Humboldt Explorer, Galapagos
- from $ 648 / day
- 8.7 Fabulous
- 77 Verified Reviews 77 Verified Reviews
- Nitrox available
Highlights
The MV Humboldt Explorer yacht, part of the experienced Explorer Ventures fleet, offers year-round diving in the Galapagos Islands, including the world-famous Wolf and Darwin dive sites. There are 8 double or twin cabins on board, located on the upper or lower decks. All rooms are complete with private en-suite bathrooms, individually controlled AC and a flat-screen TV. The air-conditioned salon on the main deck features a TV, CD/DVD, video library and lounge area and is where all meals, which are a mix of American and local cuisines, will be served. The top deck offers partial shade, sun loungers and a hot tub to warm up in between dives.
The M/V 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 less, 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 and the visibility is clearer and the water is warmer. Hammerheads, eagle rays, sea lions, Galapagos sharks and silky sharks and huge schools of fish are generally present all year. The spacious 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 takes place from two large tenders to make getting to and from the dive sites as easy as possible, and nitrox is available for those certified.
Book your Humboldt Explorer liveaboard easily online today.
The captain, crew and staff of the Humboldt Explorer are operating at the highest safety standards to comply with the most up-to-date COVID-19 protocols to ensure the safety and comfort of all guests on board.
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Included: VAT, Alcoholic Beverages, Drinking Water, Soft drinks, Tea & Coffee, Full-Board Meal Plan (All meals), Snacks, Diving Package, Cabin Towels, Deck Towels.
Required Extras: Chamber Fees (35 USD), Fuel Surcharge (150 USD), National Park Fees (100 USD), Visas and Fees (20 USD).
Optional Extras: Gratuities, Airport Transfer, Local Flights, Nitrox (150 USD per week), 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
Food & Drinks
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
The crew speaks English and Spanish.
Gear Rental
There is diving gear available on this boat. Please provide your rental needs on the booking form. See below for further details on inclusions and pricing. Show prices.
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
Humboldt Explorer Reviews
- 8.7 Fabulous
- 77 Verified Reviews
- Vessel 8.5
- Crew 8.8
- Food 9.4
- Diving 8.9
- Value 8.0
- 8.8 Fabulous
- Jane S
![United States]()
United States
Good liveaboard, great staff!
Diving with a whale shark!
- Recommended for
- Staff, dive masters and diving
- 10 Exceptional
- robert N
![United States]()
United States
Amazingly sharktastic!
The divers
- Recommended for
- Food, service, agenda
- 9.6 Exceptional
- Laura R
![United States]()
United States
Blown away!
Everything was a highlight! What an amazing experience!
- Recommended for
- The location, the crew, and the food
- 8.4 Very good
- Igor T
![United States]()
United States
Fantastic trip
Loved seeing all the schools of hammerheads and other sharks. The diving was out of this world, best dive trip of our lives. Currents are strong. We were relative beginners at only 25 dives but in decent shape; and this was definitely very challenging for us.
- Recommended for
- Amazing diving, great food, surprisingly good rental equipment.
- 8.8 Fabulous
- Johnny L
![United States]()
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
- 8.4 Very good
- Gary W
![United States]()
United States
One Great Week!
I counted 50 hammerheads at one time!
- Recommended for
- Hammerheads, great food, ease of diving.
- 8.4 Very good
- Amanda C
![United States]()
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
- 8.4 Very good
- Jessica A
![United States]()
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.
- 9.2 Superb
- Alicia I
![United States]()
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
- 9.2 Superb
- Amanda W
![United States]()
United States
Sensational!
Hammerheads, dolphins!!
- Recommended for
- Diving, crew, food
- 8.8 Fabulous
- Greg A
![United States]()
United States
Some of the best diving in my 40 years of diving and dozens of liveaboards
14 whale sharks, hundreds of hammerheads, curious silkies
- Recommended for
- Diving, crew, land visits
- 8.4 Very good
- Chadwick P
![United States]()
United States
Boat was very nice but Galapagos in general I found overrated
Although visibility was 20 meters on a good day with some chilly water, looking up at 30 plus hammerhead sharks above you was nice!
- Recommended for
- Boat was very nice & clean. Lots of hammerheads and turtles. 2 land excursions.
- 10 Exceptional
- Jialin W
![United States]()
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.
- 10 Exceptional
- George W
![United States]()
United States
Incredible diving experience with exceptional service, comfort, and food.
Wolf, Darwin, and Cousin's island dives.
- Recommended for
- Hammer head sharks, eagle rays, sea turtles.
- 9.6 Exceptional
- Steven M
![United States]()
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
- 10 Exceptional
- chris C
![United States]()
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
- 10 Exceptional
- Jason H
![United States]()
United States
Unbelievably Great Experience
I've been many places, this was the best. From a 42 foot whale shark. To enormous schools of hammerheads and galapagos sharks, hard to pick. Eagle rays, Turtles, cowrays, I loved every dive.
