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Humboldt Explorer Overview & Highlights

Despite being one of the older Galapagos diving cruises, the Humboldt Explorer remains a top choice, having undergone recent refurbishments and safety updates. Its popularity is evident in glowing reviews, attributed to its well-equipped facilities, services, and especially its itineraries. The vessel accommodates 16 passengers in comfortable cabins with air conditioning and private bathrooms, offering amenities like TV/DVD and stunning island views. With air-conditioned social areas, a shaded rear deck, and a sundeck featuring a Jacuzzi, guests can relax between dives. Safety features include underwater tracking devices, life rafts, and first-aid equipment. The experienced crew, including dive instructors, ensures premium service and an unforgettable diving experience. The itinerary focuses on highlights like Darwin and Wolf Islands, Cousin's Rock, and Punta Carrion, offering unique diving adventures year-round. With its reputation and expertise, the Humboldt Explorer stands out among Galapagos liveaboard cruises, promising an exceptional voyage for diving enthusiasts. Ready to explore? Let's plan your adventure!

Highlights

Despite being one of the older Galapagos diving cruises, the Humboldt Explorer remains a top choice, having undergone recent refurbishments and safety updates. Its popularity is evident in glowing reviews, attributed to its well-equipped facilities, services, and especially its itineraries. The vessel accommodates 16 passengers in comfortable cabins with air conditioning and private bathrooms, offering amenities like TV/DVD and stunning island views. With air-conditioned social areas, a shaded rear deck, and a sundeck featuring a Jacuzzi, guests can relax between dives. Safety features include underwater tracking devices, life rafts, and first-aid equipment. The experienced crew, including dive instructors, ensures premium service and an unforgettable diving experience. The itinerary focuses on highlights like Darwin and Wolf Islands, Cousin's Rock, and Punta Carrion, offering unique diving adventures year-round. With its reputation and expertise, the Humboldt Explorer stands out among Galapagos liveaboard cruises, promising an exceptional voyage for diving enthusiasts. Ready to explore? Let's plan your adventure!

Highlights

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Humboldt Explorer Itineraries

Arrival to Baltra airport - Equipment check and safety briefing

AM: In the morning you will fly from Quito or Guayaquil (on the Ecuadorian mainland), to the Galapagos Islands. At the Baltra Island airport, after paying your entrance fee to the national park, a member of the ship's crew will welcome you and escort you to your diving yacht: the Humboldt Explorer.

PM: Boarding will take place after 1:00 p.m. and the output will follow soon. The first objective of the crew will be to take the guests to a calm site in front of the island of Lobos for a verification dive and a safety briefing. After dinner, the Humboldt Explorer will depart for the next scheduled destination.

AM: This morning we will visit Carrion Point, which is close to the eastern mouth of Itabaca Channel, between Baltra Island and Santa Cruz Island. You will see some almost ever-present creatures such as sea lions, Creole fish and Blue-striped sea slugs. You will also have a good chance of seeing mobula rays cruising by – sometimes in small schools. Whitetip reef sharks are also commonly sighted here. And, if you are lucky, you might see some Galapagos sharks and hammerheads – especially if you’re a scuba diver.

PM: This afternoon we will head to Bartolome Island for a dive, depending on the weather. Upon arriving on Bartolome Island, you’re likely to see harmless Whitetip reef sharks sunning in these waters. For many visitors, this may turn out to be one of the best of diving experiences, as the water here is generally clear, without too much surf and full of marine life. This location is best known for its countless schools of rays and fish. Guests will then depart for the northern islands.

AM: Wolf Island is one of those magical islands, with several dive sites to choose from. If you want to see sharks, you are at the right spot. This is a place for schooling hammerhead sharks, large aggregations of Galapagos sharks, and occasionally whale sharks. Seeing dolphins, large schools of tuna, spotted eagle rays, barracudas, sea lions and sea turtles is common. The bottom is littered with hundreds of moray eels, many of them free swimming. Being several degrees warmer than the central islands, you can look for many representatives of the Indo-Pacific underwater fauna. We will take four (4) dives during the day and possibly one (1) dive at night. Guests will spend the night here at anchor.

AM: Transit to Darwin Island for four (4) dives. Sightings often include hammerhead sharks, red-lipped batfish, eagle rays, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, and silky sharks. Guests will spend the night at anchor.

AM: Four (4) more dives on Darwin Island. Sightings often include hammerheads, whale sharks (in season), eagle rays, Galapagos sharks, silky sharks and whale sharks.

AM: Return to Wolf Island for three (3) dives. Sightings often include hammerheads, whale sharks (in season), eagle rays, Galapagos sharks, silky sharks and whale sharks.

