
The Aqua Liveaboard in the Galapagos Islands scores 10/10 on the diving features SDE Liveaboard Rating
I’ve scored the Aqua Liveaboard 10/10 on the SDE Liveaboard Rating for Diving Features, as it has 10 of the 10 key diving features listed below.
When you dive on the Aqua Liveaboard, you’ll have onboard nitrox available as a paid extra to help reduce fatigue across multiple dives and can extend your bottom time where conditions allow, with a dedicated dive deck for kitting up and tenders to drop you directly onto the best dive sites. You can also travel light with onboard gear rental, and even progress your diver certification during your liveaboard trip with the onboard scuba diving courses.
At a glance for divers:
If you’re travelling as an underwater photographer, dedicated facilities are available onboard – see the Underwater Photographer section for full details. In addition, DIN adaptors are carried onboard, so whether you dive on a DIN or yoke regulator you will be supported on the Aqua Liveaboard. What’s more, for more advanced setups, this liveaboard also supports technical diving options – see the Technical Divers section for full details.
On deck you have rinse hoses and a shaded diving area, so your kit and cameras can be washed and kept out of the sun. You’ll also find the Aqua Liveaboard was designed for divers, so the layout, dive deck and facilities are all set up with scuba divers in mind.
I’ve reviewed the Aqua Liveaboard and created this checklist of 10 key onboard diving features, so you can quickly see how well this liveaboard is set up for scuba divers. This boat includes 10 of the 10 essential diving features:
Looking for more specialist facilities? See the separate underwater photographer section and tech diving section for more details.
Diving FAQs for the Aqua Liveaboard
Does the Aqua Liveaboard liveaboard have nitrox onboard?
What level of experience is required and what diver certification is required for the Aqua Liveaboard?
How many logged dives do you need for the Aqua Liveaboard?
How many dives per day can I do on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Can I get certified on board the Aqua Liveaboard?
Do I need DIN or yoke on the Aqua Liveaboard, and are adaptors available?
How are water entries and exits handled on the Aqua Liveaboard? Are tenders used?
Are dives guided on the Aqua Liveaboard or can I dive independently?
What rental gear is available on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Are scuba courses available onboard the Aqua Liveaboard?
Is a nitrox course available onboard the Aqua Liveaboard?
What itineraries does the Aqua Liveaboard run?
What is a typical day of diving like on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Is the Aqua Liveaboard custom designed for divers?
What sea creatures can you see on the Aqua Liveaboard
These marine creatures are commonly associated with the dive sites dived from the Aqua Liveaboard. Where we have a page for the creature it will be underlined, so you can click to read more.
Dive information:
- Diver certification level required: Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent)
- Number of logged dives required: Minimum 50 logged dives
- Itinerary options on the Aqua liveaboard are currently: 4 Days/3 Nights, 5 Days/4 Nights, 6 Days/5 Nights, 8 Days/7 Nights
- The diving package to include all the dives on the itinerary of your choice is included in the cost of the liveaboard trip.
- The Aqua liveaboard offers scuba diving courses, and in particular a nitrox course, which are an optional extra charge. Click Scuba diving courses or Nitrox course to find other liveaboards that offer scuba courses onboard.
Tip: click any of the linked items above to find other dive liveaboards with the same option.
List of Galapagos Islands dive sites visited by the Aqua Liveaboard
This is the list of Galapagos Islands dive sites you will dive from the Aqua Liveaboard. Click any underlined site to read more.
Santa Cruz Island
- Charles Darwin Research Station
- Highlands to see giant tortoises
- Isla Santiago
- Los Gemelos
- Puerto Ayora
- Punta Carrion
Baltra Island
Extreme Northern Region
Isabela Island
Santiago Island
- Bartolome Punta
- Cousins Rock
- Rabida's red-sand beach
The Aqua Liveaboard scores 6/10 on the cabin features SDE Liveaboard Rating
My score of Aqua Liveaboard is 6/10 on the SDE Liveaboard Rating for Cabin Features, as it has 6 of the 10 key cabin features (see below).
The Aqua Liveaboard includes air-conditioned cabins, which keeps your cabin cool and comfortable if you want to relax in your cabin between dives, and whilst you sleep at night. In addition, it includes additional cabin luxuries such as complimentary toiletries and daily housekeeping, which means you can pack lighter and enjoy a more relaxed trip.