- Recommended for
- Crew, people, dive sites
- 10 Exceptional
- Jeff P
![United States]()
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
- 9.6 Exceptional
- tammy S
![United States]()
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
- 8.8 Fabulous
- Matthew J
![United States]()
United States
Once in a lifetime experience!
Whale sharks! We were on the front end of whale shark season and got both warmish water and lots of whale shark sightings. The crew was always available to help divers get ready for dives and stripping down. They cleaned our gear for us and hung it to dry so our suitcases didn't smell terrible when we got home. I can't say enough good things about the Humboldt Explorer. They were very focused on ensuring each diver had a good experience.
- Recommended for
- 1. Lead dive guide was excellent. We saw so many bucket list things. 2. The crew was really helpful with diving prep and getting out of wetsuits. 3. The variety of foods was excellent.
- 8.8 Fabulous
- Harry P
![United States]()
United States
It was great and I’d do it again. Just on a little nicer boat
Seeing the Orcas and getting a photo of seahorses
- Recommended for
- The service, the meals, and the diving
- 8.0 Very good
- Naomi B
![United Kingdom]()
United Kingdom
Enjoyable trip of a lifetime, though room for improvement
Was very good and enjoyable. Glad I went inspite of the huge expense. A broken engine squeezed the dive schedule and meant missed dives. :( Only 2 dive guides for 16 divers (of varying ability) is not value for money and is a safety issue
- Recommended for
- The diving, the other divers, the food & drink
- 8.8 Fabulous
- Andreas A
![Switzerland]()
Switzerland
Every diver's dream!!
Very comfortable, a lot of fun, good service and a great experience!! Additional costs for fuel does not make sense to me, should be included in the overall price.
- Recommended for
- Diversity of animals, good experience, fun people
- 7.6 Good
- Matthias J
![Germany]()
Germany
Great dives!
Very good - met the expectations
- Recommended for
- Dive sites, the big fish, the seals
- 8.4 Very good
- Rene B
![Switzerland]()
Switzerland
Breathtaking experience
Darwin, being able to see so many Whale Sharks. The food was always at great standards and usually very tasty. Everybody was very nice and attentive. The cabin was spacious and comfortable.
- Recommended for
- Food, comfort, dives
- 9.6 Exceptional
- JAEKYUNG K
![South Korea]()
South Korea
Can't be better
Boat&Cabin comfort - considering ship size, it was pretty great. i hardly felt any inconvinence. Crew service & friendliness - crews were really great. they were very friendly and they were ready to help you at any time. Food&Drinks onboard - Food were excellent. it was the best part of my voyage there. different menu everyday. i cannot explain enough but i would say that the best food on board i ever experienced(similan, maldives). in the refrigerator on second floor, beers, soft drinks were available any time. Diving & Dive guides - Diving was so great. the best thing was that you can play with sea lions. it was really awsome experience. lots of hammerhead sharks and whalesharks on almost every dives on darwin arch. the water temparature was warmer than i thoght so i didnt have any problem with my 5mm wetsuits. guides were doing their job good enough. Value for money - well.. it is lots of money guys. however i think the price is not that bad considering all those aspects above.
- Recommended for
- FOOD, Crews, Diving
- 8.0 Very good
- Janneke V
![Netherlands]()
Netherlands
Diving&crew were amazing, boat is a lot older than on pictures on website.
Diving at Darwin and Wolf.
- Recommended for
- Diving, the people and the scenery
- 9.2 Superb
- Thomas R
![Germany]()
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.
- 8.8 Fabulous
- Lorenz R
![Germany]()
Germany
Hammerheads all over the place
Darwin and Wolf
- Recommended for
- Hammerheads, hot tup, warm towels after diving
- 8.0 Very good
- Pelle L
![Sweden]()
Sweden
Much money but u get value
Hammerheads. The reason to go.
- Recommended for
- Crew, food, hammerheads
- 8.0 Very good
- Andrea Z
![Italy]()
Italy
great & challenging
hammerhead, nice boat, too many divers for each dive guide
- Recommended for
- hammerhead, crew service, food
- 8.8 Fabulous
- Andrea Z
![Italy]()
Italy
great & challenging
hammerhead, nice boat, too many divers for each dive guide
- Recommended for
- hammerhead, crew service, food
- 10 Exceptional
- seulky K
![South Korea]()
South Korea
Everything is perfect!
In wolf island, I could see schooling of hammerhead sharks! Whaleshark as well :-)
- Recommended for
- Dive guide, food, free beer!
- 9.6 Exceptional
- Ricardo Yudi N
![Brazil]()
Brazil
WHALESHARK!!!
Lots os sharks, food, beer and wine included, crew.
- Recommended for
- Whaleshark, hammerhead sharks, food onboard
- 8.8 Fabulous
- Geoff C
![Australia]()
Australia
The best dive experience of our lives!
Seeing such an abundance of sea life all in one trip was simply epic! We had underwater whiplash as everywhere we turned there was more sea life. We have never had an experience like it, and wouldn't be disappointed if we don't. Diving Wolf and Darwin islands is next level!