PM: Long Transit to Cousin´s Rock

AM: Galapagos diving tours at Cousin’s Rock offer an excellent opportunity to see eagle rays, sea horses and sea lions. Lunch will be served in transit to Santa Cruz Island (3 hours).

PM: On Santa Cruz, guests will get to visit the giant tortoises in the highlands, the visit the town of Puerto Ayora and the Darwin Research Center on their own. Humboldt Explorer will then depart from Santa Cruz at 9 p.m. for San Cristobal.

AM: Concluding this amazing experience in the Galapagos Islands, you will be transferred to the Baltra Island airport for your return flight to the Ecuadorian mainland. Enjoy the last look back at the “enchanted islands,” a unique paradise with inspiring natural wonders.

Price per person

8 Days (Double)

USD$ 6295

Included in the price

  • 7 nights/8 days on board the vessel
  • 4 dives daily (weather permitting)
  • 3 meals daily, except Friday’s evening meal
  • Between-dive snacks
  • Towels
  • Linens
  • Use of tanks, weights and weight belts
  • All air fills
  • Transfers in the Galapagos Islands

Not included in the price

  • Airfare to/from the Galapagos Islands and land options prior
  • Bottled soft drinks and premium alcoholic beverages
  • Galapagos National Park fee ($100)
  • Chamber support fee ($35)
  • Tourist Card ($20)
  • Crew gratuities
  • Environmental fuel-use surcharge

Boat specifications

Technical Specifications:

  • Capacity: 16 passengers
  • Length overall: 106 ft. (32.3 meters)
  • Beam: 21.3 ft. (6.5 meters)
  • Draft: 8.2 ft. (2.5 meters)
  • Speed: 10 knots
  • Crew: 7 crew members plus a naturalist diving instructor and a diving instructor assistant

Accommodations:

  • Cabins: Humboldt Explorer accommodates 16 passengers in 8 air-conditioned double cabins on main and lower decks. All cabins have ocean views, TV/ DVD, hot water, private bathrooms and showers. All rooms except rooms 3 & 4 (forward below-decks) can be converted to either one queen bed or two twin beds. All our bedrooms have large windows to maximize the gorgeous view of the Pacific Ocean and Galapagos Archipelago. Cabins are located on the main and lower decks.

Facilities:

  • Social Areas: Air-conditioned social areas. Covered back deck and sundeck with Jacuzzi. The air-conditioned salon on the main deck includes dining tables, TV, VCR, CD/DVD, video library and lounge area.
  • Safety Equipment: Life rafts (2), life rings/strobes, life vests/strobes, an emergency position locator, flares, oxygen and first aid equipment
  • Air Systems: 2 electric Bauer compressors with nitrox membrane, producing 32% nitrox, bank storage
  • Tenders: Rigid hull inflatables (2), used for passenger transport and diver pickup
  • Diving Equipment: A large staging area, air compressor, tanks, weights and rental diving equipment
    • Nitrox is available and there is a large camera table and rinse tank for cameras.
    • All safety equipment complies with international Coast Guard regulations

Humboldt Explorer Deck plans

The Humboldt Explorer offers thoughtfully designed decks that combine comfort, elegance, and functionality, from a panoramic sun deck to stylish lounges and open-air dining areas. Its modern staterooms and inviting social spaces create a relaxing and luxurious environment for an unforgettable cruising experience.

Humboldt Explorer Gallery

Explore the Humboldt Explorer through a curated gallery that showcases its elegant cabins, refined dining spaces, and onboard experiences. Each image captures the ship’s atmosphere, from relaxing moments to exciting adventures, inspiring your next journey at sea.

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FAQs about Humboldt Explorer

What is the Humboldt Explorer?

El Humboldt Explorer es un liveaboard / diving yacht de categoría superior en Galápagos diseñado para buceadores exigentes. Con capacidad para 16 pasajeros en cabinas con baño privado y aire acondicionado, ofrece confort, espacios comunes como salón, cubierta soleada con jacuzzi y zona de inmersión equipada profesionalmente.

What itineraries does the Humboldt Explorer Galápagos offer?

El itinerario estándar dura 8 días / 7 noches, navegando hacia sitios emblemáticos como las islas Wolf y Darwin, con inmersiones múltiples — hasta 4 al día (según clima) — más visitas terrestres, snorkel y snorkel-tours.

What is included in Humboldt Explorer prices?

El precio incluye alojamiento en el yate, pensión completa (tres comidas diarias + snacks), bebidas no alcohólicas y locales, hasta 4 inmersiones diarias, tanques, pesas y correas, rellenado de aire, traslado en Galápagos (misma llegada/salida), toallas y linos.

