TEL 01752 504181
or ++44 1752 504181 from outside the UK
For late offers and a list of Liveaboards which connect with the flights from London see our internet site at http://www.redseadivers.com
Galapagos Expedition
The Galapagos have earned a mighty reputation in the world of
diving and not without reason. This low-lying volcanic chain was not only
Darwin’s inspiration. It is home to diving the like of which you cannot find
elsewhere on the planet. The intoxicating mixture of marine life is completely
unique. This is a dive trip that cannot fail to live up to the highest of
expectations.
The trip starts with the check dive, which in itself is one to remember, yet is
but a warm up to the real adventure. Mosquera is a submerged sandbar where sea
lions like to laze in the sunshine before a cooling dip in the waters. And then
comes the overnight journey to the magical Woolfe and Darwin reefs. Rocky and
unwelcoming above the water line, beneath awaits a truly inspiring scene. Most
of the trip is spent on these two reefs, getting to grips with every nook and
cranny. On the return, Gordon’s Rock is a reminder of the Galapagos’
volcanic nature – not everyone gets to dive over an extinct crater but here in
the Galapagos this is the usual. In between dives there are plenty of
opportunities to get ashore and meet the local inhabitants. Hiking trips to
Bartolome and North Seymour or a tour of the Charles Darwin Research station are
the perfect compliment to understanding this ecological wonderland.
Galapagos is famed for the wealth of sharks that patrol her waters. Hammerheads
are the first and foremost attraction, schooling in vast numbers around the
submerged pinnacles of Woolfe and Darwin. Galapagos sharks are common too,
slinky and svelte nipping in and out of the reef life. White tips hide in the
reef from the larger predators. If you like your fish even bigger, whalesharks
are often seen in the blue, munching on plankton along with manta, mobula and
eagle rays. Sea lions are super fast and will run rings around divers. Or how
about iguana and penguins? Tuna, salema, snapper, rainbow runners and sail
fins… these are just some of the smaller fish… if you can tear your eyes off
the ocean’s larger inhabitants.
Every diver should certainly experience the Galapagos for themselves but the
diving is not suited to novice divers. Woolfe and Darwin are the furthest point
on the itinerary and divers need to be comfortable in currents and zodiac
diving. The guides are experts in their fields – not only do they know how to
make sure you have a safe and awesome dive trip, but they are also hugely
knowledgeable about the marine life and eager to share!
The Galapagos is a once in a lifetime trip and the best diving can only be
accessed from liveaboards. This is the only way to travel and dive in comfort,
visiting all the hot spots and highlights of this remarkable corner of the
globe. Sail the oceans blue and prepare to be left breathless.
Around 600 miles from Ecuador, the volcanic islands of the
Galapagos are a must for any diver serious about pelagic encounters. And when
you are visiting one of the most famous dive regions in the world it seems only
sensible to do so on one of the most respected liveaboards. The Peter Hughes
fleet work worldwide in some of the most exclusive destinations and the Sky
Dancer is no exception to this. With a wealth of experience under their belts,
the Sky Dancer sails the seas around the Galapagos including the un-missable
Wolf and Darwin, getting you to those jaw dropping dive sites that propelled
this tiny corner of the world into the limelight.
At 30m in length and with only 16 guests, the Sky Dancer has plenty of space for
everyone. Every cabin has en suite, air con and hair dryers. The facilities on
onboard are impressive. The signature Peter Hughes services onboard include
coffee in room each morning, warm towels after each dive and a night turn down
in the cabins before you drift off after a stunning day's diving. Dining is
French style with an eye on the high quality of ingredients that cater for all
dietary requirements. The main saloon is spacious with TV, DVD and audio.
Photographers will love the full video and photo facilities, ready and waiting.
Camera hire is also possible but must be pre booked and on board computers are
set up for viewing's at the end of the day.
The diving really speaks for itself. The Sky Dancer's favourites are sea lions,
penguins, turtles stingrays, whale sharks and manta - to name but a few.
