Galapagos Spectacular Hammerhead; Manta; Mola And Marine Iguana Trip 2026
Manta rays
May 7, 2026 - May 17, 2026
Join us on an epic 10-night trip to Galapagos, with the best possible itinerary and the best time!
Shark Encounters
Free Photo Workshops
Pelagic Encounters
Off the Beaten Track
Why Join This Trip
Incredible itinerary delivers non-stop schooling hammerheads, giant manta rays, mola molas, and feeding marine iguanas - plus eagle rays, Galapagos sharks, penguins, and giant tortoises.
Special plans are made to maximize time with the iguanas and mola mola
This is a must-do best of the best trip, at the perfect time of the year
Our best and most popular custom Galapagos marine life itinerary
Includes free photo workshops from Nirupam Nigam
Unique 10-night itinerary also maximizes time at the world’s the best shark sites
Fully refundable deposit until 18 months from departure
25% discount on rental photo gear from Bluewater Photo
Trip overview
Trip Overview
"I have put together an epic trip to the Galapagos, where we will help people get incredible photos of hammerhead sharks, mantas, penguins and more. I have picked a boat with the best possible itinerary for this purpose at the best time of year - this will truly be a trip of a lifetime."- Scott Gietler
The unique and isolated islands of the Galapagos are home to truly extraordinary creatures: Schooling hammerheads and a large variety of other sharks, mantas, sea turtles, and sea lions, as well as endemic species such as penguins, flightless cormorants, and extensive schools of fish.
Scott has done extensive research to choose the best possible time of year and route for this trip. He will be making sure photographers and non-photographers alike have an incredible trip.
The Galapagos Master is a first-class yacht with a capacity for just 16 divers. Its spacious cabins and well-designed dive amenities ensure a comfortable and relaxing trip. A spacious indoor lounge boasts cushioned bench seating and a plasma screen for photo viewing, and there is an indoor camera set-up station with numerous charging points and storage drawers situated to the rear, providing ample room for a full photography charter group. Further camera preparation areas can be found on the rear deck next to the dive deck.
Read reviews on diving Galapagos here.
Marine Life To Photograph
Thanks to their extreme isolation, the Galapagos Islands have some of the most unique marine life on the planet. Here are just a few examples of marine life you're likely to see: dolphins, sea lions, penguins, turtles, marlin and large schools of fish, silky sharks, Galapagos sharks, whale sharks, reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, eels, and manta rays. This is a wide-angle photographer's paradise, but don't leave the macro lens at home: frogfish, octopus, seahorses, nudibranchs and other small subjects are found at various dive sites.
Trip Schedule
The itinerary can be variable and will be planned according to the direction of the trip leader and cruise director on board. They will have a good idea at that time of the conditions at the various locations.
Diving Conditions
The trip takes place during the warm season in the Galapagos, with the highest water and air temperatures. We may experience afternoon rain showers, but the sun shines again after the rain.
Water temperature is 21-30C (70-86F) with some cooler thermoclines at depth. The northern islands are generally warmer. Visibility stays at an excellent 12 to 33 meters (40-100 feet).
Diving in the Galapagos can involve strong currents and surge, therefore divers should hold a minimum certification of Advanced Open Water with 50 logged dives.
Trip Inclusions
Accommodations onboard Galapagos Master, double occupancy
All meals and snacks throughout the cruise
FREE daily photo workshops and tutorials
Coffee from the espresso machine, tea, fruit juice, and soft drinks
Land-based tours
Airport transfers
Trip Exclusions
Galapagos National Park fee ($200 cash, paid upon arrival in San Cristobal)
Ingala Transit Card ($20 payable at Guayaquil International Airport)
Nitrox ($225 cash, payable onboard)
Airfare, additional transfers, and hotels
Alcoholic beverages
Equipment/computer/underwater torch rental
Insurance - ask us about our preferred partner plan
Fuel surcharge
Gratuity
Accommodation
About The Galapagos Master
The new Galapagos Master liveaboard used to be the "Deep Blue" - a very well-laid out boat. The Master Liveaboard fleet, owned by the Siren Fleet (WWDS), has refitted the boat with new engines, new compressors, new generators, new water-makers, individual air-con, an entertainment system in each room, a dedicated camera station, new dive gear for rent, and Nautilus lifelines, along with many other small improvements.
