3 Glorious Ships That Will Complete Your Galapagos Getaway

The Galaxy Diver 

If you love boating and scuba diving you’ll be pleased to discover you get the best of both worlds on the Galaxy Diver. This 30-meter long, 12-passenger cruise ship is outfitted with an 8-person crew and 2 dive masters ready to guide you along your scuba diving journey. Upon stepping foot on this sleek ship, you’ll be greeted by beautiful, modern interior designs that create an atmosphere of luxury. Cool off in the interior lounge with a refreshing beverage of choice and scenic views from the expansive windows. The outdoor lounge, located on the upper deck of the ship, is just as inviting. Relax on the comfy sofas underneath the covering (or step out into the sun to work on your tan) and take in the views of the natural paradise. Need to take a nap or plan to cruise the ship overnight? The cozy cabins are complete with private bathrooms, air conditioning, all the modern amenities, and ultra soft beds that will have you believing you're sleeping on a cloud.

We haven't even gotten to the good part yet: all the diving. The Galaxy Driver can take you through diving sites across the region, including Douglas Cape, Wolf Island, Vicente Roca Point, and Cousins Rock. The best time to spot rare, exotic marine life is from December to June, so try to plan your diving adventure within those months. Diving in the Galapagos during the wet season also means you’ll experience calmer waters and clear visibility. First time diving? Have a fear of sharks? Put your mind at ease knowing you can download the Shark Scan App on your phone to monitor any underwater life in the Marine Reserve. 

The Alya

If diving is less of a priority for you and you’d prefer an authentic luxury experience, the Alya is the ship for you. The exquisite design of the ship matches the ambiance of the Enchanted Islands. This 9-cabin ship can fit up to 16 passengers and comes with nine crew members and one guide ready to create an unforgettable experience for you. The Alya is built with a living room, sundeck, al fresco area, dining room, and bar. The ship also comes with the MYDAS app to ensure you get all the comforts of home, including blockbuster movies to watch when you curl up in your private cabin bed at the end of the day. On the Alya, you can choose to simply enjoy the ship for what it is (an unbeatable luxury experience) or add on some adrenaline-inducing water activities like kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or taking a ride on a panga, an inflated zodiac that gives you an even closer upfront look at exotic marine life. 

And last, but certainly not least, is the Bonita yacht, the ideal option for adventurers looking for a Galapagos sailing experience at an affordable rate. Onboard, you’ll find ample indoor and outdoor spaces designed to fit up to 16 passengers. Eight crew members and one guide will be there to greet you with a delicious cocktail as you step foot on the main deck. Cool off in the air-conditioned living room and drink in the views of the surrounding waters and islands through the panoramic windows. When you get hungry, you can make your way to the dining room where three square meals and plenty of snacks are served each day (the menu also includes options for vegans and vegetarians). Aside from touring waters filled with some of the rarest aquatic creatures in the world, one of the best ways to experience the Galapagos is by watching the sunset from the yacht’s deck. After a long day of sailing the seas and jumping in the water to snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard, make your way to your private cabin for the best sleep of your life. 

Ready to start planning your Galapagos getaway? Eager to put a boating excursion on your travel itinerary or find the best scuba diving adventures around the island? Contact the team at Liquid Diving Adventures today!

• April 23 - Piraeus (Athens) Greece
• April 24 - Spetsai, Nisos Spetsai (Spetses), Greece
• April 25 - Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece 
• April 26 - Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey
• April 27 - Mykonos, Greece
• April 28 - Skopelos and Skiathos, Greece
• April 29 - Bozcaada (Tendos), Turkey
• April 30 - Istanbul, Turkey

There is nothing quite like the breathtaking underwater world that is the Azores Islands and Madeira. These two stunning Portuguese islands boast some of the best scuba diving spots in the world. From coral paradises to spectacular island caves and beyond, there's something for everyone. Whether a beginner or an experienced scuba diver, these five sites are an absolute must to put on your diving itinerary.

Princess Alice, Pico Island, Azores

Take your scuba diving adventures to the Prince Alice dive site, one of the most famous sites in the Azores. The area attracts novice and expert divers thanks to its 50-foot depth. The underwater landscape is full of colorful coral, anemones, and sponges. And we can’t forget the incredible marine life you'll see beneath the water’s surface. The fish boast vibrant colors and the coral reefs are just as beautiful as the fish that live among them. 

Located offshore, you need to take a boat to get here and the ride itself is an adventure. You'll behold breathtaking views of dolphins swimming, splashing, and even playing with the boat's wakes among the crystal clear water. You can spot everything from the bottom, from the dwelling shrimp to giant sea turtles swimming overhead. You won't regret visiting this diving site, easily one of nature’s best works of art! 

Formigas Islets, Azores

Located in the Azores archipelago, Formigas Islets is another offshore diving site worthy of mention. It is home to unique geological formations and marine life. The waters around are home to thousands of sea lions and dolphins, making it one of the best places in Europe for scuba diving. There are more than 1,000 species of fish on Islets of Formigas, including rarer 

species like groupers, moray eels, and parrotfish. You'll find colossal sea turtles nesting on the beach and once you get back in the water, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful schools of barracuda, snappers, mullet, and tuna. 

The white sand beaches and the clear, calm waters of the islands of Formigas make it a tropical paradise. Bear in mind, there are times when the current can get intense. Whether you are a novice or experienced diver, plan to explore the islands’ waters with a guide. 

Santa Maria Island, Azores

Santa Maria is the smallest island in the Azores, but is mighty famous among scuba divers. The 90km island boasts ten beautiful dive sites to explore as you enjoy the Azores' limestone reefs and abundant marine life. The island is home to some of the oldest marine mammals in Europe, including humpback whales, dolphins, and porpoises. If you're lucky enough to spot one of these creatures while scuba diving, it's an experience you won't forget. Three Miles off Santa Maria is Ambrosio, another fantastic scuba diving site. Here you'll have a chance to swim with a school of barracuda, shacks, and devil rays. If diving with devil rays and sharks is not enough, the incredible Atlantic fauna and flora will leave you in awe. 

Porto Santo, Madeira

Looking to take your scuba diving gateway to another level? Then you must visit Portugal's Porto Santo. In deep waters, you'll find sunken shipwrecks such as the Corvette General Pereira d'Eça and Madeirense bursting with marine fauna and flora. The offshore site is home to different fish, sharks, rays, and turtles. The beauty and gracefulness of the spinner dolphins will take your breath away. If you want to combine scuba diving with snorkeling, no problem! Porto Santo has many coral reefs and underwater caves carved out by centuries of erosion. While snorkeling, you can see beautiful coral formations and even explore underwater caves. 

Garajau Nature Reserve, Madeira

Located off the north coast of Madeira Island and about 30 minutes from Funchal lies Garajau Nature Reserve. The reserves cover 7km of coast from Lazareto to Ponta da Oliveira. Along the beach are seven unique diving points: Arena, Galo, Garajau Beach, Pinaculo, Lazareto, Mamas, and Baia dos Porcos. This site boasts crystal clear water filled with abundant marine life. In the shallow areas of this marine reserve, you'll find colorful fish species including tarpon, barracuda, and lionfish. The deeper waters hold schools of barracuda that swim alongside large groupers, sharks, tuna, and marlin. After scuba diving, you can go on a guided tour through the park's cave to learn about marine life. 

Are you ready to make your Portugal scuba diving adventures a reality? Book a trip with Liquid Diving Adventures by contacting us today and we'll be happy to help you plan the perfect scuba diving gateway!