Then there are the schooling hammerheads that patrol the blue as well as come into the reefs for a clean.
Galapagos sharks, white tips, and Silkies are common.
Dolphins hunt tuna which in turn feast on the smaller reef fish. The Sky dancer also makes sure that you get to see some of the area's unique life land side. Fur seals sun themselves on the beaches, iguana gnaw seaweed from the rocks and all manner of sea birds dot the cliffs.
With deep wall dives and good drifts, the Galapagos is best suited to advanced divers but with so much activity beneath the waves and above, every moment of your trip is one to remember.
This is a sample itinerary
and intended to indicate the areas dived over a typical week.
Sky Dancer and Aggressor fleet may visit these sites on
different days in a different order but this example itinerary is a fair
representation of the areas covered over the duration of your trip.
Day 1
On arrival in Quito you have a night in a hotel.
Day 2
The transfer to San Christobel is made in the morning and from here you are
taken to the boat for lunch. The afternoon check dive is made at Playa Ochoa
before cocktail hour!
Day 3
Starts at Mosquera Island for two dives followed by the chance to explore North
Seymour. The journey then begins for Wolf and Darwin..
Day 4
Start your diving at the famous Wolf and go on the look out for sharks and rays
with 4 dives!
Day 5
Makes 4 dives at Darwin, the equally wonderful sister site to Wolf.
Day 6
Commences with 2 dives at Darwin followed by the last 2 dives at Wolf.
Day 7
Moves to Cousin Rock for two dives followed by the option to explore Bartolome
Island - keep an eye out for penguins. Alternatively the boat may stop at Cabo
Marshall for the day's diving.
Day 8
Is the final day diving with a stop at Gordon's rock. There is an option to
explore South Plaxza island followed by a trip to the Charles Darwin Research
centre in the afternoon.
Day 9
Is the departure day from San Christobel to return to the mainland. Depending on
flight times, this may be followed by your return to the UK or a night in Quito.
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Typical Travel Information for Galapagos Trips (Info may vary over time) |
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Flights Iberia scheduled flights to Ecuador depart
Heathrow, via Madrid and arrive Quito the same day. Return flights, via
Madrid are overnight. Flight times are in local time. Check in 2 hours
before departure at the indicated terminal. Onward flights to Baltra,
Galapagos, are with Tame.
Flight tickets will be sent to you by post unless otherwise arranged. Please call if you have not received your ticket 7 days prior to departure. Tame Tickets are issued locally. Baggage allowance is 20kg for hold baggage and 5kg for hand baggage on Iberia/Tame. It is recommended that electrical goods (torches) and gauges (regulators) be carried in hand baggage. Dive knives go in the hold. Pony Cylinders can be transported in the hold Luggage but must be shown to be open and empty. Excess luggage will be charged at the discretion of the airline. Luggage not required on the white-water extension may be left in your Quito hotel (please ensure your bag is securely locked). Customs high taxes are imposed on passengers arriving in Ecuador with more than 2 pieces of checked baggage. Currently US$200 for the third bag and US$400 for a fourth. Arrival in Ecuador There is the chance of changes in your travel schedule from or to Quito due to the activity of the volcanoes surrounding that city. For this reason we include a nights accommodation both before & after the liveaboard. On arrival in Quito you will be met by our local representatives (local contact Tel 298 8200) and transferred to your hotel. Arrival in Galapagos The flight takes around 90 minutes. Upon arrival to Baltra Island Airport, you’ll need to queue for the Quarantine Program where hand luggage may be inspected then at the National Park counter. The US$100 national park fee has been included in the cost of your trip. At this time, please make sure you keep all papers given to you by the Galapagos local authorities (you will need them later once aboard ship). A representative from our liveaboard will meet you to transport you to the boat. Clothes Towels are provided in the rooms/cabins but we recommend you pack a beach towel for after diving. Shoes are not worn on the liveaboard. Shorts, T-shirts and swimwear are the norm. We recommend warmer cloths for cool evenings. Remember sunscreen, hats and sunglasses, as the weather is nearly always sunny. Good comfortable shoes/trainers