Important info
The weeklong trip on the Galapagos Aggressor III starts and ends in Baltra every Thursday.
The diving in Galapagos can be strenuous, due to its currents and surge, varying water temperatures, limited visibility, and diving from
dinghies. The trip is recommended for intermediate and advanced divers.
The waters of the Galapagos Islands are a unique mixture of warm and cold water, ranging between 65°F and 85°F, with thermoclines about 65°F. We recommend you bring a 5mm-7mm wetsuit with hood and gloves or a dry suit with light underwear all year round. The cruises to some of the islands can be rough and we recommend you take precautions against motion sickness.
The diving around the Galapagos Islands is made using dinghies (or inflatibles) manned by our crewmembers. Few dives are directly from the main vessel itself. Once your dive is completed, you hand your weight belt to the dinghy driver, take off your BCD and climb in.
We highly recommend spending at least one night in Guayaquil (instead of Quito, the new Quito International Airport is located over one hour from downtown Quito) the night before your charter start date and flying
to Baltra.
Recommended flights:
Departure: Quito – Guayaquil – Baltra (no airplane change for those traveling from Quito to Baltra)
AV 1684 Quito – Guayaquil 10:25 am - 11:20 am
AV 1684 Guayaquil – Baltra 12:00 pm - 12:50 pm
Return: Baltra – Guayaquil – Quito
AV 1633 Baltra – Guayaquil 10:10 am - 01:00 pm
AV1633 Guayaquil – Quito 01:40 pm - 02:35 pm
On the day of departure to the Galapagos Aggressor III, be sure to be at the airport in Quito or Guayaquil at least 2 hours before departure. An Aggressor representative will meet you at the Guayaquil Airport to assist you with your tickets and check-in. Prior to check-in at the airline ticket counter at the Quito or Guayaquil Airport, you are required to pay $20 for the Galapagos Visitors Card. This will be paid at the “Consejo de Gobierno de Galapagos” counter.
Once you arrive at the Baltra Airport, you will be asked to pay the $100 USD National Park fee in cash. Please keep your Park Fee receipt. An Aggressor Guide will be there to welcome you, take care of your luggage and transport you to the yacht.
If you plan to arrive to Galapagos before departure day and make your own way to the Galapagos Aggressor III, you will need to meet on the dock at the Baltra side of the Itabaca Channel at 12.00 noon on the departure date. This is the channel between Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora town) and Baltra Island (airport). And advise us or call the Galapagos Aggressor III office in Guayaquil to advise them of your plans. In case of flight problems please call either of these numbers to inform the staff.
We recommend you pack an overnight bag that includes a swimsuit, change of clothes, medication and toiletries in your carry on bag. Having these few items with you can make an unexpected luggage delay more bearable.
All guests must complete the GIS (Guest Information Service) and waiver to confirm their reservation. If you have not received a link to the GIS, please contact us. Passengers who fail to comply will be canceled and denied boarding. For those passengers traveling on back-to-back charters, a GIS and Waiver must be completed and signed for each trip.
Remember to bring your c-card or proof of certification. The divemaster requires proof of certification before the first dive.
All tanks have Yoke/K-valves (American type), no DIN (European) valves available.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your period of stay, have adequate funds to support yourself, and a return airline ticket to travel to Ecuador then Galapagos. It is the travelers’ responsibility to ensure they have the proper documentation to travel into each country on his or her itinerary as well as for re-entry and return to their country. Please check with the appropriate consulate to ensure you have the proper documentation. Always check your passport and visa requirements. US citizens may go to the US Department of State website at www.travel.state.gov for more information. The website also has information for consulates by country to assist with requirements. There are special requirements for children leaving the US and many countries have adopted requirements for the protection of children. Since regulations vary by country, contact your consulate or embassy of your country for the requirement. Smart Dive Travel and Aggressor Fleet cannot assume responsibility for passengers not having the correct documentation.
We strongly recommend each guest purchase comprehensive accident, medical, baggage and trip cancellation and interruption insurance when space is reserved. Trip insurance will protect you from financial disappointment if you are prevented from making your scheduled trip due to illness, family illness or in the event that unforeseen circumstances prevent the airline or yacht from making its scheduled trip. In the event you cancel your trip, be familiar with the cancellation policies below.
Galapagos Aggressor III and staff are unable to accept any medication brought onboard for safekeeping including those that require refrigeration. Should you have a medication requiring temperature control, you will need to travel with a travel cooling case or small storage cooler with several blue ice packets. The crew will be happy to store and recharge the blue ice but are unable to accept possession or responsibility for the proper care and storage of medication. This should be kept in the stateroom.
Smoking is not allowed inside the yacht or on the dive deck. Smoking is only permitted on the rear of the sun deck.
Cancellations Policy
Cancellation 121 days or more prior to departure, 20% of the charter rate is forfeited.
Cancellation 120 - 91 days prior to departure, 40% of the charter rate is forfeited.
Cancellation 90 days or less prior to departure, 100% of the charter rate is forfeited and no refund is available.
