Humboldt Explorer, Galapagos

Name: Central Archipelago, Darwin and Wolf Islands (Baltra - Baltra)
Start: 2026-12-28
End: 2027-01-04
Location: Galapagos

8.8 Fabulous

Nitrox available
Free Internet
Jacuzzi / Hot Tub
En-Suite bathrooms
Aircon Cabins
Warm Water Showers

from $ 612 / day Check dates

“Great trip, very good diving, crew was outstanding”
paul W, United States

Highlights

Two land tours to see giant tortoises and endemic birds
Expansive dive deck, safe charging stations, and upgraded safety features
Member of the Green Fins sustainability and conservation program
Nitrox on board

The MV Humboldt Explorer, of the Explorer Ventures Fleet, offers incredible diving in the Galapagos year-round. Completely renovated in Spring 2023, the vessel is one of the Galapagos's safest, most modern, and most comfortable liveaboards. Humboldt Explorer offers 8 double or twin cabins on the upper or lower decks. All rooms have private en-suite bathrooms, individually controlled AC, and a TV. The air-conditioned salon on the main deck features an entertainment/media area and a large lounge. Meals are served in this salon's dining area, where guests can enjoy views of the Galapagos Islands. Meals are a mix of American and local cuisines. Other notable areas include the top deck with sun loungers, a bar, an al-fresco dining area, and a hot tub to warm up between dives.

Humboldt Explorer also offers a unique 7-night/8-day itinerary; it is the only Galapagos liveaboard to offer 4 days of diving with pelagics at the islands Darwin and Wolf. The dive deck is equipped with individual gear storage, a large camera table and charging station, and a separate fresh water rinse tank for underwater camera equipment. Diving occurs from two large tenders; nitrox is available for those certified. The Humboldt Explorer liveaboard offers incredible diving in the Galapagos year-round. The high season is from July to November when conditions are colder, currents are stronger, and visibility is lower, but this is the best chance to see whale sharks when diving at Darwin and Wolf. The low season is from December to June when the currents are not as strong, the visibility is clearer, and the water is warmer. Hammerheads, eagle rays, sea lions, Galapagos and silky sharks, and huge schools of fish are generally present all year.

Book your Humboldt Explorer liveaboard easily online today.

Choose your departure date

Date

Itinerary

Price

Select

05 Oct

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 6,395

FULL

12 Oct

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 6,395

FULL

19 Oct

11 Days / 10 Nights

$ 8,995

FULL

30 Oct

11 Days / 10 Nights

$ 8,995

FULL

09 Nov

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 6,395

FULL

16 Nov

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 6,395

FULL

23 Nov

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 6,395

FULL

30 Nov

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 6,395

FULL

07 Dec

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 6,395

FULL

14 Dec

8 Days / 7 Nights

Last space for women only.

$ 6,395

Select Cabin only 1 space left

21 Dec

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 6,395

Select Cabin only 2 spaces left

28 Dec

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 6,395

FULL

Included: VAT, Alcoholic Beverages, Drinking Water, Soft drinks, Tea & Coffee, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Diving Package, Cabin Towels, Deck Towels, WiFi internet.

Required Extras: Chamber Fees ($35), Environment Tax ($20), Fuel Surcharge ($150-220), National Park Fees ($100-200).

Optional Extras: Gratuities, Airport Transfer, Local Flights, Nitrox ($150-220 / trip), Nitrox Course ($170), Rental Gear, Land Excursions, Snorkel Gear.

Book now, pay later: You can easily place your booking online. We will then hold the spaces for you and you can confirm with a payment later.

* Extra fees are shown per person.

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Boat features

Free Internet
Jacuzzi / Hot Tub
En-Suite bathrooms
Aircon Cabins
Warm Water Showers
Air Conditioned saloon
Sun Deck
Camera Station
Seaview Cabins
Custom built for diving
Charging stations
Indoor Saloon
Library
Audio & video entertainment
TV in cabins
Available for Charter
Local & International Crew
Snorkeling Equipment
Separate Rinse for u/w Camera
Bar

Food & Drinks

Free Wine w/Dinner
Free Soft Drinks
Beer available
Wine Available
Fine Wines Selection
Snacks All Day
Local Food
Set Menu Dinner

If you have any specific dietary requirements whilst on-board your cruise, you can add this to your special requests on step 2 of the booking form. We advise limiting these requests to religious beliefs or food allergies.