- Recommended for
- Whale sharks, diving, free booze! 😏
- 8.0 Very good
- Irene A
![Singapore]()
Singapore
Epic dives didn't dissappoint this bucket list place
52+ dives with the hammerheads!!
- Recommended for
- Plenty of dives at Wolf and Darwin! Loads of hammerheads and other sharks. Great company.
- 7.2 Good
- Charmaine H
![Australia]()
Australia
Sharks sharks sharks
We were pretty well looked after by the crew. Loved the hot towels after the dive. The only thing I wish I had known in advance was that the rental equipment is fairly rough (not to mention overpriced) and I would recommend bringing your own.
- Recommended for
- Whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, other fishes
- 8.0 Very good
- Adam H
![United Kingdom]()
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
- 8.0 Very good
- trevor C
![United Kingdom]()
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
- 7.6 Good
- Victor B
![Australia]()
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.
- 8.8 Fabulous
- Noriko I
![Japan]()
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
- 8.8 Fabulous
- Ingo L
![Germany]()
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
- 8.0 Very good
- Yee Hon C
![Malaysia]()
Malaysia
Overall, amazing but there are the little annoying things/people
Definitely the dives, definitely an experience I won't forget for a long time, if ever. Some of the wonderful crew really go out of their way to get you sorted, but you also have some really terrible ones. And I think the trip is pretty well planned-out and organised overall.
- Recommended for
- some of the crew, amount of food, and the dives
- 7.6 Good
- Eric F
![Switzerland]()
Switzerland
Visited best diving sites in the world
Diving there is just amazing (Darwin and Wolf)
- Recommended for
- Whale-Sharks, Hammer-Head sharks, frinedly crew and team mates
- 9.2 Superb
- Nanae G
![Switzerland]()
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
- 9.6 Exceptional
- Boram B
![South Korea]()
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
- 9.6 Exceptional
- Jorge G
![Spain]()
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.
- 9.2 Superb
- Steffen B
![Switzerland]()
Switzerland
Amazing Diving
Diving with 150 Scalloped Hammerheads at Wolf.
- Recommended for
- Diving at Wolf & Darwin, very friendly & knowledgeable guides, Amazing crew
- 8.8 Fabulous
- Vladislav P
![Germany]()
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
- 8.8 Fabulous
- EIKO S
![Japan]()
Japan
Very comfortable days onboard with full of fresh water
Big school of hummerhead sharks Land tours were also highlights Only negative things were rental gears (not well maintained) and dive guides did not seem to care too much and did not try to help
- Recommended for
- 1) Good crew members (except diving guides) and guests from all over the world, 2) Good itinarary under the water and on land, 3) clean room and deck with full of fresh water
- 9.2 Superb
- Frank G
![United Kingdom]()
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
- 9.6 Exceptional
- Joe R
![New Zealand]()
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
- 9.6 Exceptional
- John C
![United Kingdom]()
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
- 7.6 Good
- Daniel C
![Australia]()
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.
- 8.0 Very good
- Maurizio D
![Brazil]()
Brazil
Perfect
Dive with whale sharks.
- Recommended for
- Food, dives and guides
- 8.4 Very good
- Sten-helge R
![Mauritania]()
Mauritania
Great diving!
Whalesharks and hundreds of Hammerhead sharks
- Recommended for
- The diving, the atmosphere and the new friends one got on the trip
- 9.6 Exceptional
- Todd Z
![Canada]()
Canada
Awesome week, very well organized
Diving , scenery,
- Recommended for
- Diving , food, service
- 8.0 Very good
- Sarah B
![United Kingdom]()
United Kingdom
The best shark diving in the world
Seeing thousands of hammerhead sharks off Wolfe and Darwin
- Recommended for
- The boat was comfortable, the staff were all extremely helpful and well organised, the post dive snacks were delicious
- 9.2 Superb
- Toralf H
![Germany]()
Germany
very nice diving
sharks, crew, food
- Recommended for
- sharks, crew, food
- 8.0 Very good
- Natthawat T
![Thailand]()
Thailand
Good trip but canned food
Hammerhead sharks
- Recommended for
- Hammerhead sharks, mobulas, divers
- 10 Exceptional
- Aymeric M
![France]()
France
Excellent
fantastic all the way!
- Recommended for
- Dive sites, people and overall experince
- 6.4 Review score
- Anne M
![France]()
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
- 8.0 Very good
- Eszter G
![Hungary]()
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
- 10 Exceptional
- Pascal D
![Belgium]()
Belgium
Back on Humboldt Explorer..and liking it
Wolf,Darwin,Mosquera
- Recommended for
- The dives, the dives, land visit
- 6.4 Review score
- Luis L
![Canada]()
Canada
The diving was amazing, but boat and crew a disaster
Walls of sharks - one after another - on basically every dive. Tons of whale sharks, so many that on the 2nd day at Darwin you would ignore them. Snorkeling for over an hour with THOUSANDS of dolphins, which would get to within 2 meters of you.
- Recommended for
- Sharks, sharks, sharks
