I spent 11 nights on Pacific Master in January 2023 and felt like I got to know the boat, the crew, and the diving operation really well. The boat is more spacious than a lot of liveaboards I’ve been on. It sleeps up to 20 guests, although I imagine this would be a squeeze. We were 16 and it felt comfortable. The saloon area has plenty of space for everyone to dine together, as well as half a dozen sofas for relaxing. Guest cabins are either one deck below the saloon or one deck above on the upper deck. The upper deck cabins are larger, with a window and en suite bathroom. They have independent air conditioning units and a good amount of storage on shelves and under the beds. The lower cabins are smaller and they share toilet/shower facilities on the main dive deck. The cabins were very clean and comfortable and were serviced and cleaned daily. We had fresh towels several times during the trip and there was also a laundry service. The dive deck is excellent, one of the largest I’ve dived from. I was on a technical trip so there was a lot of equipment and extra cylinders, however, there was a place for everything and good storage facilities for all our extra kit. Diving was staggered to make sure the dive deck never got too busy, and there was a very slick process for getting us in and out of the water. I thought the crew onboard was excellent. The dive team consisted of 2 local guides and 2 western guides, however, the captain also guided some dives. The level of knowledge and experience was evident amongst the team. Help was always immediately at hand when kitting up and entering and exiting the water, and I felt that safety was a top priority. The only downside to the boat was the food. It is a challenge to get fresh vegetables in Chuck, however, the meals were very repetitive - basic salad, some kind of meat stew, canned vegetables, and ice cream for dessert. There was a lack of imagination and after 10 days of this, I was tempted to offer my services to the chef and cook up something myself!

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,