What dive level is recommended?

El Humboldt Explorer está orientado a buceadores con experiencia. Las inmersiones en zonas como Wolf o Darwin, con corrientes fuertes y fauna salvaje, requieren buena técnica — idealmente Advanced o con experiencia previa en inmersiones profundas.

Does the Humboldt Explorer offer nitrox?

Sí — a bordo del Humboldt Explorer hay compresores y estación de mezcla para nitrox (32 %) disponibles. El uso de nitrox tiene un costo adicional por persona.

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Nicole C profile picture
Nicole C
24 Junio 2025
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Wonderful trip We were so taken care of by Surtrek on a recent family trip to Equador and the Galapagos (travelers ages 8-77). Our Surtrek guide Maite worked with us to design a trip that focused on the items we wanted to be sure to see, and our timeframe and budget. Local guides and the boat tour she outsourced were wonderful. We felt so comfortable every step of the way for what would have otherwise been confusing travel. We definitely would recommend this company to others!
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Journey12963557311
25 Febrero 2025
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Unforgettable sensitive experience. Excellent!!!An unforgettable journey accompanied by the cordiality and professionalism of the company.Highly recommended, willing to repeat!
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Edgardo Marcelo M
25 Febrero 2025
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Beautiful experience. Wonderful places. Very well explained by guides of admirable training. All very well. There are no details to improve. The absolute good disposition and kindness were unbeatable. Makes you want to return soon
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Elsa M
25 Febrero 2025
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A dream trip The views was amazing. I took a lot of photos. Never seen animals, dream landscapes, amazing sea color. Luxury hotels, in Isabela by the beach, just steps from my room!!
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Nick V
17 Diciembre 2024
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Ultimate fun, minimized hassles, amazing tour operation and travel agency I've had several people ask me what the highlight of our Quito, Ecuador and Galapagos Islands trip was, and frankly it's hard to pinpoint anyone thing so I tend to tell them: all 8 days! Our trip started with being greeted and picked up by our amazing travel agent, Maite. She was delightful from start to finish. Easy to communicate with via email, phone, and whatsapp. Maite consistently made sure we had what we needed. Surtrek supplied our driver, Christian, and our tour guide in Quito, Juan. Christian was a great driver. He knew the roads inside and out and we always felt safe. Juan probably knows everything about Ecuador -- and interestingly also Chicago! The time in Quito was fabulous. We enjoyed seeing the sites of the city and the cloud forest nearby. We ate delicious food and really had a treat with great weather. Maite and Christian got us to the airport for our trip to Galapagos and made sure we were smoothly through security. I've never had such personal service!Our time on the Horizon was fabulous. The staff onboard were top to bottom great. From the tour coordinator to the housekeeping to the culinary to the guide and of course the folks who drove the dinghys that got us to and from every activity. The food was top knotch with a lot of variety. The activities were fun and not overly strenuous, but also not lethargic. A nice balance.I was pleasantly surprised that in November there were no bugs, so no need for bug spray. Of course plenty of need for sun screen still! But the temps were great. High 70's and low 80's Fahrenheit. We saw basically everything in the Galapagos: penguins, blue and red footed boobies, frigate birds, owl, land and marine iguanas, sea lions everywhere, and of course the giant tortoises! During snorkeling we had [small and hammerhead] sharks in the water with us, sea lions in the water, schools of brilliant fish, and 1 amazing encounter with a sea turtle only feet away from my mask. It was breathtaking. Some folks say later in the summer is the best time because the water is clearer, but in our case the water was still quite clear and the animals were much closer to the surface, so it worked great. And the crew provided us with wet suits, so that helped with buoyancy and with warmth. After Galapagos we were shocked to have Maite and Christian back with us at the airport. We expected since our planned activities with Surtrek were done that we wouldn't see them again, but no they were there to meet us again and make sure we transited to our final hotel for a few hours sleep before the final trip home. It was a very pleasant surprise, and frankly just made it so much simpler than being "on our own".The coffee, the chocolate, the hummingbird sanctuary, all the beautiful sites. Dessert all the time. Just a really great trip!I'd go back to Ecuador in a heartbeat, and Surtrek is absolutely how I'd organize my trip to make it hassle free!
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TravelerPatch
20 Noviembre 2024
