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Galapagos Humboldt -Explorer, Humboldt -Explorer, Galapagos live-aboard, Galapagos live-aboards, Galapagos liveaboard, Galapagos diving, Galapagos Islands
Premier luxury Galapagos diving yacht, GALAPAGOS Humboldt -EXPLORER, anchors in a sheltered bay.
All photos © Copyright Explorer Ventures Fleet & Galapagos Humboldt -Explorer I.


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Half the fun of a Galapagos diving adventure is visiting Ecuadoran villages -- colorful & friendly folks!.


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Prime season for whale sharks, the most coveted scuba sighting in the world, runs from July to October..
But you need to tender deposits from 2-3 years early, to get a berth on this extremely popular 4-star yacht.


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GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
dive trip routes.

Galapagos Humboldt -Explorer, Humboldt -Explorer, Galapagos live-aboard, Galapagos live-aboards, Galapagos liveaboard, Galapagos diving, Galapagos Islands
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
L'il iguana action.

Galapagos Humboldt -Explorer, Humboldt -Explorer, Galapagos live-aboard, Galapagos live-aboards, Galapagos liveaboard, Galapagos diving, Galapagos Islands
Free-wheelin' turtle in the
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS.


© Copyright 1995 - 2010 / U.S. Dive Travel Network.


The GALAPAGOS ISLANDS:
EXPLORER VENTURES FLEET --

GALAPAGOS HUMBOLDT-EXPLORER + ESTRELLA del MAR

For all Galapagos dive packages please remember to add:
Ecuadoran national park fees + departure tax + diver tariff.

[ Prices for Years 2010 through 2012 / 7-night cruise; please call 952-953-4124 for an advance look at exciting seasonal specials.]

International air tickets to Guayaquil are extra cost.

For commuter air ticket from Guayaquil to San Cristobal or Baltra island --
Price varies each season.  Call us for current quote: 952-953-4124.

All 7-night Galapagos cruises run from Monday to Monday, departing from Baltra Island.

• Important reminder: given the steadily escalating costs of petrol worldwide, all Explorer Ventures Fleet liveaboards assess a fuel surcharge, most seasons. This fuel surcharge will normally be approximately USD $160 - $250 per diver for 7-night cruises. It will be higher for custom cruises of longer duration.


Galapagos Humboldt -Explorer, Humboldt -Explorer, Galapagos live-aboard, Galapagos live-aboards, Galapagos liveaboard, Galapagos diving, Galapagos Islands
Eagle rays, mantas, hammerhead sharks & huge schools of pelagic fish rule the Galapagos Islands waters..


Located about 600 miles West of Ecuador, this strange & compelling archipelago, the Galapagos Islands, first received global fame after evolutionary theorist Charles Darwin wrote about the Galapagos more than a century ago. The Galapagos continue to be a magnet for divers so powerful that the Humboldt -Explorer Fleet had to install a sHumboldt nd vessel on this tour just to keep pace with all the demand. This protected national park is one of the largest marine wildlife sanctuaries on Earth; & one that few folks ever are privileged to visit. Nobody leaves the Galapagos Islands without a renewed reverence for life, & the consummate miracle of species differentiation.

The Galapagos Islands are 19 main islands & many tinier ones that are scattered across more than 4,500 square miles of the Pacific Ocean. Because the Galapagos Islands are so remote, for millions of years they remained free from outside influence; & the native species differentiated in bizarre & beautiful ways. Some creatures from the Galapagos Islands are found nowhere else on Earth -- the most celebrated, of course, being the huge tortoises & the marine iguana. Every day of your stay in the Galapagos Islands you'll be in the good company of a highly-trained naturalist & wildlife guide who'll let you in on some of the islands' best secrets. No Humboldt -tours in the world could hold a candle to this one. (Well, maybe one on Mars.)

This is also one of few places in the world where, because it is so close to the Equator, a weird confluence of ocean currents sweeps some islands with chilly seas on one side, & warm tropical seas on the other, only a few miles apart! That's one challenge & fascination found in Galapagos diving. What's more fascinating, cold & warm water species that normally might live in ocean sectors a thousand miles apart, here thrive side by side. The amazing diversity of species in the Galapagos Islands, both on land & water, will leave you breathless & spellbound every day of your week in this sacred island group. Of course, no hunting or fishing by tourists are allowed in these sacred islands. Galapagos diving is strictly a "look & don't touch" deal.

In the water around the Galapagos islands, you'll be entertained by species such as schooling hammerheads, penguins, sea lions, sharks of several intriguing varieties, eagle rays & manta rays, great sea turtles & the occasional whale or whale shark. Galapagos diving = major critters, pure & simple. Some of these Galapagos mantas can be bigger than 12 feet across, which is enough to jump-start even a ho-hum heart! On your land treks you'll get to see the famous giant tortoises, iguanas, & properly G-rated birds such as boobies & flamingos.

