Galapagos 2023

      Baltra Island Ecuador

      SD
      Scuba Diver Life Expeditions LLC
      • Email address verified
      14 reviews
      May 6 - 13, 2023
      Group size: 1 - 4
      Galapagos 2023
      Baltra Island Ecuador

      Scuba Diver Life Expeditions LLC
      • Email address verified
      14 reviews

      May 6 - 13, 2023
      Group size: 1 - 4

      About this trip

      Galapagos is known for the volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches and wildlife found like nowhere else in the world. Spend 7 nights on board the NEW luxury liveaboard, “Tiburon Explorer” diving this unique area. The month of May falls into the warmer months, known for its excellent sightings of large schools of Hammerhead sharks and manta rays.

      Diving Highlights

      DARWIN’S ARCH

      Is a natural rock arch feature situated to the southeast of Darwin Island in the Pacific Ocean. The arch sits on an irregularly shaped, rocky, submerged plateau, nicknamed “the theatre”. If you’re after large sea creatures, this is the place to go as most of them converge here due to the strong currents. Although you will be able to see the usual’s like manta rays and sea turtles, the sheer number of sharks (especially if you go during the right season) is nothing short of magnificent.

      WOLF ISLAND

      While you are bound to see the usual sharks, mobula rays, and bluefin tunas, the reason this dive site so popular is because whale sharks often frequent these waters. They often can be seen from between 6 and 60 feet (2 and 20 meters) from June to December.

      COUSINS ROCK

      You’ll find an incredible variety of macro life at Cousins Rock, including scorpionfish, seahorses, frogfish, and nudibranchs. Larger life such as playful sea lions, mantas and eagle rays are also common. Cousins is shaped like a volcanic cone so if there is current, usually from the south east, then part of the site is sheltered and the formation of the site makes a great multi-level dive.

      What’s included

      • Airport transfers
        From Baltra Airport to Boat
      • 7 nights / 8 days
        On the Brand New Tiburon Explorer
      • Meals
        Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Snacks
      • Coffee, tea & water
      • Non-alcoholic beverages
      • Local alcoholic beverage
      • Up to 4 dives daily
        Weather permitting)
      • 12L Air Tanks, weights
      • Towels and cabin service
      • Dive Deck
        With Camera Table
      • Fuel surcharge
      • Land Excursions
        Visit to Santa Cruz Highlands to see the giant tortoises in their natural habitat & North Seymour land visit

      What’s not included

      • Flights
        All flights and airport taxes (Quotation on request)
      • Visitors Card
        $ 20 Galapagos Visitors Card (Paid at Quito Airport)
      • Chamber Fee
        $ 35 Hyperbaric chamber fee payable on board
      • Fuel Levy
        $150 Fuel levy
      • Nitrox (optional)
        $ 150 for the week
      • Park Fee
        $ 100 Galapagos National Park Fee (Paid on arrival in Baltra)
      • Gratuity
        300-400 USD per guest
      • Dive & Trip Insurance
        Dive & Travel Insurance (DAN or Equivalent)
      • Airport Transfer
        Airport Transfers (Mainland, Ecuador)
      • Alcohol
        Premium Alcohol Beverages
      • 15L Tanks
        Hire of 15L Tanks & Equipment Rental
      • Gear Hire
        Gear Hire: Please enquire for rates
      • Final Meal
        (Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island- Restaurant of choice)

      Available Packages

      Trip Price
      $4,995

      Itinerary

      Day 1 - May 6, 2023
      Arrival Day - Baltra

      Guests fly to the Galapagos Islands from Mainland Ecuador, arriving in the late morning. The dive guides will meet the guests at the airport between 11:30 am and 12 pm and escort them to the Galapagos liveaboard, Tiburon Explorer. Guests will board the vessel, have lunch and listen to the briefings. After the briefings, the guests will do a check out dive at Punta Carrion. After dinner the vessel will depart to the next scheduled destination.

      Your Organizer


      SD
      Scuba Diver Life Expeditions LLC
      14 reviews
      Scuba Diver Life Expeditions is run by award winning underwater photographer Nadia Aly. Nadia Aly is a wildlife photographer who specializes in underwater photography. She holds a Masters in Digital Media from the Centre for Digital Media in Vancouver BC and has had her work featured on National Geographic, Sony World Photo, Underwater Photographer of the Year and Nature’s Best Photography.

