Join Dirty Dozen Expeditions on our annual Galapagos expedition onboard the Galaxy Diver II to discover the world-famous wildlife of the unique Galapagos Islands. This trip is open to CCR and open circuit divers, and dive groups will be split appropriately to ensure the best experience for all divers.

Decompression diving is not permitted in the Galapagos, and so certification prerequisites are:

- CCR MOD 1 with a minimum of 50 dives on the unit you intend to bring;

- Open Circuit Advanced Open Water with Nitrox and a minimum of 50 dives.

Check out our YouTube video for an idea of what to expect diving in the Galapagos.

Straddling the equator and spread out over 45,000 sq km (17,000 sq miles) the Galapagos Archipelago is home to some of the planet’s most remote dive sites and best big animal diving.

When we think of the Galapagos, the first things to come to mind are iguanas, sharks, and Charles Darwin. But the islands have a rich history and there are plenty of interesting tales originating from our earth’s closest approximation to Jurassic Park.

Diving

All dives in the Galapagos must be guided by law. However, the dive guides are just that, guides and not instructors or technical diving gurus. You are responsible for your own safety and dive planning at all times. 

Solo diving is not permitted at any time.

Environment

Diving in the Galapagos is rewarding but occasionally demanding, even for very experienced divers. To make sure you enjoy your trip, rebreather divers should hold training at a minimum of MOD 1 and have completed at least 30 or more dives. It is preferable if you have experience with strong currents and low visibility.

At many Galapagos dive sites, the currents run on the strong side. Because of these currents and the huge amount of nutrients in the water, the visibility may be low at times.

Divers are often surprised that the water temperature in the Galapagos is cooler than they expect. Despite the archipelago’s location at the equator, cool currents keep temperatures closer to moderate than warm. Divers can expect water temperatures ranging from 12°C to 26°C (53-78°F). 

Thermoclines are common. To combat the sharp changes in temperature, divers in the Galapagos should bring exposure protection that is suitable for the cooler depths. We recommend a drysuit with light and thick undergarments so you can adjust your thermal protection to the swinging temperatures during the trip. You should also pack your gloves as these are useful for support when a strong current is running. 

If you feel the cold, it’s best to pack an extra vest, hood, or shortie for use with your normal suit. Aboard our vessel we have 5 and 7 mm full wetsuits available for rent, which you can use in conjunction with your own gear. Boots and open heel fins are recommended.

There are no dive shops in Galapagos for the purchase of diving equipment, spares for rebreathers, or OC equipment. Galaxy Diver II will have some basic diving equipment on board for hire, but with different configurations on board it’s crucial that you bring as many spares as possible so you do not miss any dives. If you service your equipment before coming to Galapagos, please use it a couple times before traveling to ensure there are no problems. 

Cylinders

The following DIN cylinders are available on Galaxy Diver II: 
» 3L/23 cu ft, 2L/15 cu ft Rebreather Cylinders

» 12L/80 cu ft Bailout Cylinders

Due to the practicalities of panga diving in challenging conditions and the availability of cylinders, we are unable to support JJ GUE configuration on our Galapagos expeditions.

There are no M26 valves or adapters onboard, you must bring your own. Bring your own slings for deco/bailout!

Please specify the configurations you will dive in when you book.

Consumables Fee

All guests should purchase our fixed-rate onboard consumables package which covers unlimited O2 and Sofnolime, local guide (required by law), and CCR and bailout cylinder rental. As dive depths are relatively shallow, helium is not supplied on this trip.

Diving Emergencies

The Galapagos Islands are an extremely remote diving destination and some dive sites are a full day's sail from the nearest hyperbaric treatment facility in Puerto Ayora on the island of Santa Cruz. They operate a 24 hour emergency service with physicians, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), chamber operators, and patient attendants on staff. All are trained by accredited international associations in hyperbaric medicine. The clinic has the latest technology and operates under rigorous international regulations and safety standards.

It is mandatory that our guests purchase dive and liveaboard-specific insurance according to their level of certification. This insurance needs to cover air evacuation and the appropriate depths you plan to dive to. We strongly urge that all guests dive well within recognized limits and follow our advice.

Click the following link for more information about our preferred insurance partner:

DiveAssure Insurance

Our expedition vessels are equipped with fully stocked medical first aid kits for treating minor injuries and ailments as well as for assisting trained medical professionals in remote locations. Each yacht has a full complement of medical-grade oxygen which can be administered to divers through DAN kits or unit-specific attachments. You will also find an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on board. AEDs have been proven to greatly increase survival rates in the eventuality of cardiac fibrillation. Our dive teams are all qualified emergency responders. Should you feel unwell at any point during your cruise, please seek the advice of your cruise director who will be able to assist you.

