Welcome to the Galapagos Islands
Price Guide: £££££
Emerging from the sea some nine million years ago, these islands were created by a combination of tectonic forces and volcanic eruptions, a process which continues even today. Due to their isolation, they remained undisturbed for millions of years and this resulted in the evolution of a number of unique individual ecosystems, with many species found nowhere else in the world.
Charles Darwin, visiting the islands as a young man in 1835, was inspired to develop his revolutionary “Theory of Evolution,” based on his observations of the subtle differences between the same species found on different islands. Located on the hot equator, water temperatures are cooler than you would expect, due to local upwellings, which along with the Humboldt current originated in Antarctica, bring cool, nutrient rich waters. The mixture of warm currents from Central America with this cooler water has produced an amazing variety of climates, flora and fauna. In the highlands of the larger islands are extinguished craters covered with lush, endemic cloud forests, while closer to the shore, it becomes desert-like, characterized by the towering Opuntia cactus and spiny Acacias. The fauna too provides some unusual sights: sea lions sharing habitat with tropical flamingos, and cold water penguins feeding amongst brightly coloured tropical fish. These conditions, and the fearlessness of the land and marine species to man, have made the Galapagos Islands a unique place for nature to express itself. No wonder they are called “The Enchanted Islands.”
| Diving in the GalapagosSchooling Scalloped Hammerheads, Silkies, Galapagos, White-tipped Sharks and more! Galapagos is considered the “Shark Mecca” of the world. The arch of Darwin Island is considered to be the best place in the world to encounter Whale Sharks. In 1959 Ecuador declared the islands a National Park and its surrounding waters a Marine Reserve in 1986. In 1998 the Reserve was expanded to 40 miles banning industrial fishing. Ecuador thereby contributes to the conservation of the terrestrial and marine life as a living laboratory for science and for the enjoyment of nature lovers and divers through a participative, sustainable eco-tourism and fishing policy, based on some of the most advanced and strict Eco-Legislation-Management in the world. You are accompanied at all times by trained bi-lingual naturalist guides who will explain and interpret the unusual sights you will see. Their knowledge and enthusiasm will make this an unforgettable learning experience. Water Temperatures December - May: 21° - 28°C |
| The Galapagos Aggressor I and IIAn Elegant Adventure aboard a luxurious, fully equipped liveaboard dive yachts. We not only want you to enjoy spectacular diving and the unusual scenery and fauna, but also the quality living conditions onboard. The yachts have been built to comply with both local and international safety regulations, and are equipped to the highest standards of comfort available. You will be led by experienced captains, attended by a friendly crew, and guided by professional bi-lingual naturalists and divemasters. The comfortably furnished lounge and dining areas, as well as the seven double staterooms are spacious, bright and fully air-conditioned with individual temperature controls, and LCD/DVD/MP3 players.. The Galapagos Aggressors have been awarded the distinction of “Top Ten Best Live-aboards Worldwide.” A minimum of 50 logged dives and PADI Advanced Open Water diver or equivalent is required before you travel. All drift dives are made from our skiffs. We recommend 5-7mm wet suit with hood and gloves all year round or a dry suit with light underwear. Nitrox fills are available. |
| Personal Amenities
Eat, Sleep and Dive While you are out exploring or diving, our chefs will prepare delicious meals featuring native seafood as well as international cuisine. After diving, tea, hot chocolate or coffee and snacks will be served. At the end of an exciting day, enjoy a romantic sunset unwinding in one of our hammocks on the sundeck or relaxing in our hot tub. Before dinner and the evening briefing, we will anchor in a calm bay, departing later in the night and arriving early in the morning for a new island and a new adventure. DESIGNED FOR DIVING
All dives begin with a thorough safety briefing. |
| Sample ItineraryA Week of Adventure and Memories Wednesday: Overnight hotel stay in Guayaquil. Thursday: Morning flight to San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands. Guests are met at the San Cristobal airport and transferred to the boat. Your luggage is taken aboard by the crew. Once aboard, the Dive Crew Staff gives a detailed welcome aboard and safety briefing. Check out dive in the afternoon. At evening, a welcome cocktail is offered. Friday through Tuesday: The journey to Wolf and Darwin Islands begins with stops along the way at Mosquera, Bartolome, and Santiago. Guided land tours are offered throughout the week. Wednesday: Diving ends mid-morning. The vessel arrives at Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Islands. A visit to Turtle Breeding Centre is recommended. Shopping is available in Puerto Ayora. The Captain hosts a cocktail party on board at 6:00 p.m. Guests are shuttled ashore for dinner at a local restaurant. The Galapagos Aggressors depart for San Cristobal at 11:00 p.m. Thursday: After a full breakfast, guests will checkout and they are then transferred to the local airport for the flight to mainland Ecuador. Hotel stays, park fees, airport fees, port fee, fuel surcharge and dinner on Wednesday are not included in the charter rate. *Itinerary and activities may vary due to weather and vessel location. |
| Galapagos Aggressors I & II Dive SitesSites are selected by the Captain and may vary due to weather conditions and location. Santa Cruz Island, Rocas Gordon: 1 to 2 knot current; 40 ft. - 100 ft. dive with Hammerhead Sharks, Manta Rays, White Tipped Sharks, Galapagos Sharks, Eagle Rays, Golden Rays, Green Turtles and Sea Lions. Santiago Island, Cousins: 40 ft. - 100 ft. dive with Eagle Rays, Salema, Sea Horse, Frog Fish ,Sea Lions, Green Turtles and White Tipped Sharks. Mosquera Island: 30 ft. - 90 ft. dive with White Tipped Sharks, Eagle Rays, Green Turtles, Sea Lions and Tropical fish. Wolf Island: 1 to 3 knot current; 40 ft. - 90 ft dive with schooling Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks, Eagle Rays, Galapagos Sharks, Eagle Rays, Green Turtles, Sea Lions and Fur Seals, Jacks, Dolphins, Scorpion Fish. Darwin Island: 1 to 3 knot current; 40 ft. - 90 ft. dive with schooling Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks, Galapagos Sharks, Eagle Rays, Green Turtles, Hawksbill Turtles and possibly, Whale Sharks. |
If you would like more details or to obtain a quote then please contact us on 020 7159 8628 or e-mail info@oysterltd.com.
