Name That Galapagos Live-Aboard!!
Time is running out to Name That Galapagos Live-Aboard and win a free VIP trip aboard. Departures begin November 3, 2010. All you have to do is come up with THE best name for her. You’ll dive the legendary sites of Darwin and Wolf and then some on our first class yacht. Click here to enter. Keep reading to learn more about her…The boat is a 100 ft yacht with 8 double cabins, all with lower twin berths…no bunkbeds. One upper cabin features a double (matrimonial) bed. Each cabin is ensuite and exterior, so windows for everybody. All cabins have ample storage and individually controlled air conditioning. There is a spacious covered sun deck with chaise lounges and teak flooring in addition to an open sun deck with chaises. The salon is ample and offers a bar, television with DVD, stereo system and a nice projector screen for briefings. The dining room is set up to accommodate 16 guests in 4 seat booths. There is a well stocked bar between the dining room and salon to enjoy after your diving day comes to a close. She also features a spacious kitchen with built in refrigeration and freezers, so your chef and kitchen helpers can comfortably prepare delicious meals.
Prior to beginning operations this fall (First departure is November 3, 2010), the boat will be refitted with a brand new dive deck. Her mission is to be the safest, greenest live-aboard in the Galapagos with international standards of service. All diving equipment will be brand new…from the Nitrox package to tanks to rental gear. Safety equipment and policies will be above and beyond industry standards. She is a very comfortable first class yacht designed and constructed (steel hull) to offer the highest level of security and comfort to passengers. She sails under all international standards of safety and is ISM certified. All emergency equipment is SOLAS certified.
All new permits issued by the National Park must include new eco standards as well as sustainability programs. The newest lady in the sea will be a driving force behind shark conservation/study efforts in the Galapagos as well as improving the lives of the people of Isabela. Isabela is, without a doubt, the most magical island to visit in the Galapagos (please see these articles about Los Tuneles and Volcan Sierra Negra). Often divers can’t decide which they enjoyed more…their trip to Darwin and Wolf or their Isabela extension afterwards. Personally, my #2 Top Dive Moment of 2009 came from a snorkeling excursion on Isabela. We snorkeled with 10 mantas for 30 minutes! You can see a short clip here. Yes, that’s us whooping with joy.
Unfortunately, Isabela is also home to the most complicit population in terms of shark finning inside the Marine Reserve due to economical limitations. Though many considered the diminished activity, relative to years past, the same as no longer existing, we hope to do as much as possible to expedite the extinction of the industry so sharks can thrive unthreatened inside our Marine Reserve and locals have options so the temptation of illegal fishing is no longer a justification.
We should be able to update you with our final Park approved itinerary very soon, but rest assured, Darwin and Wolf will obviously be included. And hopefully, you will be in for some opportunities we uniquely offer. I’ll give you a sneak peek…
While most consider a check dive less than a real dive, we have been exploring a number of sites over the last few months and finally found IT! Our special site is somewhere no one else goes, not divers nor fishermen. I couldn’t believe the difference in the fish and wildlife behavior when they are unaccustomed to humans. One school of yellow-tailed surgeonfish followed me for 30 minutes and only left after the sea lions came. And unlike everywhere else, the sea lions were mellow, just casually joining me rather than the typical frenetic behavior they display. The long-nosed hawkfish didn’t dart for cover as I approached and the mantas were above us for about 50% of the 62 minute dive, diminishing the thrill of the eagle rays below. 3 species of sharks including the Galapagos shark, large and numerous white-tipped reef sharks as well as black-tipped sharks. Schools of pompanos, barracudas, grunts and much, much more. Now THAT’S what I call a check dive. Woo Hoo!!
Now, here’s the best news for Galapagos diving in years…the new Live-Aboard’s prices will be competitive with 2007 or before, not 2010. That’s right…an affordable alternative is on the horizon. We will begin offering charters and FIT spaces for November 2010, prime whale shark season time.
So enter the contest if you haven’t already and get in touch with us ASAP to discuss the exciting new options for your shop, club, agency or dive holiday in the magical Galapagos Islands.
