Galapagos Master Liveaboard Overview

Last updated: October 2, 2025

Published: November 1, 2023

The Galapagos Master liveaboard yacht Deep Blue anchored under a cloudy sky

Following a complete interior refit in 2015, the Galapagos Master was most recently refurbished in early 2025.

Rows of scuba gear set up and ready on the dive deck

Prepare for your dives on the vessel’s spacious dive deck before boarding one of the two tenders that will drop you right where the action is.

Large school of hammerhead sharks cruising through blue water in the Galapagos

Divers can expect to swim with hundreds of schooling hammerhead sharks and encounter whale sharks, silky sharks, and countless other species.

Hammerhead shark approaching camera with a diver watching a school of fish below

Marine life encounters are undoubtedly the stars of Galapagos diving.

The Galapagos Master liveaboard anchored at sea at dusk with another yacht nearby

Refurbished in early 2025, including updates to the interior decor, the Galapagos Master prides itself on being one of the most eco-friendly liveaboards in the area.

Outdoor bar on the top deck with white stools and bottles set out under a clear sky

For those looking to take in the scenery around these spectacular volcanic islands, the open-air saloon and the sundeck offer excellent vantage points.

Whale shark with remoras swimming close to the surface

Divers frequently see eagle rays, manta rays, whale sharks, sea lions, dolphins, and mola-mola—the list goes on.

Penguin diving underwater through a school of baitfish near rocky reef

Lucky divers may even spot penguins underwater.

Guests in the lounge listen to a briefing with an island route shown on the TV screen

Check out fish ID books or relax with fellow guests in the salon.

Divers geared up aboard an inflatable tender heading out to a dive site

Several tenders transport divers right to the heart of the action.

Wood-paneled cabin with a made-up double bed, wardrobe and folded towels

All cabins were refurbished in early 2025.

Compact ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower, sink and mirror

All cabins have ensuite bathrooms with hot water and A/C.

Indoor dining area with wood tables, blue upholstered benches and ocean-view windows

The kitchen team turns out a tasty combination of Western favorites and local foods.

Dining tables set with wine glasses beside large windows overlooking the water

The Galapagos Master’s team serves all meals buffet-style.

Blue upholstered sofas and wooden coffee tables on the covered outdoor deck

Al fresco dining is another option.

Cabin with a made-up bed, rolled towels and two ocean-view windows

On the main deck guests will find one premium double cabin, with four more premium cabins on the upper deck.

Twin-bed cabin with blue accent pillows, air conditioning unit and a small dresser

All upper deck cabins can be converted from twin to double.

Onboard saloon with blue sofas and a wall-mounted screen showing a dive site map

If you prefer to stay out of the sun, head to the indoor salon.

Crew and guests gather around a barbecue spread on the top deck near coastal cliffs

Happy hour is even happier with a view like this.

Where to book

Liveaboard.comNo booking fees PADI TravelSecure online booking Divebooker.comFree DAN insurance

Galapagos! The name alone inspires divers and other nature enthusiasts. These islands, located off the west coast of Ecuador, are both a must-dive and a once-in-a-lifetime destination. Around those volcanic islands, you find one of the world’s most unique diving destinations. The Galapagos is famous for its unparalleled pelagic encounters.

Divers can expect to swim with hundreds of schooling hammerhead sharks and encounter whale sharks, silky sharks, and countless other species, depending on the season. You may also dive with giant manta rays, eagle rays, or millions of striped salemas. And have we mentioned mola-molas? Plus, there are marine iguanas, sea lions, and Galapagos penguins. The macro life is great, too.

With all that excitement about marine life, you’d be forgiven for forgetting about the liveaboard you’re traveling on. But remember—amazing dives need a great platform to start from. Refurbished in early 2025, including updates to the interior decor, the Galapagos Master prides itself on being one of the most eco-friendly liveaboards in the area. Guests can choose between seven- and 10-night itineraries, all including the Galapagos Islands’ top dive sites.

Let’s dive in for our review of the Galapagos Master.

About this overview

To help you decide whether this liveaboard fits your dive style, budget, and comfort needs, we’ve researched the boat, itinerary, onboard experience, diving setup, and overall value.
We review liveaboards based on the details that matter most during a multi-day dive trip, including cabins, food, crew support, dive operations, safety, route quality, and how the boat compares with similar options in the destination.

Recommended in: Liveaboards in Galápagos

Disclosure: We are reader supported, and may earn affiliate commissions when you buy through us.