      Reviews

      I recently had the most extraordinary experience of my life in Dominica, where I embarked on an awe-inspiring journey to swim with sperm whales. From the very beginning, the trip was seamless, thanks to the exceptional communication and coordination by Nadia. Nadia's attention to detail and prompt responses ensured that every aspect of my pre-travel arrangements was taken care of with precision. Her expertise and dedication set the stage for what would turn out to be an unforgettable adventure. Upon arriving in Dominica, I was taken to the stunning Fort Young Hotel, a true gem nestled right on the water's edge. The location was not only breathtaking but also convenient, allowing me to wake up to the soothing sounds of the ocean every morning. The hotel's impeccable service and comfortable accommodations made my stay all the more enjoyable. I can confidently say that Fort Young Hotel exceeded my expectations, providing the perfect base for my whale-watching escapade. I loved working out at the Gym that looks right over the ocean, amazing! Now, let me express my utmost admiration for Captain Curt, the mastermind behind our incredible whale-swimming expeditions. Captain Curt's experience and skill were evident from the moment we set sail. His passion for the sperm whales and dedication to providing a safe yet thrilling experience made him stand out as the best captain I've ever had the pleasure of whale swimming with! But the magic didn't end there. Our guide, Greg, was a true maestro when it came to locating sperm whales in the water. Thanks to his and Curts expertise, we were able to encounter sperm whales almost every day, creating memories that will last a lifetime. In conclusion, my time in Dominica was nothing short of magical, and I owe it to the incredible team that made it all possible. Nadia's pre-travel communication, the enchanting Fort Young Hotel, Captain Curt's exceptional skills, and Greg's insightful guidance came together to create an adventure that exceeded my wildest dreams. If swimming with sperm whales is on your bucket list, look no further than Dominica and the tours with SDL Expeditoins– an experience that will leave you in awe and gratitude for the beauty of our planet's marine life.
      By Natalie J for Swim with Sperm Whales -2024 - Fort Young on Mar 11, 2024
      My week with the Sperm whales in Dominica far exceeded my expectations. Getting to experience being in the water with them many, many times was truly magical. Their presence is so peaceful. Captain Curt and Craig did such a fabulous time giving us the best experiences and also respecting the whales and how much we interacted with them which I so appreciated. I can not recommend this trip enough. I look forward to. going back for another time with them. Thank you!
      By Mary C for Swim with Sperm Whales -2024 - Fort Young on Feb 13, 2024
      Swimming with sperm whales was a life-altering experience. Their immense size and grace were breathtaking, and they tolerated us with a gentle good humor. The highlights were swimming for several hours alongside of group of at least eleven whales (including a large male) as they interacted intensely with one another, and serving as babysitters for a baby whale whose mom left the baby at the surface as she dove to feed. What an incredible 10 days! I am deeply appreciative to Nadia for teaching me so much about underwater photography and whale behavior, and for her persistance in getting the best out of our hotel accommodations. Nadia, your good humor and endless energy are priceless! I'm also grateful to Captain Kurt for consistently placing us in ideal positions for photographing and interacting with the whales, and for always putting the safety of the whales first, ensuring that we never stressed them or significantly altered their behavior. And heartfelt thanks to Greg for ensuring our safety, and for lugging my huge camera housing out of the water about a million times. This was an absolutely extraordinary trip! Thank you all!!
      By Susan M for Swim with Sperm Whales - December 2023 on Jan 05, 2024
      The whale guide, staff at the accommodation and our on-site tour guide were all amazing people. They worked hard to ensure our stay and experience was enjoyable. If you are vegan/vegetarians food is limited and bland. You receive the same breakfast everyday. Lunch was different everyday but very bland. The main dishes served at restaurants are seafood. It would have been nice if we could cook at the accommodation so that we could enjoy some healthy vegetarian dishes.
      By Katie C for Tonga 2023 - Group F14- 7 Nights/ 5 Swim Days -Flying Annie on Nov 09, 2023
      Don't hesitate for a minute—book a trip with Humpback Swims to see the whales of Vava'u, Tonga for yourself! SDLE runs a top-notch operation out of Vava'u, with comfortable, safe boats, knowledgeable guides, capable captains, and great lunches on the boat. On an 11-night/8-day swim tour, we got in the water with whales all but one of the days. Our last day on the boat was one of my most spectacular in-water days ever, and I've been a scuba diver for over 20 years. We were in the water for almost two hours with a mama, calf, and escort—incredible! Honestly, the trip couldn't have been better. Thank you, for an experience I'll remember for a lifetime!
      By Rebecca S for Tonga 2023 - Group G9- 11 Nights/ 8 Swim Days -Flying Annie on Nov 06, 2023
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