M/V Humboldt Explorer (Explorer Ventures)

Destination: Galapagos

Galapagos Islands (7 or 10 Nights) | From $770++/night

M/V Humboldt Explorer Quick Pitch

Fully renovated in March 2023, the Humboldt Explorer offers exceptional amenities, knowledgeable guides about the Galapagos' unique volcanic islands, and great customer service.

Location

Embarkation from Balta Island.

Dive OvervieW

The Galapagos Islands are an epic destination for divers in search of big animals like hammerheads and other sharks, mantas, turtles and sea lions. There’s also prolific schooling fish and endemic species like marine iguanas, giant tortoises, flightless cormorants and penguins, all in an isolated and unique environment. Unlike other boats, which are only licensed to spend 3 days in Worf & Darwin, the Humboldt Explorer stands out with a license allowing 4 days in these areas. This extended duration is especially appealing to pelagic enthusiasts, offering a unique advantage for those who seek a more immersive experience. 

 [See: Galapagos Dive Travel Guide]

Check Out This Awesome Video!

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Accommodations

Types of Cabins, Amenities and Photos

M/V Humboldt Explorer Cabin Details

The 16-passenger Humboldt Explorer provides 8 air-conditioned rooms located on the main and lower decks; each has a private bathroom, flat screen television and ocean view. All rooms except rooms 3 & 4 (forward below deck) can be converted to either one queen bed or two twin beds.

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General Facilities

M/V Humboldt Explorer Boat Features

• Partially covered sundeck
• Jacuzzi
• Air-conditioned salon
• Dining area
• Bar
• Entertainment area
• Lounge area
• Satellite telephone for emergency calls worldwide

M/V Humboldt Explorer Dive Facilities

• Large dive deck
• Bathroom
• Large camera table with charging station
• Individual storage areas
• Rinse bins for cameras and another for gear
• Diving operations are conducted from two large pangas (tenders), easily boarded from the dive deck

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Food & Drinks Aboard Humboldt Explorer

Aboard the Humboldt Explorer, lunch and evening meals usually consist of lots of salad, potatoes, rice, chicken, beef, pork, and fish. Breakfast is the usual fare of eggs, cereal, toast and fresh fruits. If you have any dietary restrictions or requests, please indicate so on your application form. Please note that specific brands of soft drinks, dressings and foods are often unavailable in the islands, and that it can be very difficult for us to find low-fat or soy products, fresh fruit, fish, and other items common elsewhere.

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M/V Humboldt Explorer Deck Plan

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Schedule, Rates & Availability

M/V Humboldt Explorer Schedule & Rates

Prices are in USD, per person and do not include Galapagos National Park Fee, Chamber Support Fee, Tourist card, and fuel surcharge.

[See also: Inclusions & Exclusions]

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Inclusions

• 7 Nights/8 Days or 10/11 Days Nights Aboard The Vessel
• Up To 4 or 5 Dives Daily (Weather Permitting and Depending on Season)
• 3 Meals Daily, Except Friday’s Evening Meal
• Between-Dive Snacks
• Alcohol And Non-Alcoholic Beverages
• Towels
• Use Of Tanks, Weights, And Weight Belts

Exclusions

• Flights  
• Airport Taxes  
• Chamber Support Fee: US$35 per person
• Fuel Surcharge: US$150 per person (7-night trips) or US$220 per person (10-night trips)
• Crew gratuities, dive instruction, dive gear rental (other than tanks, weights and weight belts)
• Nitrox: US$150 per week or $220 for 10-night trips
• Rental Gear & Dive Courses  
• Transfers
• Optional Land Tours  
• Travel And Dive Insurance  
• Guaranteed Single Occupancy Is Billed An Additional 65% Of The Stateroom Price
• Note: entry to the Galapagos Islands also requires cash payment of US$200 entry fee (Effective since August 1, 2024), as well as the purchase of Tourist Card for US$20 in cash

RATES & AVAILABILITY

For more information on other departure dates, rates, and on availability email us at info@bluewaterdivetravel.com or call us at +1-310-915-6677 and we will gladly help you plan your dream dive vacation!

