, and depending on what site you’re diving, turtles, dolphins, Galapagos penguins, sea lions, mola mola, endemic marine iguanas, and curious-looking red-lipped batfish may appear.

Onboard the Galaxy Diver nitrox is free for certified individuals, and rental gear is available for a charge. If you travel light, pack your own dive gloves, as those are only available for purchase. Two tenders are used for all 19 dives, so be prepared for (mostly negative) back-roll entries. Guest to crew ratio is 6:1.

Note that regional water temperatures vary significantly between seasons. December through May ranges from 70 to 86 F (21 to 30 C), and June through November sees 60 to 75 F (12 to 24 C). Thermoclines are also common, and temperature differs within the region. Because of this, a 7 mm wetsuit and a hood make for a good combination.

Average water visibility is 30 to 70 feet (10 to 21 m). The warm season yields greater visibility than the cooler season. Air temperatures range from 60 to 87 F (18 to 30 C).

Highlights:

Megafauna potential
Shark diversity and abundance
Remote dive sites
6:1 guide to guest ratio

Onboard the Galaxy Diver

Guests in life jackets on a tender boat with a marine iguana on the rocks nearby

Shaded outdoor lounge seating with green cushions on the Galaxy Diver's deck

Wooden staircase leading down to a dining area aboard the Galaxy Diver

Lounge with a wall mounted TV, blue ottomans, and a cream sectional sofa on the Galaxy Diver

Twin bed cabin with an ensuite bathroom aboard the Galaxy Diver

Rebuilt and launched in 2022, the Galaxy Diver measures 95 feet (29 m). As part of the Galagents Company, the vessel has operated for over 30 years in the region.

Eight cabins hold up to 14 guests depending on bed configuration. Three cabins on the upper deck feature a double bed, and the main deck offers one cabin with two twins or a queen. On the lower deck, four cabins feature either two twins or a queen.

Each cabin has air conditioning and private ensuite bathrooms. Hairdryers and toiletries are provided, and you will never want for a towel.

The internet is included for the entire voyage. However, the connection may be slow due to remoteness. E-mail works fine, but consider taking a break from streaming services while onboard.

With two lounges, you won’t feel crowded. Relax in the open air under a roof, or inside with air conditioning as you sink into comfy furniture to watch a movie on the media player. The inside lounge space abuts the bar and dining area, making it a prime spot to grab a drink or be first in line for dinner. Couches outside are not as plush but offer the perfect space to soak in the views.

The spacious, shaded dive deck features individual storage space, a freshwater rinse, and table. Photographers will appreciate the camera-only rinse and charging station. Two sets of stairs lead down to the platform where you board tenders. The only communal bathroom is on the dive deck.

Highlights:

Private ensuite bathrooms in all cabins
Some toiletries and hairdryers provided
Two lounges

Dining on the Galaxy Diver

Ensuite bathroom with a shower and vanity in a Galaxy Diver cabin

Dining tables set with plates and napkins in the Galaxy Diver's indoor dining area

Platters of appetizers and pastries laid out on the Galaxy Diver's dining table

Grilled shrimp and rice entree served on a black plate aboard the Galaxy Diver

The Galapagos may not conjure notions of gastronomic bliss, but it will after eating onboard the Galaxy Diver. Meals are served buffet-style with beautiful presentation, making them more akin to plated meals versus a cafeteria.

The chef blends local Ecuadorian and international flavors beautifully and deliciously. Fresh produce and locally sourced seafood are highlights. Special diets are catered for but should be communicated in advance.

All meals and snacks are included onboard, as is your welcome cocktail. Additional alcoholic beverages will incur a charge, as will soda. The bar is well-stocked with international and local options. Coffee, tea and purified water are also complimentary.