Any Galapagos diving vacationer who isn't dazzled every day by the sheer splendor of life, & the dance of bio-diversity on these Galapagos Islands, probably would fall asleep during a Beatles reunion concert, or maybe order a mega-garlic dish on a dinner date with Elle McPherson, or install harvest gold shag carpeting in a new Ferrari Testa Rossa. To dive the Galapagos islands from one of the Humboldt -Explorer live-aboards is a once-in-a-lifetime treat reserved for only a special few adventure divers in the world. Are you ready for the challenge & the rewards of Galapagos diving? The Galapagos Islands are beckoning; you may be just right for this outstanding live-aboard adventure. After Galapagos diving, you may have to fight being seduced by the jaded Guru: Bendar Dundat. It doesn't get much better than Galapagos diving, the dive & U/W photo pros agree. This Galapagos Humboldt -Explorer dive tour is one of our best expeditions anywhere in the world. The client comments upon returning have been vividly positive about this Galapagos diving, year after year.


Galapagos Humboldt -Explorer, Galapagos live-aboard, Galapagos live-aboards, Galapagos liveaboard, Galapagos diving, Galapagos Islands
Top deck plan for the GALAPAGOS Humboldt -EXPLORER I.


Galapagos Humboldt -Explorer, Galapagos live-aboard, Galapagos live-aboards, Galapagos liveaboard, Galapagos diving, Galapagos Islands
Middle deck plan for the GALAPAGOS Humboldt -EXPLORER I.


Galapagos Humboldt -Explorer, Galapagos live-aboard, Galapagos live-aboards, Galapagos liveaboard, Galapagos diving, Galapagos Islands
Main deck plan for the GALAPAGOS Humboldt -EXPLORER I.


WEATHER & WATER TEMPS for the GALAPAGOS ISLANDS:


Galapagos Humboldt -Explorer, Humboldt -Explorer, Galapagos live-aboard, Galapagos live-aboards, Galapagos liveaboard, Galapagos diving, Galapagos Islands
Check the luxury & comfort of this wonderful Owner's Suite on GALAPAGOS Humboldt -EXPLORER I.


PLEASE NOTE:  Diving in the Galapagos islands requires at least a 5mm, preferably a 7 mm wetsuit with a hood & full booties. This is not super-athletic diving but it IS a bit more strenuous than garden-variety Caribbean vacation dives.  Therefore we rHumboldt mmend that you have at least an advanced scuba diving certificate, or equivalent experience in terms of deep dives, current & surge.  All daily dive sites are selected by the vessel's captain & may vary due to weather conditions & logistics.  Dive site decisions will be based first upon safety considerations, & next upon species sightings & visibility factors, as well as currents & weather.


Galapagos Humboldt -Explorer, Humboldt -Explorer, Galapagos live-aboard, Galapagos live-aboards, Galapagos liveaboard, Galapagos diving, Galapagos Islands
The 4-star luxury is bold & beautiful on GALAPAGOS Humboldt -EXPLORER I.


( The following text & all photos on this USDT webpage appear courtesy of our longtime partners at Explorer Ventures Fleet. ) 

 

GALAPAGOS DIVING on GALAPAGOS Humboldt -EXPLORER:

a PSYCH-UP PRIMER to STIR the IMAGINATION & SPARK the DREAM:

Your underwater adventures aboard the  Galapagos Humboldt Explorer I  -- the newest & most luxuriously appointed Galapagos diving yacht in the islands, will encompass everything from sharks to nudibranchs, penguins, blue-footed boobies & more. These renowned islands are best known for amazing shark diving around Wolf & Darwin Islands, & your trip will include an opportunity for at least twelve dives in this area. These small & remote islands are best reached by liveaboard vessels for divers. Your diving experience here will always include Galapagos sharks, silky sharks & lots of schooling hammerheads being cleaned by king angelfish. Seeing marine turtles, schools of tuna, eagle rays, sea lions, & penguins is very common & seeing a whale shark is very possible from June through November. Occasionally, divers can experience a tiger shark, black & blue marlin & even killer whales.

There are also many unique things to view on land. North Seymour has the largest colony of frigate birds & blue-footed boobies anywhere in the world - if that isn't enough to take in, there are also marine & land iguanas & colonies of sea lions. A visit to Bartolome Island will give you an opportunity to snorkel with Galapagos Penguins, the only penguins found north of the equator - they are small & very tolerant of humans. & of course, a trip to the Galapagos would not be complete without taking time to watch their most famous inhabitants - the giant tortoise!

