Calipso Liveaboard
The Calipso is one of the better boats in the Galapagos, and while I wouldn't class it as luxury, it is very well-appointed and excellent value for money. The boat has a spacious and airy feel, with modern decor, panoramic windows throughout, a large dive deck, and loads of room on the upper deck. The salon has plenty of space to sit 16 guests for meals in one sitting, as well as a comfortable lounge area and a bar. The upper deck has a full-length dining area, jacuzzi, and sun loungers. Cabins can accommodate a Queen or two single beds, with space to walk around. There is a hanging closet and shelves, with storage under the bed. The ensuite bathrooms have a good-sized shower with complimentary toiletries. There is also air con!
The food was delicious and plentiful - we didn't have a bad meal the whole trip. Breakfast is a buffet with eggs to order and fresh juice, and lunch was a choice of meat/fish or vegetarian with a salad, vegetables, and rice or potatoes. Dinner was similar, with cheese and desert. There wasn't as much choice of dishes as I've had on other boats, however, it was much healthier and tastier than I've experienced before.
The dive deck really impressed me - there are 16 numbered stations, each with an 80 and 100 cu ft nitrox tank. The seat of the dive station lifts to provide a storage locker underneath. Guests are given a numbered weight belt and hangar for wetsuits so that kit doesn't get mixed up. Diving is from pangas that comfortably fit 8 divers. We normally drove only a couple of minutes to each dive site and then rolled in as a group. The pangas only have 1 ladder which made it a bit crowded getting back in the boat after a dive, especially in choppy water.
Finally, I would class the staff service onboard as exceptional. Every crew member took the time to say 'Good Morning' or to assist with kitting up on the dive deck. The cabins were serviced twice or three times each day, and although meals were self-service, the barman was always on hand to fetch drinks, second portions, dessert, etc. Nothing was too much trouble for them.
Overall, this is an excellent choice for a Galapagos trip and you won't be disappointed,
