Master the Galápagos Liveaboard + 4 Days/3 Nights Galápagos Pre-Sailing Program

Master the Galápagos Liveaboard + 4 Days/3 Nights Galápagos Pre-Sailing Program

Master the Galápagos Liveaboard + Optional 4 Days / 3 Nights Galápagos Pre-Sailing Program Add-On

Join Salem Scuba on this bucket-list, 8 Day / 7 Night Galápagos Adventure! To start things off, you can participate in an optional, 4 day / 3 night Galápagos program. (Why travel all that distance, for only 8 days?!?) This pre-sailing tour will allow you to explore the best, and most diverse, destination in South America: the exotic and evolutionary wonders of the Galápagos Islands.

Leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the big city, you’ll head to the Galápagos archipelago, where snorkeling with sea lions and sunbathing alongside iguanas is just another ‘typical’ day.

Upon arrival in Baltra, we will board a transport that will take us throughout Santa Cruz Island, until we reach the Charles Darwin Station. The center is a reservoir of information on habitats and local conservation, as well as other fascinating relevant statistics. The most striking attraction of this station is certainly the Tortoise Breeding Center, where it is possible to view tortoises of varied sizes and shapes.

Travelers here can freely walk and get their photos clicked with the tortoises. Among other inhabitants at the center, you can see land and marine iguanas, plus different species of birds.

DAY 02: DIVING EXCURSION (SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY)

  • Pick up from your hotel in Puerto Ayora at 7:10 AM
  • Transfer to the Itabaca Canal 45 minutes bus ride
  • Navigation from Itabaca Canal to North Seymour for 25 minutes
  • Check dive at North Seymour
  • 1 dive at Northeast Point and 1 dive at Mosquera Islet
  • 1 hour surface interval
  • Navigation back to Itabaca Canal
  • Transfer back to your hotel around 2:45 PM

Planning to dive with amazing marine life? Then this is the dive site that you really must dive. North Seymour is situated in the north part of Santa Cruz Island. There are 2 dives sites located 25 minutes from the Itabaca Channel.

Site Conditions: This dive site is considered good for all level of divers. You will do 1 drift dive at Northeast Point. This is an easy dive, although there can be strong currents. It’s the perfect place to start your diving adventure in the Galápagos Marine Reserve.

What to see: Hammerhead Sharks, White tip Reef Sharks, Galápagos Sharks, Black Tip Sharks, Green Sea Turtles, Oceanic Manta Ray, Spotted Eagle Ray, Golden Rays, Mobulas Rays, Galápagos Garden Eels, Tropical Fish and much more.

Mosquera: is an islet formed of rock and sand, and is located in the channel formed between Seymour and Baltra Island. A good dive site for beginners, with a sandy bottom covered with millions of Garden Eels. You may also see White Tip Reef Sharks, Black Tip Sharks, Galápagos Sharks, Hammerhead Sharks, Spotted Eagle Rays, Sting Rays, Sea Turtles, as well as many species of fish.

  • Pick up from your hotel in Puerto Ayora at 07:10 AM
  • Transfer to the Itabaca Canal 45 minutes bus ride
  • Navigation from Itabaca Canal to North Plazas for 35 minutes
  • Check dive at North Plazas
  • 2 dives at Gordon’s Rocks
  • 1 hour surface interval
  • Navigation back to Itabaca Canal
  • Transfer back to your hotel around 2:45 PM

Planning to dive and explore the Galápagos islands? Hoping to ‘hang out’ next to a school of Hammerhead Sharks? Choose Gordon Rocks as your preferred Day 2, Dive Option.

Gordon Rocks: is considered one of the best dive sites in the Central Islands. It’s situated along the Eastern Coast of Santa Cruz Island, a mere 30 minutes from the Itabaca Channel.

Site Conditions: Gordon Rocks is rated for Intermediate / Advanced divers only. You must have had at least 15 logged dives, or have previous dive experience in the Galápagos Islands, due to strong currents and surge at this dive site.

What to see: During your dives you may get the chance to dive with schools of Hammerhead Sharks, Black Tip Sharks, White Tip Reef Sharks, Green Sea Turtles, Schools of Barracudas, Schools of Spotted Eagle Rays, Mobulas Rays, Reef Fish, and more.