The Galapagos Humboldt Explorer I, launched in early 2007, is a large & stable 16-passenger power catamaran, custom-built for

divers visiting the Galapagos. Departing each Monday on 7 night/8 day itineraries, the vessel offers from 3 to 5 dives daily.

Large, comfortable staterooms are located on the main & upper decks; each has extensive storage & a private bathroom &

seating area, with large sliding windows offering a panoramic view. The exquisitely appointed interior includes a larger dining

room & salon; an open-air salon on the upper deck, as well as the expansive sundeck above, provide more areas to relax.

All diving is done from large, stable pangas (tenders) in order to facilitate dive planning & site selection.

Days aboard the Galapagos Humboldt Explorer I generally involve an early morning dive followed by breakfast, 2 dives before

lunch, one in the early afternoon & a possible night dive.


GALAPAGOS Humboldt -EXPLORER  /  VESSEL SPECIFICATIONS:

Vessel: Power Catamaran Galapagos Humboldt Explorer I
Registry: Pto Baquerizo Moreno Galapagos Islands, Boatmaker: 2006
Construction: Naval Steel & Fiber Glass
Length overall: Over 97 ft
Beam: 31 ft
Draft: 7.0 ft maximum, Displacement: 258 tons
Maximum Speed: 14 knots
Maximum Range: 2500 nautical miles
Engines: 2 CAT 3406/480 Bhp
Generators: 2x Perkins 100 KW
Fuel Capacity: 6,000 gallons
Freshwater Supply: 2 reverse-osmosis water makers, 2000 gallon per day total, 5,000 gallon storage
Air Systems: 2 electrically-driven Bauer breathing air compressors; Nitrox membrane system
Electricity: 220 V & 110 V AC power (110 V AC 3 prong grounded outlets in all cabins & heads)
On the Bridge: 48-mile radar with proximity alarms, Autopilot, Global Positioning System (GPS) with location alarm, Digital Depth sounder with alarm, Digital bottom rHumboldt rder, computerized chart system with GPS link, Satellite phone with data link, Cellular phone, SSB Radiotelephone & VHF radios, Engine & bilge alarms, Internal telephone system.
Accommodations: 16 passengers in 9 staterooms, all w/private ensuite bathrooms & showers. Up to 10 staff in crews' quarters below decks.
Safety Equipment: Life rafts (2), life rings/strobes, life vests/strobes, emergency position locator, flares, oxygen & first aid equipment
Other Equipment: Full service all electric galley & refrigeration, Scotsman Ice Flakers (2), Stereo audio system, recharging station for strobes, etc. Extensive array of professional audio/visual editing, dubbing & special effects systems.
Tenders: Rigid hull inflatables (2), used for passenger transport & diver pickup
Accessories: Photo Equipment, Diving Equipment


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GALAPAGOS HUMBOLDT-EXPLORER diving is done with small groups in swift pangas.


TYPICAL SAILING ITINERARIES on GALAPAGOS HUMBOLDT-EXPLORER:

Days aboard the Explorer generally involve a 6:30 am dive followed by breakfast, dives at 9:30 & 11:00 am, lunch at 12:30, & an

afternoon dive at 2:30. Dinner is served at approximately 7:00pm. Under current National Parks guidelines no night dives are allowed.

There will be panga rides (small rubber rafts) available to see wildlife & a land visit to the Santa Cruz highlands to see the giant tortoises.

 

Please note that these itineraries are examples only, & will change depending on local regulation, weather & logistics at the Captain's discretion.

 

SAN CRISTOBAL - BALTRA ISLAND SCHEDULE:  If meeting the vessel in Baltra, Galapagos Islands, a guide will meet you upon

exiting the baggage claim area for transfer to the vessel.

 

Monday: San Cristobal Island  &  Isla Lobos

Guests fly to the Galapagos Islands from Mainland Ecuador, arriving in the late morning. Guests are met at the airport & taken to the

Explorer. Boarding the vessel after 1:00pm, guests will depart for a short crossing to North Seymour for a check out dive & safety

orientation briefing Lunch will be served during the crossing & dinner will be served after the check out dive. The vessel will make a

late day departure to the next destination. Currently each week the itinerary includes the same islands. The order of the islands, however,

is dictated by the National Parks Foundation & may vary weekly. Crossing to Isabela Island is made late evening/night & is 8-10 hrs.

 

Tuesday: Isabela Island - Cabo Marshall

6:30 am, 9:30 am, 11:30 am & 3:00 pm dives. Sightings include giant manta rays, mobula rays, turtles, hammerheads, black-striped

salema. Overnight or early morning transit to Roca Redonda (4 hrs).

 

Wednesday: Roca Redonda

6:30 am, 9:30 am, & possibly 11:30 am dives. Sightings include turtles, sharks & volcanic vents.

Late afternoon crossing to Wolf Island (15 hrs).

