Experience
Strong currents and cold water: most boats ask for advanced certification and logged dives.
CRUISE SHIPS · DIVING LIVEABOARDS
Dive the islands from a liveaboard.
Dive liveaboards run their own itineraries, built around dives rather than landings. Here is how they work.
Galapagos liveaboard — Reference image only.
01 / FLEET
Dive liveaboards in Galapagos
| Boat | Type | Class | Guests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aggressor III | Diving Yacht | First Class | 16 |
| Calipso Diving | Diving Yacht | First Class | 16 |
| Danubio Azul Diving | Diving Yacht | Budget | 16 |
| Galapagos Master | Diving Yacht | First Class | 16 |
| Galapagos Sky | Diving Yacht | First Class | 16 |
| Galaxy Diver II | Diving Yacht | First Class | 16 |
| Galaxy Diver III | Diving Yacht | First Class | 16 |
| Humboldt Explorer | Diving Yacht | First Class | 16 |
| Tiburon Explorer | Diving Yacht | First Class | 16 |
Vessel names, classes and guest numbers come from published specifications collected in September 2026. Fleets change: we confirm the current layout before you book.
02 / COMPARE
Liveaboard vs naturalist cruise
| Dive liveaboard | Naturalist cruise | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Scuba dives, often 3 to 4 a day | Guided landings, walks and snorkeling |
| Guests | Certified divers | Anyone, all ages allowed by the boat |
| Highlights | Wolf and Darwin, schooling hammerheads, seasonal whale sharks | Wildlife on land, snorkeling with sea lions and turtles |
| Land visits | Few | Daily |
| Non-divers | Not ideal | Ideal |
03 / PREPARE
Before booking a dive trip
Season
Whale sharks are most often seen around June to November; water is warmer December to May.
Insurance
Dive insurance that covers evacuation is essential.
Snorkelers
Non-divers enjoy naturalist cruises more: see snorkeling-focused cruises.
04 / FAQ
Galapagos Diving Liveaboards: questions
Do I need advanced certification to dive Galapagos?
Most liveaboards require advanced certification and a minimum number of logged dives because of currents and cold water. Confirm with the boat.
Can non-divers join a liveaboard?
Some boats allow it, but there is little to do between dives. A naturalist cruise suits non-divers better.
When is the best time to dive Galapagos?
Whale sharks are seen most often around June to November; December to May brings warmer, calmer water. Both seasons have good diving.
Do liveaboards visit land sites?
Usually only a few. The itinerary is built around dive sites.
Can you help us choose?
Yes. Email hola@galapagosislands.cruises with your certification level and dates.
DIVE TRIPS
Planning to dive Galapagos?
Tell us your certification, logged dives and dates. We match you with a liveaboard that fits your experience.
Galapagos is unlike anywhere else on Earth: wildlife that does not run from you, islands still shaped by volcanoes, and a park that limits every visit. Tell us how you like to travel and we will match you with the right boat.