What’s more, it has en-suite bathrooms, which adds hotel-style convenience to your diving trip. You’ll also find it includes seaview cabins so you wake up to an ocean view.
Below I've listed the 10 key cabin features for the Aqua Liveaboard, where for this liveaboard it includes 6 of the 10 key features.
- ✓
- ✓
- ✓
- ✓
- ✕
Cabin FAQs for the Aqua Liveaboard
Do cabins on the Aqua Liveaboard have en-suite bathrooms?
Is there air-conditioning in the cabins on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Are there family cabins on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Are there balcony or sea-view cabins on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Is there a hair dryer in the cabins on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Do cabins on the Aqua Liveaboard have a safe box?
Is there a TV in the cabins on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Are the cabins non-smoking on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Are towels and toiletries provided on the Aqua Liveaboard?
How many guests and cabins does the Aqua Liveaboard have?
Cabin information:
- The Aqua Liveaboard provides cabin towels, which are included in the cost of your liveaboard trip.
- The Aqua Liveaboard does not offer a laundry service. If you would like this service onboard, click Laundry service to find liveaboards that provide it.
- The Aqua Liveaboard does not offer a pressing service. If you would like this service onboard, click Pressing service to find liveaboards that provide it.
- The Aqua Liveaboard provides complimentary toiletries, which are included in the cost of your liveaboard trip.
- The Aqua Liveaboard is listed as a family friendly cruise, but it does not show dedicated family cabins in the cabin features here. If you need cabins that are set up specifically for families, you may prefer to choose from Liveaboards With Family Cabins, and you can also compare this trip with other family oriented options under Family Friendly Cruises. The cabin types section below shows the cabin layouts available on this boat.
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The Aqua Liveaboard includes the following cabin types:
- 2 Double cabins with ensuite bathrooms
- 4 Twin single bunk cabins (2 single beds in each cabin) with ensuite bathrooms
- 3 Double bunk cabins (1 double bed + 1 single bed in each cabin) with ensuite bathrooms
The Aqua Liveaboard scores 7/10 on the boat features SDE Liveaboard Rating
My score of the Aqua Liveaboard is 7/10 on the SDE Liveaboard Rating for Boat Features, as it has 7 of the 10 key boat features (see below).
The Aqua Liveaboard has a lounge for you to relax with onboard audio and video entertainment between dives or in the evenings. In addition, it has a cool indoor saloon with air conditioning, so you can relax between dives away from the heat and sun. What's more, it has free WIFI internet onboard, which means you can stay up to date with your emails and social media or upload your latest pictures and videos during your dive trip.
Even better, it has dedicated deck areas for relaxing between dives, enjoying the views and making the most of your time onboard. You'll also find it includes transfer support, which can make getting to and from the boat easier and less stressful. Also, it includes towels onboard, which helps you pack lighter and makes life easier during your dive trip.
Plus, it has a dedicated crew onboard to help keep your trip running smoothly from diving to meals and day-to-day service.
Below I've listed the 10 key boat features for the Aqua Liveaboard, where for this liveaboard it includes 7 of the 10 key features.
- ✓
- ✕
- ~
- ✓
- ✓
- ✕
-
✕
No Smart Voyager accreditation
- ~
- ~
- ✓
Boat FAQs for the Aqua Liveaboard
Does the Aqua Liveaboard have WiFi internet?
Does the Aqua Liveaboard have an air conditioned saloon?
Does the Aqua Liveaboard have an indoor saloon?
Does the Aqua Liveaboard have a sun deck or leisure deck?
Does the Aqua Liveaboard have an observation deck?
What onboard entertainment is available on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Is there a boutique or souvenir shop on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Is the Aqua Liveaboard family friendly?
Is the Aqua Liveaboard available for private charter?
What type of crew works on the Aqua Liveaboard?
What is the crew to guest ratio on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Does the Aqua Liveaboard have Smart Voyager accreditation?
Boat information:
- The Aqua liveaboard provides deck towels onboard, which are included in the cost of your liveaboard trip, but no beach towels are provided. Click Beach Towels to find liveaboards that offer these onboard.
- The Aqua liveaboard offers an airport transfer, which is included in the cost of your liveaboard trip, but they do not offer a hotel transfer. Click Hotel Transfers to find liveaboards that offer this service.
- The Aqua liveaboard can arrange local flights at an additional cost to the trip.
- The Aqua liveaboard has optional additional charges on top of the cost of the trip, these additional optional charges include gratuities.