 

Thursday: Wolf Island

8:30 am, 11:00 am,  2:00 pm & 4:30 pm dives. Sightings often include hammerheads sharks, eagle rays, Galapagos sharks,

silky sharks, & occasional whale sharks. The vessel will travel 2 -1/2 hours to Darwin early Friday morning.

 

Friday: Darwin Island

6:30 am, 9:30 am, 11:30 am & 3:00 pm dives. Sightings often include hammerheads, whale sharks, eagle rays, Galapagos sharks,

& silky sharks. Night at anchor.

 

Saturday: Darwin Island

6:00 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am dives. Sightings often include hammerheads, whale sharks, eagle rays, Galapagos sharks,

& silky sharks.  Afternoon/overnight transit to Cousin's rock (18-20 hrs).

 

Sunday: Cousin's Rock

8:00 am dive - macro diving with excellent chance of seeing sea horses, frog fish, sea lions, eagle rays. Snorkeling with the penguins.  

Lunch & transit back to Santa Cruz (3 hrs). Land trip to see the fabled giant land tortoises in the highlands of Santa Cruz & possible

visit to the town of Puerto Ayora.

 

Monday: Baltra Island

Breakfast; depart the vessel by 9 am. Transfer back to the airport for flight back to Quito or Guayaquil.

 

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GALAPAGOS HUMBOLDT-EXPLORER I has a spacious aft deck for loungin' & talkin' story apres' scuba.


HERE WE HIGHLIGHT KEY FACTS about the PREMIER 4-STAR
GALAPAGOS DIVING YACHT – GALAPAGOS HUMBOLDT-EXPLORER 1:

The Vessel Layout & Amenities:  The Galapagos HUMBOLDT Explorer I comfortably accommodates 16 passengers in 8 double staterooms & 1 suite, all of which have private bathroom facilities, queen-size or side by side twin beds (with a king-size in the suite) & sliding glass doors to maximize the view of the Pacific Ocean & Galapagos Archipelagos. All cabins are on the main & upper decks. The air-conditioned salon on the main deck includes dining tables, TV, VCR, CD/DVD, video library, & lounge area. An open-air salon is located on the upper deck, & sunning/viewing areas are located on the top level & forward on the upper deck. The dive deck is equipped with a bathroom, individual gear lockers, camera table with low pressure air hose, recharging station, air & nitrox filling stations, tank racks, & a separate fresh water rinse for both scuba & underwater camera equipment. Diving operations are conducted from two large pangas (tenders), easily boarded from the dive deck. The  Galapagos HUMBOLDT Explorer I  is also equipped with a satellite telephone for outgoing calls worldwide.

Diving From the Vessel:  The weather in the Galapagos has water temperatures ranging from the 76 - 82F (24-27C) from December through April & 65 - 72F (19-22C) May through November. Water temperatures are slightly warmer in both Darwin & Wolf. Air temperatures range from 70 - 74F (21- 23C) June through December & 77- 83F (25-28C) January through May, with nearly constant sea breezes. Currents range from 1 to 5 knots at the sites we visit, & visibility is generally between 30 & 80 feet. Most divers are comfortable with a 7mm wetsuit June - November & a minimum 5mm wetsuit December - May. Gloves & hood are rHUMBOLDTmmended.  Your dives will be done from the pangas with a backward roll in to the water. After your dive, your tank will be lifted back in to the panga & you will board via its stem ladders.

Safety Standards:  To ensure your safety, we require the following of all our divers:

1. All divers must be certified as scuba divers by an internationally rHUMBOLDTgnized accrediting organization.

2. All divers must be experienced divers & have logged at least one dive within the 6 months prior to boarding the vessel.

3. All dives are guided dives by 2 3 an instructor/naturalist guides.

4. All divers must log in & out of the water with a member of the diving staff.

5. All divers must have a submersible console & a computer.

6. On night dives, a cyalume lightstick or marker beacon must be worn by each diver.

7. DHUMBOLDTmpression diving is not allowed under any conditions. The maximum allowed depth is 130' (110' on nitrox).

8. Diving activities must cease immediately, please, when the consumption of alcohol begins.

9. All divers must carry a DiveAlert, a surface signaling device, & a electronic beacon while diving (all available on board).

10. Please note that, due to a combination of staff & equipment logistics, insurance requirements & local diving regulations,

neither rebreathers nor diver propulsion vehicles (DPVs) may be used aboard Explorer Ventures vessels.