Read the report on our previous Galapagos trip and great reviews of the Galapagos Master!
Extend your trip
Want to extend your trip? We can help with that! See more of the South America before or after your trip with Bluewater. Flying all that way merits a multi-destination vacation! Here are some examples of packages we can add on to your reservation:
Read More
Â
Extend your trip
Want to extend your trip? We can help with that! See more of the South America before or after your trip with Bluewater. Flying all that way merits a multi-destination vacation! Here are some examples of packages we can add on to your reservation:
Trip Leader
Nirupam Nigam
Nirupam Nigam is the Editor-in-Chief of the Underwater Photography Guide and the President of Bluewater Photo & Video - the world's top underwater photo & video retailer. While growing up in Los Angeles he fell in love with the ocean and pursued underwater photography in the local Channel Islands. After receiving degrees in Aquatic and Fisheries Science and General Biology, as well as a minor in Arctic Studies, Nirupam worked as a fisheries observer on vessels in the Bering Sea and North Pacific. Since then, Nirupam has been a full time underwater photographer and photo gear head.Â
You can get in touch with him at nirupam@uwphotographyguide.com or through his website www.photosfromthesea.com.
Check availability
and start planning your perfect trip
Discover similar group trips
Anilao Philippines Ultimate Photo Workshop December 2025
Macro
Anilao Philippines Ultimate Photo Workshop December 2025
Philippines
Travel: Dec 7, 2025 - Dec 14, 2025
Led by: Mike Bartick, Mike Smith, Wayne Tarr
from$2,059
Learn moreRaja Ampat Luxury Liveaboard Photo Workshop 2026
Macro
Raja Ampat Luxury Liveaboard Photo Workshop 2026
Indonesia
Travel: Feb 2, 2026 - Feb 13, 2026
Led by: Mike Smith
from$7,040
Learn moreSilver Banks Whale Swimming February 2026
Whale Encounters
Silver Banks Whale Swimming February 2026
Caribbean
Travel: Feb 7, 2026 - Feb 14, 2026
from$4,595
Learn moreSocorro Manta & Shark Madness Liveaboard Trip Feb 2026
Whale Encounters
Socorro Manta & Shark Madness Liveaboard Trip Feb 2026
Socorro Islands
Travel: Feb 25, 2026 - Mar 6, 2026
Led by: Dan Bishop
from$4,195
Learn moreChina Wild Panda Adventure 2026
Fun Trips
China Wild Panda Adventure 2026
China
Travel: Mar 27, 2026 - Apr 4, 2026
Led by: Tim Yeo
from$3,800
Learn moreAnilao Philippines Ultimate Photo Workshop Spring 2026
Macro
Anilao Philippines Ultimate Photo Workshop Spring 2026
Philippines
Travel: Apr 16, 2026 - May 3, 2026
Led by: Dan Bishop, Erik Lukas, Mike Bartick
from$2,059
Learn moreSuper All-Inclusive Cozumel Group Trip 2026
Reefs
Super All-Inclusive Cozumel Group Trip 2026
Mexico
Travel: May 9, 2026 - May 23, 2026
Led by: Mike Chiado
from$2,199
Learn moreMobula; Orca & Megafauna Adventure 2026
Whale Encounters
Mobula; Orca & Megafauna Adventure 2026
Mexico
Travel: May 31, 2026 - Jun 7, 2026
from$3,750
Learn moreTruk Lagoon Shipwrecks & Sealife Odyssey 2026
Photo Workshop
Truk Lagoon Shipwrecks & Sealife Odyssey 2026
Micronesia
Travel: Jun 13, 2026 - Jun 20, 2026
Led by: Nirupam Nigam
from$3,795
Learn moreBaja Orcas July 2026
Manta rays
Baja Orcas July 2026
Mexico
Travel: Jun 14, 2026 - Jun 20, 2026
Led by: Amos Nachoum
from$7,400
Learn moreSouth Africa Sardine Run July 2026
Whale Encounters
South Africa Sardine Run July 2026
Africa
Travel: Jun 29, 2026 - Jul 25, 2026
Led by: Amos Nachoum
from$6,300
Learn moreUltimate Solomon Islands Liveaboard Trip 2026
Dive
Ultimate Solomon Islands Liveaboard Trip 2026
Solomon Islands
Travel: Aug 5, 2026 - Aug 15, 2026
Led by: Tim Yeo
from$6,950
Learn moreTanzania Big Game Safari August 2026
African Safaris
Tanzania Big Game Safari August 2026
Africa