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Dive Information & Itineraries

Galapagos Sample Itinerary

Package includes 7 nights/8 days aboard the vessel; up to 4 dives daily (weather permitting). Days aboard the M/V Humboldt Explorer generally involve a 6:30 am dive followed by breakfast, a dive at 10:30 am, lunch at 12:00 pm, and afternoon dives at 2:00 pm and 4:30 pm (When there are no long transits). Dinner is served at approximately 7:00 p.m. Under current National Parks guidelines, night dives and land visits are strictly regulated. The Humboldt Explorer must follow the schedule of islands and land tours as noted below.

• Monday: San Cristobal (1 Check Out Dive at Isla Lobos)
• Guests fly to the Galapagos Islands from Mainland Ecuador, arriving in the late morning. The dive guides will meet the guests at the airport and escort them to the Humboldt Explorer. Guests will board the vessel after 1:00 pm, have lunch and listen to the briefings. After the briefings, the Humboldt Explorer will depart for a short crossing to Isla Lobos for a check out dive and safety briefing. After dinner, the vessel will depart to the next scheduled destination.
• Tuesday: Punta Carrion (2 Dives)
• 6:30 and 9:30 dives
• Sightings include rays and schools of fish.
• Afternoon North Seymour land visit. Walk the path around North Seymour Island to see the large colonies of Blue Footed Boobies and Frigate Birds. Sighting of Sea Lions and Marine Iguanas are also common.
• Depart for Northern Islands. (16+ hour transit)
• Wednesday: Wolf Island (4 Dives)
• 6:30, 10:30, 2:00 and 4:30 dives. Possible night dive. Sightings often include hammerheads, whale sharks, eagle rays, sea lions, Galapagos sharks and silky sharks.
• Night anchor at Wolf Island.
• Thursday: Wolf Island (2 Dives)
• 6:30 and 9:30 dives
• Transit to Darwin Island (2 Dives)
• 2:00 and 4:30 dives
• Sightings often include hammerheads, red-lipped batfish, eagle rays, sea lions, Galapagos sharks and silky sharks.
• Friday: Darwin Island (4 Dives)
• 6:30, 10:30, 2:00 and 4:30 dives
• Sightings often include hammerheads, whale sharks (in season) eagle rays, Galapagos sharks and silky sharks.
• Transit to Wolf Island
• Saturday: Wolf Island (3 Dives)
• 6:30, 9:00 and 11:00 dives
• Sightings often include hammerheads, whale sharks (in season), eagle rays, Galapagos sharks and silky sharks.
• Long transit to Cousin’s Rock (20+ hours)
• Sunday: Cousin’s Rock (1-2 Dives)
• 6:30 and 9:30 dives (number of dives dependent on travel time from Wolf Island)
• This is a great macro diving with an excellent chance of seeing seahorses, sea lions and eagle rays. Lunch will be served while transiting to Santa Cruz (3 hours). Travel by bus to the Santa Cruz Highlands to visit the giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Visit the town of Puerto Ayora and the Darwin Centre on your own. Dinner on your own in Puerto Ayora. Return to the Humboldt Explorer at 8:30 pm.
• Monday: San Cristobal
• Depart the vessel by 9 am. Guests are free to visit the beach in town to see sea lions and marine iguanas in their natural habitat or take a short walk to the Interpretive Centre. Transfer back to the airport for flight back to Quito or Guayaquil.

[See: Galapagos Dive Travel Guide]

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Other Information

Boat Specifications

• Renovated: March 2023
• Registry: Pto Baquerizo Moreno, Galapagos Islands
• Length: 111.5 ft (34 meters)
• Beam: 21.3 ft (6.5 meters)
• Draft: 8.2 ft (2.5 meters)
• Tonnage: 169 ITC
• Main engines: Detroit Diesel 6V92, 350 hp
• Generators: 2x Perkins 73 kW
• Maximum Speed: 10 knots
• Fuel Capacity: 5,300 gallons (20,000 liters)
• Range: 1,800 nm
• Safety Equipment: Life rafts (2), life rings/strobes, life vests/strobes, emergency position locator, flares, oxygen and first aid equipment
• Air Systems: 2 electric Bauer compressors with nitrox membrane, producing 32% nitrox, bank storage
• Tenders: Rigid hull inflatables (2), used for passenger transport and diver pickup
• Maximum guests: 16
• Number of cabins: 8
• Number of crews: 7 crews and 2 guides

Practical Information

• Time Zone: UTC-6
• Local Currency: USD (US Dollar)
• Language Spoken: English & Spanish
• Electricity: 120 V
• Payment Onboard: Cash, Visa or MasterCard

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Underwater Gallery 

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