What To Bring:  Packing for a liveaboard trip is much easier than packing for a land-based vacation. The climate doesn't require much more than shorts, T-shirts, & swimsuits. Soft luggage is rHUMBOLDTmmended as it takes up very little space when empty.  There is a weight limit on checked-in luggage for flights to & from Quito and/or Guayaquil to the Galapagos of 44 pounds ( 20 kilos.). An additional fee of US$1.70 per 2.2 pounds (1 kilo) to & from Quito will be charged for luggage over the limit & US$1.50 per 2.2 pounds (1 kilo) to & from Guayaquil. In addition, passengers are allowed a carry-on bag weighing no more than 17.6 pounds (8 kilos).   Sun screens, sunglasses, a visor, raincoat, lightweight sweater or jacket, backpack, tevas & a hat is rHUMBOLDTmmended. Please remember that the Galapagos Islands straddle the Equator & the sun can be very strong at times. In case of rough weather or if you have a tendency towards seasickness, come prepared with motion sickness medications or Trans-derm patches from your doctor. If you have favorite CD's or DVD's, feel free to bring them.   All linens (including sheets, comforters, bath towels, hand towels, dive towels, & wash cloths) are provided on board.   If possible, pack your regulator, dive computer, mask, a swimsuit, change of clothes, medications & toiletries in your carry-on bag. Having these few items with you will make an unexpected luggage delay far more bearable.

Equipment List:  The vessel provides tanks, weights, & weight belts for your use. If you prefer to rent the rest of your equipment from us, we have all of the equipment that you will need. Please indicate on your application form what equipment you will require. Otherwise, the following items are the diver's responsibility:   * Certification Card,   * Diving Log Book,   * Mask,   * Snorkel,   * Fins,   * Booties,   * Buoyancy Control Device (required),   * Regulator w/alternate air source,   * Submersible pressure & depth gauges (required),   * Dive light,   * Dive computer,   * Wet suit - 5 mm to 7 mm,   * Hooded 5 mm vest,   * Repair kit w/ spare parts

Diver Accident Insurance + Travel Cancellation Insurance:  Due to the more adventuresome nature of this trip & the very remote nature of the destination, all divers are required to have dive accident insurance when diving from the Galapagos HUMBOLDT Explorer I, & to note the policy number on their application form. Insurance options & information about packages can be secured by calling your U.S. DIVE TRAVEL agent at 952-953-4124.  We do sell these insurance policies, but we can show you best how to shop the options.

Arrival in Ecuador:  Passports are required for all arriving foreign nationals. If in doubt about visas, contact the Ecuadorian Consulate for specific requirements from your country.  We rHUMBOLDTmmend that your arrive in either Guayaquil or Quito, on mainland Ecuador, at least one & preferably two days prior to your flight to the Galapagos Islands, to insure luggage is with you or to make up for any travel delays. Transfers within the Galapagos are included in your package, & you will be met at the airport by our tour operator. If you miss any of your flights & are not able to make it to Ecuador or the Galapagos on schedule, please contact Galasam, our Ecuadorian partner, at +011.593.9703.1382 & notify them of your updated arrival time should you have that information, & where you may be reached in the meantime. The Galapagos HUMBOLDT Explorer I will leave port on Monday around 1:00pm.

Meals:  Aboard the new  Galapagos HUMBOLDT Explorer I,  evening meals usually consist of lots of fresh vegetables, rice, pasta, chicken, beef, turkey, pork & fish. Breakfast is a fare of eggs, bacon, pancakes, French toast, muffins, danish & lots of fresh fruit. Lunches vary from soup & sandwiches, burgers, pasta, assorted salad & quiche. Baked breads, cookies & other snacks are offered between dives.  If you have any dietary restrictions or requests, please indicate so on your application form. Please note that specific brands of drinks, dressings & foods are often unavailable in the islands, & that it can be very difficult for us to find low-fat or soy products, fresh fruit, fish, & other items common elsewhere. While we will do our best to accommodate your requests, please be realistic & consider bringing some of your own foods if the lack thereof may constitute a health risk or seriously compromise your enjoyment of your holiday.

Currency:  The U.S. dollar is the official currency of Ecuador; therefore, it is not necessary to exchange currency after arrival. Most major credit cards are accepted widely when shopping ashore.

Departure:  The  Galapagos HUMBOLDT Explorer I  arrives at its final destination port on Sunday afternoon & passengers spend Sunday night & have Monday breakfast on board. Transportation is organized & included for transfer to the airport. There is a departure tax, payable in cash, upon leaving on a flight from either Quito & Guayaquill.

On Board Charges:  Though all meals, beverages, transportation between islands, & much more has been taken care of with your trip payment, there are additional items which you may charge to your on board bill. These include retail items (shirts, scuba accessories, etc.), incoming & outgoing telephone calls, photographic & scuba instruction, rentals, premium alcoholic beverages, & crew gratuities, a temporary fuel surcharge, & a National Marine Park fee.  The bill may be paid at the end of the trip using cash, Visa, or MasterCard. Travelers checks are not accepted on board, & we are unable to cash credit card charges.

