GALAPAGOS AGGRESSOR, ECUADOR: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What airlines service the Galapagos Islands for these Galapagos live-aboard packages?
American, Saeta and Continental Airlines fly from the USA to Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil). "SAN" flies from Quito or Guayaquil to San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos Islands, where you'll meet your live-aboard.
2. When should I arrive in Ecuador / Galapagos?
Arrive at least one day prior to your departure and overnight in Quito or Guayaquil. Pre- or post-planned tours are available. From there fly "SAN" to San Cristobal, in the Galapagos Group itself, for boarding the vessel on day of departure.
3. How do I meet the Galapagos live-aboard?
The day of departure, you'll be greeted by our guides at San Cristobal airport. If you have any problems on mainland Ecuador, contact a Galapagos Aggressor representative in Quito or Guayaquil.
4. Should I be an advanced diver for these Galapagos live-aboards?
Diving the Galapagos Islands is challenging due to their currents and isolation. This adventure is not recommended for novice divers. You should be in reasonably good fitness, with a moderately strong cardio-vascular capacity. You should be comfortable with frisky currents, cold water diving techniques & also some deep diving safety strategies. You need not be a thundering dive pro; just being a competent intermediate diver is fine for this live-aboard dive tour.
5. What about non-diving companions on either Galapagos live-aboard?
Our Southern Itinerary perfectly combines exciting land and sea exploration with two dives and two land visits daily. This itinerary includes the Galapagos Islands' most famous land sites. This cruise is ideal for couples with a non-diver spouse or companion.
6. Can itineraries be customized with large groups on these Galapagos Island live-aboards?
Yes indeed, amigos del mar, special itineraries are welcome with whole-yacht charter bookings only. (The Galapagos Aggressors require that you give no less than one month notice).
7. Is there dinghy diving?
Yes, all dives are from the dinghy.
8. What is the water visibility from these Galapagos live-aboards? Temperature?
Water visiblity is between 20 - 80 feet, although some days it exceeds 120 feet. The subtropical waters range from 65° - 80°F. A 1/4" wetsuit with hood is highly recommended year-round.
9. Are all beverages included in the live-aboard prices?
Yes, soft drinks and national brand alcoholic beverages are complimentary while aboard, on your Galapagos islands dive tour.
10. What are the park fees & taxes assessed of Galapagos live-aboard clients?
USD $100 National Park fee collected by park officials at San Cristobal Airport. (U.S) About $30 Puerto Bacquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal Is.) city tax collected at airport on arrival in Galapagos (U.S.) About $7-12 city tax in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz). (U.S.) $35 airport tax for international departures collected by officials on departure in Quito or Guayaquil. There is also a USDT tariff, which varies, but normally is only $35 per client for early bookings. All taxes must be paid in U.S. cash.
11. When is check-out time a Galapagos islands live-aboard?
The normal checkout time for clients is 9:30-10:00AM. Plan your connecting flights accordingly. Itineraries may vary due to National Park policy, weather and visibility. Charter prices subject to change without notice.
12. Passport & Travel Documents Needed for all clients of Galapagos live-aboards:
U.S. citizens and Canadians must have a valid passport for entry into Ecuador. Due to changing visa requirements, please check with the U.S. Dive Travel office for the latest update before departure. Bring your C-card or proof of scuba diving certification. Traveler's check, cash, VISA and MasterCard are accepted on board. Sorry, no personal checks will be accepted. A 10% Ecuadoran sales tax must be charged for all expenses paid on board, during your Galapagos islands cruise.
American, Saeta and Continental Airlines fly from the USA to Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil). "SAN" flies from Quito or Guayaquil to San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos Islands, where you'll meet your live-aboard.
2. When should I arrive in Ecuador / Galapagos?
Arrive at least one day prior to your departure and overnight in Quito or Guayaquil. Pre- or post-planned tours are available. From there fly "SAN" to San Cristobal, in the Galapagos Group itself, for boarding the vessel on day of departure.
3. How do I meet the Galapagos live-aboard?
The day of departure, you'll be greeted by our guides at San Cristobal airport. If you have any problems on mainland Ecuador, contact a Galapagos Aggressor representative in Quito or Guayaquil.
4. Should I be an advanced diver for these Galapagos live-aboards?
Diving the Galapagos Islands is challenging due to their currents and isolation. This adventure is not recommended for novice divers. You should be in reasonably good fitness, with a moderately strong cardio-vascular capacity. You should be comfortable with frisky currents, cold water diving techniques & also some deep diving safety strategies. You need not be a thundering dive pro; just being a competent intermediate diver is fine for this live-aboard dive tour.
5. What about non-diving companions on either Galapagos live-aboard?
Our Southern Itinerary perfectly combines exciting land and sea exploration with two dives and two land visits daily. This itinerary includes the Galapagos Islands' most famous land sites. This cruise is ideal for couples with a non-diver spouse or companion.
6. Can itineraries be customized with large groups on these Galapagos Island live-aboards?
Yes indeed, amigos del mar, special itineraries are welcome with whole-yacht charter bookings only. (The Galapagos Aggressors require that you give no less than one month notice).
7. Is there dinghy diving?
Yes, all dives are from the dinghy.
8. What is the water visibility from these Galapagos live-aboards? Temperature?
Water visiblity is between 20 - 80 feet, although some days it exceeds 120 feet. The subtropical waters range from 65° - 80°F. A 1/4" wetsuit with hood is highly recommended year-round.
9. Are all beverages included in the live-aboard prices?
Yes, soft drinks and national brand alcoholic beverages are complimentary while aboard, on your Galapagos islands dive tour.
10. What are the park fees & taxes assessed of Galapagos live-aboard clients?
USD $100 National Park fee collected by park officials at San Cristobal Airport. (U.S) About $30 Puerto Bacquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal Is.) city tax collected at airport on arrival in Galapagos (U.S.) About $7-12 city tax in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz). (U.S.) $35 airport tax for international departures collected by officials on departure in Quito or Guayaquil. There is also a USDT tariff, which varies, but normally is only $35 per client for early bookings. All taxes must be paid in U.S. cash.
11. When is check-out time a Galapagos islands live-aboard?
The normal checkout time for clients is 9:30-10:00AM. Plan your connecting flights accordingly. Itineraries may vary due to National Park policy, weather and visibility. Charter prices subject to change without notice.
12. Passport & Travel Documents Needed for all clients of Galapagos live-aboards:
U.S. citizens and Canadians must have a valid passport for entry into Ecuador. Due to changing visa requirements, please check with the U.S. Dive Travel office for the latest update before departure. Bring your C-card or proof of scuba diving certification. Traveler's check, cash, VISA and MasterCard are accepted on board. Sorry, no personal checks will be accepted. A 10% Ecuadoran sales tax must be charged for all expenses paid on board, during your Galapagos islands cruise.
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