Galapagos Master Liveaboard

Galapagos Master

Liveaboard · Galápagos

Specialized diving mastery featuring land-based discovery, high-end comforts, and dedicated imaging resources.

16
Galápagos
32m
2001

About This Vessel

Galapagos Master is a boutique liveaboard cruising the Galápagos region. It hosts up to 16 divers on board.

The Galápagos marine ecosystem, shaped by converging oceanic currents, supports endemic species observed from the 32-meter Galapagos Master. The remote Galápagos Islands are defined by a powerful confluence of oceanic currents. Cold, nutrient-dense water from the Humboldt Current travels north, colliding with the warm south-flowing Panama Current. This intersection creates a unique, highly produc…

Upcoming Departures

Upcoming Departures

Onboard Amenities

Updated 2023 Interior
Three-Level Deck Arrangement
Low-Profile Balanced Engineering
Padded Seating Zones
Interior Dining Room
Four Electrical Generators
Double Fresh Water Makers
Interior Mess Hall
12-Person Professional Staff
Integrated Hot Water System

Dining & Beverages

Assorted Cocktail Menu
Expertly Prepared Cuisine
Self-Service Buffet
Interior Cocktail Service
Buffet Dining by Onboard Chefs
Daily Snack Selection
Non-Alcoholic Sodas
Full-Board Dining
Coffee and Tea Station
Potable Water

A full-board culinary program merging international recipes with local flavors, prepared by professional cooks and served buffet-style with snacks available all day.

Dive Equipment & Setup

Expert Dive Assistance
Gear Hire Services
EANx Nitrox (Supplementary Fee)
No Support for Technical Diving
Dual-Level Camera Workbench
Large Scuba Deck
Personalized Equipment Lockers
Dedicated Soaking Tubs
High-Power Inflatable Tenders
Heated Deckside Shower

Dive Area & Sites

The Galápagos Islands represent one of the most thrilling diving destinations on Earth, where powerful oceanic currents converge to create an underwater ecosystem unlike any other. Divers regularly encounter schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks numbering in the hundreds, whale sharks during the cooler season from June to November, and playful Galápagos sea lions that often join divers underwater. Marine iguanas — found nowhere else on the planet — graze on algae along the rocky shallows, while giant manta rays, golden rays, and green sea turtles cruise through the nutrient-rich waters. The volcanic landscape continues beneath the surface with dramatic rock arches, steep walls, and pinnacles attracting dense aggregations of pelagic fish. Diving here is generally suited to experienced divers due to strong currents and cooler water temperatures ranging from 16°C to 24°C.

Important Information

What's Included

Daily Food Service · Underwater Tours

Not Included & Local Fees

Visitors must pay a 200 USD Galápagos National Park entry tax in cash per voyage, typically paid upon arrival at the airport. · Dive Gear Rental

Airport Transfers

Transport to and from the airport is included within the booking price.

Insurance Recommendation

We strongly recommend all guests to purchase comprehensive dive accident insurance and trip cancellation insurance before departure. Dive accident insurance covers medical treatment, hyperbaric chamber costs, and emergency evacuation in the event of a diving incident. Trip cancellation insurance protects your financial investment — not only if you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to personal illness, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances, but also if the trip is postponed or cancelled by the operator due to severe weather, technical issues, or other operational reasons. In the unlikely event of operator insolvency, cancellation insurance can also help recover your payments. Please ensure your policies are valid for the entire duration of your trip and cover the planned activities.

Tourist Card / Visa

A 20 USD fee for the Ingala Transit Control Card is mandatory and payable in cash at the Guayaquil or Quito airports prior to boarding your flight to the islands.

Rental Gear

Scuba Equipment: Complete kit $45 per day (or $300/$450 for 7/10 nights). Individual items (7mm wetsuit, regulator, BCD, or computer) $84/$126 each; Fins, boots, or mask $36/$54 each. Snorkeling supplies available on request. Supplementary Gas: Nitrox $25 per day (or $168/$252 per trip); Twin Nitrox $216/$324; 15L upgrade $84/$126. Nautilus Lifelines and Safety Sausages (SMB) are complimentary (replacement cost $350).

