Since you can find individual boat specs everywhere, we thought it might be more helpful to present a live-aboard comparison chart...something we couldn't find online anywhere else. Permits are good for one year and renewable annually.  The period of the permits is from 1 February until 31 January. 

As of February 2011, the National Park no longer permits any dive cruises to do land visits, except for visiting the Highlands of Santa Cruz and the Charles Darwin Research Station.  Additionally, the Park limits diving from live-aboards to 3 dives per day. Please follow the links at the bottom of each column to see more about each liveaboard.   You can also visit our Galapagos Itineraries Chart to see all itineraries side by side.

As of 2012, all liveaboards now offer low season rates from Jan. - May 31.  High season primarily refers to when whale sharks are usually sighted at Darwin and Wolf.

Low Season is  Jan 1 - June 1 for the Deep Blue and the Galapagos Sky.  Low season is Jan 15 - May 15  for the Humboldt Explorer.

High Season is June 1 - Dec 31 for the Deep Blue and the Galapagos Sky.  High season is May 15 - Jan 15 for the Humboldt Explorer.

* All gear rentals are also subject to a 12% VAT.  Full kit rentals do not include a computer.  Computers generally rent for $15 per day.  Not all include gloves either, so be sure to bring your own as you WILL need them, not for warmth, but for protection from sharp barnacles.  Only the Galapagos Sky and the Aggressor offer photo rentals. 

**Please note that where credit cards are accepted onboard, they are subject to 12% Ecuador sales tax and often up to an 8% fee for using a credit card. Best to bring cash for fuel surcharge, Nitrox and gratuities.  Recommended gratuities are 10% of the cost of your trip per person.  This is divided between the crew and dive guides.