Nortada Galápagos Diving Cruise
Diving at Darwin & Wolf
A Galápagos Cruise on board the Nortada
24 Reviews
What we love about the Nortada
Only 8 guests, the most exclusive dive boat
Locally owned and operated
More dives than any other cruise
The best dive itineraries in Galápagos
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.
Amenities on board the Nortada
Triple cabins
Wetsuits
English guides
All meals
Snorkel gear (free of charge)
Travel for good: Your Each booking contributes to Ventura’s Conservation Project.
Air conditioning & private bathroom
Single travellers can share cabin
Water, Coffee, Tea & fresh juices
German guides
Food & Drinks on board the Nortada
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.
Sustainable Tourism
At Galapatours we love and respect the pristine ecosystems and fascinating wildlife of the Galápagos Islands. To protect the archipelago, all vessels in Galápagos must have sophisticated water filtration systems, modern, efficient engines, and strict maintenance schedules to minimize pollution. Furthermore, The Galápagos National Park authority defines exact cruising routes that dictate which ships can visit which highlights at what day and time, as well as limiting passenger numbers.
Our commitment extends beyond the mandatory environmental standards for cruise vessels in the region: A portion of your trip price now contributes to our Conservation Project. This initiative empowers local communities to protect their territory, engage in reforestation, and prepare for long-term environmental stewardship. This way, your trip contributes to environmental protection and truly shows how travel can be a force for good! 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.