Medical Treatment

There are limited medical facilities in the Galapagos Islands. Make sure your insurance includes evacuation by air ambulance. If you travel to the Galapagos Islands by boat, you may be asked to supply information such as your blood group and emergency contacts when you board. 

San Cristóbal Island has a well-equipped public hospital. Santa Cruz Island has a basic hospital. Isabela Island has a very small and extremely basic health centre. Normal precautions should be taken with food and it is advisable to drink bottled water only.

Vaccinations

No vaccinations are required before entering Ecuador, however, we recommend consulting with your doctor for updated information prior to departure. 

Flights

We suggest you book your international flight to arrive into and out of Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE) in Ecuador. It is recommended that you arrive in Ecuador a minimum of 1-2 days before the expedition departure so you are well rested before the start of the trip. 

You will then book a domestic flight to Baltra (GPS) on or before the day of embarkation. The domestic flight between Quito/Guayaquil and Baltra runs once a day, departing in the morning, and you can book through LATAM or Avianca airlines.

If you are not staying in the Galapagos or Ecuador for any additional nights before or after the trip, please book your international flights to allow plenty of time for the domestic arrival and international check-in.

Guests must purchase an Ingala Transit Card online prior to traveling at the following website: https://siig-cgreg.gobiernogalapagos.gob.ec/siig-cgreg.gobiernogalapagos.gob.ec. The card costs $25 and will be required for check-in to the domestic flight. On arrival into Baltra you will need to pay a $200USD National Park Fee in cash. 

Visa

The Galapagos Islands are a province of Ecuador. Passport holders of most Western and Asian countries will be issued with a visa on arrival into Ecuador that allows for stays of up to 90 days, however, we always advise our guests to check for updates and changes at www.ecuador.org. 

Visitors from countries other than the US should check the Visa requirements for the passport they hold.

Please make sure that your passport has at least 6 months' validity beyond the period you intend to stay in Ecuador. If you are travelling with medication, ensure you bring your physician’s prescription with you.

Food

On board the Galaxy Diver II, local flavors are brought to the table to offer an exquisite gastronomic experience. There is no better way to connect with people than through food. Onboard meals are colorful, authentic, and tasty. International and local cuisine are combined during the trip. A gourmet chef, with deep knowledge of the magical flavors of Galapagos ingredients, will leave you with an unforgettable taste memory. The bar offers the perfect drink for everyone and a variety of the finest beverages, including local and international wines. Just relax, we know that a perfect vacation deserves a drink full of joy. 

Clothing

It is recommended that our guests bring casual and comfortable clothes. Think swimwear, shorts, and t-shirts. A sweater is advised for cooler nights, particularly after multiple dives. We request that guests respect others by wearing clothing at all meal times. Most guests prefer to walk barefoot on board our vessel, however, island visits may require sturdy sandals or cross-trainers.

Electricity

Local electricity is 110-volt supplied through American two-pin sockets. Onboard Galaxy Diver II, most outlets are 110-volt with a few 220-volt outlets. There are a number of sockets in the camera charging area. Galaxy Diver II can provide a limited number of UK, European, and US plug adapters, but recommends guests bring their own.

Gratuities

Tipping is a matter of personal choice. Should you feel that your crew has made your expedition extra special, then they will certainly appreciate a tip. Please be advised that the boat can only accept cash tips. An envelope will be provided for your convenience by the cruise director and gratuities are divided equally between all the crew, including the captain and the dive guides. If you would like to tip, we recommend approx. 5-10% of the trip price.

Smoking on board is permitted in designated outdoor areas.

Galaxy Diver II is a stunning, fully equipped liveaboard yacht that offers a unique experience for diving lovers. You will have the opportunity to explore the wide variety of aquatic life of this marine reserve with our experienced staff and cutting-edge equipment. Live a world-class diving experience surrounded by sharks, whales, manta rays, rays, turtles, penguins, iguanas, sea lions, and much more, all in one place.

Accommodation

Located on the upper deck are 3 large cabins that can be configured as double or twin beds. Equipped with large windows, they offer beautiful light and a spectacular panoramic view of the ocean. On the main deck, Galaxy Diver II has one cabin that can be either double or twin. On the lower deck are 4 twin cabins, perfect for families, friends, or couples.

Each cabin is equipped with a private bathroom with a shower and hot/cold water, a hair dryer, and a towel dryer. Guests are supplied with a selection of the best ecological hospitality products, such as soap, shampoo, and conditioner for daily use.

