Humboldt Explorer, Galapagos

Name: Central Archipelago, Darwin and Wolf Islands (Baltra - Baltra)
Start: 2026-11-09
End: 2026-11-16
Location: Galapagos

8.8 Fabulous

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

from $ 799 / 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

10 Aug

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 6,395

FULL

17 Aug

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 6,395

FULL

24 Aug

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 6,395

FULL

31 Aug

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 6,395

FULL

07 Sep

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 6,395

FULL

14 Sep

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 6,395

FULL

21 Sep

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 6,395

FULL

28 Sep

8 Days / 7 Nights

$ 6,395

FULL

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

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 USD), Fuel Surcharge (150-220 USD), National Park Fees (100-200 USD), Visas and Fees (20 USD).

Optional Extras: Gratuities, Airport Transfer, Local Flights, Nitrox (150-220 USD / trip), Nitrox Course (170 USD), 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

9.6 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

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

9.6 Exceptional
Boram B
South Korea

It was an amazing diving trip with Humboldt Explorer.
Before/after every diving was very comfortable with crew's support with all the equipments. Guide was very clear which is nice and safe.
Recommended for
Diving comfort, Crew service, Food
11 Feb, 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

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

8.4 Very good
Amanda C
United States

Great diving and crew, boat needs some upgrades
100+ hammerhead sharks, dolphin pods, friendly and helpful crew. The dive guides rotate between different boats, but we got lucky with Paolo--he's fantastic.
Recommended for
dive quality, dive guides, crew
29 Jun, 2018

9.6 Exceptional
Jorge G
Spain

Amazing trip
Amazing experience diving with sharks in Wolf and Darwin islands. The crew was very friendly and helpful. The food was delicious. All the services received were fabulous. Definitely I´ll repeat this trip. Thanks to do real this dream.
Recommended for
Crew, diving and received treatment.
28 Mar, 2019

10 Exceptional
Jialin W
United States

The body is in hell, and the soul is in heaven.
It's been a few months since I left Humboldt, and my first Galapagos diving trip made me unforgettable. The underwater beauty, delicious food, and friendly staff made me decide to return to Galapagos in May 2020.
Recommended for
Underwater views, dedicated staff and delicious food.
14 Jan, 2020

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

8.8 Fabulous
Mark
Netherlands

Great experience but could be better
Great mix of dives with land excursions. Though focussed on the beautiful animals and fun, always serious about safety and respecting the environment. Would advise 1) mention that nitrox certificate is needed if you want to join all dives 2) fuel charges in the fixed trip cost 3) do something to remove fuel smell from forward cabins.
Recommended for
Crew & guides. Service level. Food.
08 Dec, 2025

116 reviews

8.8 Fabulous
116 Verified Reviews

Sort reviews by:

8.8 Fabulous
Noriko I
Japan

So many sharks!
Guide's English is easy for Japanese to understand. Compared to Japanese diving shops, the guides don't keep an eye on their guests (in Japan, a lot of guests depend on their guides too much). Crew are all friendly, the cabin is kept clean, and the foods are delicious. I could enjoy not only diving but also land visit. I could not forget the beautiful stars...
Recommended for
Hammerhead sharks, Hot chocolate after diving, Stars
04 Mar, 2018

8.8 Fabulous
Elias T
Israel

This was my first visit to the Galapagos Islands, and honestly, my expectations were very high. Nevertheless, the trip exceeded all my expectations, especially the diving experience, which was amazing
This was my first visit to the Galapagos Islands, and honestly, my expectations were very high. Nevertheless, the trip exceeded all my expectations, especially the diving experience, which was amazing. Choosing the 11-day trip instead of the 8-day one was a wise decision, as it allowed us to visit many places that would be difficult to see on a shorter trip. The guides were highly professional, which I can say from my experience on many liveaboard. The food was delicious, the room service was excellent, and the crew was very cooperative and organized. However, I found the boat to be somewhat modest and in need of some maintenance.
Recommended for
The guides were amazing. The diving experience overall was incredible. The crew's cooperation was great.
16 Dec, 2024

9.6 Exceptional
Laura R
United States

Blown away!
Everything was a highlight! What an amazing experience!
Recommended for
The location, the crew, and the food
03 Jan, 2017

10 Exceptional
Jeff P
United States

Galapagos Humboldt Explorer was sensational and exceeded expectations!
Whale sharks. Sharks. Great diving. Excellent food and companions on the boat. Great crew too.
Recommended for
Diving, Crew, Other divers
26 Aug, 2021