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Oh, were there to be Six Stars to give! My friend and I were looking to do a boat-based Galapagos trip, as well as a few days in and around Quito. Normally, I don't much use tour companies, preferring to plan the trip mostly on my own. However, for a few reasons, and after some research, we ended up working with Maite at Surtrek to plan this trip. It was, simply, fantastic.From the start (and all the various questions over email) to the end (meeting us at the airport as we were headed back to the U.S., Surtrek (and, specially, Maite - and our guide, Juan and driver, Christian) was 100% top-notch, full recommend, no-doubt-about-it wonderful.Assuming you can book a flight to and from Quito, the rest you will not have to worry about one bit. They will work with you to tailor a trip exactly to your liking (we had a grand time doing just what we hoped to do) and, while on that trip, you'll have a blast. The enthusiasm and passion with which Juan lead the tours was unsurpassed. Christian was a great driver and, also, such fun. Maite was a true joy with which to work.I know this sounds a bit over the top, but it's also accurate. I fully recommend - trust me - you won't be disappointed.
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Laura M
9 Noviembre 2024
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Galapagos, Machu Picchu, and Easter Island! Everything about this trip was absolutely amazing. Surtrek arranged and organized everything for us - it was one of the best travel experiences we've had. We had guides and drivers who took very good care of us and made sure we got to see and do absolutely everything. I would HIGHLY recommend Surtrek for any South American travels!
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Sangeetha M
21 Octubre 2024
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Amazing honeymoon trip to the Galapagos! We loved our trip with Surtrek! We worked closely with Fernando to plan our honeymoon to the Galapagos. We didn't know exactly what we wanted to do; whether it was a cruise or a land tour. But, we knew we needed to plan it relatively soon or the opportunity would slip through the cracks as we got busy with work travel and the holiday season that was approaching. Fernando provided several options to choose from with a combination of cruise and land options; all within our budget. He provided his insight and suggestions along the way, which was much appreciated! We ultimately chose a 7-day, 6-night luxury yacht with an additional 3 nights on the island to explore by ourselves. It took a little more than a week from the time I contacted Surtrek to the time we finalized/booked the trip, There was always someone to guide us every step of the way, which was also appreciated as neither of us spoke Spanish. All the logistics worked out perfectly. 10/10 would recommend!
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Donalyn R
28 Septiembre 2024
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The trip of a lifetime!! We just had the most amazing adventure and it was all thanks to Maite at Surtrek! She patiently listened and crafted the very best experience for my husband and I! We visited Mindo, Cotopaxi, Baños, the Napo Cultural Center in the Amazon, and took a cruise around the Western Galapagos islands. From start to finish, Maite was so kind, so patient, and attended to my every question and concern. This was to be a celebratory vacation for many reasons, but principally our 25th wedding anniversary. Maite shared this with some of our hosts and we experienced beautiful celebrations at the restaurants and hotels we stayed at. It was the trip of a lifetime and we were so well cared for. When I expressed concerns regarding the reported unrest in Ecuador, Maite was able to reassure me that all would be well and that we would be very safe. We always felt very secure and comfortable. The private transportation and guides, the beauty and nature we witnessed, everything was amazing!! I cannot recommend Surtrek highly enough. We came home with over 1,800 pictures! Absolutely incredible! While you may be able to find cheaper options for travel, the quality of our experience with Surtrek was absolutely worth the price. If you want a quality experience, Surtrek is a fantastic choice!
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Trail777667
21 Julio 2024
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Surtrek is Awesome When my wife & I were planning a trip to Galapagos and Peru, we contacted 3 or 4 different travel agencies. I found Surtrek to be the most helpful, knowledgeable, flexible and offered competitive pricing. I dealt directly with Ligia at Surtrek and cannot find enough words to describe the friendly and superior services she provided us. We had specific cities and sights we wanted to visit and Ligia mapped out an excellent itinerary for us, including hotels, flights, restaurants and sightseeing. We visited Quito, Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca, in addition to an 8-day luxury cruise of the Galapagos islands. All arrangements, including flights, cruise, hotels, ground transportation, sight-seeing and guides were arranged by Surtrek. We were met at each arrival city by an expert guide and driver and the guide also helped us check in for our on-going flights at the end of each city tour. The guides were very knowledgeable, experienced and friendly, treated us very well and catered to our every need. Surtrek even helped secure reservations at high end restaurants in Lima, which are difficult to get unless booked well in advance. Surtrek made us alternate arrangements when one of our flights was canceled for mechanical reasons. Our trip lasted 18 days and all arrangements were flawless.To add a personal touch, Ligia treated us to a very nice lunch on our arrival in Quito. Thank you, Ligia, for making our Ecuador/Galapagos/Peru trip such a memorable, enjoyable and stress free one. I look forward to contacting you at Surtrek for our future South America travels.

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