Galaxy Diver III Galapagos Diving Liveaboard

Tip Top IV

Tip Top IV is a beautiful 125ft first class motor yacht. Launched in 2006, she was designed and built specifically to offer the very best Galápagos adventure cruises and is one of the “Tip Top” fleet operated by the Ecuadorian Wittmer family. Captain Rolf Wittmer was one of the original pioneers of sustainable Galápagos tourism, founding the business in 1982. Tip Top IV continues the legacy by offering superb accommodation to only 16 guests, giving you a first class yet intimate experience of the Islands Service and local knowledge With a crew of 8 looking after a maximum of only 16 guests on board you’ll receive exceptional levels of service and comfort. The family-run Tip Top IV looks after her crew extremely well, and this means they always go out of their way to make sure you have a fantastic experience. Naturalist guides aboard Tip Top IV are certified by the Galápagos National Park and fully bi-lingual. Their knowledge of the wildlife and marine and on-shore habitats are second to none, and they provide daily briefings and informative talks that really bring the Islands and their ecosystems to life, as well as guiding you on fantastic land- and water-based excursions. Elegant accommodation Tip Top IV has one of the freshest, brightest decor schemes of all the yachts in her class. Her communal social areas are light and airy with panoramic windows and crisp white wall and ceiling finishes, softened tastefully by neutral earth shades. Fabrics and furnishings are modern and of the best quality. The boat’s whole ambiance feels like an exclusive New England beach club, and relaxed evenings on board enjoying the well-stocked bar are filled with smiles and laughter. The 10 cabins are equally well appointed. Each is available with twin beds or can be converted to a king size at your request. Individual air conditioning and plenty of storage makes them pleasant places to unwind and relax as well as sleep soundly while cruising to your next remarkable location. Each enjoys a large, private en suite bathroom with full-size shower, large mirrors, vanity unit and hair dryer. The elegant dining salon has been laid out with a more informal arrangement that encourages a social feel - the perfect place to relive the day’s wonders with new friends. The chef produces a delicious range of local specialities and international cuisine, all freshly prepared using locally sourced ingredients. Snacks can be enjoyed inside or on deck in the fresh ocean air. Outdoors the clean lines continue, with beautiful teak decks contrasting with the dazzling and crisp whites of the yacht’s hull and bulkheads. Shaded corners with comfortable chairs are perfect for a cooling drink or a relaxing read. There is also a fully-exposed sun deck with recliners for soaking up the Galápagos sun, or drinking in the wonderful star-filled night skies. Ready for adventure Tip Top IV’s excursions are designed to let you experience the real Galápagos in all her guises. As well as expert guides, the yacht carries complimentary snorkeling gear to allow you view the amazing marine life. She also carries ocean-going kayaks for a totally different experience from above the waterline. Your on-shore excursions will bring you close to the amazing and unique wildlife of the Islands, providing you with once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities. Our Comment The Wittmers’ Tip Top IV is one of our favourite motor yachts in the islands - she always looks so crisp, fresh and clean and her interior spaces are light and bright, we just can’t help feeling good when we step on board! We love the flexible cabins that can be made up as twins or a kingsize, and the large communal lounge with its panoramic windows. Kayaks on board are a great bonus and the happy and conscientious crew really make you feel welcome - and special.

Master

Galápagos Master prides itself as being one of the most eco-friendly Galápagos diving boats in the fleet. This sturdy, all-steel vessel is the perfect choice for getting you to some of the world’s best diving sites at the remote Wolf and Darwin islands. With only 16 guests maximum per trip and a crew of 12, she offers one of the best guest-to-crew ratios of any live aboard dive boat in the Galápagos, and her equipment is first class. Comfortable cabins Master has nine modern and well-appointed cabins, including four twins on the lower deck, and four on the upper deck. There is an additional single cabin which is available for solo travelers. Lower deck cabins may be preferable for those who suffer from motion sickness, as the ship’s movement will be less apparent in the swells that sometimes occur as you cruise the waters around the Galápagos. Lower deck cabins feature traditional portholes, while upper deck cabins have larger windows. All have en suite bathrooms with shower, and rooms are air-conditioned for your comfort. A social experience Galápagos Master’s communal areas are the heart of the ship. The main deck houses the spacious indoor lounge. Comfortable social seating makes this a great place to relax and swap stories about the day’s adventures and your Galápagos diving experience. You’ll also receive your safety and naturalist briefings here. There’s a large flat screen TV with HDMI inputs, which is perfect for watching your diving movies or taking a look at your photos. Also, on the main deck is the dining area and cocktail bar. Your chef Angel produces a great range of mouthwatering dishes, including his specialty ceviche, which is truly delicious, and can be enjoyed with a range of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks from the bar. Another great touch is the dedicated “camera station” where you can charge and store cameras - there are several North American power sockets available here, ensuring you’ll always be ready to capture the marine life that thrives in the Galápagos. For sun worshipers, the upper deck open-air lounge is perfect. Comfortable seating and loungers are available to help you soak up the equatorial sun. If you prefer a little more privacy, Galápagos Master’s bow area offers a quieter place to relax, with room for four sun loungers. The boat is very informal and relaxed, and you’re always welcome to use any of the gangways to move around the boat, and the captain is always happy to receive visitors on the bridge. High quality dive experience The dive deck on Master is very well-equipped, with everything you need for a first class Galápagos diving experience. Everyone is allocated their own equipment set up area, with storage for personal items. Generously sized rinse tanks are centrally located for washing down your dive equipment and camera gear, and there are 2 shower heads if you want a quick post-dive rinse. When you return from a dive, you’ll find a large dry towel waiting for you at your dive station, as well as a welcoming selection of warm drinks and snacks. **Stunning diving itineraries** With a choice of seven night and ten night itineraries, a Galápagos Master diving cruise offers something for everyone. Most days include four dives: two in the morning and two in the afternoon, but on some days you will have a shore excursion in the afternoon to allow you to see even more of the stunning Galápagos Islands and some of the land-based animals. This means that even on a seven night trip, you will enjoy 18-20 dives. However, the ten night trip means an amazing 28 dives are possible - if you can, this would be our recommendation for the ultimate Galápagos diving adventure of a lifetime. Galápagos Master offers you a wide range of dive equipment for rent at a reasonable daily rate, including full sets (excluding torch and dive computer) from $45 per day. Nitrox is available. **Our comments** Galápagos Master is a great option for seasoned divers who want to experience some of the best and most wildlife-rich diving in the world - including the world-famous Galápagos dive sites of Wolf and Darwin. Captain Javier and his dive team are highly experienced and very welcoming, and we particularly like the additional thoughtful touches that Master’s operators have put in place, such as the dedicated camera charging station and the individual preparation stations. This is a very social boat, and her large and comfortable communal areas attest to this. The salon is a great place to spend the evening checking out everyone’s photos and videos on the big screen - pictures from Galápagos you’ll treasure forever!