Diving

Nitrox available
Shaded Diving Area
DIN Adaptors
Dive deck
Tenders for diving

Languages Spoken

The crew speaks English and Spanish.

Gear Rental

Equipment is available for rent on this boat. Please provide your rental needs on the booking form. If the rental gear is not included in the price, you will need to pay for it on board the boat. Show prices

Drawings & Vessel Layouts

Cabin Types

Boat Specifications

Year built: 2009

Length: 111.5 feet

Beam: 21.3 feet

Top speed: 10 knots

Engines: Detroit Diesel 6V92 350HP

Max guests: 16

Number of cabins: 8

Number of bathrooms: 8

Tenders: 2 x rigid hull inflatables

Fuel capacity: 5'300 gallons

Boat navigation and safety

Radar
Depth Sounder
GPS
Radio VHF/DSC/SSB
Emergency Rafts
Life Vests
Oxygen
First Aid Kits

Humboldt Explorer Reviews

8.8 Fabulous

Vessel

8.5
Crew

8.9
Food

9.4
Diving

9.1
Value

8.0

9.2 Superb
Isabel D
Spain

Good experience
Despite not having much luck seeing whales due to the El Niño phenomenon, the crew, the boat and the food great.
Recommended for
Diving. The food. The friendliness of the staff.
20 Sep, 2026

Translated from Spanish

8.8 Fabulous
Sarah S
New Zealand

One of best liveaboards in one of the best diving spots in the world
It was excellent all round.
Recommended for
The guides were excellent - focus on safety while keeping a calm relax atmosphere.. The crew really looked after you. The itinerary - lots of diving on Wolf and Dawin Islands. The 2 land excursions included created an overall excellent Galapagos experience..
12 Aug, 2024

9.2 Superb
Frank G
United Kingdom

Dive trip of a lifetime, no. 1 dive destination
Close encounter with hundreds of hammerheads, intense diving experience with a great crew and a lovely group of fellow divers
Recommended for
Schooling hammerheads, massive variety of other marine life, food on board
27 May, 2019

9.6 Exceptional
David G
United States

We came to see hammerheads. Goal fulfilled
Visibility was poor for some of the dives but it got better as the week progressed. The crew was exceptional, always ready to help.
Recommended for
The helpfulness of the crew. The dive briefings. The other customers.
27 Feb, 2026

10 Exceptional
Aymeric M
France

Excellent
fantastic all the way!
Recommended for
Dive sites, people and overall experince
16 Jun, 2021

9.6 Exceptional
Adam K
United Kingdom

Great boat and crew
Seeing hammerheads and whale sharks. Very friendly crew and dive guides. Good food and service. Cabins always clean and then tidy
Recommended for
Amazing diving, friendly crew, nice cabins
06 Oct, 2023

8.8 Fabulous
Andrea Z
Italy

great & challenging
hammerhead, nice boat, too many divers for each dive guide
Recommended for
hammerhead, crew service, food
03 May, 2017

9.2 Superb
Thomas R
Germany

Great diving for those who like it big!
Hundreds of hammerhead sharks at the divesides Darwin and Wolf divesides where planned in the group safety was very important (radio transmitter) very good briefing landexcursions with the guides who had a lot of knowledge was excellent staff was working hard to fulfill all our wishes after a cool dive it was great having a whirlpool to warm up All in all, we would do it again, on the Humboldt Explorer
Recommended for
Hammerheads, Sealions, Whirlpool.
03 Jan, 2017

9.6 Exceptional
Joe R
New Zealand

The best way to experience Galapagos underwater.
The highlights were the abundance of wild life above and below, a well organized expedition and the great people I met.
Recommended for
Great equipment and service, the food and cabins were excellent and the diving was incredible
27 May, 2019

10 Exceptional
chris C
United States

Hammerheads as far as the eye can see
Hammerheads, warm tea and towels after each dive, ease of booking thru liveaboard.com
Recommended for
Attention of the crew, drink package, ease of booking
14 Apr, 2021

117 reviews

8.8 Fabulous
117 Verified Reviews

Sort reviews by:

