The top rated Galapagos liveaboards for scuba divers

Ready to experience the world-class diving that the Galapagos Islands are so famous for? For both divers and non-divers, booking a Galapagos liveaboard is by far the most immersive and cost effective way to visit, allowing you to reach iconic dive sites such as Wolf and Darwin Islands that are otherwise out of reach.

To help you choose the right vessel, our dive travel experts have listed some of the best scuba diving liveaboards in the Galapagos, based on their own experience of diving in the islands and feedback from ZuBlu’s guests. Keep reading to find your favourite or learn more about liveaboard diving.

Update: Entrance fees for the Galapagos National Park have risen, with most foreign tourists now required to pay $100.

Best for: Budget-savvy travellers

Aqua is a recently updated mid-range adventure yacht offering unique liveaboard diving routes through the Galapagos Archipelago. Enhanced by an experienced and attentive crew, Aqua offers a variety of scuba diving and naturalist focussed itineraries, as well as the option to combine both for the complete Galapagos experience.

Aqua’s commitment to affordable comfort continues into its dive operations, with facilities carefully organised for maximum convenience and safety during each day of energetic diving. The vessel’s generous dive deck provides plenty of individual space for up to 16 guests who are then transported directly to the action via zodiac. Photographers will also find a two-tier camera table to assist with gear maintenance and preparation. And, Aqua offers nitrox, top of the line rental gear and GPS locators for extra peace-of-mind. 

Remodelled in 2019, Aqua is one of the region’s most modern vessels, delivering plenty of comfort at a reasonable price.

Best for: Combining diving with excursions throughout Ecuador

This phenomenal family-run liveaboard was renovated in 2019, and now boasts brand new everything – from the motors, generators and compressors, to the dive deck, dining area and cabins. As a result, Calipso is an impressively stylish vessel with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, providing a wonderful balance to its adventurous itineraries. And, beneath the style you’ll find plenty of substance, with mouth-watering all-you-can-eat buffets, an on-deck Jacuzzi and a barbecue area.

Expanded specifically to facilitate stress-free diving, Calipso’s dive deck comes equipped with individual stainless steel diver stations, a convenient bathroom, hot-water showers and a towel warming station. Plus, underwater photographers will find a three-tier camera table and dedicated rinse bin to help take care of their precious rigs.

Guests opting for Calipso can choose from a selection of interesting ‘add-on’ excursions, both within the Galapagos and beyond to the Andes, Amazon rainforest, and more! 

Best for: Underwater photography

Part of the prestigious Aggressor Fleet, Galapagos Aggressor III was custom-built to offer comfortable dive safaris in the remote Galapagos Archipelago. Personalised service from an attentive crew and an array of high-end amenities make this superior modern motor yacht feel like a floating hotel, not to mention complimentary beer, wine and cocktails once the day’s diving is done. This 30-metre vessel accommodates 16 guests in superior comfort, offering a generous salon with modern entertainment centre, as well as plenty of room to spread out above deck on sun loungers, covered seating, and in an open-air hot tub.

All itineraries aboard the Galapagos Aggressor III include three days of underwater exploration at the legendary Darwin and Wolf islands – known for mind-blowing encounters with hammerheads. The expert crew has decades of diving experience and can happily accommodate intermediate divers in this adventurous destination.

The photography facilities aboard Galapagos Aggressor III are among the best in the region, complete with a multi-tier table, separate rinse bins, and a blow-dry station.

Best for: Dedicated divers

The Galapagos Master is built for steady sailing and offers classic Galapagos adventure diving safaris, complimented by luxurious touches for which the Master Fleet is famous. Sample delicious meals in the dining room, followed by a cocktail from the adjacent bar, before heading topside to lounge on both sun and shade decks complete with comfortable seating and panoramic views.

This renovated motor yacht offers extended voyages lasting between eight to ten days at sea. The vessel scours the islands’ hotspots, searching for marine megafauna and exciting endemic wildlife, with a focus on the region's best sites – Darwin and Wolf islands.

