Galapagos 2009

[leadweight]

I would like to go to the Galapagos in 2009. Not sure what time of the year it will be. A live aboard dive boat would be preferred.

1. Anyone know which boats are licensed for 2009? I am especially interested in boats other than the Aggressor(s).

2. What are the current policies regarding shore excursions from the dive boats?

3. Anything else I need to know?

 

[ocbeachbum]

I dove the Galapagos last March but was not on a live aboard. (I had a great time with the shore based op Scuba Iguana) My trip report can be found Here. From what the locals told me there will be an expansion of the number of Wolf/Darwin dive operator licenses in 2009, from 3 to 5 if memory serves. Aggressor is and will likely remain the most popular op there. I honestly don't know if you will be able to find a space on a live aboard on what for the Galapagos is short notice (some folks book 2-3 years in advance) which led to all the threads complaining about fuel surcharges. That may change given the license change but it will all depend on which Ecuadoran politicians get paid. Sky Dancer is another yacht that is currently licensed go to Darwin/Wolf, but I don't know much aside from the name so I can't recommend it one way or the other.

2. Shore excursions vary by dive boat. It is a separate licensing issue. There are 42 sites scattered throughout the islands where guides can take tourists. Other than in the towns/farms, the rest is off limits to tourist and local alike.

3. There are a limited # of flights to the islands and peak times can get pretty crowded, make sure you get tickets sooner rather than later. If you can't get a flight or want to do things on the cheap there are several boats that make the 2 day sail from Guayaquil regularly. Airfare will be $400-450 from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra. Ship passage is something like $120 from Guayaquil to San Cristobal or Puerto Ayora. From what I'm told the ship ain't exactly luxurious. Speaking Spanish is not necessary but is helpful if you want to do anything off the main tourist streets.

Hope this helps, feel free to PM with specific questions.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

We are planning a trip for April 2009 (I want to go in the warmest conditions) so I can't wait to hear some feedback. I'm quite excited about going!

 

[tstormdiver]

Looks like I may be going in Aug./ Sept. of 2010 on a live aboard. 2yrs out was the soonest the shop could charter the boat. Plenty of time to save my pennies. Looking forward to it!

 

[ocbeachbum]

It really is a shame that folks have to wait so long for a live aboard out there. Some of the restrictions on divers/boats are good and help protect what is an amazing and fragile resource, but a lot is just socialist Ecuadoran bureaucracy. BTW, if you're just itching to go sooner, It is possible to book a full week of land based diving only a month or two in advance (even on big holiday travel times, I went the week of Easter). I don't think Land-based diving there gets enough credit. The flip side is no Darwin/Wolf, but I thought it was a fair trade at the time. My skills/budget weren't up for all that. Something to look forward to later though.

 

[georoc01]

I know that SingleDivers.com has a trip planned on Explorer Ventures Eco Explorer October 2009. This was supposed to be a 2008 trip that was rescheduled when EV lost one of their permits.

 

[Manuel Sam]

In addtion to the two Aggressor boats and the Sky Dancer, I know of two other boats that are currently running dive trips: the Deep Blue, which I have been on twice and recommend highly, and the Estrella del Mar, which is being used to do the Explorer Ventures trips.

My guess is that al of these outfits will stil be running dive trips next year.

Ken Weemholf, from Galapagos Adventures, and who represents the Deep Blue here in the US, is pretty good about keeping up with the latest whims of the Galapagos National Park. Suggest that you look at that website and email Ken for further info.

 

[mjh]

FYI, an El Nino is expected to be in force 2009-2010, we have put off booking our trip till the end of 2010.

La Nina Fading; El Nino Birthing