Darwin Pathfinder

The Darwin Pathfinder is operated by Pathfinder Expeditions and is fully certified under PADI, SSI, NAUI standards. We carry satellite communication, a defibrillator, emergency oxygen on every tender, and a dedicated chase boat. All cruise directors are Divemaster or Instructor-level and hold current EFR and DAN oxygen provider certifications.

For the Galápagos Islands, the prime diving months are June to November (whale shark season). We schedule itineraries to match peak marine-life activity during that window. Travel outside peak season is still rewarding but expect more variable conditions.

Diving is rated advanced. Several sites involve strong currents, down-currents, negative entries, and depths to 40 m. Surge and thermoclines are common, and strong air consumption at depth is required.

Included: all meals and soft drinks, shared cabin accommodation, up to 4 guided dives per day (3 on travel days), weights, tanks, airport transfers on charter days, and marine park fees where applicable. Not included: flights to the departure port, alcoholic beverages, crew gratuity (standard 10% of the trip cost), dive insurance, and any Nitrox surcharge where relevant.

Nine cabins across two decks — all with hotel-grade bedding, hot-water showers, and individual climate control. All cabins have individually controlled air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms with hot-water showers, 110/220V outlets, and crisp hotel-grade linens changed mid-trip. Ocean-view cabins feature a picture window; lower-deck cabins feature a porthole.

Chef-plated Ecuadorian and international cuisine, with fresh seafood served daily. We accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, and most food allergies with advance notice — please tell us at booking so we can provision correctly. Breakfast is buffet-style, lunch and dinner are served family-style, and there is always a hot drink and fresh fruit bowl between dives.

Tanks, weights, and dive computer are all included. Guests may bring their own regulator, BCD, and fins, or rent a complete set from us on board.

Nitrox (up to 32%) is complimentary for all certified Nitrox divers — no extra fee, no limit on the number of fills.

Our recommended minimum is Advanced Open Water with 50+ logged dives and recent cold-water experience. Less-experienced divers can often join, but may sit out one or two of the more advanced sites at the cruise director's discretion — this is a safety call, not a service downgrade.

Experienced international divers, most with 100+ logged dives, drawn from North America and Europe. Our average group is 14–18 divers from 5–8 nationalities. Solo travelers are common and can opt for a shared cabin at no single supplement on most departures. The minimum age on board is 18.