The Galapagos Master’s ten-day itinerary includes four whole days at the islands of Darwin and Wolf! Discerning guests will also appreciate on deck facilities such as a nitrox compressor, dedicated rinse bins, and warm-water showers.

Best for: Five-star luxury

This modern, comfortable motor yacht boasts nearly 20-years of cruising experience in the Galapagos Islands, and it shows. Galapagos Sky operates in partnership with two prestigious operators – Ecoventura and DivEncounters – to offer some of Ecuador's very best liveaboard voyages and set new standards for luxury in the Galapagos. The entire vessel is finished with rich wooden accents and communal areas that invite social relaxation with plush comfortable seating – including hammocks and loungers on the top deck.

When it comes to diving, this boat guarantees high standards of service, complete with complimentary nitrox fills for new reservations and plenty of personal gear storage. Plus, Galapagos Sky’s two tenders ensure there are no long surface swims. You’ll also benefit from naturalist dive guides to help you make the most of your Galapagos experience. 

Onboard comforts include chic and modern interior decor, fine dining and imported wine. And, these luxurious details continue through to the diving with first-class amenities including hot towels after every tank.

Best for: Sustainable dive safaris

Constructed in 2009, Humboldt Explorer remains one of the Galapagos’ premier diving liveaboards. Guests will experience the ultimate Galapagos itinerary, dedicating maximum time to Wolf and Darwin Islands, alongside excursions to the Santa Cruz highlands in search of giant tortoises and North Seymour for a spot of bird watching. Plus, the team builds on extensive experience in the region to provide a warm and welcoming environment during each intrepid adventure.

This vessel’s wide array of convenient dive amenities all but guarantees guest satisfaction. As well as a large and spacious dive deck, Humboldt Explorer also offers naturalist guides, nitrox and extensive photography facilities to help divers make the most of their time in this remote region.

Operated by the first Green Fins approved liveaboard fleet, guests can be confident in the Humboldt Explorer's commitment to safe and sustainable dive practices.

Best for: Eco-luxury

From the palatial lounge area with marble and gold accents, to the charming al-fresco dining tables and spacious cabins, everything on board Tiburon Explorer is designed with discerning divers in mind. You’ll even find an open-air Jacuzzi on the sun deck, surrounded by daybeds, providing the perfect spot for an evening cocktail. 

As with Humboldt, this vessel comes ready-for-action, providing a host of convenient amenities to facilitate easy, eco-friendly diving. The efficiently-designed dive deck is equipped with individual storage areas, a nitrox compressor, three freshwater showers, and a convenient bathroom. Meanwhile, a dedicated camera table, charging points and separate freshwater rinse tanks help photographers capture the perfect shot.

Brand new in 2020, Tiburon Explorer boasts all the attributes of its sibling vessel, Humboldt Explorer, with a little extra luxury on top. And, while you relax your weary body after another day of diving, your mind can also rest assured that you’re travelling with the world’s first Green Fins approved fleet.

Best for: Non-divers and solo travellers

Solaris is a contemporary 36-metre liveaboard built in 2019. Plenty of personal attention is guaranteed from the welcoming team, which includes an expert, park-certified naturalist guide to add extra insight to this hugely significant destination. This first-class liveaboard is both spacious and comfortable with stylish interiors that compliment the muted wooden finish. Outside you’ll find more comfortable social spaces, including a sun deck furnished with loungers.

Itineraries aboard Solaris follow original and exclusive routes with flexible duration, starting from three-nights and lasting up to 14 action-packed nights at sea. Even their shorter routes still visit some of the most impressive and ‘out-of-the-way’ visitor sites.

Solaris focuses on naturalist itineraries in the galapagos, providing great value for money by visiting two attractions each day. And, with no single’s supplements, it also offers some of the most solo-friendly cruises in the Galapagos.