GALAPAGOS • MAY 25 - JUNE 1, 2024

Darwin. Remember him? In reference to the Galapagos Islands he once said, “The natural history of this archipelago is very remarkable: it seems to be a little world within itself.” And who’s gonna argue with the godfather of evolution.

The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the highest levels of endemism (species found nowhere else on earth) anywhere on the planet. About 80% of the land birds one will see, 97% of the reptiles and land mammals, and more than 30% of the plants are endemic. More than 20% of the marine species in Galapagos are found nowhere else on earth. Favorites include the giant Galapagos tortoise, marine iguana, flightless cormorant, and the Galapagos penguin — the only penguin species to be found in the Northern Hemisphere. (Galapagos.org)

Sounds exciting, right? Swim among sharks in the morning and walk alongside 500-pound turtles and blue-footed boobies in the afternoon. Seasick has combined seven days of diving around seven different islands with a couple land excursions along the way. And then there’s the boat. Introducing one of the region’s newest liveaboards, the Tiburon Explorer! At 125' in length and only 16 passengers, everyone is sure to be comfortable and have plenty of space while they eat-sleep-dive-tour-rinse-repeat. For those who are in search of something different, something unique, something unusual, then Galapagos is the destination of choice. And if style, upper-end amenities, and spacious accommodations are desired, Seasick has it covered.

COMPLIMENTARY PHOTO INSTRUCTION

Nowadays it seems like every person who dons a scuba tank has the obligatory underwater camera in hand. Some goof off with housed iPhones or GoPros and are satisfied with “proof of life” images (the kind where an explanation of the subject is required because the photo is so bad but at least it proves an underwater encounter occurred). Others desire higher quality results and have more complex systems, external strobes, and a myriad of accessories so that the “rig” looks like Optimus Prime (think Transformers). Regardless of camera system or imaging skill, Seasick is offering everyone in the group the opportunity to learn from one of the dive industry’s most notable underwater photographers, Brook Peterson. Free. No hidden cost. Nada.

The informal workshop (no lengthy PowerPoint presentations and excessive homework assignments) will focus on wide angle photography and lighting techniques. Just another bonus for Galapagos 2024.

BROOK PETERSON

GALAPAGOS

The archipelago has 13 major islands, 5 medium islands and 215 islets, and is the home to unique marine species, rare terrestrial critters, and exotic birds. This fusion of life can be admired up close all while discovering dreamy natural landscapes. Originally called the “Enchanted Islands,” the Galapagos Islands were discovered by accident in 1535. Three hundred years later (in 1835), the well-known English naturalist Charles Darwin fell in love with the area and used it as a natural laboratory. In 1978, UNESCO declared the Galapagos Islands a World Heritage Site.

Location: Pacific Ocean • Country: Ecuador • Hemisphere: Northern and Southern • Distance to mainland Ecuador: 563 mi • Archipelago Type: Volcanic • Area: 3,040 sq mi • Largest Island: Isabela • Highest Elevation: Volcán Wolf (5,600') • Capital: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Isla de San Cristobal • Population: 33,040 (2022) • Time: UTC-6 • Official Languages: Spanish • Religion: Catholicism (90%) • Industry: Tourism • Currency: U.S. dollar (USD) • Electricity: 120V (same as USA) • Airport: Seymour, Baltra Island (GPS) • Driving Side: Right • Official Name: Archipiélago de Colón (Archipelago of Columbus)

WEATHER AND CLIMATE

The weather in the Galapagos does not vary dramatically throughout the year as the islands are located on the equator. The climate can be best described as subtropical. Galapagos has water temperatures ranging from 70-80°F from January to June, and 65-75°F July through December. The warmer waters can typically be found around both Darwin and Wolf. Air temperatures range from 72°F or higher in the wet season (December - May) to 66°F or higher during the dry season (June - December), with nearly constant sea breezes.

May - Average High Temp: 84°F • Average Low Temp: 72°F • Sea Water Temp: 77°F • Average Sunshine Hours: 8 • Average Rainy Days: 3 • Precipitation Totals: .6 in
June - Average High Temp: 81°F • Average Low Temp: 70°F • Sea Water Temp: 73°F • Average Sunshine Hours: 8 • Average Rainy Days: 1 • Precipitation Totals: .1 in

TIBURON EXPLORER

Making its debut in September 2020, the Tiburon Explorer accommodates 16 passengers in 9 air-conditioned staterooms. All staterooms are located on the main and lower decks and have windows to maximize views of the Pacific Ocean and Galapagos Archipelago. In addition, each stateroom features twin beds that can be converted to comfortable queen beds for couples, and include private bath and shower facilities, dressers, and closets. Guests can enjoy the air-conditioned salon on the main deck, furnished with dining tables and a lounge area. Sunning and viewing areas on the top deck offer ample seating and includes a hot tub where guests can relax at the end of their day.

