Galapagos Liveaboard Cost: Prices and What Is Included
A Galapagos liveaboard with Wolf and Darwin costs about USD 7,300 per person for 7 nights, which is roughly USD 1,043 per night. That is the price listed on Be Underwater for the Galapagos Aggressor III (San Cristobal, 18 dives, Wolf and Darwin). Park and port fees, flights, nitrox, rental gear and crew tips come on top.
Prices are per person as listed on Be Underwater and vary by date and cabin. Always check the trip page for the exact departure you want.
What the price includes
For the Galapagos Aggressor III trip listed on Be Underwater, the per-person price covers:
- Accommodation on board for 7 nights
- All meals and snacks
- Non-alcoholic drinks, plus local beer and wine
- Diving with tanks and weights (18 dives)
- Airport transfers
The boat is a 100-foot motor yacht with 8 cabins and space for 16 guests, so groups are small compared with larger vessels.
What Adds to the Cost of a Galapagos Liveaboard
| Extra | What to know |
|---|---|
| Galapagos National Park entrance fee | Paid by every visitor. On the Galapagos Aggressor III listing, park and port fees are not included in the trip price. Check the current amount before you book. |
| Transit control card | Required for travel to the islands, normally arranged at your departure airport on the mainland. Check the current fee. |
| Flights | International flights plus the domestic flight from mainland Ecuador to San Cristobal or Baltra. Airfare is not included in the trip price. |
| Nitrox | The boat offers nitrox, charged as an extra on the listing. |
| Rental equipment | Full rental gear is available on board, charged separately. |
| Crew gratuity | Staff gratuity is not included in the listed price. It is customary to tip the crew at the end of the week. |
| Travel insurance | Not included. Make sure your policy covers diving and medical evacuation. |
| Single cabin supplement | Solo travelers who want a cabin to themselves pay a supplement on top of the per-person price. It is shown on the trip page. |
Tip: park and port fees and permit costs change over time, so we do not quote a fixed figure here. The trip page lists what is included and what is not for each departure.
Why Galapagos Liveaboards Are Expensive
- Remote location. The islands are about 1,000 km off the coast of Ecuador, so every trip starts with a domestic flight and long crossings between sites.
- Permits and park rules. Diving is regulated, and only a limited number of vessels operate the routes. Park and port fees are charged on top of the cruise.
- Wolf and Darwin. The far northern islands are the main draw for big animals, and reaching them needs a capable, purpose-built boat and an experienced crew.
- Small boats. With around 16 guests per departure, the cost per cabin is spread over fewer people than on larger liveaboards.
For a wider look at what drives liveaboard pricing, see how much a liveaboard costs.
Best Season for a Galapagos Liveaboard
The Galapagos has two broad seasons. The warm season, roughly January to May, brings warmer water and the best chance of schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks at Wolf and Darwin. The cooler season, roughly June to November, is when whale sharks are most often seen at Darwin, with colder water and stronger currents.
Wildlife is never guaranteed. The Galapagos Aggressor III listings currently show open departures from October 2026 to January 2027.
Experience Needed to Dive the Galapagos
The Galapagos is an advanced destination. At Wolf and Darwin you should expect strong currents, surge, and cold thermoclines where the temperature can drop sharply. The Galapagos Aggressor III listing does not show a formal minimum certification or number of logged dives, but we advise Advanced Open Water certification and a solid number of logged dives, ideally including drift diving and some cold-water experience.
Bring a proper exposure suit for cool water and a surface marker buoy, and confirm requirements with the boat before you pay.
Comparing Galapagos Liveaboards
Be Underwater currently lists one Galapagos liveaboard, so a side-by-side with other boats is not possible here. This is how the listed boat measures up on the criteria that matter, and a checklist to use when you compare any other Galapagos boat.
| Boat | Nights | Dives | Wolf and Darwin | Price per person | Per night |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galapagos Aggressor III | 7 | 18 | Yes | USD 7,300 | About USD 1,043 |
Checklist for comparing any Galapagos boat
- Does the itinerary include Wolf and Darwin, or only the central islands?
- How many nights and how many guaranteed dives, and so what is the price per night and per dive?
- Are park fees, port fees, nitrox, rental gear and gratuity included or extra?
- Which departure port is used, and are airport transfers included?
- What minimum certification and logged dives does the boat require?
- How many guests and how many dive guides are on board?
- What are the single supplement and the cancellation terms?
FAQ: Galapagos Liveaboard Cost
How much does a Galapagos liveaboard cost?
On Be Underwater, the Galapagos Aggressor III lists a 7-night trip with Wolf and Darwin for USD 7,300 per person (about USD 1,043 per night) with 18 dives. Park and port fees, flights, nitrox, rental gear and crew tips are extra.
Why are Galapagos liveaboards so expensive?
The islands are remote, access is regulated through permits and park rules, and the famous sites of Wolf and Darwin are far from the main ports, which means long crossings and a purpose-built vessel with a full crew. Few boats are licensed to run these routes, so supply is limited.
When is the best time to dive the Galapagos?
Hammerhead sharks are seen at Wolf and Darwin over a long period, with the warm season from about January to May bringing warmer, calmer water. From about June to November the water is cooler and whale sharks are the highlight at Darwin. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Can a beginner dive the Galapagos on a liveaboard?
It is not recommended. Wolf and Darwin involve strong currents, surge and cold thermoclines. Advanced Open Water certification and a good number of logged dives, including drift dives, are strongly advised even if a listing shows no formal minimum.
Is nitrox included on the Galapagos Aggressor III?
Nitrox is available on board but it is listed as not included in the trip price. Tanks and weights are included.
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