8.8 Fabulous
Ingo L
Germany

Great boat and exceptional dive spots
Many many sharks, rays, turtles, great weather, really good food
Recommended for
Lots of Hammerheads, playful seals and a wonderful barbecue on the sun deck
04 Mar, 2018

10 Exceptional
Anna D
United States

Trip of a lifetime!
The entire week! Most of the dives were like a dream we had an amazing week with good visibility. Sea life an abundance of hammerheads 7 whale sharks and water was warmer than it was supposed to be. The crew was amazing helping everyone at all times. The chef will make sure you don’t starve (food was delicious) and accommodate for people with allergies!
Recommended for
Diving, dive guides/crew, food
30 Sep, 2023

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

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
Steven M
United States

5-star comfort, food, diving, and staff for lower price than expected.
Secret cave, Darwin arch, friendly group international divers, warm drink & towel after every dive
Recommended for
#1. Food (amazing). #2. Dive guides. #3. Staff so friendly & attentive to details
14 Apr, 2021

8.4 Very good
Jessica A
United States

Epic diving in the Galapagos exceeded all expectations
We had been anticipating this trip for a long time. We saw everything we were hoping to see- schooling hammerheads, multiple whale sharks, marine iguanas, penguins, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, silkies, white tips, green sea turtles, even a tiger shark! The crew went above and beyond to make our week extra special. I am already dreaming of my return.
Recommended for
The diving at Darwin was spectacular. The dive crew was fantastic and accommodating. They let us do a night dive when it wasn’t originally planned. We also saw the marine iguanas.
21 Sep, 2018

9.2 Superb
Amanda W
United States

Sensational!
Hammerheads, dolphins!!
Recommended for
Diving, crew, food
18 Jan, 2019

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

8.0 Very good
trevor C
United Kingdom

Fantastic diving - excellent crew and guides
I surprised my girlfriend with a marriage proposal during the trip and the crew really went the extra mile to make it a very special experience for us both. Diving was well organised, and land based trips provided a nice variety to the trip. There are more expensive liveaboards in this already very expensive area, but I can’t imagine they provide anything better than the brilliant crew aboard the Humboldt explorer. The trip itself ticked every box we had hoped for. We were lucky with our fellow guests and had a good laugh onboard as well as the famed hammerheads, whale-sharks, Galapagos sharks, rays and silkies beneath the surface. Best diving we’ve done by far. Highly recommended.
Recommended for
More dives at the two main sites of Wolf and Darwin than other liveaboards. Excellent guides and brilliant service from all of the crew
27 Jan, 2018

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

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

9.6 Exceptional
Genevieve B
France

Very well
Dives
Recommended for
Dive sites. Supervision of dive guides. Availability of staff
28 May, 2019

Translated from French

9.2 Superb
Alicia I
United States

Excellent experience, highly recommend Humbolt Explorer for trip of a lifetime
Incredible unique wildlife encounters
Recommended for
Remote access, professional and friendly staff, comfortable accommodations
03 Jan, 2019

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

8.0 Very good
Adam H
United Kingdom

Humboldt Explorer
Schools of hammerheads but also the pods of thousands of dolphins at Wolf and Darwin. The marine life was amazing We also saw Killer whales and the crew did everything to get us out on the pangas to get the best experience My partner was a non diver and was snorkelling with hammerhead, Galapagos and silkie sharks as well as the sea lions, again big thanks to the crew.
Recommended for
Hammerhead sharks, dolphins and crew
03 Jan, 2018

8.8 Fabulous
Johnny L
United States

More like 5 days of great diving than 7
Loved the diving. However that's more a highlight of the Galapagos themselves. The Humboldt shines because it spends more time at wolf than the other liveaboards. So many Hammerheads <3. The food was good. You will look forward to it every time the bell rings for meal time. The desserts are however we're meh. Except for some yummy tree leches and s delicious chocolate and passion fruit mousse. The crew is friendly but more to themselves. They are happy to interact if interacted with but will not impose on you. They were great. I love non bunk bed cabins and the cabins are cozy, the AC amazing. And the baths had a good amount of space. I was in cabin 3. The only cons are that the first day and half are kinda meh. Day one is a 15 minute 5 meter max check out dive. It's useful but I wish they just bulked it in with the second days itinerary to make a full day. I would prefer the boat to have had one more dive guide so that it wasn't 2 groups of 8. And would've liked that the guides have a pro camera for underwater pictures. But that is something I felt spoiled with on a previous liveaboard. Other than that my trip was great! Would definitely return. Open bar (liquor included) was so sweet. Bring your own gloves and get a reef hook. You will be so thankful you brought one.
Recommended for
North Islands, drinks, cabins
16 Mar, 2017