The Tiburon Explorer is a contemporary liveaboard equipped with all the desired amenities divers would wish for. The dive deck is expansive and outfitted with individual gear bins, air, and nitrox filling stations, tank racks, and a separate freshwater rinse tank for underwater camera equipment. Photographers and videographers will appreciate the dedicated camera table and recharging stations. Tiburon Explorer sets a high standard for dive safety and all dives are conducted from two large pangas, easily boarded from the deck. The boat is equipped with a satellite telephone for emergency purposes.

Type: Motor Yacht (M/Y) • Year Built: 2019 • Length: 125' (38m) • Beam: 23' (7m) • Cabins: 9 • Number of passengers: 16 • Hot Tub: Yes • Nitrox: Yes • Internet: No

MAIN DECK STATEROOMS

The Main Deck features six guest staterooms, 1-6, each with private bath and shower, air-conditioning, ample storage and large windows providing guests with amazing ocean views. Cabins 1 and 2 (Front) have queen beds only. Cabins 3-6 have queen or twin beds. The dining area, lounge/entertainment area, bar and large dive deck are also located on the Main Deck.

LOWER DECK SUITES

The Lower Deck comprises 3 suites, 7-9, each with private bath and shower, queen or twin beds, air-conditioning, port windows and ample storage.

SUN DECK

MAIN DECK

LOWER DECK

DIVING

Galapagos is famous for huge schools of hammerheads, but there is more to this destination than just its schooling sharks. As part of the Galapagos Marine Reserve, the islands’ surrounding waters are filled with an abundance of species including Galapagos sharks, whale sharks, mantas, mobulas, eagle rays, stingrays, penguins, orcas, dolphins, mola mola, marine iguanas, turtles, sea lions, butterflyfish, tuna, and pufferfish. The list goes on and on.

Galapagos has two dive seasons. High season is regarded as July to November when the Humboldt current is at its maximum force, bringing upwellings of nutrients from the cold depths. This is the best opportunity to dive with whale sharks in Darwin and Wolf. In these months, the water is cooler, visibility is lower, currents can be stronger, and the seas can be rough at times. The air temperature is cooler and evenings can be fresh (thus evening wear could include a cold weather jacket and long pants).

The chances of seeing whale sharks are reduced during the low season months of December through June, however temperatures are warmer, visibility is generally better, and the seas are calmer. Other popular species, such as the scalloped hammerheads and large schools of fish are present year-round.

Galapagos is a cold-water destination. Regular temperatures in Darwin and Wolf are 70-74°F but can be warmer in the early months of the year. Thermoclines can dip to 54°F in the Western Islands of Punta Vincente Roca and Cabo Douglas, which stay cooler year-round.

NORTH SEYMOUR LAND TOUR

With a maximum elevation of only 92' and land mass of less than .75 sq mi, North Seymour is one of the smaller islands in the Galapagos. For visitors, it has a one-mile trail which covers both the inland of the island as well as the rocky coast. There are no permanent residents on the island and access is only permitted if accompanied by an official Galapagos National Park guide. It is home to large populations of blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, magnificent frigatebirds and Galapagos land iguanas. Sea lions and marine iguanas may also be found in this area.

SANTA CRUZ LAND TOUR

With a maximum elevation of 2,835' and land mass of more than 380 sq mi, Santa Cruz is the second largest island in the Galapagos. With a total of 12,000 residents, Santa Cruz has the largest human population in the archipelago. Wildlife includes marine iguanas, a wide variety of birds, and Galapagos crabs. The main attraction here is the Galapagos giant tortoise.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Dive sites visited are subject to weather conditions and local seasonal knowledge. Final route taken is at the absolute discretion of the captain and cruise director.

FLIGHTS + TRANSIT HOTELS

All guests will embark and disembark the Tiburon Explorer at Baltra Island via the Seymour Airport (GPS)

Ecuador domestic airport for Tiburon Explorer embarking: Seymour Airport (GPS)
Ecuador domestic airport for Tiburon Explorer disembarking: Seymour Airport (GPS)
Ecuador international airport: Guayaquil, José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE)

International flights in/out of Ecuador must be through Guayaquil (GYE) or Quito (UIO)*
* Guests are advised to fly from the USA to Guayaquil (GYE) and avoid Quito (UIO) due to its elevation (over 9,000'). Altitude sickness is a possibility for those arriving in Quito. In addition, there are no direct flights from Quito to Baltra Island Seymour Airport (GPS) so all guests will be required to stop in Guayaquil.

