Friends, picture sapphire channels, lava cliffs, and pelagic giants sweeping past in bright blue water. That’s the promise of a Galápagos liveaboard—wake, dive, repeat—plus guided island walks between sites.

This guide trims the guesswork with prices, realistic schedules, and what each boat tier delivers, so you board confident and ready for the best underwater week of your year.

Why Liveaboard

Daily dive boats rarely reach the remote northern sites that make the archipelago famous. Liveaboards position you near Wolf and Darwin (on qualifying itineraries), maximize water time—often three to four dives per day—and weave in select land excursions for naturalist-guided walks.

When To Go

Expect excellent diving year-round. June–November brings cooler water with booming action; December–May is warmer with calmer seas and top visibility. Itineraries are limited; reserve months ahead, especially for northern routes.

Budget Picks

Estrella del Mar — from $280/day

A budget-friendly naturalist cruise (snorkel-focused) that hops multiple islands on 7–17 days. Twin cabins for up to 16 guests, unhurried deck time, and daily shore walks. Great for mixed groups where some prefer snorkeling and hiking over diving.

Aqua — from $273/day

Offers true dive itineraries on 8D/7N trips (about 19 dives); shorter 4D/3N runs are snorkel-focused. Max 16 guests, nine cabins, steady 9-knot cruising, and relaxed lounges between splashes. A solid entry point if you want real dive days without premium pricing.

Yolita — from $279/day

Another value naturalist option on 7–17 days. Expect guided island time, snorkeling with turtles and rays, and calm evenings on the sun deck. Best for travelers prioritizing wildlife variety and comfortable pacing over a heavy dive count.

Mid-Range

Galápagos Aggressor III — from $412/day

A diver’s workhorse: 8D/7N, roughly 20 dives, with up to four dives per day plus two night dives when conditions allow. Eight staterooms for 16 guests, covered sun deck, photo-friendly setup, and polished dive routines.

Cormorant — from $405/day

A spacious catamaran focused on snorkeling and naturalist excursions (4–8 days). Suites and staterooms, wide decks for wildlife watching, and smooth ride quality between islands. Ideal for companions who prefer surface wildlife and shore hikes.

Grand Majestic — from $343/day

Fast cruising at up to 25 knots means more time in the action. Naturalist itineraries 4–8 days pair beach landings with frequent snorkeling. Eight cabins, attentive service, and flexible daily plans.

Luxury

Galápagos Sky — from $663/day

A classic premium dive boat: 8D/7N, roughly 18 dives, often with three full days at Wolf and Darwin. Nitrox included, expert guides, and streamlined deck logistics so the focus stays on schooling sharks, rays, and fast-moving pelagics.

Galápagos Master — from $547/day

Serious dive program on 8–11 days with up to 30 dives on the longer run. Nine cabins for 16 guests, wide camera tables, and shaded outdoor lounges between briefings. A favorite for photographers chasing action and comfort.

Humboldt Explorer — from $549/day

8D/7N with around 16 dives and consistent northern coverage when weather permits. Eight cabins configured for pairs, practical dive deck, and unpretentious comfort—big value if your priority is site quality.

What’s Included

Most dive liveaboards cover cabin, three meals daily, snacks, coffee and tea, tanks, weights, guided dives, and towels. Many naturalist trips include kayaking and shore walks. Expect extras for rental gear, Nitrox (when not included), course add-ons, satellite Wi-Fi, and crew tips.

Essential Fees

Budget for mandatory charges not in day rates:

• Galápagos National Park fee: $100 per trip (payable on arrival or via operator)

• Transit Control Card (TCT): $20 per person

• Hyperbaric chamber fee: $30–$35 per trip on many dive boats

• Dive insurance: strongly recommended; some operators require proof at check-in

Sample Week

Day 1: Fly to Baltra or San Cristóbal; board by early afternoon; safety briefings and checkout dive.

Days 2–6: Three to four dives daily at marquee sites; naturalist walks inserted where schedules allow. Surface intervals on deck; sunset briefings.

Day 7: One to two morning dives; return toward port; packing and settling accounts.

Day 8: Disembark after breakfast; flight to mainland Ecuador.

Gear & Skills

Water ranges from cool to warm; a 5–7 mm suit with hood is common in cooler months. Gloves may be allowed at certain sites—confirm with your operator. Advanced Open Water and 30–50+ logged dives are typical recommendations for northern itineraries due to surge and current. Snorkel-focused cruises welcome all levels.

Booking Smarts

Reserve flights into Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE) and onward to Baltra (GPS) or San Cristóbal (SCY) the same morning your cruise starts, or add a buffer night on the mainland. Ask if park and transit fees are prepaid, confirm the dive count and route (Darwin/Wolf vs. central/southern), and check what rental sizes are stocked. If motion sensitive, choose mid-ship lower cabins and pack medication.

Costs At A Glance

• Budget naturalist boats: $270–$300/day (snorkel + land)

• Entry dive boats: $270–$450/day (itinerary-dependent)

• Premium dive boats: $540–$700+/day (often include Nitrox)

• Gratuities: plan 10–15% of the trip cost, paid on board in cash unless the operator states otherwise

Final Thoughts

Liveaboards unlock the far edges of the Galápagos and stack your days with unhurried dives and purposeful island time. Which itinerary fits your style—a budget snorkel-hike sampler, a mid-range comfort cruiser, or a northern-legend dive week chasing schooling sharks?