FAQ's

For every dive, you will use the "pangas". They are tenders from where you will roll backwards in to the water. After your dive, your tank will be lifted back into the "panga" and you will board via its stern ladders or with assistance from the side.

Night dives are strictly forbidden at the National Park of the Galapagos.

Decompression dives or technical dives are not allowed due to the remoteness of the Galapagos, local diving regulations and insurance requirements.

There is no depth limits set by law or the National Park authorities, however, you will be restricted by your qualification and dive insurance depth limit. You will also have to dive at all times with a Galapagos National Park dive guide.

You must have a proof of diving and travel insurance due to the nature of this trip.

All the dives will be guided by an instructor/naturalist guide and due to Galapagos National Park regulations, all divers must dive with a guide at ALL TIMES.

If you plan to spend more than one night at the end of your liveaboard and/or would like to take a tour in Ecuador, Quito is a better choice as it's more scenic. Scheduling your international flight in and out of Guayaquil means two fewer flight legs on the Galapagos flight (see "Flights: To Galapagos from Ecuador ) but consequently a slightly more expensive package.

The flights to the Galapagos originate in Quito, making a quick stop at Guayaquil, then carrying on to the islands. The flights do the reverse on the way back. The flights to and from the Galapagos is are often delayed and that is why at least an overnight stay is strongly advised at the end of your trip in order not to miss your international flight home.

There are two companies operating this route and they have daily flight. (TAME & Aerogal) We will primarily use TAME as we have strong relationship with them. Both of these companies use airports in Galapgos, Baltra and San Cristobal. Should the National Park authorities request a change of itinerary, we will not have a problem flying you to another other airport. The seats are held in bulk by the ground agent and the tickets will not be issued until a week before the liveaboard's departure. The schedule and prices of these flights change very often and, unfortunately, this is beyond our control. Should the price increase after you've paid your balance, the difference will have to be paid by you.

The nearest Recompression Chamber is actually on the Galapagos Islands, located in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz and can be reached within 5 minutes by car from the harbour

This will vary according to the National Park authorities. As a rule of thumb, any inhabited island is open to visitors, while the un-inhabited are off-limit.

If possible, try to pack your regulator, your mask, your medications and a swimsuit change. Unexpected luggage delay will then be far more bearable.

The luggage allowance on your flight from the UK to Ecuador will vary according to the airline. Please contact us for queries on this subject. However, there is a strict weight limit on checked-in and hand luggage on the flight from Quito and/or Guayaquil to the Galapagos:

" Each passenger is allowed ONE checked bag of 20kg (approx. 44 pounds)
" Each passenger is allowed one carry-on bag up to 8kg (approx. 17 pounds)

Each additional kilogram from Quito and Guayaquil is charged at U$ 1.75 and must be paid in CASH upon check in. *Prices are subject to change at very short notice.*

The voltage onboard is 110V, but the charging station also has 220V. The plugs onboard are of type A or B and the vessel does not have adaptors.

You are allowed to bring your own duty free alcohol onboard the vessel. The ship is also stocked with a choice of local Ecuadorian alcoholic beverages. Premium and imported alcohol can be arranged with notice and prices will vary.

Lunch and dinner will usually consist of lots of fresh vegetables, rice, chicken, beef, pork and fish. Breakfast is the usual fare of eggs, ham, cereal, toast and fresh fruits. Snacks are available between the dives. If you have any dietary restrictions and/or requests, please let us know in advance. Please note that specific brands of soft drinks, dressings and food are often unavailable in the islands, and that it can be VERY difficult to find low-fat or soy products, fresh fruits, fish and other items common elsewhere.

Please make sure to inform us and we will try the best to accommodate your dietary requirements, but be aware that you may have to bring some of your own food if the lack thereof may constitute a health risk or seriously compromise your holidays.