- The Aqua liveaboard has additional required charges on top of the cost of the trip, these additional costs that you are required to pay include national park fees, and visas and fees.
- The Aqua liveaboard has a dedicated crew onboard, which includes both local and international crew.
- The Aqua liveaboard is a family friendly cruise, with facilities and itineraries that work well for families. It does not list dedicated family cabins in the features here, so if you specifically need that layout, click Liveaboards With Family Cabins to find boats that offer them. To compare this trip with other family friendly liveaboards, click Family Friendly Cruises.
- The Aqua liveaboard is available for private charter, making it a great option for scuba diving clubs, groups of friends, underwater photography teams, and families who want the whole boat to themselves. With up to 9 cabins available, your group can enjoy an exclusive itinerary, flexible dive schedule, and the privacy of a full-boat charter; click liveaboards available for private charter to compare this liveaboard with other boats that are available for private charter.
- The Aqua liveaboard is not specifically listed as a budget-friendly option, and is better suited to divers who are happy to pay more for upgraded comfort, premium facilities, and a higher overall experience while exploring Galapagos Islands’s dive sites; if your priority is keeping costs down, you can check current discounts using discounted liveaboards, or click Budget Friendly Liveaboards to compare this vessel with other liveaboards that are marketed as more budget-friendly.
The Aqua Liveaboard scores 6/10 on the food features SDE Liveaboard Rating
My score of the Aqua Liveaboard is 6/10 on the SDE Liveaboard Rating For Food Features, as it has 6 of the 10 total key food and dining features (see below).
The Aqua Liveaboard offers options for specific dietary requirements and you can add these in special requests on step two of the booking form. But you are requested to limit these requests to religious beliefs or food allergies. It also includes vegetarian choices on the menu. In addition, it offers al fresco dining so you can enjoy sea views and ocean breezes with your meals whilst onboard.
What’s more, it has the benefit of fully inclusive meals, which includes breakfast, lunch and evening meals.
Below I've listed the 10 key food features for the Aqua Liveaboard, where for this liveaboard it includes 6 of the 10 key features.
- ✓
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✕
No Beach BBQ
- ✓
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✓
Fine cuisine
- ✓
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✓
Local food
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✕
No Snacks all day
- ✕
- ✓
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✕
No Western food
Dining FAQs for the Aqua Liveaboard
What meal plan does the Aqua Liveaboard offer?
Are dietary requirements accommodated on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Are vegetarian and vegan options available on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Is al fresco dining available on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Does the Aqua Liveaboard include a beach BBQ?
What dining style is used on the Aqua Liveaboard?
What cuisine is served on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Are snacks provided on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Is premium dining available on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Dining and food information:
- Meals are served buffet style on the Aqua Liveaboard.
The Aqua Liveaboard scores 9/10 on the drinks & refreshments SDE Liveaboard Rating
My score of the Aqua Liveaboard is 9/10 on the SDE Liveaboard Rating For Drinks and Refreshment Features, as it has 9 of the 10 total key drink and refreshment features (see below). In addition, this liveaboard includes drinking water, tea & coffee, and welcome cocktails in the trip price.
Below I've listed the 10 key drinks & refreshments features for the Aqua Liveaboard, where for this liveaboard it includes 9 of the 10 key features.
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✓
Alcoholic beverages (Some included)
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✓
Bar
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✓
Beer available
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✓
Drinking water (Free)
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✓
Fine wines selection (enhanced wine offering)
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✕
No Free wine w/dinner
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✓
Soft drinks (Paid extra)
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✓
Tea & coffee (Free)
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✓
Welcome cocktails
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✓
Wine available
Drinks & Refreshments FAQs for the Aqua Liveaboard
Which drinks are included on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Is there a bar onboard the Aqua Liveaboard?
Is alcohol available on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Are soft drinks included on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Are tea and coffee included on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Is drinking water included on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Is wine with dinner included on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Are welcome cocktails offered on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Can I bring my own alcohol on the Aqua Liveaboard?
How do I pay for drinks onboard the Aqua Liveaboard?
Included in the price of your liveaboard trip:
- Drinking water
- Tea & coffee
- Welcome cocktails
The Aqua Liveaboard scores 3/10 on the non-diver companion SDE Liveaboard Rating
My score of the Aqua Liveaboard is 3/10 on the SDE Liveaboard Rating for Non-Diver Companion Rating, as it has 3 of the 10 total key non-diver companion features (see below).