Communications:  Outgoing calls may be made from the  Galapagos HUMBOLDT Explorer I  via satellite phone. Please be aware that a charge is assessed for both incoming & outgoing calls.

Crew Gratuities:  Crew tips are not included in your package. The crew works hard, 7 days a week & up to 12 weeks at a stretch, providing the best possible service for our guests. The industry standard for crew gratuities on dive trips (if of course you are happy with the service which you have received) is between 10% & 15% of the package price per passenger. Your generosity will be greatly appreciated.

Packages Include:  * 7 nights/8 days aboard the  Galapagos HUMBOLDT Explorer I,   * 3 meals daily, plus between-dive snacks,   * Alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages,   * 3-5 dives a day (days vary),   * Use of tanks, weights & belts,   * Port & immigration fees

Packages Do Not Include:   * Airport transfers,   * Hotel accommodations,   * Flights to/from Galapagos,   * Rental, instruction, nitrox & retail charges,   * Crew gratuities,   * Trip cancellation insurance,   * Departure taxes - $25 US pp,   * Premium alcoholic beverages,   * National Marine Park fees - $100 US pp, cash only,   * TCT Tourist card - ($10 pp, cash only) paid at the Galapagos airport along with the National Park fee,  * Temporary fuel surcharge - if applicable


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GALAPAGOS HUMBOLDT-EXPLORER I will allow several exciting
landfall photo opps on these sacred isles. Check this blue-footed boobie!


***********************************************************************************

FLIGHT INFORMATION re’ GETTING to the GALAPAGOS ISLANDS:

When going to the Galapagos Islands, it’s necessary to

fly to one of two cities in mainland Ecuador first (Quito or

Guayaquil) & spend at least one night prior to your

charter’s departure. Because our vessel boards

passengers on Mondays & leaves the islands where the

airports in Galapagos are located shortly thereafter, we

strongly recommend that you plan to arrive on

Saturday in Ecuador for your Monday morning flight to

Galapagos. This will help ensure that travel delays reaching

Ecuador do not cause you to miss your trip (it is not

uncommon for flights to be unable to land on time in Quito

due to the mountain weather). In almost all cases, you will

also need a night’s stay after your charter ends prior to

flying home.

 

Both Quito & Guayaquil have advantages. If you

plan to spend more than one night on either end of your trip

and/or would like to tour a bit of Ecuador, scenic Quito is

the best choice. The flights to the Galapagos originate in

Quito, make a stop to pick up passengers in Guayaquil,

then go on to the Islands & do the reverse on the way

back, so scheduling your international flights in & out of

Guayaquil means two fewer flight legs & consequently a

slightly less expensive ticket. We strongly rHUMBOLDTmmend that

you not schedule any flight departing either Quito or

Guayaquil on the last day of the charter. The flight from

Galapagos is often delayed & you may miss your

outbound flight even if it’s not scheduled until that evening.

The departure tax from Quito is currently $40.80, & from

Guayaquil $27.16.

 

There are two airlines that offer daily flights to the

Galapagos Islands, TAME & Aerogal. We use primarily

Aerogal airlines for the flights to Galapagos. Galasam, our

partners in Ecuador, have built up a good relationship with

Aerogal & have gained many benefits from this

relationship. Aerogal flights go to both Baltra & San

Cristobal. This means that should National Parks request

an itinerary change we can easily accommodate flight

changes for our guests. The relationship with Aerogal also

provides additional advantages.

 

When a group checks in together the overweight luggage charges

are lessened & sometimes are waived. TAME airlines strictly

enforce the overweight luggage charges noted below. Your

advance payment for these tickets guarantees your space

on the flights, but the seats are held in bulk by the land

agents in Ecuador & the actual tickets are not issued until

a week before the charter’s departure. The price & flight

schedules, which are not in the control of Explorer

Ventures, can change at any time. If there is a price

increase after you’ve paid in full, the remaining balance will

be collected on board.

 

If you have tours prior to your charter that are

scheduled through Galasam, the tour guide will give you

your airline tickets. If not, the tickets will be delivered to

your hotel, so it’s very important that we have your hotel

information well before your departure. We would strongly

encourage you to arrange the Galapagos portion of the

flights through Explorer Ventures. This allows us to make

any necessary changes if needed. Should you choose to

book your own airfare to/from Galapagos please use

Aerogal. This allows us to change airline tickets if

unforeseeable circumstances arise.

 

Please plan to be at the airport in Quito or Guayaquil

a minimum of two hours before your flight’s scheduled

departure. Please note that upon your arrival in Galapagos,

you will have to pay the $100.00 national park fee & the

$10.00 for a visitor transit card. These amounts must be

paid in cash (US dollars).

