How much does a Galapagos liveaboard cost?
A week of diving at Darwin and Wolf is a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Here is a clear, honest picture of what it costs, using this season's real prices, so there are no surprises.
The short answer
For 7 nights on a Darwin and Wolf liveaboard, expect to pay from about US$3,800 to more than US$10,000 per person for the boat, in a shared cabin. On top of that, plan around US$650 to US$900 for the park fee and the short flight from mainland Ecuador, plus a few optional extras. Flights to Ecuador come on top.
The boat: from about US$3,800
All the boats we book run the same kind of 7-night route through Darwin and Wolf, so the price difference comes from comfort, cabin size, group size and the crew. Across the 2027 season, prices for a shared cabin start at:
| Type of boat | Typical price, 7 nights |
|---|---|
| Smaller, simpler boats | US$3,800 to US$5,500 |
| Mid-range dive yachts | US$4,800 to US$8,800 |
| The most comfortable boats | US$6,400 and up |
The same boat often costs noticeably more in high season (June to November, when the whale sharks are at Darwin) than in the quieter weeks. Single travelers usually pay a supplement for a private cabin, or can share with another diver of the same sex.
The price always includes the cabin, all meals, the dives (up to four a day on the full diving days), tanks, weights and the dive guides.
Park fees: US$220
Every foreign visitor pays the Galapagos National Park fee of US$200 per adult (US$100 for children under 12), in cash on arrival. Before you fly to the islands you also buy the Transit Control Card for US$20 at the airport in Quito or Guayaquil.
Flight from mainland Ecuador: from about US$400
The boats leave from Baltra or San Cristóbal, which you reach on a domestic flight from Quito or Guayaquil. Return tickets usually start at about US$400; booking early helps. Some boats arrange the flight for you; we always check the right airport for your boat before you buy.
Optional extras
- Nitrox. Free on some boats, paid on others. With up to four dives a day, it is worth having.
- Rental gear. Only if you need it. Most divers bring their own, and boats rent what is missing.
- Tips for the crew and guides. Up to you. Guests usually leave a tip at the end of the week, shared among the crew, if they are happy with the service.
- Drinks and souvenirs. Soft drinks and water are included; alcohol usually is not.
- Dive insurance. Most boats ask for it. Many divers already have it through their dive association or travel insurance.
How to pay less
- Look at the warm season. January to May is often cheaper, with calm seas, warm water and mantas.
- Watch for last-minute offers. Boats cut prices to fill the last cabins, sometimes by 20% or more. Our special offers page is updated every week.
- Share a cabin. Traveling alone? Ask for a shared cabin instead of paying the single supplement.
- Book early for the best boats. The most popular boats fill a year ahead for July to October, at full price.
Example budget for one diver
| Budget boat | Comfort boat | |
|---|---|---|
| 7-night liveaboard | US$4,500 | US$8,500 |
| Park fee and Transit Control Card | US$220 | US$220 |
| Flight Quito or Guayaquil to the islands | US$450 | US$450 |
| Nitrox and tips (about) | US$350 | US$600 |
| Total, without flights to Ecuador | about US$5,500 | about US$9,800 |
See this week's real dates and prices on our availability page, or ask Samira for a quote with everything included for your dates.
Questions people ask
Is the Galapagos park fee included in the liveaboard price?
No. The US$200 National Park fee and the US$20 Transit Control Card are paid separately, when you travel.
What is the cheapest month for a Galapagos liveaboard?
Prices are usually lower from January to May and in the weeks around it. The lowest prices of the year are often last-minute offers, when a boat still has a cabin to fill.
Do I pay more for a single cabin?
Usually yes. Most boats charge a single supplement, but you can often share a cabin with another diver of the same sex instead.
Boats we recommend for this
- Tiburon Explorer · from US$7,395
- Humboldt Explorer · from US$6,395
- Galapagos Master · from US$4,284
- Nortada · from US$3,780
- Galaxy Diver II · from US$4,770