  • Pick up: 09:00 AM

Location: South of Santa Cruz Island, with 3 possible dive sites:

  1. Punta Cormorant,
  2. Champion,
  3. Enderby

Site Conditions: Depth – 18 meters. Normally, this site doesn’t present with strong currents. These are reef dive sites where corals and sponges can be found.

Activity: Cleaning station, Sea Lions, Galápagos Sharks, White Tip Reef Shark, Sea Turtles, Reef Fish, Sting Rays, Eagle Rays, Barracuda, plus a variety of invertebrates.

  • Pick up: 08:00 AM
  • Location: 1 hour from Santa Cruz.

Activity: Santa Fe is a dive site for beginners. There are 2 dive sites on the island, both of which are drift dives. It’s common to see: Sea Lions, White Tip Reef Sharks, Sea Turtles, Rays, plus many species of fish.

DAY 03: TORTUGA BAY / BAY TOUR

Tortuga Bay Galápagos has topped many a list, as one of the best beaches at the Galápagos islands. Picture perfect swathes of white sand, overlooking turquoise water make it a great spot to relax and enjoy nature.

Tortuga Bay is reached by a short walk from the southwest end of Puerto Ayora and is divided into two sections. The first, Playa Brava, is a favorite among surfers early in the morning, but the strong currents here make it an endurance sport for swimming. Beyond Playa Brava is Playa Mansa, a smaller beach off a protected lagoon; where snorkeling along the shores is a great opportunity to spot Sea Turtles, Rays, White Tip Reef Sharks, plus some of the sea birds that live and feed in the mangroves. There is also an enjoyable self-guided trail through the Opuntia Cactus forest to spot wildlife.

In the afternoon: The Bay Tour goes through five different sites around Academia Bay, located in the Santa Cruz canton, taking a time of 10 minutes for the first stop. Most of the tour is done by yacht. However, there are two stops where you can expect a walk of 15 – 20 minutes. The complete tour length is three hours.

The Bahía Academia Tour consists of visiting five different sites around it. The first, is La Lobería, a small islet located 10 minutes from Puerto Ayor and also where a colony of sea lions live. This is a great opportunity to swim with babies and juveniles who are very playful.

DAY 04: TRANSFER TO SAN CRISTOBAL AND DEPARTURE

  • In the morning, the group will depart Isabela Island by public speed boat. This boat trip around 2 and 1/2 hours, depending on sea conditions.
  • Upon your arrival at dock your driver will be waiting for you for the breakfast.

4 DAY / 3 NIGHT, GALAPAGOS PROGRAM PRICING:

  • $1280 per person, double occupancy
  • $1770 per person, single occupancy
  • Accommodations in single, or double room
  • Private transportation on the islands
  • Professional bilingual (English/Spanish-speaking) guide services
  • Excursions, as indicated in the itinerary
  • Meals, as indicated in the itinerary
  • Island-hopping land tours (shared basis)
  • International & domestic flights (Quito – Galapagos Island – Quito)
  • Immigration Control Transit Card: $20 per person
  • Galapagos National Park entrance fee: $100 per adult
  • Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
  • Personal expenses
  • Items not indicated in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic and bottled drinks
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Use of wetsuit

NEXT UP… 8 Days / 7 Nights aboard Deep Blue (aka the Galapagos Master), a Master Liveaboards vessel that will sail you around the Galápagos Islands, and let you dive in one of the world’s most unique locations.

These islands are home to some of the most spectacular pelagic sightings you may ever see, all in one location. You might be diving through hundreds of Hammerhead Sharks, only to look around and notice a Whale Shark cruising along beside. You can expect to see Silky Sharks, Sea Turtles, Giant Morays, Galápagos Sharks, Eagle Rays, Giant Manta Rays, schools, numbering in the millions, of Black-Striped Salemas, and so much more.

This is certainly a bucket-list dive trip, and we are so happy to be able to offer this trip of a lifetime to our Salem Scuba family. We hope to see you there! (And, with a boat capacity of max 16 passengers, please sign up NOW to join this adventure!!)