 

Flight schedules (all times are local & subject to change):

 

TAME SCHEDULE

Quito/Baltra Guayaquil/ Baltra Baltra/Quito Baltra / Guayaquil

#EQ 191-07 30-arrives 09 45 #EQ 191-09 15-arrives 09 45 #EQ 190-11 45-arrives 14 45 #EQ 190-11 45-arrives 13 15

 

AEROGAL SCHEDULE

Quito/Baltra Guayaquil/ Baltra Baltra/Quito Baltra / Guayaquil

#EH 032-08 20-arrives 10:30 #EH 032-09 30-arrives 10 30 #EH 033-12 00-arrives 16 15 #EH 033-12 00-arrives 14 30

 

Checked Baggage weight limits: Each passenger is allowed one checked bag of 20 kilograms (approx. 44 lbs.) & one carryon

bag up to 8 kilograms (approx. 17 lbs.). Each additional kilogram from Quito & Guayaquil is $1.75.

 

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS CLIMATE INFO:

The Galapagos Islands feature a distinct microclimate, totally different from the mainland. This climate is caused by the coactions of equatorial winds from the coast & a number of ocean currents. The climate is distinguished between a hot season & a cold season.

The Hot Season (December – May):   The hot season can be characterized by mild summer like temperatures, deep blue skies, the islands plant life blooming & mating season. From December to May, the climate is impacted by the warm north trade winds & the changing ocean currents. The Panama Current features warm nutrient-poor waters coming from the northeast. This change displaces the cold, nutrient-rich HUMBOLDTCurrent. As this occurs the air bHUMBOLDTmes warmer, the evaporating water rises & condensates causing rainfall. During years when the Panama current is strong (commonly known as El Niño) immense rainfall & strong storms can occur. This time of year turtles & land iguanas profit from an abundance of vegetation & food while other animal species are almost starving. Penguins, sea lions, sea birds & marine iguanas, all animals which are dependent on fish or seaweed as food, endure a hardship. Due to the rising water-temperature schools of fish head for cooler waters & the seaweed begins to die. Typically after an El Niño the flora & fauna rHUMBOLDTver quickly.

The Cold Season (June – November):   The months of July to November, the “garúa” season, are stamped by cool, dry air & cool water-temperatures. The islands & especially the mountaintops are often covered in clouds & mist. The clouds & mist are caused by the warming air from the islands mixing with the cold air off the waters of the Humboldt Current from the Antarctica. Water condensates & forms a layer of clouds over the archipelago. Sometimes the clouds are accompanied by drizzling rains. This effect is accentuated by trade winds coming from the south east. During August & October the winds can be particularly strong & the sea tends to be rather rough. However, underwater marine creatures are actively reproducing. This makes diving during these months especially good. Another factor is the Chromwell Current coming from the equator & reaching the Galapagos plateau from the west. This current which is several hundred metres deep notably affects the islands of Fernandina, Isabela & Floreana. The current is rich in nutrients & represents an important source of food for the marine species such as whales, dolphins & penguins.

Galapagos HUMBOLDT-Explorer, HUMBOLDT-Explorer, Galapagos live-aboard, Galapagos live-aboards, Galapagos liveaboard, Galapagos diving, Galapagos Islands
OTAVALO MARKET.

Galapagos HUMBOLDT-Explorer, HUMBOLDT-Explorer, Galapagos live-aboard, Galapagos live-aboards, Galapagos liveaboard, Galapagos diving, Galapagos Islands
COTOPAXI PEAK.

Galapagos HUMBOLDT-Explorer, HUMBOLDT-Explorer, Galapagos live-aboard, Galapagos live-aboards, Galapagos liveaboard, Galapagos diving, Galapagos Islands
ECUADORAN VILLAGE..

Ecuador – Mainland Tour Options—as side tours with Galapagos HUMBOLDT Explorer I

Mainland Ecuador, a land of towering snow-covered volcanoes, tropical rainforests, secluded beaches & towns nestled in the Andean valley, is also a country filled with traditions & multicultural environments unlike any other. A part of their tradition includes the weekly indigenous markets held in many of the provinces of Ecuador. These markets are filled with the color, music, sounds & wares which are part of the Ecuadorian heritage. Though these tours require a full day, the opportunity to see the Ecuadorian countryside is well worth the time & effort (½ day tours of the city of Quito are also available).

1 Day tours may include many of the exciting villages & market stops listed here; 2-day tours are also available.

Otavalo – We will travel from Quito to edge of the San Pablo Valley & visit the local people of the Imbabura Province. You will have an opportunity to meet the people of Otavalo & have an opportunity to purchase their outstanding goods, including hand-woven purses, wall carpets & much more, displayed in the market stalls in Poncho Square. Then we will travel to the village of Cotacachi, where you may stroll along the main street & visit shops with an incredible selection of high-quality leather articles made locally. On the return trip we will visit Calderon, a village known for the creation of masapan figurines sold worldwide. Tour price $90.