9.6 Exceptional
tammy S
United States

Exceeded expectations
Our 2 groups had a total of 21 whale shark sightings which was so amazing. The diligence of the crew to make sure that we were always happy and comfortable was very much appreciated. Loved the land excursion with the tortoises at the end.
Recommended for
The diving was spectacular, the crew worked in harmony and was very efficient and respectful and the scenery was amazing
15 Jun, 2022

9.6 Exceptional
John C
United Kingdom

Unbelievable diving & a fabulous boat!
Diving with Whale sharks & huge schools of hammerhead sharks. The boat was immaculate & the crew outstanding. The two dive guides Daniele & Gabby were absolutely brilliant. I cannot criticise any part of the trip from start to finish!
Recommended for
Diving, the crew, the food
03 Jun, 2019

8.0 Very good
paul W
United States

Excellent value
Great trip, very good diving, crew was outstanding
Recommended for
Excellent service. Food. Cabin.
29 Mar, 2025

8.0 Very good
Eszter G
Hungary

Once in a lifetime experience
Incredible dives, perfect food and excellent crew. The ship is old, but the crew compensates it with the service. I can only recommend.
Recommended for
Diving sights, crew, food
26 Aug, 2021

8.0 Very good
Azam G
Netherlands

Amazing
It was one of the most amazing dive trips I had.
Recommended for
Unique and protected area. Beautiful marine life. Experienced crew.
24 Mar, 2025

7.6 Good
Victor B
Australia

Saw what we expected to see
Learning more of the Galapagos Islands. Seeing amazing creatures. and the stars at night. Few things to improve, quality of rental equipment, dining comfort (not enough space for 16), better pillows, linen and towels. Variety of desserts. Dry camera table. Better description of diving conditions in advertising.
Recommended for
Cabin Comfort. Crew Friendliness.
27 Jan, 2018

9.2 Superb
Karen M
United States

Fantastic experience
We saw so many hammerheads! The Humboldt is the only ship allowed an extra day at Wolf and Darwin, which is why we chose this liveaboard. The dives were amazing. The crew and guides were wonderful. There was sooo much delicious food. Healthy and good variety. My only complaint is that the ship was a little run down and the bathrooms sometimes smelled. But despite that, I would still give the trip five stars based on the amazing dives, staff, food, and experience!
Recommended for
Amazing dives. Fantastic crew. Great food.
12 Jan, 2026

9.6 Exceptional
Ricardo Yudi N
Brazil

WHALESHARK!!!
Lots os sharks, food, beer and wine included, crew.
Recommended for
Whaleshark, hammerhead sharks, food onboard
01 Aug, 2017

9.2 Superb
Nanae G
Switzerland

a fantastic diving with +100 Hammerhead sharks
Sighting and very close encounter with +100 Hammerhead sharks in Wolf island and swimming in the wheel pool of hundreds of jacks, bonitos and trevallies like a photo of the Nat. Geo. Magazines!
Recommended for
Hammerhead sharks, Well trained crew, Great food
28 Dec, 2018

10 Exceptional
andrew C
United Kingdom

Sensational
Darwin in particular was stunning. Whale sharks on every dive there. Sometimes difficult to see them as sharks in the way. Great boat and crew. Would recommend highly.
Recommended for
Diving at Wolf and Darwin was sensational. Food was good and plentiful. Great group of people.
21 Aug, 2025

7.6 Good
Daniel C
Australia

Galapagos DARWIN AND WOLF
Whale sharks, and the abondance of life on the dives, with massive schools of fish, dolphins, sharks.... so much life was just fantastic to see it all
Recommended for
Dive guide Xavier was a mature guide but was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable, was such a pleasure to have his knowledge and care in the trip. The diving it self was fantastic, and the boat wasnt too big so was more wasnt too bust with lots of people.
06 Jun, 2019

10 Exceptional
walter C
Argentina

muy buena. wonderfull
The whale shark.
Recommended for
in the dar Windows island
16 Aug, 2016

9.2 Superb
Jennifer Z
United States

Humboldt Explorer made my first Liveaboard experience a success!
The Humboldt is the only boat in Galapagos to spend 4 days between Wolf and Darwin. The dives were the best I’ve ever done, the guides prioritize safety , and the crew makes getting ready for each dive a fun and efficient experience. Besides the diving, the food is delicious and frequent, cabins are comfortable, and the hot tub and sun deck upstairs are an awesome place to relax.
Recommended for
Dives, safety, food.
21 Dec, 2023

