For the seasoned diver, the Galapagos Islands represent the ultimate frontier, a place where the ocean’s raw power meets breathtaking biodiversity. Navigating this remote, protected marine reserve requires a vessel that is both a sanctuary of comfort and a dedicated expedition vessel. The Tiburon Explorer liveaboard is precisely that: a 125-foot (38m), purpose-built steel-hull yacht launched in 2020, engineered for stability and designed for the discerning explorer. Limiting its cruises to just 16 guests in 9 well-appointed ensuite cabins, it offers an experience defined by space, attentive service, and an unwavering commitment to the environment.
Every aspect of the Tiburon Explorer is designed to enhance your time on the water. The expansive dive deck sets the professional standard, with organized individual stations, large preparation tables for camera systems, and dedicated freshwater rinse tanks. Efficient operations are managed from 2 large, locally-crafted pangas (tenders), ensuring swift access to the islands’ famed sites. Above, the yacht’s social spaces are flooded with natural light. The main saloon, lined with panoramic picture windows, is an elegant hub for relaxation, dining, and planning the next day’s adventure with your guides. For moments of tranquility, the sun deck offers a shaded lounge, a bar, and a hot tub - the perfect vantage point for soaking in the archipelago’s spectacular scenery.
Operated by the respected Explorer Ventures liveaboard fleet, the Tiburon Explorer is built on a foundation of deep operational expertise and sustainable values. As a certified Green Fins and PADI Eco-Center member, the vessel adheres to strict environmental protocols, ensuring its presence supports the preservation of the very wonders you’ve come to see. This commitment extends to a carefully planned itinerary that balances the legendary pelagic action of Darwin and Wolf Islands with the unique ecosystems found elsewhere in the archipelago.
A 7-night diving tour on the Tiburon Explorer liveaboard is a masterfully paced voyage. You will spend multiple days immersed in the currents of Darwin and Wolf, famed for their congregations of scalloped hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, and, seasonally, majestic whale sharks. The trip then shifts to explore sites like Cabo Douglas and Punta Vincente Roca, offering a chance to encounter the archipelago’s endemic marine iguanas feeding underwater and the elusive oceanic sunfish (mola mola). This balanced approach provides a more comprehensive portrayal of the Galapagos, from its large pelagic draws to its uniquely adapted resident species.
The experienced Tiburon Explorer crew, including knowledgeable dive guides, prioritizes safety and enriching education about this mighty ecosystem. The package includes comfortable accommodation, all meals and snacks, and local beverages, allowing you to focus entirely on the experience. The tour also incorporates guided land excursions, such as a visit to North Seymour Island to witness blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds, connecting you to the islands’ extraordinary terrestrial life.
Choosing the Tiburon Explorer liveaboard is about selecting a modern, stable, and environmentally conscious yacht for a true diving expedition. It is designed for divers who seek not just to witness the Galapagos, but to understand and appreciate it deeply, traveling in comfort with a team dedicated to showcasing one of the planet’s most remarkable marine wilderness areas.
There are 9 Standard double or twin bed cabins on the Tiburon Explorer liveaboard. The 6 main deck cabins all feature picture windows. 2 of them feature queen beds only, while the other 4 have twin beds that can be converted to doubles for couples. The lower deck has 3 such convertible cabins with smaller windows, but these cabins also have a lounge area with a sofa. All cabins have their own private TV with DVD/USB entertainment.
All the cabins have:
- Air-conditioning
- Windows (large on main deck, smaller on lower deck)
- En-suite bathroom with toilet and hot water shower
- Hand basin, toiletries and towels
- TV & DVD player
- Reading lights
- Cabinet, shelves and mirror
- Bedding and luggage space
- Lower deck cabins have sofas
- US-style 3-pin 110V electricity
- Life jackets
- Fire extinguisher and alarm system
No. of bathrooms / showers - 9 / 9 - hot water
Western Galapagos, Wolf & Darwin
Trip highlights: shark action, dolphins, manta rays, seals/sea lions, turtles, schooling fish & big pelagics, non diving activities, onboard experts on wildlife and natural history
Diving environment: advanced divers, drift diving, off the beaten track
Dive sites and activities: Baltra North, Wolf Island, Darwin Island, Cabo Douglas, Punta Vicente Roca, Cousins Rock, 2 wildlife land tours: North Seymour and Santa Cruz Islands.
Extended trips also visit: Cabo Marshall.
Day 1
Your adventure begins as you are met at Baltra Airport and transferred to the Tiburon Explorer liveaboard. After boarding, you'll enjoy a welcome lunch while receiving a comprehensive boat briefing from the experienced crew. Settle into your cabin, familiarize yourself with the vessel, and relax as it sets sail over dinner, cruising towards the first spectacular dive sites of the expedition.
