Embark on an unforgettable diving expedition with the Humboldt Explorer, a vessel that epitomizes luxury and comfort in the magnificent Galapagos Islands. Brought to you by the renowned Explorer Ventures fleet, with a legacy spanning over 30 years, the Humboldt Explorer promises an unparalleled liveaboard experience that will leave you in awe. Step aboard the impressive 34m / 112-foot Humboldt Explorer, where opulence meets adventure. Prepare to be captivated as you enter this remarkable vessel, designed to cater to your every need. The spacious dive deck, thoughtfully laid out, ensures a seamless and hassle-free diving experience. With ample room for all your diving gear and camera equipment, you can focus on exploring the mesmerizing underwater world without any worries. For moments of relaxation and socialization, head to the upper deck, where a magnificent salon awaits. Complete with a full entertainment system, it provides the ideal space to unwind after exhilarating dives. Adjacent to the salon is the dining area, where mouthwatering meals are served against a backdrop of panoramic views of the Galapagos. If you crave tranquility under the warm sun, the partially shaded sun deck on the top level offers the perfect retreat to rejuvenate.
Designed with your comfort in mind, the Humboldt Explorer features eight well-appointed cabins, accommodating up to 16 divers. Each cabin is a private sanctuary, equipped with air-conditioning and ensuite bathrooms, ensuring that you can relax and recharge in privacy. The lower deck boasts eight twin-bed cabins, while the main deck features two twin-bed cabins and two double-bed cabins, offering a blissful haven to retreat to after each day's adventures.
Get ready to be captivated by the underwater wonders of the Galapagos as you dive with ease and confidence. The Humboldt Explorer's spacious dive platform provides ample storage space for your diving gear, ensuring that everything is easily accessible. Supported by a team of experienced and knowledgeable crew members, you'll embark on thrilling dives that reveal the hidden treasures of the Galapagos. Dive operations are conducted from two large pangas (tenders), allowing you to access the most captivating dive sites effortlessly. As an added bonus, nitrox is included for EAN-nitrox certified divers, catering to divers of all levels. The Humboldt Explorer is also fully equipped to support technical diving and rebreathers, catering to your unique exploration needs.
Prepare to be enchanted by the remarkable dive sites that await you in the Galapagos. Explore Gordon Rocks, where you can witness the thrilling sight of hammerhead sharks, or venture to North Seymour Canal and encounter playful sea lions. Immerse yourself in the vibrant marine life of Isla San Cristobal and Floreana, and be awe-struck by the beauty of Punta Cormorant and Islote Enderby. Each dive site offers its own unique allure, inviting you to uncover the mysteries of the underwater realm. Embark on a journey of discovery with the Humboldt Explorer and immerse yourself in the perfect blend of luxury and adventure in the Galapagos Islands. The Explorer Ventures fleet invites you to experience the extraordinary wonders that lie beneath the surface. Let captivating narratives and stunning photographs transport you to a world where vibrant colors, diverse marine species, and awe-inspiring landscapes await your exploration. Get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime aboard the Humboldt Explorer.
There are two distinct seasons, which offer a different set of marine life. The warm season, December through May, is the best time for schooling hammerheads and other shark species. This time of year is also great for spotting various ray species, including manta rays. The cold season, July through December, is best for whale sharks, penguins, and mola mola. The Galapagos Islands have everything from underwater volcanic structures to beautiful coral reefs.
Some of the best Galapagos dive sites include: Darwins Arch -On the far outer reaches of the archipelago, is an island called Darwin Island. This island is home to one of the most famous dive sites known as Darwin’s Arch. Despite the fact that the actual rock arch landmark collapsed in 2021, Darwin’s Arch is one of the prime destinations every liveaboard aims to visit during dive expeditions in the Galapagos. Manta rays, sea turtles, dolphins, eagle rays, and the occasional whale sharks are frequently spotted here. The real showstopper is the huge number of sharks brought in by the strong currents. Shark Point - This is where divers go to fulfill their dreams of diving alongside huge whale sharks. These graceful creatures gather in the area from May to November. During this time, it’s also possible to see large shivers of hammerhead sharks and Galapagos sharks. Strong currents, limited visibility, surges, and other unpredictable environmental changes, make this dive site is for experienced divers only. Gordon Rocks - One of the best dive sites in the central islands, Gordon Rocks, is the eroded crater of a submerged cone on the northeast side of Santa Cruz Island. You can expect to see a lot of marine life during dives here, but most divers go to Gordon Rocks to experience what it’s like to be around large shivers of hammerhead sharks. Camaño Islet - Situated off the coast of Santa Cruz Island, Camaño Islet is a great option for beginners who also want to enjoy the underwater wonders of the Galapagos. If you plan on visiting Camaño Islet, expect to see groupers, batfish, sea lions, and seahorses.
More dive sites: Punta Vicente Roca – This site is a sloping wall with several small caves off of Isabela Island. This site reaches a max depth of 88 feet (27 meters) with better conditions found in the cold water below 40 feet (12 meters). Punta Vicente Roca has an amazing wall that can be explored by divers. Cousins Rock – This site might be considered the best intermediate dive site in the Galapagos. This dive site is located off the northeast coast of Santiago Island. It offers terraced steps that drop down to a sandy bottom at 130 feet (40 meters). The steps are covered in black corals, which make an excellent habitat for the Pacific Seahorse. White-tipped reef sharks, sea turtles, and moray eels like to use overhangs created by these steps as hideouts.
Narrative text and photos courtesy of Explorer Ventures Fleet.