Naturalist guidance is available on the Aqua Liveaboard, adding context on marine life and habitats during your cruise. In addition, There is a small library on the Aqua Liveaboard with fish ID books and light reading and you will often find titles left by previous guests too.
Below I've listed the 10 key non-diver companion features for the Aqua Liveaboard, where for this liveaboard it includes 3 of the 10 key features.
- ✕
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✕
No Glass bottom boat
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✕
No Jacuzzi / hot tub
- ✕
-
✓
Library
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✓
Naturalist itineraries without a guide
- ✓
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✕
No Snorkel gear
- ✕
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✕
No Wellness facilities
Non-Dive Companion FAQs for the Aqua Liveaboard
Are kayaks available on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Are stand up paddleboards available on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Is snorkel gear provided on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Is there a jacuzzi or hot tub on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Is the Aqua Liveaboard suitable for non-divers?
Is there a naturalist guide or naturalist itinerary on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Is there a library on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Is yoga offered on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Are wellness services available on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Are jet skis available on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Is water skiing available on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Is wakeboarding available on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Is fishing offered on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Is there a glass bottom boat on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Are land excursions included on the Aqua Liveaboard?
SDE Liveaboard Rating – Underwater Photographer Features for the Aqua Liveaboard
My score of the Aqua Liveaboard is 2/5 on the SDE Underwater Photographer Rating, as it has 2 of the 5 key photographer facilities (see below).
The Aqua Liveaboard offers a separate rinse tank for underwater cameras, which is crucial for protecting expensive camera equipment from scratches and damage. Also a dedicated camera tank avoids any risks that can arise from sharing space with general diving gear, such as regulators, wetsuits, and heavy fins to avoid contamitation from sand, salt, debris and any chemicals.
In addition, it has free WiFi internet onboard, which makes it easier to back up RAW files to the cloud and share images with friends and family while you are at sea.
Below I've listed the 5 key underwater photographer features for the Aqua Liveaboard, where for this liveaboard it includes 2 of the 5 key features.
Underwater photographer FAQs for the Aqua Liveaboard
Is there a dedicated camera room on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Does the Aqua Liveaboard have a dedicated camera table or workstation?
Are there charging stations for cameras and batteries on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Is there a separate rinse tank for underwater cameras on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Does the Aqua Liveaboard have WiFi for backing up and sharing photos?
Is the Aqua Liveaboard a good choice for serious underwater photographers?
SDE Liveaboard Rating – Technical Diving Features for the Aqua Liveaboard
My score of the Aqua Liveaboard is 1/3 on the SDE Tech Diving Rating, as it has 1 of the 3 key technical diving features (see below).
If you like to dive sidemount style the Aqua Liveaboard supports sidemount diving, but when you plan your dives check the boat’s cylinder options and the deck set-up, so your configuration is comfortable and properly supported for the dives planned.
Below I've listed the 3 key tech diving features for the Aqua Liveaboard, where for this liveaboard it includes 1 of the 3 key features.
Tech diving FAQs for the Aqua Liveaboard
Is sidemount diving supported on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Is technical diving supported on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Is rebreather diving supported on the Aqua Liveaboard?
Is The Aqua Liveaboard Right For You?
Quick Facts about the Aqua Liveaboard
(or equivalent)
✓ The Aqua Liveaboard Is Best For:
- ✓Advanced & experienced divers (Minimum 50 logged dives required)
- ✓Social divers who enjoy meeting new people
- ✓Travelers who prefer to rent equipment rather than bring their own
- ✓Divers seeking multi-day immersive experiences
✗ The Aqua Liveaboard Is Not Ideal For:
- ✗Complete beginners (Advanced Open Water Diver required)
- ✗Divers with limited experience
- ✗Those on a tight budget (premium pricing)
- ✗Those who prefer day trips or shore-based diving
The Aqua Liveaboard Is Perfect If You Want...
- •Multiple dives per day at diverse sites
- •Comfortable accommodation between dives
- •Professional dive crew and guides
- •All-inclusive diving packages
- •Challenging dive sites for experienced divers
Customer review from Liveaboard.com
“A fabulous week on Aqua. We had some amazing dives during our week and we had a great mix of divers which made the week enjoyable, everyone got on well. We had a fabulous dive guide, Juan Carlos, whose knowledge, love and passion for diving in the Galapagos shines through. The boat is run extremely well and professionally with friendly and helpful crew. Food was also amazing, plentiful and varied. All in all a superb week on board Aqua. Thank you.”