Located on the main deck at the back of the boat, for your entertainment on board, the lounge has a TV, DVD player, small library, and toy library. The windows give a beautiful light and a very appreciable view of the sea. 

The sundeck is the ideal place to rest and relax in the armchairs or in the spectacular Jacuzzi, enjoying an incredible 360° view.

The dive platform offers the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the stunning marine life below. Equipped with all the necessary safety gear and led by experienced guides, you´ll have the opportunity to explore the depths like never before.

Guest Facilities

-8 twin-bed/double A/C and en suite cabins for 16 guests
- Hairdryers and toiletries

- Spacious indoor dining area with a camera station, complete with numerous charging points and storage facilities
- The dive deck provides individual set-up stations, under-bench storage, and a camera table
- Large entry platform to the rear and staff deckhands to assist with entry and exit
- Indoor lounge and bar with a plasma screen for planning expedition dives
- Plenty of space to set up rebreathers and fill scrubbers
- Big rinsing tubs

Check out what previous guests had to say about their experiences with Dirty Dozen Expeditions:

Jill Heinerth, Explorer in Residence, Royal Canadian Geographical Society, Author, INTO THE PLANET - My Life as a Cave Diver “The Dirty Dozen experience makes diving iconic Truk Lagoon safe and simple. Through the leadership of expedition leader Aron Arngrimsson and his team, a carefully curated small group of conscientious and skilled technical divers can have an unequaled experience diving the less frequently explored wrecks in the lagoon.

When you can sit on top of the wreck and be supported by an experienced team of safety divers, guides and crew, then anything is possible. I can’t recall a trip where I have had a better experience. I value organizations like Dirty Dozen Expeditions that prioritize the safety and comfort of the guests. It is hard to imagine, but we had more crew than passengers. I was moved by the history, enlightened by the beauty of the marine life and inspired by the leadership of the organization. I’ll be going back as soon as I can!"

Richard Lundgren, Co-Founder of Global Underwater Explorers

“My memories still linger from my last adventures with Dirty Dozen Expeditions and Global Underwater Explorers (GUE). Memories of a lifetime. A year ago, a team of GUE divers set up a wreck diving expedition to the remote and rarely visited Bikini Atoll together with adventure diving company Dirty Dozen Expeditions. The results and experiences during the expedition made it compelling to look forward and plan the next adventure following the same narrative.

The target, the wrecks of Chuuk Lagoon, came as naturally as our continued collaboration with Dirty Dozen Expeditions. We also chose to continue to use and rely upon the excellent liveaboard  with its world-class service and crew well-catered for technical diving — just the way we like it. Traveling into Chuuk is much easier and less of an adventure compared to getting to Bikini. A short jump from mainland Asia (the Philippines in my case) to Guam and then onwards on the island hopper to the next stop heading east, Chuuk Lagoon. Approaching the islands of Chuuk from the air is impressive, the islands are beautiful and green with mountains and hills. You can see the artificial extension to the small island of Etten, where the Japanese army built its strategic air force base during the war. Setting up for technical diving onboard, in our case involving rebreathers, is easy even if at GUE we depend on a standardized configuration different to most. The divers bring their own key components, including special cylinder valves with a flexible manifold. The rest is supplied by the ship. Oxygen is produced onboard using an oxygen generator. An oxygen generator cannot produce 100% oxygen, only 92-96% and as such, special procedures are needed if diving a fully-closed rebreather in order to get the calibration of the oxygen sensors right among other things. Helium is available and required for the wrecks deeper than 30m/100 ft. We used 18/45 Trimix as our standard diluent mix. A clear head and lots of fun memories are what we’re looking for after all. My total setup time was less than 30 minutes thanks to the Truk Master’s excellent crew. Underwater: picture yourself in a well-kept aquarium, no current, warm waters, and great visibility. What more can you ask for? Well, wrecks of course, and Chuuk Lagoon does not fail to deliver those. My favorite penetrations involve the engine rooms where one can still study the gauges and telegraphs frozen in time. The diving is truly world-class if you are passionate about wreck diving and history. After 10 days diving it’s time to depart, not because you want to, more that you have to, sadly. The diving in Chuuk is so good that another week would not have been sufficient to satisfy my appetite for adventure. Compared to the wrecks in Bikini Atoll, well, it’s like comparing apples and pears, both are delicious in their own way and the only choice you have is not to chose one, but to enjoy both. I enjoyed Chuuk and Bikini tremendously and will undoubtedly return to both for more adventures.”