Accommodation

Classic Twin/Double Cabin

Classic Twin/Double Cabin

Twin or Double • Lower Deck • 9 m²

2x
👥 2 GuestsPrivate Ensuite BathClimate ControlGenerous Storage Space
Premium Twin/Double Cabin

Premium Twin/Double Cabin

Twin or Double • Upper Deck • 6 m²

1x
👥 2 GuestsPrivate Ensuite BathClimate ControlGenerous Storage Space
Premium Double Cabin

Premium Double Cabin

Double • Main Deck • 7 m²

4x
👥 2 GuestsPrivate Ensuite BathClimate ControlGenerous Storage Space
Classic Twin Cabin

Classic Twin Cabin

Twin • Lower Deck • 9 m²

2x
👥 2 GuestsPrivate Ensuite BathClimate ControlGenerous Storage Space

Booking & Travel FAQ

How does the booking process work?

Select a cabin and departure on Galapagos Master, and we send a real-time inquiry to the operator. After availability is confirmed, you receive a booking confirmation by email and secure your spot with a deposit.

When do I need to pay?

A deposit (usually 25-35%) is due upon confirmation. The remaining balance is typically due 4-8 weeks before departure, depending on the operator.

What documents will I receive?

After your final payment, you'll receive a travel voucher with meeting point, embarkation time, airport transfer details, packing tips, and your full itinerary.

How do I get to the boat?

Most liveaboards depart from a designated marina. Many operators offer airport pickup and transfers — details are in your voucher. We recommend arriving one day before departure.

What certifications do I need?

A valid dive certification (e.g. PADI Open Water), dive insurance, and a valid passport. Some destinations require additional permits or visas — we inform you during booking.

Can I cancel or change my booking?

Cancellation terms vary by operator and are in your confirmation. Generally, the earlier you cancel the higher the refund. Changes depend on availability — contact us as soon as possible.

Vessel Technical Overview

Vessel Specifications

Year built2001
Year renovated2023
Length32 m / 105 feet
Beam7.6 m / 25 feet
Cruising speed12.5 knots
Max guests16
Number of cabins9
Number of bathrooms10
Engines2
Freshwater maker2
Water capacity16 tonnes
TendersHigh powered tenders

Navigation & Safety Systems

Stable Steel-Hulled Architecture
Experienced 12-Member Crew
Life Jackets for All Onboard
Portable Medical Kit
Nautilus Lifeline GPS Units
Radio Communication (VHF)
Staff Trained in First Aid
Emergency Oxygen Tanks
Safety Equipment for Tenders
Oxygen-Qualified Crew Members
Deployable Life Rafts
Staff trained in emergency medical response
Automated fire sensing and suppression tools
Satellite-linked and mobile phone connectivity
High-frequency radio systems (VHF/DSC/SSB)
Emergency signaling flares and mirrors
Comprehensive medical kits
Inflatable survival rafts
Global Positioning System (GPS) units
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) On Board
Therapeutic oxygen for emergencies
Digital marine radar
Water ingress and bilge sensors

What guests say online

4.5 / 5(87 reviews)
How is this overall rating calculated?

The headline score is the simple average of the category scores shown below (Boat, Crew, Value, Diving, Dive sites, etc.), each weighted equally. The review count reflects how many source reviews back the underlying analysis. When no category breakdown is available for a vessel, the headline falls back to the guest-weighted average across source platforms.

Guests consistently praise the Galapagos Master for its exceptional crew, clean and stable boat, and the world-class diving experience it offers, particularly around Wolf and Darwin Islands. The vessel is known for its safety-conscious and attentive staff.

Boat4.5
Crew4.7
Food4.3
Diving4.5
Service4.4
Dive sites4.5
Cleanliness4.5
Most praised
  • +Exceptional and attentive dive and boat crew
  • +Strong focus on diver safety
  • +Stable and clean steel hull vessel
  • +Access to remote, world-class dive sites

Based on approximately 87 reviews. Aggregated rating based on reviews from multiple independent dive travel and operator platforms as well as on ratings from our customers. Public statements from diving forums and community platforms may also be incorporated as text into the highlighted praises and critiques. Ratings are independently calculated and are not affiliated with or endorsed by the source platforms.

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