Tiburon Explorer Liveaboard

Tiburon Explorer

Liveaboard · Galápagos

Experience the pinnacle of Galapagos diving on this contemporary 2020 craft designed for exclusive 16-passenger sustainable excursions.

16
Galápagos
38m
2020

About This Vessel

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

Navigating the Galápagos archipelago, the 38.1-meter Tiburon Explorer offers dedicated dive expeditions for up to 16 guests. Schooling hammerheads, whale sharks, and marine iguanas are not just occasional visitors in the Galápagos; they are the foundation of a marine ecosystem built on a grand scale. This remote volcanic archipelago sits at a critical junction of multiple deep-water currents, a c…

Upcoming Departures

Upcoming Departures

Onboard Amenities

Cabins on the Lower Deck
Windows with Sea Views
Main Deck Guest Rooms
Temperature-Controlled Living Quarters
Fulfilling Yearly Environmental Inspections
Official PADI Eco-Center Designation
Individual Equipment Lockers
Dedicated Rinsing Tanks for Cameras
Freshwater Gear Wash Stations
Valet Pressing and Washing

Dining & Beverages

Open-Air Meal Service
Free-of-Charge Soda
Variety of Wines
Inclusive Evening Wine
High-End Culinary Service
Assorted Beer Options
Between-Meal Snacks
Buffet-Style Meals

An on-staff chef serves a comprehensive dining plan that encompasses every daily gourmet meal, light refreshments, and snacks in the ship's private dining area.

Dive Equipment & Setup

Power-Equipped Camera Bench
Twin Large Inflatable Tenders
Individual Storage for Gear
Scuba Equipment Wash Tanks
Bathroom on the Dive Deck
Dedicated Camera Cleaning Tubs
Pair of Electric Bauer Air Compressors
Underwater Exploration Equipment
Enriched Air Nitrox (32%) Membrane
Strict Compliance with Green Fins Guidelines

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

Onboard Lodging · Full Catering Service

Not Included & Local Fees

Entry costs for the National Park typically fall between 100 and 200 USD. · Laundry Support

Airport Transfers

Pick-ups from the airport are included at no cost. Transportation to local lodging can be arranged as a paid extra.

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.

Rental Gear

Complete Kit (Regulator, Wetsuit, BCD, Mask, Fins): $250 weekly · Buoyancy Control Device: $90 weekly

Accommodation

Lower Deck Stateroom

Lower Deck Stateroom

Twin • Lower Deck

3x
👥 2 GuestsPrivate Ensuite BathShowerClimate Control
Main Deck Stateroom

Main Deck Stateroom

Twin • Main Deck

5x
👥 2 GuestsPrivate Ensuite BathShowerClimate Control

Booking & Travel FAQ

How does the booking process work?

Select a cabin and departure on Tiburon Explorer, 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 built2020
Length38.1 m / 125 feet
Beam7.5 m / 24.6 feet
Cruising speed10 knots
Top speed12 knots
Max guests16
Number of cabins8
Number of bathrooms9
Engines2 Engines MTU serie 60, 475 HP each
TendersTwo large pangas

Navigation & Safety Systems

Visual Distress Flares
EPIRB Emergency Beacon
Strobe-Equipped Buoyancy Rings
Dual Inflatable Life Rafts
First Aid Supplies and Medical Oxygen
Personal Flotation Devices with Lights
Green Fins Accredited
Depth Sounding Equipment
Life Jackets for Emergencies
Marine Radar System
Automated Fire Detection and Extinguishers
Radio Comms (SSB/DSC/VHF)
Satellite and Mobile Phone Links
Engine Room CCTV Monitoring
Crew Trained in First Aid
GPS Navigation Technology
High-Powered Spotlight
Bilge Water Level Alarms
Electronic Fish Finder

What guests say online

4.5 / 5(47 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 Tiburon Explorer as a top-tier liveaboard experience in the Galapagos, often calling it the best or nicest they've encountered. Many highlight the vessel's luxury, spaciousness, excellent food, and attentive crew.

Boat4.6
Crew4.8
Food4.7
Value4.2
Cabins4.5
Diving4.3
Service4.5
Most praised
  • +Best liveaboard experience
  • +Newer, top-notch, and luxurious boat
  • +Fantastic food
  • +Attentive and informative crew

Based on approximately 47 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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Book your unforgettable diving adventure aboard the Tiburon Explorer