Core Days
Prepare for an unparalleled underwater experience. The nutrient-rich waters of the Galapagos are a magnet for massive schools of fish and iconic megafauna, making every dive an event. Get your cameras ready for the famous residents of these islands. You can expect thrilling encounters with playful sea lions, manta rays, and large schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks. Diving with dolphins and reef sharks is a common occurrence here. From June through November, your dives are enhanced by the possibility of coming face-to-face with the ocean's largest fish: the magnificent whale shark. This is a true bucket-list experience.
The Darwin and Wolf Islands are the crown jewels of Galapagos liveaboard diving. These remote islands are world-renowned for their sheer density of life. Expect breathtaking action with walls of hammerheads, patrolling Galapagos and silky sharks, soaring eagle rays, and the seasonal chance to witness whale sharks. This is pelagic diving at its absolute finest.
Explore the cool, nutrient-rich waters of Punta Vicente Roca for unique macro life and the chance to spot the bizarre ocean sunfish (mola mola) and turtles. At Cabo Douglas, you'll have the unique Galapagos experience of diving with the only marine iguanas in the world as they feed underwater. At Cabo Marshall you will dive along beautiful walls and reefs where sightings often include manta rays cruising the currents and large schools of barracuda.
Your safari includes 2 land-based excursions to complement your underwater adventures:
At North Seymour Island, walk amongst large colonies of blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigate birds (watch for their inflated red throat pouches!). You'll also see sea lions and marine iguanas basking on the rocks.
Journey to the misty Santa Cruz Highlands to see giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat. You'll have time to explore the town of Puerto Ayora and visit the Charles Darwin Research Centre at your own pace. Enjoy a well-earned dinner at a local restaurant before returning to the liveaboard.
Final Day
After an early breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to the amazing MV Tiburon Explorer and its crew. Transfer arrangements will be provided for your flight from Baltra Airport, taking with you a lifetime of memories from the Enchanted Isles.
Central Galapagos, Wolf & Darwin (11 Days / 10 Nights - 29 Dives)
Trip highlights: whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, shark action, dolphins, manta rays, seals/sea lions, turtles, schooling fish & big pelagics, non diving activities
Diving environment: advanced divers, drift diving, off the beaten track
Dive sites and activities: Punta Carrion, Baltra North, Wolf Island, Darwin Island, Cabo Douglas, Cabo Marshall, Cousins Rock, 2 wildlife land tours: North Seymour and Santa Cruz Islands
Day 1
The Tiburon Explorer departs just after noon and your liveaboard diving adventure begins after you are met at Baltra Airport and transferred to the vessel. Once onboard, acquaint yourself with the vessel over a welcome lunch and an essential safety and cruise briefing from the crew. As you settle into your cabin, you will set sail during dinner, beginning your voyage to the initial dive sites of your Galapagos adventure.
Core Days
Prepare for a series of dives that define a lifetime. The convergence of currents in the Galapagos creates an explosion of biodiversity, bringing you into the heart of the action with some of the ocean's most magnificent creatures. You will dive alongside curious sea lions, be surrounded by schools of hammerhead sharks, and marvel at the graceful flight of manta rays. Dolphins often play in the bow wake, and reef sharks patrol the reefs. For an unparalleled highlight, the months from June to November offer the chance to witness the gentle filter-feeding of the whale shark.
These world-famous sites of Darwin and Wolf are at the heart of the action, where you can experience the adrenaline rush of diving amidst hundreds of sharks, including hammerheads, Galapagos and silky sharks, with seasonal visits from whale sharks and eagle rays.
Drift along the walls of Cabo Marshall where manta rays are commonly seen gathering to be cleaned, alongside large fish schools. Cabo Douglas offers the unique Galapagos experience of diving with marine iguanas as they forage for algae on the underwater rocks.
Your journey also includes 2 land tours:
Traverse a path through active nesting grounds of blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigate birds on North Seymour Island, with opportunities to see their iconic courtship behaviours.
Journey from the coast into the lush Santa Cruz Highlands to observe giant tortoises in their natural, misty habitat. The day also includes exploration of Puerto Ayora town and the Charles Darwin Research Centre, as well as a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Final Day
Enjoy one final breakfast onboard the liveaboard before bidding farewell to the Tiburon Explorer and its crew. Provided transfers will ensure a timely arrival at Baltra Airport for your onward journey, filled with unforgettable memories of the Galapagos Islands.
[Information is best estimate in ideal circumstances and subject to changes beyond our control. The itinerary is a guide only and may be adapted to best suit the weather, tides, currents, availability and other prevailing events. Price is for the cruise, not for an exact number of dives].
"
Excellent staff service, comfortable rooms, amazing food, safe diving - everyone worked hard to make our dreams come true!
Very helpful and responsive service from Vic and the Dive The World team as usual!
" -
Jo Nhan, UK, 28 December 2023 ...