Recommended for: The dives, the guide & crew and the food
Customer Review By Lara O, from: United Kingdom scored the Aqua Liveaboard 9.2 out of 10; Review courtesy of Liveaboard.com, for all 175 reviews and information click here: Aqua Liveaboard .
Video Highlights for the Aqua Liveaboard
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All Galapagos Islands's Discounted Liveaboard Deals & Last Minute Discounts
Aqua Liveaboard Included in the Price
When you book the Aqua dive liveaboard, your cruise price includes key items for an amazing dive safari in Galapagos. All your meals are included, so you can focus on diving.
These inclusions provide excellent value and a hassle-free cruise experience. Below is everything included in your Aqua liveaboard fare.
A review of the list of features 'included' in the price of the Aqua liveaboard. If you want to find all liveaboards with a specific feature included in the price, click a feature to open a new window with a collection of dive liveaboards that have this feature:
- Included Accommodation
- Included Airport transfers
- Included Cabin towels
- Included Complimentary toiletries
- Included Deck towels
- Included Diving package
- Included Drinking water
- Included Full-board meal plan (All meals)
- Included Tea & coffee
- Included VAT
- Included Welcome cocktails
- Included WiFi internet
Show features not included in the price
The other features that are either not included in the price or not available at all on the Aqua liveaboard. If you want to find all liveaboards with this feature, click a feature to open a new window with a collection of dive liveaboards that have this feature:
- Not included Nitrox
- Not included Snorkel equipment
- Not included Soft drinks
- Not included Beer
- Not included Wine with dinner
- Not included Dive guide
- Not included Diving equipment
Aqua Liveaboard Optional Paid Extras
Enhance your Aqua charter with these optional upgrades available for an additional cost. Nitrox helps extend your bottom time at the sites around Galapagos.
These extras let you tailor the trip to your preferences. See the list below.
A review of the list of 'optional extras' charged on top of the price for the Aqua liveaboard. Click a feature to find liveaboards including this in the price:
- Paid extra Alcoholic beverages (Paid extra)
- Paid extra Gratuities (Paid extra)
- Paid extra Local flights (Paid extra)
- Paid extra Nitrox (Paid extra)
- Paid extra Nitrox course (Paid extra)
- Paid extra Rental gear (Paid extra)
- Paid extra Scuba diving courses (Paid extra)
- Paid extra Soft drinks (Paid extra)
- Paid extra Travel insurance (Paid extra)
Aqua Liveaboard Required Paid Extras
Please note some essential costs are not included in the base price of the Aqua dive cruise and must be paid additionally. Marine park fees help protect the reefs you will dive in Galapagos.
Budget for these mandatory costs when planning your liveaboard trip. See the list below.
A review of the list of 'required extras' not included in the price for the Aqua liveaboard. Click a feature to find liveaboards where this is covered in the price (when applicable):
- Required extra Chamber fees (Required extra)
- Required extra National park fees (Required extra)
- Required extra Visas and fees (Required extra)
Aqua Liveaboard Vessel Details
- Length: 26.0m (85.3ft)
- Beam: 5.5m (18.0ft)
- Max guests: 16
- Cabins: 9
- Bathrooms: 9
Aqua Liveaboard Boat Navigation and Safety
Navigation and safety aboard the Aqua Liveaboard are built around dependable positioning and rapid response.
A review of the full list of navigation and safety features for the Aqua Liveaboard. Aqua Liveaboard scores 94% on the SDE Liveaboard Rating for navigation & safety, which means it has 16 out of 17 navigation & safety features (see below for the features that are missing from this liveaboard).
- Included Bilge Pump Alarm
- Included Crew Trained in First Aid
- Included Depth Sounder
- Included E.P.I.R.B. Distress System
- Included Emergency Flares
- Included Emergency Rafts
- Included Engine room CCTV
- Included Fire Alarm & Fire Extinguishers
- Included First Aid Kits
- Included GPS
- Included Life Vests
- Included Oxygen
- Included Radar
- Included Radio VHF/DSC/SSB
- Included Satellite & Mobile Phones
- Included Search light
Show features not found
The aqua liveaboard boat navigation and safety that are not found on the Aqua Liveaboard:
- Not included Fishfinder