Humboldt Explorer Galápagos Diving Cruise

• Fantastic diving itineraries
• Luxury cruise amenities
• Very large dive deck with modern equipment
• Gear rental available.

The Humboldt Explorer is a specialist Galápagos dive vessel that believes that divers should enjoy a touch of luxury! Her 8 air-conditioned cabins are located on the main and lower decks for maximum stability. Each of them has a private bathroom, flat screen TV and panoramic windows that provide stunning ocean views. Most rooms can be converted to either one queen bed or two twin beds. Communal spaces are equally delightful, and highlights include a partially shaded sun deck with a Jacuzzi and ample comfortable seating, and an extremely comfortable salon area with dining, bar and entertainment area.

The large dive deck is extremely well-equipped and features include a bathroom, a large camera table with charging station, individual storage areas, and rinse bins for cameras and another for gear. All diving operations are conducted from two large pangas (tenders), easily boarded from the dive deck, and conducted by one of 8 specialist dive guides who work on board in rotation.

The Humboldt may be luxurious, but she's definitely a dive ship first, and her dives are often at an advanced level, against currents, challenging and therefore more rewarding than many on offer in the archipelago. Because of this, guests will need to be certified as open water scuba divers by an internationally recognized and certified organization and should be experienced (they recommend that you have more than 100 logged dives) and must have logged at least one dive within the 6 months prior to boarding the vessel.

Our Comments Captains Carlos and Jorge are very experienced sailors and they lead an expert crew, including great naturalist divers. Roberto, the chef produces a really varied menu, and there's something different at every meal. Unusually, local beers are included in your package, but the bar has a good variety of other drinks to suit all tastes. We really like the combination of serious dive boat and luxury cruise vessel - usually you have to choose from one or the other, but in our opinion the Humboldt Explorer is the best of both worlds, and it's a fantastic place to relax after a day of incredible diving.

At Galapatours we love and respect the pristine ecosystems and fascinating wildlife of the Galápagos Islands, and we insist that our cruise partners do too. To protect the archipelago all our cruise vessels must have sophisticated water filtration systems, modern efficient engines, and strict maintenance schedules to minimize pollution.

The Galápagos National Park authority also defines exact cruising routes that dictate which ships can visit highlights at specific times, as well as limiting passenger numbers. These measures ensure that animals and habitats are not disturbed by too many visitors.

But at Galapatours we like to go even further. We voluntarily offset all the CO2 emissions of every cruise we sell - at no cost to you. And you can also play your part by traveling responsibly and following our Eco Guidelines during your stay. Click here to find out more about these guidelines, our commitment to sustainable tourism, and the Galápagos National Park rules.

The food on our Galapágos Cruises is among the very best you will find in South America. Most of the on-board chefs are internationally trained and have prior experience working in the best hotels and restaurants in Ecuador and indeed around the world.

You can expect a first-class selection of food, including a good variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, locally sourced poultry and fish/seafood, rice and pasta dishes. Most boats will always include some typical Ecuadorian dishes on the menu during your cruise. If you have specific dietary requirements then these can usually be accommodated by the chef providing you have given advance notice. Please make sure you tell us about any allergies or dietary requirements you have at the time you book with us. If you leave it until you arrive at the dockside, then it may well be impossible to accommodate your needs.

Most boats serve a range of options at meal times in a relaxed buffet-style. At the first class and luxury end of the market, some boats have more formal dining where you will be served at your seat. However the atmosphere is always relaxed on board our cruises, and never stuffy or formal.