Cotopaxi – A tour taking us along the Pan American Highway, known locally as the “Avenue of the Volcanoes,” to Cotopaxi National Park. The Park is 2 hours south of Quito & located at the foot of the snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano, the highest active volcano in the world. This fascinating pristine region is home to animals such as llamas, rabbits, deer, & a great variety of birds, plants, fungi, & much more. From here we travel to beautiful Limpiopungo Lagoon. Tour price $90.

 



FOR MORE INFORMATION or RESERVATIONS
re' the GALAPAGOS HUMBOLDT-Explorer & the EXPLORER VENTURES FLEET:

Please feel free to contact:
John Hessburg, General Manager
Susan Hessburg, Operations Manager

U.S. DIVE TRAVEL Network
PMB 307 -- Suite # 116
15050 Cedar Avenue S.
St. Paul, MN, USA 55124-7047

Voice Mail: 952-953-4124

E-mail: divetrip@bitstream.net

Website: www.usdivetravel.com

******************************************************

IMPORTANT REMINDER about PRICES & TARIFFS:

All Galapagos live-aboard package prices listed here are subject to possible change in this steadily evolving travel market. Lodging, side tour & diving prices are traditionally stable, as are live-aboard package prices; however air prices can fluctuate daily. Until air tickets are issued, all airlines reserve the right to change airfares without notice -- an industry standard per FAA rules. Remember please, the federal government has deregulated all U.S.-based airlines, so only they control their pricing -- not any travel professionals. Early is good when seeking the best air ticket rates for your Galapagos diving holiday.

Unless specifically noted, these above Galapagos scuba diving packages are prices for only the live-aboard portion of your dive trip, in most cases reflecting double-occupancy rooms. On Galapagos live-aboards, there will be no triple-occupancy staterooms offered. International air tickets & commuter "island-hopper" seats are always extra above these land costs. Nominal service fees are also extra for air tickets & the dive vessel + side tour components. The baseline tariffs for all clients start at $55 per person for the vessel portion + $35 pp for the air tickets. Late-booking clients may receive slightly higher tariffs on these Galapagos live-aboards. Solo clients on any Galapagos live-aboard always will pay a single supplement to secure a private stateroom -- normally 50% to 65% more -- unless you are willing to twin-share with another randomly-selected diver of your same sex.

The preferred payment mode for all of our Galapagos live-aboards, dive resorts, side tours & air ticket specials is by cashier's check or wire transfer in U.S. dollars. All Galapagos diving holiday clients living outside the USA or Canada will need to pay for their dive vacations via direct wire transfer only. No personal checks will be accepted for any reservation. Thank you for your gracious understanding. Our service level is the highest & our prices the lowest in this industry, & thus we need to preserve a reasonable margin. For published-fare air ticket bookings, USDT always accepts Visa & Mastercard. For discount wholesale air tickets, USDT accepts only cashier's checks or wire transfers, please.

We extend a warm & open invitation to any interested clients, if you need more info about these scuba diving liveaboard topics -- U.S. Dive Travel, dive travel, Galapagos HUMBOLDT-Explorer, Explorer Ventures Fleet, live-aboard, live-aboards, liveaboard, liveaboards, Galapagos live-aboard, Galapagos live-aboards, Galapagos liveaboard, Galapagos liveaboards, Galapagos diving, Galapagos scuba diving, Galapagos Islands -- then please feel free to call us any time at 952-93-4124. Our experienced & enthusiastic travel planners will assist you with any nuances, large or small, you might want clarified regarding these subjects -- U.S. Dive Travel, dive travel, Galapagos HUMBOLDT-Explorer, Explorer Ventures Fleet, live-aboard, live-aboards, liveaboard, liveaboards, Galapagos live-aboard, Galapagos live-aboards, Galapagos liveaboard, Galapagos liveaboards, Galapagos diving, Galapagos scuba diving, Galapagos Islands.

Remember, all Galapagos scuba diving holiday clients to all foreign destinations will be asked by local officials overseas, upon departing the airport on your final day, to pay a nominal government departure tax, usually between USD $35 - $45 per client. USDT cannot collect this tax beforehand, so you simply pay it down there, in your host country. Be sure to stash away a little cash for this final moment at the airport, so you'll get your exit visa stamped quickly with no fuss; & away you go. Best of luck with your dive travel plans. We hope your Galapagos live-aboard scuba diving tour is a safe & satisfying adventure. Blessings & best wishes with ALL your Galapagos live-aboard dive vacations.

Best fishes too!

>////*>   <*\\\\<

John Hessburg & Susan Hessburg, Mgrs.
U.S. Dive Travel Network.


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