9.6 Exceptional
Megan H
United States

Really positive experience
--Dives were fantastic with flexibility. We saw everything from massive amounts of sharks to turtles to manta rays to eels. The sea lions are super social. I honestly don't know how you would experience Galapagos without being on a liveaboard. The Humboldt vessel was near perfect, except maybe TOO much air conditioning indoors. I'll forgive them for that. I was cold pretty much the whole time! --I wrote my internal review to the company before the land excursion; the land excursion on Santa Cruz was kind of meh (visiting the turtles). Not the cruise company's fault. --On Humboldt, the crew was super cheerful, delightful, very cohesive, and seemed to love their jobs/lives. It was idyllic. This was the most advanced dive experience that I've had. The expectation was that we'd handle our own BCD setup and gear prep. The dives were tough with the currents. You definitely needed that 100-plus dive experience. It was also 1 dive guide for 8 divers. This was very different than my last (and only other) liveaboard experience. The last one in Thailand had a ratio of 1 guide to two or three divers. In that case, the divers were newer and burned through air in 20 minutes. This advanced dive experience was better with no drama on ear pressure, masks, buoyancy, or temperature. We stayed down for upwards of 55 minutes. --Food amazing. So many fresh fruits and vegetables. Seafood delicious. --There was always hot coffee and hot water for tea. Loved this. --I'm really happy with the whole experience.
Recommended for
(1) crew super nice and happy and loved each other, (2) great dives, (3) smart logistics
03 Jan, 2024

10 Exceptional
Uri B
United Kingdom

Friendly and professional crew in one of the most impressive dive destinations
Darwin island was amazing with a massive slow and long whale shark encounter. A mix of dolphins and hammerheads in a single group was also mind blowing!
Recommended for
The diving, the dive guides and the crew
30 Aug, 2023

10 Exceptional
Luis L
Portugal

Almost Perfect if it wasn’t for the (untrained!) whale sharks not showing up
Starting with an extremely experienced attentive crew that anticipated every possible need or diving expectation and ending on a varied group of well balanced guests: it all felt like family at home! Food was catered to every moment, dietary restriction & imaginable taste — safety and service went beyond any possible expectations. The only and unfortunately most negative aspect was not seeing whale sharks, off season (entirely divers luck and nothing to do with Humboldt experience).
Recommended for
Diving experience and guides. Friendly helpful staff. Food options and service.
29 May, 2026

9.6 Exceptional
John H
Singapore

Great experience, both in and out of waters
Went on the Humboldt Explorer as my first ever LOB and I must say they have set the bar high, from cabin facilities, cleanliness, crew service and friendliness, diving and dive guides, to food & drinks onboard. The crew were always ready to assist, be it pre/post dive or whenever. Dive sites were great as well, we even got to see a humpback whale on our last dive at Darwin! Overall a great trip, would highly recommend!
Recommended for
Diving & Dive Guides. Crew Service. Food & Drinks onboard.
25 Jul, 2025

8.8 Fabulous
Roni K
Finland

Great
Hammerheads
Recommended for
Hammerheads, Scenary and diving :)
14 Apr, 2021

8.8 Fabulous
Vladislav P
Germany

Fantastic dives at Wolf and Darwin
Hundreds of hammerheads at every dive at Wolf. Schools of jacks and sharks hunting them at Darwin. Tunas , turtles rays, silkys galapqaos and white tips sharks at almost all dives. Increadible quantity of fishs.
Recommended for
1. Wonderful dives. 2. Wonderful dive guides. 3. Wonderful ambiance
03 Apr, 2019

6.4 Review score
Anne M
France

Worth the long-distance trip for Wolf and Darwin dive sites
Diving at Wolf and Darwin is a fabulous experience with many sharks, sea lions and dolphins. The rest of the dive sites usually have lower visibility (15-30 ft / 5-10 m) but have an abundance of critters with small and big animals. The boat and crew were average. The crew just seems to go through the motions. The food was good. but there are much better boats around in terms of comfort, crew and food. The only advange of this trip is the itinerary where they usually spend more days at Wolf/Darwin than other boats.
Recommended for
The diving, the dive sites (3 days in Wolf/Darwin), the dive guides
21 Jun, 2021