Each guest will be required to purchase the following:
• 1 roundtrip international ticket from the USA to Ecuador
• 1 roundtrip domestic ticket from Guayaquil to Baltra Island
• 2 nights hotel in Guayaquil (May 23 and 24)
• 1 night hotel in Guayaquil (June 1)

All guests must arrive at Baltra Island Seymour Airport (GPS) no later than 12:00pm on May 25 to transfer to the Tiburon Explorer (airport group transfer included)

SAMPLE ITINERARY AS OF AUGUST 10, 2023

LOS ANGELES, CA - GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR
DEPARTING: WEDNESDAY, MAY 22 • RETURNING: SUNDAY, JUNE 2
ESTIMATED COST: $810

GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR - BALTRA ISLAND, ECUADOR
DEPARTING: SATURDAY, MAY 25 • RETURNING: SATURDAY, JUNE 1
ESTIMATED COST: $350

RECOMMENDED HOTEL IN GUAYAQUIL

Wyndham Guayaquil
Address: Calle Numa Pompilio Llona S N • Ciudad del Rio - Puerto Santa Ana, Guayaquil 090303, Ecuador

Inbound: Check In Thursday, May 23 • Check Out Saturday, May 25
Outbound: Check In Saturday, June 1 • Check Out Sunday, June 2

Room types: Santa Ana Hill View (≈$200), River View (≈$200), Junior Suite (≈400)

* Outbound Guayaquil hotel is not mandatory as some guests may prefer to stay in the Galapagos or in Quito

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

DEFINITIONS: “Company” is defined as Underwater Exposures, Inc. dba Seasick Productions, incorporated in terms of the laws of California, United States of America. "Company Affiliated Parties" is defined as the Company, Brook Peterson, its directors, members, partners, employees, agents, consultants, suppliers, and contractors. “Guest” is defined as any person or persons placing a booking (whether provisional or confirmed) with the Company and who contracts with the Company for any of the Services together with his/her spouse, dependents and companions. “Services” is defined as the provision of accommodation, transport, transfers, scuba diving and snorkeling activities, tours or any other activities or services provided by the Company and the procurement by the Company of the provision of accommodation, transport, transfers, scuba diving and snorkeling activities, tours or any other activities or services by any Third-Party Contractors.

GENERAL: Price based on double occupancy group rate. Single supplement, extensions, additional services, and all other items not listed in itinerary are not included. All prices subject to change without notice. A $2,000.00 deposit per person is required with each Guest reservation. Company reserves the right, without advance notice, to make changes or cancellations, in part or in whole, as circumstances dictate. Any deposit or payment made to Company or any representative of Company shows acceptance and acknowledgement of the terms and conditions as stated herein.

CHANGES TO RESERVATIONS: Any request by Guest to amend or change a booking once it has been confirmed, may be accommodated by Company subject to availability. If Company is able to assist, a reasonable administrative fee may be charged. Any such administrative fees shall be invoiced to the Guest and must be settled as per the standard terms applicable to the booking. If the invoice is not paid within such time, Company may construe such non-payment as an act of cancellation on the part of the Guest and the provisions of the cancellation clause shall apply. All reservations, confirmed bookings, and Company’s services are non-transferable.

CANCELLATIONS TO RESERVATIONS: Refund (less cancellation fee) may be issued if reservation is cancelled four months prior to departure date and if another Guest can fill the vacancy. All authorized refunds will be assessed a $300.00 cancellation fee. No refund or credit will be made for Services not utilized by Guest. No cancellations shall be accepted within 30 days of trip departure.

FORCE MAJEURE: “Force Majeure Event” is defined as any event which is beyond the control of the Company, including, but not limited to a national strike, act of war, armed conflict, insurrection, civil commotion, terrorism or the threat of terrorism; any act of God including but not limited to epidemic, pandemic, lightning, earthquake, flooding, fire, cyclone, hurricane, typhoon, tidal wave, storm, volcanic eruption and other unusual and extreme adverse weather or environmental conditions; any event which falls within any of these categories that is suffered by Third-Party Contractors of the Company, who are involved in the receipt or provision of the Services; and or any other cause or contingency beyond the control of the Company. The Company shall not be deemed to be in breach of any of its obligations to Guest due to any Force Majeure Event. If the Company is affected by a Force Majeure Event, it may in its sole and absolute discretion, amend or cancel any of the Services or the remainder thereof, or to make any alteration in route, accommodation, transportation or arrangement in the event of the Services or any part thereof being rendered impossible, illegal or inadvisable.

GUEST INSURANCE: If scuba diving is a Service used by Guest, Company requires Guest to possess a dive accident insurance policy prior to using any of Company’s Services. If scuba diving is not a Service used by Guest, Company requires Guest to possess an international accident and medical evacuation insurance policy prior to using any of Company’s Services. Information on dive accident insurance can be found at the Divers Alert Network’s website: www.diversalertnetwork.org. In addition, Company recommends trip insurance in the event a Guest must cancel the trip. Information on trip insurance can be found at the Divers Alert Network’s website: www.diversalertnetwork.org or the DiveAssure website: www.diveassure.com.

RESPONSIBILITY: Company acts only as agents for the Third-Party Contractors providing transportation, accommodations, diving and other Services. All tickets and vouchers issued constitute the sole contract between the Guest and Company. Company or its representatives shall not at any time be responsible in any way for loss, injury, or damage arising from any Force Majeure Event, act of government, theft, sickness, customs regulations, delay, cancellation error, or any cause beyond its control. Company or its representatives accepts no liability for the consequences of the personal activities of any Guest who is personally responsible for decisions concerning health, safety, fitness for diving and snorkeling, or any other circumstances beyond its control.