for shore excursions & shorebased extensions. Money The U.S. dollar is Ecuador’s standard currency. We suggest taking small denominations US$. Don’t take sterling (£), as it is virtually impossible to change. Optional sundries onboard are payable at the end of the trip and a tip for the crew if appropriate. American Express, Visa and Master Card are accepted for onboard purchases. Personal checks are not accepted. On days in Quito you will need money for drinks and lunch and any presents you wish to take home. A US$25 tax is payable on departure from Quito. Weather June-November: Days can be moderately windy (due to the south east trade winds), and could start off with a fine layer of mist (Garúa). Air temp 23°C-28°C (dry heat) water temp 18°C-23°C December-May: Air temp 24°C-30°C water temp 23°C-28°C. Equipment You will need a full set of diving equipment. Tank (80 cubic ft) and weights are the only equipment provided by the boat. You will need a mask, fins and snorkel, BCD, regulator. Delayed SMB’s (surface marker buoy’s), dive computer and a 5mm-7mm wet suit with hood and gloves or a dry suit with light underwear are recommended all year round, Photography Ektachrome and Fujichrome films are processed daily ($ 10 per roll). Because of the difference in water clarity and overcast days, it can be very difficult to get the right f-stop. We strongly recommend everyone processing at least one roll of film on board. We recommend you bring your own film and suggest 100 and 200 ASA speed film. The liveaboard has strobe charging stations and large camera tables available for your camera and video equipment. Electricity There are charging facilities available for lights and cameras 110/120 volts AC, 60 Hz Certification Please bring with you your diving certification card and logbook. Insurance & Waiver Please make sure you have insurance that covers both travel and diving. We can provide worldwide ex North America cover from £43 per person for 10 days. If you have your own insurance we will need a copy of the certificate. Boats require each guest to complete an application and waiver form prior to departure and diving. Visas/Passports No visa required for British passport holders staying for up to 30 days. Please note your passport must valid for at least 6 months after the trip returns. Please supply us with your passport number, full name and nationality no later than 6 weeks prior to departure. Health/Vaccinations You should refer to your GP or vaccination centre for the most up to date advise. We recommend Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Polio. Malaria may be required if travelling to the Amazon. Smoking is only permitted on the sun deck. Malaria may be required if travelling to the Amazon. If you are affected by altitude you should note that Quito is 7,500 above sea level. It is recommended you drink bottled only water. Ecuador Consulate Tel 020 7584 1367 Time Difference: GMT -5hrs |
Trips from around 4000 pounds
Aboard the M/Y Sky Dancer, you can explore Darwin’s living laboratory while luxuriating in all the creature comforts of a Peter Hughes DivingTM custom-built dive vessel for up to 16 divers. Accommodations include eight private en-suite cabins with two twin or one king size bed with window view or port light, private head/shower, mirrored cabinet and wardrobe, bathrobes, hairdryer and toiletries. The elegant M/Y Sky Dancer is fully air conditioned and features a spacious lounge area and fine dining. Two dive masters and up to four dives a day ensure that your voyage transcends into a treasured adventure.
Cruise Highlights
Enjoy with our compliments
Important Notes
Diving: Due to the nature of the diving, cooler water
temperatures and strong currents, the Galapagos are not be suitable for beginner
divers or non-divers under 16yrs. We recommend a full 5 mm suite with vest,
gloves and hood.
Payment: The deposit for this tour is £600 per person. Prices
will be confirmed at the time of booking. This will include any increases or
reductions applied to the prices shown at that time. A 2.5% service fee applies
to credit card payments (no charge for debit or switch card payments)
Not Included: Travel insurance, overseas airport taxes, optional extensions, gratuities,
Click Here for insurance quotes or to book your insurance on line
Booking Hotline - Telephone 01752 504181 from inside UK
or ++44 1752 504181 from outside the UK
Ready to book or pay by telephone, post or on-line then call me
or contact me by email - see below
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see our Frames site at http://www.redseadivers.com