Scuba Holidays

 Galapagos - Equador
December 2009

Sky Dancer

Named one of the Seven Underwater Wonders of the World by CEDAM international. Imagine a realm where penguins swim in equatorial seas, no one bats an eye at four-eyed fish, and iguanas are found eating their algae meal submerged in the saltwater. Imagine dolphins leaping about in phosphorescent water and becoming the new friend of a playful sea lion pup. Open your eyes... you are imagining diving the Galapagos.

Where the cold Peruvian Current from the south meets the warm north-east Equatorial Current from the north, 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, can be found the "Enchanted Isles" of the Galapagos. Stark volcanic scenery and a hot, dry and inhospitable climate have allowed for the development of some of the world's most bizarre and unique creatures; giant and lumbering tortoises that can reach 120 years in age, prehistoric and dinosaur-like marine iguanas that bask in the hot sun and Darwin's famous finches, each having developed independently from a common species according to their habitat. The Galapagos are also home to the most northerly species of penguin, and seals and sea lions can also be found sunning themselves on the black sandy beaches, or frolicking in the cool, clear waters. The iguanas munch away at the algae that grows in profusion on the rocky shore, while garishly coloured Sally Lightfoot crabs cling precariously to rocks as waves wash over their heads, only to scuttle to a new rock as the waters subside.

Darwin Finch

Beneath these relentless waves the Galapagos are totally unique; because two contrasting ocean currents meet at the islands, it is possible to find a broad range of marine environments in close proximity to one another. Therefore, penguins, seals and sea lions, usually creatures associated with cold or temperate areas, can be found near rich and diverse coral reefs. Nowhere else is it possible to dive with angelfish, moorish idols and butterfly fish one day, search for dozing turtles on rock ledges the next and observe and admire the grace and agility of penguins and seals as they chase schools of silvery bait fish the next.

The waters of the Galapagos are particularly rich in microscopic food, and in consequence support an enormous variety and quantity of fish life. Huge schools of fish such as snapper breed in the waters, and can be seen shimmering in the sunlight as they swoop and swirl when attacked by one of the many marine mammals that feed upon them. Another predator often seen in the Galapagos, especially along one of the deep drop-offs that surround many of the islands, is the hammerhead shark. Although usually seen in solitary, they can sometimes be observed in large schools, appearing out of the gloom, nosing into the current, their strange heads sweeping from side to side. At certain times of the year migrating whales pass the islands; sperm whales and killer whales predominate, but often leaping humpbacks put on a dramatic display for us diminutive humans.

Her main deck consists of a forward lounge for relaxing between dives, with TV, VCR, hifi and other electronic toys for those who can't bear to be away from them! Astern of the lounge is the galley and dining area, and at the back of the boat is the large shaded dive deck. with indivdual tank racks, gear storage bins, camera tabels and charging facilties. On the upper deck are 4 air-conditioned master staterooms with either a queen ded or two single beds, private en suite bathroom and large picture windows offering panoramic views. At the stern on the upper deck is a large shaded deck for those who wish to relax in the open air without getting a tan. On the upper deck is a huge sun deck for those who do! Forward on the lower deck are the other 4 deluxe cabins, each with two single beds, and en suite bathrooms. Portholes allow in natural light. Crews quarters act as a sound barrier between the guests cabins and the engine rooms, making this a very quiet below deck location!

Diving is done from two tenders as the sea and diving conditions do not make for easy diving "mothership-style". Sky Dancer has two 21ft zodiacs each with stainless steel ladder, and 4 stroke engines. The tenders comfortably accommmodate 8 guests, 2 dive guides and driver.

Sky Dancer is a fabulous dive boat with an enviable crew and reputation. Sky Dancer cruises are 7 or 10 nights in duration, with 5½ or 8½ days diving, and start/finish San Cristobal. 7 night cruises run Sunday to Sunday and 10 nights cruises Wednesday to Saturday or Sunday to Wednesday.

Dinner Room

Dive Deck

Deluxe Cabin

Despite their position at the Equator, the waters surrounding the Galapagos Islands are cool. The Humboldt current, coming south from deep upwellings, brings water as cold as 10 degrees C. This then mixes with the with five warmer currents and they create an average temperature of 18 degrees year round with lows of 13 degrees C. The warm season, between about December and March, often has warmer waters of 23 degrees C.

If you are brining your own equipment, taking water temperatures into account, you are advised to bring a warm wetsuit. However, for surface snorkeling, most are quite comfortable in a swim suit. Keep in mind that the Galapagos are at equator and the above water temperatures often exceed 30 degrees C.

Marine Fauna
Some consider the Galapagos the premiere spot for seeing large marine fauna. Seeing pelagic species so close to shore is more common in the Galapagos than most any dive site in the world. Like the animals on land, the animals that inhabit these waters have not evolved with a sense of fear of humans, and your presence will seem no more than a curiosity to these animals.

The sharks that patrol these waters are timid and by no means dangerous, the sea lion pups that you see basking and awkward on the beaches are graceful and playful in the water; and spotted rays glide past you in the azure environment. One in every four marine species is endemic, making the varieties of angelfish and even chub in the water a marine biologist's jackpot. And after all, where else can you observe equatorial penguins diving with marine iguanas?

The best spots for diving are Gordon's Rocks, with its school of hammerhead sharks, and Darwin & Wolf Islands, is only accessible for SCUBA divers. Other very popular spots are Punto Espejo and Leon Dormido.

Amazon Rainforest

Also as an add on option we have a 4 day/ 3 night Amazon Forest extension at the Sacha Lodge including all meals, tours and domestic flights. Travel deep into Ecaudor's eastern area and hike and canoe through pristine Amazonian rainforest, viewing fabulous wildlife and secenery. Sacha Lodge has a fabulous 100ft wooden tower with platforms for viewing at many levels, a butterlfy farm and a fantastic parrot lick!

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We have 2 options to choose from;   Option 1. This would be £4147 and includes Sky Dancer 7 night Liveaboard, National Park Fee, Recompression Chamber Support Fee, Fuel Surcharge, econmoy airfares and hotel accommodation, and 2 nights in Quito return. 'Plus' Option 2. This would be £4609 and includes Sky Dancer 7 night Liveaboard, National Park Fee, Recompression Chamber Support Fee, Fuel Surcharge, econmoy airfares and hotel accommodation, and 2 nights in Quito return. 4 day/3 night Amazon Forrest Extension at Napo Wildlife Centre, including flights and transfers from Quito. flight upgrades: to Business Class TBC Non Diver: Deduct £170

All you need to do now is contact the office for the booking forms and return:

£600 deposit and insurance. Kit hire fee payable to C-Life Ltd. Confirmation of the flights etc will be forwarded. Balance required 10 weeks prior to departure.

Itinerary may change slightly by next year due to airline fuel costs and strength of the pound.