Galapagos liveaboard recommendations anyone?

[wheresthebeach]

I'm heading to South America this fall and want to check out a liveaboard in the Galapagos. There's some availability on 4 different boats at the time I'm looking: the Astrea, Humboldt Explorer, the Nortada, and the Aggressor. The Astrea (formerly Pinguino Explorer) is SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper but I cannot find a single review on it.

It's hard to find reviews on any of the boats, in fact, and the idea of dropping $5000 USD without solid reviews is daunting. Solo diver/traveller, will have to rent equipment because I'm travelling long term in South America and don't want to pack it with me.

Any advice/recommendations would be hugely appreciated.

Thanks again!

 

[nudisusie]

I've booked onto the Galapagos Master. Its the boat formerly Deep Blue but has been refitted and is managed by Worldwide Dive and Sail. I've been on their Siren Fleet boats and have never been disappointed in the service, diving or overall quality.

i think most liveaboards will not charge single supplement if you are willing to share.
Their full equipment rental is around $175 for the week - incl 5mm or 7mm wetsuit

i had a quick look on scubatribe.com (diver review website) but there were no reviews for any yachts there, just a couple of dive centres.

As an aside I have booked a few days tour in Ecuador with Gulliver tour operator - they have been excellent might be worth looking in to for your extended land based trips

 

[jameseg]

The Humboldt Explorer is operated by Explorer Ventures, which is a very well-regarded operator. I've been on one of their other boats (twice) and found them to be excellent - both in terms of communication during the booking process and the onboard experience. I don't think you could go wrong with that boat. No experience with the others.

James