Joseph Fellows - Scientific Diver, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

“Bucket List Check! I’m trying to put together the words to describe the adventure to Truk Lagoon with Dirty Dozen Expeditions... not easy! A trip of this magnitude is daunting to say the least especially if you’re not a world traveler. There are a lot of moving parts from the preparations, gear considerations, and travel to such a remote location. Aron and his Team made all of this so easy for me through continual guidance, Zoom meetings, and online resources. The most difficult thing was making the decision to go...the rest fell into place perfectly! The crew of the Pacific Master were fantastic and completely accommodated all of my needs fully. I am so happy I decided to go and I left with such amazing friends and memories. I can’t wait for the next adventure...life is way too short to wait....GO!”

Payment Schedule

Booking deposit (non-refundable)                            25% 

Payment 2 - 12 months prior to departure               25% 

Balance payment - 6 months prior to departure   50%

Terms & Conditions

All bookings are subject to the provisions in our "Terms and Conditions" and "Payment and Cancellation Terms" found on our website:
Terms & Conditions
Payment & Cancellation Terms

Booking a Dirty Dozen Expedition offers you a unique and unparalleled experience, distinct from conventional travel offerings. This exclusive expedition is meticulously crafted to cater to technical divers and dive teams, providing an extraordinary journey evolved from thousands of hours of wreck exploration.

At Dirty Dozen Expeditions we understand and respect the effort you will put into your trip of a lifetime, be it the funds and time spent on equipment and training or time away from family and work - we know how much it means to get your trip just right. We pride ourselves in providing first-hand knowledge and experience of technical diving in every destination we book, and so can offer you the very best advice and guidance on all aspects of your journey.

We believe it’s the little things that make the biggest difference, from direct access to company founder, Aron Arngrimsson, to making life-long friends as part of #teamdd. This is what you can expect from your Dirty Dozen Expedition:

• We are available by email or phone whenever you need to ask questions about your trip, from the moment you sign up until well after you return home;

• Our team have visited and dived all the destinations we book, so you are guaranteed the most accurate and experienced guidance;

• Solo travelers are welcomed and supported within our dive team culture, while established groups are given the freedom to dive and explore as they prefer;

• A Dirty Dozen Expeditions Leader onboard every trip will support and assist guests with daily expedition life;

• Safety is at the forefront of every expedition and we pride ourselves on being industry leaders in the use of ’splash checklists’, gas management procedures, and other onboard safety protocols;

• We offer our customers a FREE Human Factors in Diving (Fundamentals) training course with every booking;

• The option to pre-pay for onboard consumables to avoid hefty bills at the end of your trip;

• Access to preferential Trip Insurance rates with our preferred partner, DiveAssure;

• Expedition members are invited to 2 team Zoom meetings before every expedition, one to
  assist with long-term planning and one to answer final queries shortly before departure;

• A team WhatsApp group is set up 12 months before each trip to support planning, answer
  questions, and develop teamwork and camaraderie in the run-up to the expedition;

• Many of our trips feature special guests, certification agencies, or manufacturers, giving you
  the opportunity to meet and dive with some industry greats!

• Every team member receives a complimentary expedition t-shirt and water bottle, as well as
  novelty stickers and postcards as a souvenir of your time with #teamdd;

• Many trips feature a photographer/videographer who will document your time onboard and underwater to provide long-lasting memories.

And this is all on top of the standard trip inclusions listed further down the page!

We believe in transparent pricing with as many inclusions as possible to avoid unexpected charges at the end of your trip. While our trip price may appear higher than some other operators, this should help you plan for the realistic costs of this type of dive expedition and avoid nasty surprises down the road.

We hope you agree that booking with Dirty Dozen Expeditions will provide you with an experience quite unlike any other, and that we are the premier choice when it comes to technical diving expeditions.

We highly recommend that you plan to arrive in San Cristobal (SCY) 48-hours prior to embarkation.

- Airport arrival, transfer to expedition vessel and lunch.

- Boat briefing, paperwork, an overview of safety and emergency procedures.   

- Equipment setup.

- Afternoon check out dive carried out in a sheltered bay in an excellent shallow spot, at a max depth of 9m (30ft).

2 dives per day of 2+ hours each, with a minimum 4-hour surface interval.

- Two morning dives at Punta Carrion. 

- Cruise north during the evening.

- Two dives at Darwin Island.

- Two dives at Wolf Island.

- Cruise south during the evening.

- Morning dive at Roca Redonda. 

- Afternoon dive at Punta Vicente Roca.

- Visit to tortoise ranch.

- Transfer to San Cristobal airport.

- Flight out.

There is no need to stay overnight in San Cristobal after the trip.

- Visit to tortoise ranch.

- Transfer to San Cristobal airport.

- Flight out.

There is no need to stay overnight in San Cristobal after the trip.