By: Torben Lonne
MY Nortada is a custom-built steel-hulled yacht that offers ultimate dive safari adventures to the world-famous dive sites of the Galapagos and the surrounding cluster of islands. The boat was constructed in the year 1986 and has been sailing in the waters of different regions. The small-sized liveaboard offers ultimate dive cruise adventures to the iconic sites like the Darwin Island, Cape Douglas, and Wolf Island. You will witness the great biodiversity of marine life. While diving to these sites, you will have an opportunity to explore the horn sharks, silky sharks, large whale sharks, manta rays, mola-mola, marine iguanas and much more.
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
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Several divers reported that the Nortada was the most private diving experience that they had with only cabins on board. -
Many people were happy with their rooms as it was always organised and neat.
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Several divers commended the diving instructor saying he kept them safe and relaxed while showing them all the marine life.
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The food that the chef prepared was full of variety and you never went hungry at any particular time.
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Some divers said that the briefings were excellent alongside the safety indications.
Things we don't like:
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A couple of people noted that they departed at 2 am on the 2nd day and on the eight day you have to leave the boat at 8 am, making the cruise a 6 day venture and not 8 as indicated. -
Some divers said that the small nature of the boat made the waves rock it more and in so doing made them seasick.
Diving on the MY Nortada in Galapagos
MY Nortada – explore the biodiverse marine life in an intimate dive cruise
The 28 meters (approx. 85 feet) compact liveaboard has everything that a large sailing vessel needs. Nortada was renovated in 2014 and has been going through enhancements every now and then to ensure that the guests onboard enjoy every bit of the vacation with safety and comfort. The stylish liveaboard has a talented crew of 5 members, which are multilingual (English and Spanish) so that there is an effective mode of communication with the travelers. Diving with the splendid yacht, you will have an opportunity to be face-to-face with a large number of underwater species. These marine species include hammerheads, eagle and manta rays, turtles, dolphins, seals, marine iguanas, whales, and a variety of fish species.
Boat Interior – intimate facilities for a small group of people
Nortada is a small boat with luxurious features. The interior reflects a traditional yet comfortable look, which makes you feel like home. It offers personalized services due to the short number of people onboard. Spacious to welcome 8 divers in 4 cozy cabins, these cabins are located on the lower deck and have all the eminent facilities. Nortada facilitates its guests with en-suite washrooms, air-conditioning with a remote to adjust the temperature of the cabin, mirror, writing desk with chair, reading lights and cabinets with drawers to keep the belongings. It is indeed a perfect option for those who seek an intimate charter with a close circle of friends or family.
Deck Area – facilities for divers and non-divers
The dive deck of Nortada liveaboard is spacious and well-equipped. Divers can prepare themselves before going on the marine adventure. There are several tanks lined-up in a well-organized way. Dive guides are always at your service and keep an eagle-eye on every diver to protect them from dangers and difficulties. After getting tired from the action-packed dives, divers can relax on the large sundeck, which has an open-air seating area with sun loungers, deck chairs, and mattresses. It is nice for enjoying both the bright sunny views and to gaze at the starling sky with the fresh sea breeze.
Food and Entertainment
There is a variety of free in-house entertainment activities in the indoor air-conditioned lounge of Nortada. It is commodious, cozy and comfortable with plenty of cushioned sofas, a flat screen TV, DVDs, and large picture windows from where you can enjoy the beautiful views. Besides these entertainment facilities, you may enjoy mouthwatering healthy meals prepared freshly by the expert chef. The meals are served in a buffet in the dining area or at the open-air dining place. The visitors on a special dietary plan or medication are also catered on prior request. Snacks, tea, espresso and a variety of beverages are served all day to make sure no diver stays hungry.
When to go
Nortada offers cruises to the exotic dive sites with intimate facilities. It depends on your choice completely, which season to choose for planning your dive safari vacation. If you are a shark lover, then June to November are the ideal months to book the cruise.
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