Galapagos MV SKy - What Did You Wish You Knew Before Going

[Shazzman]

Hi. going to Galapagos on MV Sky liveaboard. What did you wish you knew before going? Examples, did you wish you brought more batteries, extra lanyards, extra clothes, reef hook, etc?

 

[Interceptor121]

I am going there too Mid may. I spent quite some time wondering about exposure suits. I have spoken to a few people that have been on that very boat at same or different time of year. Personally I will take all my usual tools that include reef hooks albeit I have been told you literally hang on the sharp rocks hence I got myself some kevlar gloves as normal ones apparently shred. This is something you want to check

 

[tracydr]

I went in June in the Agressor. I wished I'd brought a drysuit, instead of a 5ml + hooded vest. Other than that, a good Livaboard list should do you. Two computers is a good idea.
Remember that you are way, way far away from any dive shop or anything else. You need to take anything you might need and a save-a-dive kit.
I had a fin strap break in Africa on the first dive. My straps weren't the same as anybody else's and I didn't have a spare. Thank goodness the DM had very small feet and extra fins that fit.
i didn't find a reef hook or Kevlar gloves necessary. I wasn't holding on to rocks that often or tightly.

 

[Interceptor121]

I went in June in the Agressor. I wished I'd brought a drysuit, instead of a 5ml + hooded vest. Other than that, a good Livaboard list should do you. Two computers is a good idea.
.

That is what I have been debating as I do have a drysuit. At the end after looking at temperature recorder early May (am going on the 11th) I decided for a multi layer system: 5mil suit, 3mm hooded vest, 2.5 over shorty plus a bunch of thermal underwear. This should allow me to have the right exposure in every location (in theory)

I have been told a dry suit is not recommended because of sharp barnacles, risk of punctures what happens if you break a seal (have read reports of people to whom this occurred)

I will keep monitoring temperatures and as I have 32 KG allowance I might end up taking the dry suit for the dives in Punta Roca.

 

[tajkd]

I knew about the drysuit and brought it. Good move. Reef hook is probably only needed a few times. I did without but could have used one. There are some land tours so bring sturdy shoes along. The nights were a little cool for me - I could have used a sweatshirt or jacket. The crossing was very rough many people had trouble diving on the first day at wolf/darwin. I would bring along an ambien or something else to get some rest. Don't forget the camera with lots of memory - the photo ops are amazing. It's a great boat and one of the best adventures of my life. btw - I coupled this with a trip to macchu picchu. If you have the time, its another great adventure and you are very close.

 

[Interceptor121]

I looked at Machu Picchu but it works out a bit expensive overall so we will extent the stay in galapagos going to two islands and then stay 3 nights in Quito to relax. I am aware of need of trekking boots and fleeces however the drysuit is something I will decide last minute when I look at recorded dive temperature s. What was the coldest water you experienced and when exactly did you in June?

 

[RJP]

Thick, thick, Kevlar gloves. They will be chewed through. I went with a drysuit and glad I did. Water not terribly cold, but on most dives you are either "holding on" or "drifting into the blue" so either way you are not generating much heat yourself.

Can't see a reef hook being of much value since on most dives it's a matter of current AND surge. I find simply finding a spot where you could hold on a few fingers and then just "swaying in the breeze" was the easiest approach. Go back and forth with the surge instead of fighting it - much easier.

Also, on most dives... turn around! There's often very cool stuff BEHIND you as well.

 

[Interceptor121]

Thick, thick, Kevlar gloves. They will be chewed through. I went with a drysuit and glad I did. Water not terribly cold, but on most dives you are either "holding on" or "drifting into the blue" so either way you are not generating much heat yourself.

Can't see a reef hook being of much value since on most dives it's a matter of current AND surge. I find simply finding a spot where you could hold on a few fingers and then just "swaying in the breeze" was the easiest approach. Go back and forth with the surge instead of fighting it - much easier.

Also, on most dives... turn around! There's often very cool stuff BEHIND you as well.

When did you go?

 

[RJP]

When did you go?

September... with tajkd, who posted above.

 

[Donnah]

You need multiple ways to signal the zodiacs that come to pick you up -- whistle, scuba tuba, Dive Alert. The currents can be very strong, and everyone can get separated. Keep your buddy close!