Galapagos Q&A

Kids Sea Camp Family Dive Adventures: 

“Give your family a trip that will leave them with inspirations and memories to last a life time” 

Located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos is one of the most exciting destinations in the world to dive or snorkel.   Only in Galápagos will you come face to face with wildlife that has never developed a fear of people. Land Tours to the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island to see tortoises, lava tubes, and pit craters.  Your kids will marvel at Blue-footed boobies, and the almost neon-orange and red Sally Lightfoot crabs.  This magical journey is available to families with kids from age 10 and up that are certified divers. 

Family week dates are July 7-14 and July 14-21 2012.

This is a family expedition to the land that time has forgotten, an unforgettable journey to Darwin and Wolf Islands.  You will have the opportunity to safely dive or snorkel with playful sea lions, wild dolphins, Whale Sharks, schools of Tuna, golden eagle rays and so much more.   Snorkel with marine iguanas, and marvel at Galápagos penguins.
 

Kids Sea Camp invites you aboard the MY Wolf Buddy, to experience your own private luxury yacht and crew for the entire week. Wolf Buddy is appointed with spacious suits that are a minimum of 160sq feet all with private bath.  Local Chefs prepare a first class dining experience for all and a specialized menu for family weeks.  Buddy Dive has paid attention to every detail for the comfort and safety of divers. Diving features 2 Zodiacs that will take you to dive and tour the volcanic isolated islets of the Galápagos to explore above and below. Our expedition is led by the Buddy Dive team of PADI Dive Instructors and Naturalists, (including an Underwater Specialist, a photographer, and Expedition Leader), providing a multitude of information, education and unmatched attention to your families safety in all that you’ll do.
 

1. Where are the Galapagos Islands?

The "Enchanted Islands" of Galapagos are found in the Pacific Ocean 600 miles west of Ecuador. Made famous by the studies of Charles Darwin that became his "Theory of Evolution," the volcanic islands of Galapagos have been declared a National Park of Ecuador.

2. What is included in the scuba charter?

Accommodations aboard the vessel, all meals, snacks and beverages (excluding premium brands) on board (all inclusive), diving compressed air and a free Nitrox upgrade, weights and weight belts, airport transfers to the vessel and back, land tours, t-shirts, hats and a SeaLife DC 1400 camera (one per res

3. Do I have to purchase my flights from Ecuador to Galapagos through Buddy Dive?

Yes. Airline tickets for the flight from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands must be purchased through Buddy Dive. Airline tickets for flights from the US (or any other country) to Ecuador may be purchased through your local travel agent. Airfare is not included in the charter rate. All charters depart from San Cristobal. You can fly into either Quito or Guayaquil. For more information, please contact us or see the Quick & Easy Booking Form.

4. How many days is the charter and how many dives can I make?

The charter is seven days, Saturday afternoon to Saturday morning, with five and one-half days of diving. Most guests make up to three dives a day. Diving begins on Sunday morning and ends about midday on Friday.

5. When should I arrive in Ecuador?

You MUST arrive in Ecuador at least one day prior to the vessel's departure, in order to meet the flight schedule to Galapagos from the mainland. If you do not make this flight schedule, you will not meet the vessel's departure time. Your travel arrangements should include a one night stay-over (prior to the vessel departure) in either Guayaquil or Quito, which are on the mainland. A stay in Guayaquil is recommonded prior to the trip.

6. Are there any taxes or fees not included in the charter price?

Yes. The Galapagos Park Entry fee is $100.00 US. The International Airport Departure Fee, due at check-in to flights departing from Guayaquil is $42.00 US . Each person must also purchase a Tourist Card called a TCT for $10. These fees are not included in the charter rate and you must pay cash (US dollars). They are levied by the Ecuadorian government and are subject to change, so please check with Buddy Dive before your trip. There is a 12% sales tax on all onboard services.

7. Do I need a passport?

YES

8. How do I meet the Galapagos staff on the day of departure?

Once you arrive at the airport in Galapagos, you will be asked to pay the National Park fees. A Buddy Dive Guide and Kids Sea Camp Host will be there to welcome you,  Buddy Dive will take care of your luggage once you clear customs, and drive you to the vessel.

9. What is unique to Galapagos diving?

Lots of large pelagics, particularly the schools of bottle nos dolphins. Sea Lions are also abundant, as are manta rays, eagle rays, golden rays, turtles, fur seals, schools of tuna, jack and snapper. Whales sharks and dolphins are frequently sighted. There will also be the opportunity to snorkel with penguins and marine iguanas.

10. What is the diving like in Galapagos?

Diving around the Galapagos Islands is slightly cooler temperatures. Diving from the dinghies has advantages . The opportunity to see great numbers of animals on virtually every dive, along with other large pelagics, makes it all worthwhile.

11. What is the water temperature? Will I need a wet suit?

The water of the Galapagos Islands are a unique mixture of warm and cold water, ranging between 70F and 85F, with thermoclines about 68F. We recommend a 1/4" (5mm) wet suit with hood and booties year round. The water conditions are constantly changing.

12. Is there dinghy diving?

Yes, all dives are made from a dinghy.

13. Is there night diving?

No, The National Park Service of Galapagos has prohibited night diving in Galapagos

14. Are there any land tours?

Yes, your Galapagos  vacation includes fabulous land tours lead by highly-trained, multi-lingual naturalist guides at the end of your dive cruise.

15. What type of topography can I expect to see in Galapagos?

The islands are volcanic in origin and are therefore mountainous. Some volcanos are still active.

16. Is it customary to offer a crew gratuity?

We believe gratuities should be voluntary and based upon the quality of the service the crew has provided. When setting your account, the Captain will have an envelope for gratuities to be divided equally among the crew. Gratuities may be left by cash, credit card, or travelers checks.

17. What is planned for the evening after we return to port?

Guests will visit the Interpretation Center.  Dinner is not served on board. This meal is not provided with the cruise. The crew will recommend a restaurant in town. You will need cash, many restaurants and shops do not accept credit cards. At midnight, the vessel returns to San Cristobal.

18. When is check-out time on the vessel?

Check-out time is 9:00 a.m.  The crew will transport you and your luggage, with the group, to the local airport, and assist you with the check-in.

19. Where is the nearest recompression chamber?

The nearest recompression is in Guayaquil.


 

REMINDER: ALL US PASSPORTS MUST BE VALID FOR UP 6 SIX MONTHS PRIOR TO EXPIRATION DATE TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY. AIRLINES ARE ENFORCING THIS

All schedules, itineraries and package inclusions are subject to changes

Please contact directly for up-to date information and current regulations