SAILING / DIVING ITINERARY:

  • Introductions
  • Boat and Safety Briefings
  • Lunch
  • Shallower, afternoon check-dive
  • Full breakfast, followed by dive briefings
  • Dives #1 and #2
  • Lunch
  • Afternoon land tour of North Seymour Island
  • Dinner
  • Full breakfast, followed by dive briefings
  • Dives #1 and #2
  • Lunch and relaxation, followed by dive briefing(s)
  • Dive #3 and, where possible, dive #4
  • Dinner
  • Breakfast, on board
  • Boat disembarkation, no later than 8:30 AM
  • Interpretation Center visit, or last minute shopping, or relax in a local cafe
  • Transfer to San Cristobal Airport

Q: WHILE ON THE BOAT, HOW MANY SITES CAN YOU DIVE?!?

A: UP TO 18

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GALAPAGOS SAILING CABIN OPTIONS:

Situated on the boat’s lower deck, these two cabins (#1 and #2), feature fixed twin beds for two solo travelers. Both cabins have air conditioning, and en-suite facilities. Max passengers per cabin: 2

Please note, that neither of these cabins have windows or portholes.

So … if you want to visit the Galapagos, but you’d prefer to bunk by yourself, then one of these two cabins has your name on it. (Remember though, first come, first claimed – with deposit.)

Situated on the boat’s lower deck, these two, versatile cabins (#3 and #4) offer flexible accommodations for two guests in either two single beds, or one large double bed. Both cabins have air conditioning, and en-suite facilities. Max passengers per cabin: 2.

Please note, that neither of these cabins have windows or portholes.

Located on the boat’s upper deck, these four spacious cabins (#6, #7, #8, and #9), offer flexible accommodations for two guests in either twin single beds, or one double bed. All four cabins have air conditioning, and en-suite facilities, plus stunning views. Max passengers per cabin: 2.

  • 8 Days / 7 Nights accommodations in one, or two, bed cabins with their own air conditioning and en-suite facilities
  • Breakfasts, lunches, dinner, and snacks
  • Unlimited tea, coffee, fruit juice, soft drinks, and drinking water
  • Bath towels, deck towels, and shampoo
  • Up to 4 dives per day
  • Tanks (80cf) and weights / weight belts
  • Land tour on North Seymour and Santa Cruz
  • Disembarkation transfer
  • Flights
  • Ingala Transit Control Card: $20 USD, to be paid at the airport
  • Galapagos National Park Fee: $200 USD, to be paid at the airport
  • Travel Insurance (required)
  • Dive Insurance (required)
  • Nitrox
  • Equipment Rental (except, tanks and weights / weight belts)
  • Alcoholic Beverages (Remember, drinking and diving DON’T mix!)
  • Laundry Services
  • Crew Gratuities

Known locally as Deep Blue, the Galapagos Master is a 32 meter (scuba diving), liveaboard vessel. She was built in 2015 and then newly refurbished during the beginning portion of 2023. Welcoming a maximum of 16 passengers, Deep Blue will definitely provide our Salem Scuba guests with a relaxed environment. No overcrowding. No crazy chaos.

Aside from the personal cabins, Deep Blue offers several communal areas where guests can chill when they’re above water:

  • A spacious indoor lounge (on the middle deck), where guests can watch movies (or their underwater videos), on the plasma screen television.
  • An indoor dining area, with adjacent cocktail bar.
  • Photographers: hang out in the indoor, camera set-up station which includes multiple (US round pin plug), charging points.
  • Top deck, sun-deck for those who want to work on their tan, aka, warm up after being underwater.
  • There’s also a shaded upper level for those who prefer to relax out of the sun.

DEPOSIT / 1ST PAYMENT:

  • Liveaboard only: $1000, Per Person
  • Liveaboard + Excursion: $1500, Per Person

Deposits are due immediately upon deciding to join this bucket-list dive adventure, and cabins are first deposited, first claimed. When sending a deposit, please be certain to provide your requested cabin number.

DEPOSIT / 2ND PAYMENT DUE: 12/01/2025

  • Liveaboard only: $3000, Per Person
  • Liveaboard + Excursion: $3500, Per Person

BALANCE / 3RD PAYMENT DUE: 05/01/2026

  • Final balances will be provided closer to the final payment date

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