Travel: Aug 6, 2026 - Aug 16, 2026
Led by: Smeeta Rishi
from$7,559
Learn moreKomodo & Bali Liveaboard Adventure 2026
Reefs
Komodo & Bali Liveaboard Adventure 2026
Indonesia
Travel: Aug 14, 2026 - Aug 24, 2026
Led by: Anne Rucquoi
from$6,104
Learn moreClose Encounters With Humpback Whales In French Polynesia 2026
Fun Trips
Close Encounters With Humpback Whales In French Polynesia 2026
French Polynesia
Travel: Aug 22, 2026 - Oct 3, 2026
from$3,560
Learn moreUltimate Whale Shark & Sea Lion Sea Of Cortez Trip 2026
Macro
Ultimate Whale Shark & Sea Lion Sea Of Cortez Trip 2026
Mexico
Travel: Aug 29, 2026 - Sep 5, 2026
Led by: Mark Strickland
from$3,095
Learn moreFakarava Wall Of Sharks Trip 2026
Large Animals
Fakarava Wall Of Sharks Trip 2026
French Polynesia
Travel: Aug 29, 2026 - Sep 5, 2026
Led by: Tim Yeo
from$3,995
Learn moreLembeh Macro Critter Workshop 2026
Macro
Lembeh Macro Critter Workshop 2026
Indonesia
Travel: Sep 16, 2026 - Sep 23, 2026
Led by: Mark Hatter
from$2,253
Learn moreExplore Baja South To North Adventure October 2026
Whale Encounters
Explore Baja South To North Adventure October 2026
Mexico
Travel: Oct 3, 2026 - Oct 15, 2026
Led by: Dan Bishop
from$4,895
Learn moreTanzania Big Game Safari October 2026
African Safaris
Tanzania Big Game Safari October 2026
Africa
Travel: Oct 3, 2026 - Oct 13, 2026
Led by: Erik Lukas
from$7,559
Learn moreRelated articles and trip reports
Best Diving in Indonesia - Top 10
Article
Travel Editor
Best Diving in Indonesia - Top 10
Indonesia
Looking for the best diving in Indonesia? We've dived around the country and picked our favorites. Here is our list of top 10 dive areas in Indonesia!
Best Liveaboard Destinations for Beginner Scuba Divers
Article
AgnesA
Best Liveaboard Destinations for Beginner Scuba Divers
Thailand
Liveaboards can seem daunting if you've never been on one, and even more so to newer divers. We've rounded up the best liveaboard destinations suitable for beginner scuba divers, with options ranging from the nearby Caribbean to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. Read on to find the best liveaboard destination for you!
Beginner’s Guide to Swimming with Whales & Whale Sharks
Article
Chris H
Beginner’s Guide to Swimming with Whales & Whale Sharks
Worldwide
Swimming with whales or whale sharks is a breathtaking, bucket-list experience—and yes, it's accessible even to beginners! This guide will prepare you with everything you need to know before jumping in.
10 Best Snorkeling Destinations in the World
Article
Chris H
10 Best Snorkeling Destinations in the World
Philippines
Exploring the underwater world doesn't always require scuba certification or bulky gear as snorkeling provides a simple and equally stunning way to experience marine life in its natural environment. Snorkeling travel is booming in 2025, with high demand for liveaboard snorkel options in the Maldives and Raja Ampat. We've added more itinerary flexibility to help travellers access remote reefs with shallow, clear-water drop-offs.
Beginner Dive Sites in the Caribbean
Trip Report
ChrisH
Beginner Dive Sites in the Caribbean
Worldwide
Looking to start your scuba diving journey in the Caribbean? This guide highlights the region’s best beginner-friendly dive sites—calm waters, vibrant marine life, and easy access make them perfect for first-time divers.
Best Places to Swim or Dive with Whale Sharks: Our Top 6
Article
Adam Lucia
Best Places to Swim or Dive with Whale Sharks: Our Top 6
Socorro Islands
Cozumel Trip Report 2025
Trip Report
Travel Editor
Cozumel Trip Report 2025
Mexico
Bluewater Travel’s 2025 Cozumel Photo Workshop at Iberostar featured vibrant reefs, warm water, and expert photo instruction, with highlights including splendid toadfish, turtles, and sharks.
