Regions / Latin America / Ecuador - Galapagos / Nortada

Nortada

$4594 USD / 7 nights

Length: 26 meters / 85 feet

Beam: 5 meters / 18 feet

Draft: 2 meters / 5 feet

Cruise: 12 knots

The Nortada was built in France by naval builder Guy Couach, The ship is a completely rebuilt and refit private liveaboard charter boat for small groups of up to 8 divers. Public areas consist of a main deck with bridge, galley, air-conditioned dining room and lounge. The scuba diving platform has ample benches, outside showers, camera tables and rebreather rinsing facilities. On the upper deck a sun deck is next to the fly bridge.

Envisioned as an 8-person liveaboard yacht, the extended occupancy option makes her a very flexible ship for small groups. The ship offers four lower deck, fully air-conditioned cabins with two single lower berths, private heads, lockers and drawers. The boat also features an extended occupancy option of up to 12 people. The additional guests can be accommodated in the four full size upper berths available in every one of the four cabins.

Diving from the ship, divers use the 3-meter inflatable tenders to the best dive sites. The comprehensive itinerary allows divers at least 18 dives per week, and features world famous dive sites Wolf and Darwin, plus the exciting addition of the top three dive sites in the north-west region of the archipelago. Guests can hope to see Flightless Cormorants, Galapagos Penguins, Marine Iguanas and several other endemic species, along with Manta Rays, Mola-Mola (giant sunfish), and different types of Baleen Whales. Nitrox is available, and rebreathers and technical diving are supported. For added safety all divers are provided with a Nautilus Lifeline bi-directional VHF/DSC marine radio with GPS, dive alert and DSMB.

The ship’s destinations include Darwin and Wolf.

Text and photographs courtesy of the Nortada.

Dive Conditions

Many Galapagos Dive sites, especially those in the northern Islands of Wolf and Darwin, are characterized by the presence of the following diving conditions: Currents, Surge, Thermoclines, Cold water.

The best time to dive in Galapagos highly depends on what you'd like to see. The diving season in Galapagos is generally divided into two categories: Whale Shark Season (June-November) and Manta Season (December-May) when it's slightly warmer. During the warmer Manta Season the schools of hammerheads are generally larger and giant manta rays may be found off Isabela island.

December - May: This is the warm season in the Galapagos with the highest water and air temps. Brief afternoon rain showers are common but expect the tropic sun to reappear after the rain. Water temperature is 70-86F (21-30C) with some cooler thermoclines at depth. The northern islands are generally colder. Visibility stays between 40-100 feet (12-33 meters).

June - November: This season is known as the guarua and is cooler with frequent mist and overcast days. Winds can create rougher seas at times. Water temperature is 60-75F (16-24C). While colder, the trade-off is the rich currents bringing nutrients into the islands, resulting in more abundant marine life. Visibility is slightly less as a result.

Galapagos diving conditions can be challenging. Currents are moderate to strong and may require you to grab hold of rocks below the surface so you don't drift away. Surges may create difficulties during your safety stops. The average visibility is 10 - 21m (30 - 70ft), but can be less.

June to December. However, September November is the best time to see the most wildlife, but the waters will be colder. The water for diving is cold all year-round, but even COLDER during this time of year, with thermoclines as well. Wetsuits of 7mm are recommended, as well as a hood and gloves.

Divers must follow their Dive Master and Galapagos Marine Reserve rules at all times. Divers must stick with the group and their Dive Master at all times, remain with their buddies, and ascend in pairs. Safety Stops are obligatory for all Galapagos dives.