Humboldt Explorer Liveaboard

The Humboldt Explorer offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes of the Galapagos Islands. This upscale liveaboard is designed for those who seek both comfort and adventure while diving through a 28,000-square-mile national park. Fully renovated in 2023, the yacht provides luxury amenities such as air-conditioned cabins with ocean views, private bathrooms, and a spacious sun deck with a jacuzzi.

With a capacity of 16 passengers, the Humboldt Explorer delivers an intimate diving experience. Diving enthusiasts can explore some of the Galapagos’ top dive sites, including Wolf and Darwin Islands, which are known for their exceptional marine life, including hammerheads, whale sharks, and eagle rays. The vessel also offers a large dive deck with a camera table and dedicated rinse tanks, making it ideal for underwater photographers. Whether you’re seeking exhilarating dives or a relaxing escape, the Humboldt Explorer offers the perfect blend of luxury and adventure.

General Information

The Humboldt Explorer liveaboard accommodates 16 passengers in eight air-conditioned rooms, each featuring a private bathroom, flat-screen television, and ocean views. The yacht also boasts a partially covered sun deck with a Jacuzzi, ample seating, and a salon area complete with dining, a bar, and an entertainment space.

The large dive deck includes a bathroom, a spacious camera table with a charging station, individual storage areas, and rinse bins for cameras and gear. Humboldt Explorer’s diving operations are conducted from two large pangas (tenders), which are easily accessible from the yacht’s dive deck, ensuring seamless and safe diving experiences.

Scuba Highlights

Embark on a magical underwater adventure aboard the luxurious Humboldt Explorer liveaboard. With both a naturalist diving instructor and a diving instructor assistant on board, you’ll explore iconic dive sites like Cape Rosa, considered one of the most beautiful locations in the Galapagos Islands, where rock fissures and basking sea lions set the scene. Keep an eye out for the occasional sea turtle or penguin, perfect for a photo-worthy moment.

The Humboldt Explorer also takes divers to the remote Darwin Island, home to world-class dive sites like The Arch, accessible only by liveaboard. Here, you’ll witness breathtaking scenes of schooling pelagic fish, hammerheads, whale sharks, and spotted eagle rays. The Galapagos offers no shortage of superior dive sites, including Cape Douglas, where you can spot penguins, and Pitt Point, famous for colonies of red-footed and blue-footed boobies.

Marine Life

The Humboldt Explorer offers a truly unique diving experience in the Galapagos Islands, where volcanic underwater landscapes foster an incredibly diverse marine ecosystem. Divers on this liveaboard can expect encounters with majestic species such as hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, Galapagos sharks, and manta rays, particularly around iconic dive sites like Wolf and Darwin Islands. The nutrient-rich waters also attract schools of eagle rays, golden rays, and an abundance of pelagic fish, creating awe-inspiring underwater scenes.

In addition to the larger species, divers will be treated to sightings of playful sea lions, sea turtles, and the occasional dolphin or penguin. The region’s isolation means many marine species are endemic, adding to the allure of the Galapagos Islands. The Humboldt Explorer’s well-equipped dive deck ensures a comfortable experience, with camera tables, rinse bins, and charging stations, making it perfect for underwater photographers aiming to capture the breathtaking biodiversity. This blend of luxury and adventure aboard the Humboldt Explorer makes for an unforgettable Galapagos diving journey.

Location

The Galapagos Islands are a volcanic archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 600 miles (966 kilometers) west of mainland Ecuador. Straddling the equator, the islands are known for their unique position in both the northern and southern hemispheres, which contributes to their diverse and fascinating ecosystems. The archipelago consists of 13 major islands, 6 smaller ones, and numerous islets and rocks, making it a truly remarkable destination for nature lovers and SCUBA divers alike.

The islands’ volcanic origins have shaped their rugged landscapes, with active volcanoes still observable on some islands like Isabela. The Galapagos are best known for their rich biodiversity, home to a variety of endemic species, including the Galapagos tortoise, marine iguana, and the only penguins found north of the equator. This region is also where three ocean currents converge, creating a unique marine environment, ideal for diving and exploration.