Fakarava Grouper Spawning Trip Report 2025
Trip Report
Travel Editor
Fakarava Grouper Spawning Trip Report 2025
French Polynesia
Read about Bluewater's unforgettable Summer 2025 Fakarava Grouper Spawn Trip—an exhilarating adventure featuring shark-filled drifts, rare grouper spawning events, and pristine Polynesian reef diving led by Mark B. Hatter!
South Australia Great White Shark Trip Recap 2025
Trip Report
Travel Editor
South Australia Great White Shark Trip Recap 2025
Australia
Read all about Tim Yeo’s unforgettable South Australia expedition with Bluewater aboard the Rodney Fox, featuring great white sharks, sea lions, leafy sea dragons, and the world’s largest cuttlefish aggregation.
Dumaguete Trip Report 2025
Trip Report
Travel Editor
Dumaguete Trip Report 2025
Philippines
Read about Bluewater Travel's 7-day underwater photo workshop to Dumaguete, highlighting vibrant marine life, standout dive sites, and memorable underwater photography experiences.
Top Remote & Off The Beaten Track Dive Destinations
Article
BettyR
Top Remote & Off The Beaten Track Dive Destinations
Micronesia
Our travel experts' favorite picks for the top remote and off the beaten track dive destinations in the world. Learn what to see, the best time to dive and more!
Best Liveaboard Destinations in the World
Article
bettyr
Best Liveaboard Destinations in the World
Fiji
We've traveled around the world and picked the best places for scuba diving via liveaboard. Learn what to see, where to stay, and much more!
Best Dive Resorts in the World - Staff Picks
Article
BettyR
Best Dive Resorts in the World - Staff Picks
Fiji
Here at Bluewater Travel, our team has extensive knowledge and first-hand experience of some of the best dive resorts in the world. Here are our top picks.
The World's Best Places to Shark Cage Dive
Article
BettyR
The World's Best Places to Shark Cage Dive
Australia
We've traveled around the world and picked the best places for shark cage diving. Learn what to see, where to stay and much more!
Welcome to the World of Liveaboard Diving
Article
AgnesA
Welcome to the World of Liveaboard Diving
Worldwide
Discover the magic of liveaboard diving, where you can enjoy sensational, remote scenery. Live the "dive, eat, sleep, repeat" lifestyle as you explore dive sites off the beaten path.
Top 20 Dive Sites in the World
Article
Agnes
Top 20 Dive Sites in the World
Malaysia
Discover the Bluewater team's favorite dive sites around the world. From remote corners of Asia and Micronesia to our own doorstep, we've chosen our top 20 dive sites that keep us coming back again and again .
Top 4 Places to Dive with Hammerhead Sharks
Article
JennyH
Top 4 Places to Dive with Hammerhead Sharks
Galapagos
Discover where you can experience the magic of diving with schools of hammerhead sharks. These remarkable sharks are known to congregate in certain areas year-round or seasonally, offering you the best chance to dive with not just one or two, but unfathomable numbers.
Solo Dive Travel Guide: Best Liveaboards & Dive Resorts
Article
JennyH
Solo Dive Travel Guide: Best Liveaboards & Dive Resorts
Worldwide
Solo dive travel has many benefits, including flexibility, independence, personal growth, and meeting new people. However, divers traveling solo often face a difficult choice: to pay a substantial single supplement or share their rooms/cabins with strangers. As seasoned divers with plenty of experience traveling solo, the experts at Bluewater Travel have put together a guide of liveaboards and dive resorts with single-friendly policies.
Scuba Diving Bucket List: Top 5 Experiences
Article
Gibby
Scuba Diving Bucket List: Top 5 Experiences
French Polynesia
Bluewater's Bucket List line of trips and destinations. Special once-in-a-lifetime experiences that every world traveler should do at least once.
Top 6 Diving Destinations for Macro Photography
Article
Travel Editor
Top 6 Diving Destinations for Macro Photography
Indonesia
Discover Bluewater's six favorite destinations for macro photography: Anilao, Lembeh, Dumaguete, Sea of Cortez, Bali, and Raja Ampat. Achieve your "perfect shot" at a dive site known for exceptional macro life, including bucket list critters such as stargazers, paper nautilus, bobbit worms, and the tiniest nudibranchs imaginablee.