Galapagos, Ecuador | August 5-12, 2030

Wolf and Darwin sit at the far northern edge of the Galapagos, and they're the reason these islands show up on every serious diver's list before any other. Schooling hammerheads move through the current lines in the hundreds, Galapagos sharks and silky sharks patrol the walls, and eagle rays glide past in formation while the sea lions treat every dive like their personal playground. Whale sharks pass through these same waters from June through November, and the season for Darwin and Wolf peaks in August and September, which is exactly when we're going.

This trip runs seven nights aboard the Humboldt Explorer, one of the only liveaboards built specifically around this itinerary, with multiple days of diving dedicated to Wolf and Darwin instead of splitting time across the southern islands. Nitrox certification is included and required on this trip. Between dives, the boat runs two land excursions on the way in and out, so you'll get face-to-face time with giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies on top of everything you see underwater.

Trip at a Glance

- Dates: August 5-12, 2030
- 7 nights aboard the Humboldt Explorer liveaboard
- Multiple days of diving at Wolf & Darwin, up to 4 dives daily, weather permitting
- 2 land excursions (giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies)
- Only 16 guests allowed, 8 ensuite cabins
- Nitrox certification included and required
- Advanced Open Water certification (or equivalent) and around 50 logged dives recommended
- Whale sharks possible, this is peak season, not guaranteed

The Diving

Wolf and Darwin are open-ocean dives with real current, so this trip is built for divers who are comfortable in the blue and current-experienced, not fresh out of Open Water. Both islands sit far enough north that the only way to reach them is aboard a liveaboard built for the crossing, and the Humboldt Explorer is one of the few boats that dedicates the majority of its schedule to this exact itinerary.

Marine Life

Schooling hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, and silky sharks are regular sightings at Wolf and Darwin. Eagle rays glide past in formation and the sea lions treat every dive like their personal playground. Whale sharks pass through these waters from June through November, with the season peaking in August and September, right when this trip is scheduled. No operator can promise a sighting, but the timing gives you a real shot.

The Humboldt Explorer

A modern liveaboard with room for only 16 guests across eight ensuite cabins, a sundeck with a hot tub, and local beer and wine included with your stay. This is the boat built around the Wolf and Darwin itinerary, dive after dive. See more photos of the vessel here.

Nitrox

Nitrox certification is included and required on this trip. If you're not yet certified, Dive Arizona offers the SDI Computer Nitrox course, call us at (480) 881-4013 to get it scheduled before departure.

Food and Dining

Three meals a day are included, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with the exception of Sunday's evening meal. Between-dive snacks, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages are included throughout the stay.

What's Included and What's Not

Included

- 7 nights / 8 days aboard the Humboldt Explorer
- Up to 4 dives daily, weather permitting
- 3 meals daily (except Sunday's evening meal)
- Between-dive snacks and towels
- Tanks, weights, belts, and all air fills
- Nitrox certification, included and required on this trip
- Airport (Baltra/GPS) to vessel transfers for same-day arrivals and departures
- Wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages
- 2 land excursions, weather permitting
- Dive Arizona trip leaders with you in the water
- Galapagos National Park fee and tourist card
- Fuel surcharge

Additional Costs

- Flights, including airfare to the Galapagos Islands
- Airport taxes and transit nights in Quito or Guayaquil
- Rental gear and dive courses
- Travel and dive insurance (required to join this trip)
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages other than wine and beer & Last dinner in town on Sunday
- Land options before/after the cruise (available at additional cost)

Payment Schedule and Refund Policy

Pricing is based on double occupancy, and one single supplement upgrade is available, contact us for pricing. All deposits and payments on this trip are non-refundable, no exceptions.

Travel insurance covering trip cancellation is required for this trip.

Experience Level

We recommend Advanced Open Water certification (or equivalent), around 50 logged dives, and recent time in the water within the last year. Nitrox certification is included and required, so you don't need to arrange that separately.

Itinerary

- August 5: Arrive in Galapagos, board the Humboldt Explorer
- August 6-11: Diving days at Wolf and Darwin plus 2 land excursions (exact day-by-day schedule to be confirmed)
- August 12: Disembark, depart Galapagos

Frequently Asked Questions

What certification do I need to dive on this trip?

We recommend Advanced Open Water certification (or equivalent) with around 50 logged dives and recent time in the water. Wolf and Darwin are open-ocean dives with real current, so this isn't a first-trip destination.

Will we see whale sharks?

No operator can promise a whale shark sighting, they're wild animals following their own patterns. August sits right in the peak of the season for Darwin and Wolf, so the chance is real, but it depends on the ocean.

Is Nitrox required?

Yes. Nitrox certification is included and required on this trip.

Can non-divers join this trip?

This trip is built for certified divers. Wolf and Darwin have no designated land visitor sites and can only be reached by liveaboard dive cruise, so there isn't anything for a non-diving companion to do at either island.

How do flights work?

Flights are not included in the trip price, book your own airfare to the Galapagos Islands. Airport transfers between Baltra (GPS) and the vessel are included for same-day arrivals and departures.

Is a single cabin available?

Pricing is based on double occupancy. One single supplement upgrade is available, contact us for pricing.

What is the refund policy?

All deposits and payments on this trip are non-refundable, no exceptions. Travel insurance covering trip cancellation is required for this trip.

Reserve Your Spot

Call us at (480) 881-4013 to get on the list for this trip. We are open Monday through Saturday 11am to 6pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm, at 18618 S 186th Way, Queen Creek, inside The Shooting Range.

***Special note- Rates may increase for existing reservations and will be confirmed no later than 12 months before the charter departure date.***

***All trip deposits and payments are non-refundable.***

See Terms and Conditions Here.