You may pay your final bill at the end of the week using cash or credit cards (VISA or Mastercard). American Express, traveller's cheques and personal cheques are not accepted. Gratuities are best paid in cash, as this avoids any additional Ecuadorian taxes and service fees. Please note there will be an 8% surcharge to use credit cards.

Personal Locator Beacons (or Personal EPIRB's) are to be worn on ALL dives in the Galapagos. Humboldt Explorer offers free hire, but they should be reserved in advance.

Crew gratuities are not included in your package. The crew work very hard in order to provide you with the best service. The standard for crew tips (if you are happy with the service) is between 10% and 15% of the package price per passenger and your generosity will be greatly appreciated.

All linens and towels are provided onboard. Soaps will be supplied, but no hairdryers are available.

Personal Locator Beacons (or Personal EPIRB's) are to be worn on ALL dives in the Galapagos. Buddy liveaboards offer free hire, but they should be reserved in advance.

The use of reef hooks is permitted in the Maldives. Guests onboard M/V Carpe Diem and M/V Carpe Vita can purchase reef hooks for $35, but they are not available for rent. Guests onboard M/V Sachika, would need to bring their own reef hooks as they are not available to rent or purchase.

Yes there are currents in the Maldives and some dive atolls offer more 'channel' diving such as Felidhu/Vaavu, Meemu, Laamu.

Nitrox is available onboard M/V Carpe Diem and M/V Carpe Vita, but NOT onboard M/V Sachika.

From January 2012, diving will no longer be permitted in Hanifaru Bay, only snorkelling will be allowed.

Technical Diving is not allowed on any of the vessels we offer in the Maldives.

We cannot cater for rebreather divers onboard any of our vessels in the Maldives, however can offer daily diving shore based packages for rebreathers.

Five recompression chambers are available in Maldives. The largest and longest operating recompression chamber is on Bandos Island (15 minutes by speedboat from Malé). The others are located on Cinnamon Alidhoo Resort, Villingili Resort in Addu, Kuramathi Resort, and Kandholhudhoo Islands.

The maximum diving depth in the Maldives is 30m.

Alcohol is available for purchase onboard M/V Carpe diem, however it is not permitted to take duty free into the Maldives.

No children under the age of 16 (unless full charter). Children 16 - 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Available on request.

Internet is available in the form of a dongle which works on a 3G system. This dongle can be used on guests laptops or on the onboard computer and costs $8 per hour. Connection quality varies depending on the boats position.

You can use all major credit cards (excluding Amex) or cash to pay onboard. For cash payments, prices are in $USD, but both $USD and EURO's can be used. A surcharge may occur on credit card payments.

Plug sockets onboard M/V Carpe Diem are the same as the UK and there are also plenty of adaptors onboard.

The recommended tip is $50 - $70 per 7 night trip, per guest.

Soap and shampoo are supplied.

Towels are changed every 2-3 days and beach towels for sunbathing and diving are also provided.

Alcohol is available for purchase onboard M/V Carpe vita and in addition guests get 2 glasses of wine or beer at dinner time included in the package price. It is not permitted to take duty free into the Maldives.

No children under the age of 16 (unless full charter). Children 16 - 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Available on request.

You can use all major credit cards (excluding Amex) or cash to pay onboard. For cash payments, prices are in $USD, but both $USD and EURO's can be used. A surcharge may occur on credit card payments.

The recommended tip is $75 per 7 night trip, per guest.

Soap and shampoo are provided.

Towels are changed every 2-3 days and beach towels for sunbathing and diving are also provided.

Alcohol is available for purchase onboard M/V Sachika, however it is not permitted to take duty free into the Maldives.

Hairdryers are available on request.

Internet is available on request onboard M/V Sachika for $0.50 per min, however your own personal laptop or mobile phone will be required.

-All payments onboard are possible in cash USD$ only or by Credit Cards ( MasterCard and VISA, with a 4% fee).

Plug sockets onboard M/V Sachika are European 3pin.

The recommended tip onboard M/V Sachika is $7 - $8 per day.