Things we like:

Once-in-a-lifetime experience diving Darwin and Wolf Islands
Unparalleled marine life sightings (almost) guaranteed
Recently refurbished liveaboard (early 2025)
Can accept both cash and card payments onboard

Things we don't like:

Relatively high ratio of dive guides to divers (sometimes 8:1)

Where to book

Liveaboard.comNo booking fees PADI TravelSecure online booking Divebooker.comFree DAN insurance

Diving on the Galapagos Master

Marine iguana swimming at the surface in the Galapagos, seen from below against the sun

Sea lion looking directly into the camera underwater near rocks

Giant manta ray gliding overhead with sunlight streaming through the water

Rows of scuba tanks and BCDs set up on the dive deck of the Galapagos Master

Marine life encounters are undoubtedly the stars of Galapagos diving. Where else in the world can you encounter species recorded by none other than Charles Darwin? This isolated location is unique in its flora and fauna. No other location delivers quite the same.

There is no better place to dive with great hammerheads and scalloped hammerheads, and divers often see schools featuring hundreds of these incredible predators. There are also indigenous Galapagos sharks and other shark species. Plus, divers frequently see eagle rays, manta rays, whale sharks, sea lions, dolphins, and mola-mola—the list goes on.

Diving with marine iguanas and getting close to Galapagos penguins are two more trip highlights. And if you thought there was only “big stuff” to see, think again. This incredible marine environment features black corals that are home to hawkfish, frogfish, seahorses, nudibranchs, and other diver favorites. And don’t miss the chance to check out the endemic and comical red-lipped batfish.

Aside from marine life, what should you expect from diving in the Galapagos? These islands are not only known for their marine life but also for the—at times—strong currents. The liveaboard carries comprehensive safety equipment as is appropriate for the area.

Prepare for your dives on the vessel’s spacious dive deck before boarding one of the two tenders that will drop you right where the action is. The Galapagos Master offers nitrox at a surcharge, and divers can also opt for 15-liter tanks.

Underwater photographers will love the indoor camera station, which provides enough room to prepare and maintain equipment as well as charge cameras, lights, and other gear. There is enough space here to accommodate even photography-focused charters without running out of space.

Highlights:

Perhaps the best pelagic species diving in the world
Separate rinse tanks for underwater cameras
Large indoor camera station to prepare photography equipment

Onboard the Galapagos Master

Ensuite cabin aboard the Galapagos Master with a made-up bed and ocean-view windows

This 105-foot (32 m) vessel may have been built in 2001, but it’s certainly not showing its age. Following a complete interior refit in 2015, the Galapagos Master was most recently refurbished in early 2025. It continues to be one of the fastest and most stable boats in the area.

Nine cabins await 16 divers for the trip of a lifetime. Onboard and in the water, 12 crew members will do everything they can to ensure divers enjoy every minute they spend on the boat and underwater.

Divers can see the difference following this latest refurbishment in the nine comfortable cabins. The lower deck houses four classic cabins. Two of those can be converted from twin to double cabins, while the remaining two have twin beds.

On the main deck guests will find one premium double cabin, with four more premium cabins on the upper deck. All upper deck cabins can be converted from twin to double. All cabins have ensuite bathrooms with hot water and A/C.

There are plenty of relaxation areas as well. If you prefer to stay out of the sun, head to the indoor saloon. For those looking to take in the scenery around these spectacular volcanic islands, the open-air saloon and the sundeck offer excellent vantage points. For panoramic views, head directly to the bridge.

When you’re not diving, the crew offers land excursions to see giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and more endemic topside wildlife. Considering the remoteness of these islands, these trips are not to be missed.

Highlights:

Panoramic views from the bridge
Land excursions to complement marine life sightings
One of the most stable boats in the area

Dining on the Galapagos Master

Outdoor deck sofas with fruit, juice and snacks laid out on the coffee tables

The Galapagos are about as far away from civilization as most liveaboards will ever travel, so it’s even more remarkable that the kitchen team turns out a tasty combination of Western favorites and local foods.

The team is happy to cater to vegetarians, but because of the remote nature of the area, it’s important to let the operator know about dietary requirements early on. The Galapagos Master’s team serves all meals buffet-style, allowing divers to help themselves to breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Should you feel hungry in between meals, check out the all-day supply of snacks on the boat.

While meals are generally served in the indoor saloon, divers can opt for alfresco dining, too. Why not enjoy a stunning sunset as you’re tucking into your dinner? Soft drinks are included in your liveaboard package. If you’d prefer to toast your diving day with something stronger, take a look at the liveaboard’s wine list or the cocktail menu. The Galapagos Master’s crew also offers spirits and beer. All alcoholic drinks incur an additional charge.