M/Y Aqua
Galapagos liveaboardDive into adventure and witness the mesmerising Galapagos archipelago for yourself onboard the recently refurbished (2025) Aqua dive liveaboard.
You will observe marine life from different perspectives with balanced excursion programs as well as the chance to visit islands and encounter amazing wildlife experiences. The land based endemic species are what the Galapagos Islands are most famous for and you will come face to face with some of the most well known residents during organised land visits.
The Aqua is one of five boats operated by the fabulous Oniric Cruises and is a comfortable mid range vessel offering 7 night dive itineraries throughout the year. The itineraries have been designed specifically for divers to witness as much of the famous Galapagos marine life as possible and visit many world famous dive sites.
The Aqua has 9 cabins, spread over 3 decks, that can take 16 divers in total.
Getting there
Flight time to Guayaquil (GYE) from the UK is approximately 15 hours, via a transit through Amsterdam with KLM, Madrid with Iberia or Miami with American Airlines. You can also fly from Quito to Galapagos and there are a number of airlines to choose from.
A minimum stay of one night in Guayaquil or Quito is required prior to your flight to Baltra. Flight time from Guayquil to Baltra is approximately 1 hour 50 minutes (via San Cristobal). Upon arrival at Baltra Airport a member of the Aqua team will be there to welcome you, take care of your luggage and transport you to the yacht.
Please contact us for prices
Due to new UK pricing policy laws, implemented by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in 2026, we are currently going through all the pricing previously displayed on our website to make sure we are giving you clear and transparent prices. In the meantime, please contact us for a firm price for your holiday, based on your requirements and time of travel.
Exploring the Galapagos Islands & Ecuador
To find out more about the Galapagos Islands and things to combine with your liveaboard trip (including Ecuador and the Amazon), visit our Galapagos Islands section.
Quick Guide: M/Y Aqua
- 26m length
- Max 16 passengers
- 3 Lower deck triple cabins, 1 mid deck double cabin and 4 upper deck triple cabins and 1 double cabin
- Recommended diver level: PADI Advanced Diver or equivalent with minimum 50 dives
Accommodation & Facilities
There are 3 cabins on the lower deck, each with a double and a single bunk bed for either couples or triple share. The main deck has 1 double cabin and the upper deck houses 5 cabins, 4 of which have a double bed and single bunk and 1 double cabin. There are picture windows in each of the mid and upper deck cabins that can be opened and portholes that are fixed in the lower deck cabins. Each of the cabins has a private ensuite bathroom and manually controlled air conditioning.
There are a few different social areas including a library, shaded outside lounge, solarium and dining areas. There is also a lovely sun deck to enjoy when having some down time from the diving. It’s a great place to relax, have a drink and enjoy the surroundings and watch the frigate birds above!
Diving
Diving is done in 2 groups using 2 zodiacs with 1 dive guide and 1 dive master.
There are 2 dive tank compressors onboard and Nitrox is available for those certified.
Safety is paramount and all crew are trained in primary first aid, there is an EPIRB to locate divers as well as long range radio phone and radios to use in case of emergencies. Each diver is provided with personal marine rescue GPSs, storm whistles and diving beacon and surface marker tube.
Itineraries
Diving trips on the Aqua start and finish in Baltra. This gives an excellent base to explore the island before or after the liveaboard as Sant Cruz island has plenty to see and do. The trips last for 7 nights and the routing typically takes in Baltra, Cape Marshall, Darwin, Wolf, Cape Douglas, Cousin’s Rockand the Highlands.
Ready for your next adventure?
Great Escapes Worldwide Ltd
Combs Tannery
Tannery Road
Combs
Stowmarket
Suffolk
IP14 2EN
United Kingdom
Office hours: Mondays to Fridays, 9am - 5pm
Tel: 01449 535010
Email: info@greatescapesworldwide.com
All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLcertificate
FOLLOW US