Nortada

Nortada is the perfect dive boat for those who want to make the most of their underwater time in Galápagos. With only 8 guests per trip, a diving cruise on Nortada will give you more time with the wonderful marine life of the archipelago. Her owner is also the operator - a local fisherman with intimate knowledge of the waters around the Galápagos and a deep understanding of what his guests are looking for in their diving cruise. Accommodation: With only four double cabins, Nortada is the most intimate diving experience in the Galápagos. All accommodation is on the lower deck, which minimizes the effects of the swell for a comfortable sleep as you motor between amazing dive sites. The Cabins are comfortable, with air conditioning, private heads and storage lockers. The public areas are bright and airy, and with only 8 guests sitting down to eat together there is a feeling of space and relaxation. There is a sundeck for relaxing and soaking up the equatorial rays. Diving: Of course, the diving is what this cruise is all about. Nortada is fully equipped to make sure you have an unforgettable time diving in the Galápagos. The scuba diving platform has ample benches, outside showers, camera tables and re-breather rinsing facilities. A complete toolkit and a selection of solid lead weights and trim soft pouches are available for all divers. 20 Nitrox compatible aluminum 80 cu ft / 12 liter cylinders are filled by one of the twin Nuvair LP/HP Compressors. Two Nuvair nitrox analyzers are available on board. For technical and re-breather diving, redundant oxygen clean Haskell Sport Boosters, one Tri Hunter 3000 Gas mixing stick for Trimix blending, several nitrox compatible 40 cu ft / 6 liter aluminum stage cylinders and several 19 cu ft / 2 liter steel re-breather cylinders with various valves and one Analytical Industries Trimix Analyzer are available upon request. Our comments: This is one of the best diving experiences you can have. The available itineraries will take you to the best dive sites in the world, and the team on board the Nortada are devoted to getting you underwater more often than other cruises that can be much more expensive. For divers, this is our pick of the lot.

Galaxy Diver II

Embark on an unforgettable Galapagos adventure aboard the Galaxy Diver II, a top-tier liveaboard yacht designed for both diving enthusiasts and nature lovers. With capacity for just 16 guests, this intimate vessel provides personalized service, luxurious amenities, and thrilling access to the region’s remarkable underwater and terrestrial landscapes. Diving Adventures: The Galaxy Diver II offers unparalleled access to the Galapagos’ most iconic dive sites, including Wolf and Darwin Islands. Encounter vibrant marine life, from hammerhead sharks and manta rays to playful sea lions. Equipped with state-of-the-art dive gear and led by expert guides, the yacht ensures a safe and exhilarating experience. Naturalist Exploration: For non-divers, the Galaxy Diver II provides expertly guided excursions to explore the Galapagos’ unique flora and fauna. Hike volcanic landscapes, kayak along pristine coastlines, and snorkel among diverse marine species. Comfort and Elegance: The yacht features eight beautifully appointed cabins with air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and either panoramic ocean-view windows or charming portholes. Social spaces include a stylish lounge, shaded deck, and dining area for enjoying delicious, freshly prepared local and international cuisine. Sustainability Meets Luxury: The Galaxy Diver II integrates eco-conscious practices, blending responsible tourism with luxurious comfort to provide a guilt-free and memorable Galapagos journey. Whether you seek breathtaking dive experiences or a relaxing wildlife exploration, the Galaxy Diver II offers a once-in-a-lifetime journey through one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations.