Benefits Aboard the Calipso Galapagos Diving Cruise
The Galapagos is a place where you really when everything to go right. Get everything you can out of your vacation the first time around and enjoy the many benefits aboard the Calipso Galapagos diving cruise. See what makes this diving cruise stand out from the rest.
Introduction – Benefits Aboard the Calipso Galapagos Diving Cruise
There are a lot of diving cruises in the Galapagos. Each has its own design, amenities, itineraries, and benefits. As an avid snorkeler and scuba diver, the Calipso Diving cruise is one of the top options you really should consider. By the time you hit the end, you’ll clearly see the many benefits aboard the Calipso Galapagos diving cruise that really separate it from the rest. If you want a quick skim, I’ve put asterisks next to the biggest factors. You’ll learn about some of the amazing features the ship provides to create the magical Galapagos adventure you want!
Ship Design and Layout
Brand Spanking New***
The Calipso live aboard cruise was just newly refurbished during late 2018 and early 2019. Every inch of the interior, sundeck, and cabins are brand new. These changes were built with customers in mind based on years of reviews. They really examined every last detail, even removing carpeting to reduce allergens.
In addition, all systems and navigation equipment has been fully updated to modern technology standards. Everything from the computers to the engines. With all these brand new updates, this cruise arguably has the newest features of all Galapagos diving cruises.
Calipso Cabins***
The Calipso boasts that it has the largest cabins of Galapagos Diving ships. Moreover, other ships have cabins in the lower deck with small portholes for light. On the other hand, the Calipso has double cabins with HUGE panoramic windows in the room and bathroom. Best way to see the ever changing and ever-spectacular views and feel less cramped for eight days.
The Calipso has six double cabins situated on the upper deck and two double cabins on the main deck. Every double cabin can be converted to a single bed. These cabins are where the benefits aboard the Calipso Galapagos diving cruise. But don’t stop reading. It keeps on getting better.
Dive Deck and Living areas + Camera Wash Station***
The interior and exterior of the Calipso, as mentioned, is brand new. This means a hot Jacuzzi on the sun deck and four hot showers installed on the dive deck so you can warm up right after your dive.
Another special aspect on the dive deck is the camera rinse tanks on the dive deck. Whether you have a smaller Go Pro or a large camera rig, you can make sure that you that your equipment will be protected from the salt water. No longer is it necessary to wash equipment off with a hose, or even worse in the shower. Moreover, there is a designated area for charging your equipment in a dry environment on board. You only need to remove the memory chip for uploading pictures rather than cluttering your room with equipment.
Beating Seasickness With Size
This yacht is 116 feet or 35.4 meters, making it ideal for any divers that are prone to bouts of seasickness. Length matters when it comes to how rocky a cruise will be. One of the many benefits aboard the Calipso Galapagos diving cruise is that it such a large ship. This boat will be much less rocky compared to its smaller counterparts.
The Diving Experience – Benefits Aboard the Calipso Galapagos Diving Cruise
Guide: Diver Ratio
There will be one dive guide for every eight divers. Both guides on board are professional and bilingual. Always stick with the dive guide for both safety reasons and to see the best creatures. They have done these before and know how to maximize the amount of wildlife. Note: You will rarely see the other group underwater.
Wildlife to Witness
Other wildlife you can expect to see are the endemic sea turtles, dolphins, Galapagos penguins, Orcas, Mola Molas, Eagle Rays, Mobulas, Mantas, Stingrays, Sea Lions, Turtles, Barracudas, Jacks, many tropical reef species (Moorish Idols, Parrotfish, Pufferfish, Cornetfish, Butterflyfish, Hawkfish and more). One of my all-time favorites are the Galapagos Iguanas, which can dart down many meters and eat the sea algae. Only in the Galapagos!
When to Dive on the Calipso?***
From June – December , currents bring in more nutrients. During this time you will spot the immense and even pregnant whale sharks migrating through Darwin and Wolf. You are most likely to see them in August, September, and October.
Seeing these creatures comes at a sacrifice. If you want to visit during this time, you may face strong currents, choppy seas, and lowered visibility. Air temperatures will be a little cooler and the sky is often cloudy, so pack jackets or sweatshirts.
Another time period to consider is January – May. While you have to sacrifice the whale sharks, you get means calmer seas, warm water temperatures, and better visibility.
All other marine life is possible for witnessing. If you are one that cares about cold above all, February and March are the warmest months of the year. You won’t need a jacket at this time! Lastly, in late February up until mid-April, the huge schools of hammerhead populations are less likely to be seen because they migrate away before returning in huge numbers in May. However, during this period you will see huge Mantas!
World-Renowned Dive Spots + An Added Bonus ***
Until very recently, the island was only open to scientists, national park employees, and film producers! Ever more juicy, this is the island where the bodies of Rudolf Lorenz and ship captain washed up mysteriously on the shore of the island. They were mummified naturally as there were no natural predators found here.
Other prime diving spots include the Punta Vicente Roca where you find hundreds of Mola Mola. This island arguably has the most coral in all the Galapagos. Giant Mantas frequent the the Cabo Marshall site. You will also dive with feeding marine iguanas and penguins at Cabo Douglas!
***In case you are wondering, the Calipso does do night dives! There are two sites where night dives are permitted. One is at Wolf July – December and the other is at Cabo Marshall January – June.
Additional Information – Benefits aboard the Calipso Galapagos diving cruise
Unbeatable Price Point ***
There are quite a few diving cruises. For its new modern design and amenities, the ship has an awesome price point. All the diving ships generally have the same duration, but some of the ships cost two thousand dollars more (and still have porthole windows?) With everything that is offered on board, you are getting a KILLER deal!
The ship has wifi, computer rental, AND large flatscreen TVs with hundreds of movies! You will be on board for quite a long time, so you will want something besides your book to keep you entertained. With the Calipso, you also have internet access! Share your amazing journey with others.
Stay on Board and Enjoy the Land Tours***
The land-based tours of the Galapagos also offer incredible spectacles! Witness the hundreds of creatures that have evolved in isolation for millions of years.
One of the hundred benefits aboard the Calipso Galapagos diving cruise is that it alternates weekly between land and diving tours. This way, you can simply stay on board for another few days and see what everybody is raving about on land. However, if you are ready to get off the ship, check out some of the land based tours!
Finale – Benefits Aboard the Calipso Galapagos Diving Cruise
The Galapagos is a place where you really when everything to go right. Get everything you can out of your vacation the first time around and enjoy the many benefits aboard the Calipso Galapagos diving cruise. To book and plan, talk with our Greengo travel designers.
