Galapagos, Ecuador
Galapagos Islands are called “enchanted islands” or “cradle of life.” Home to unique biodiversity above and below the water and a must-see sharktastic scuba diving destination!
Scuba diving in the Galapagos islands is an unforgettable experience, a place where a number of oceanic currents conjugate, delivering conditions where a mix of tropical and temperate zone marine life species cohabit, creating one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet.
The most renowned dive locations in the Galapagos can only be accessed through liveaboard experiences, offering thrilling adventures, exhilarating dives, and encounters with unique wildlife. The Galapagos Islands attract divers with the charm of breathtaking encounters with large schools of hammerhead sharks, manta and mobula rays. As you immerse yourself in amazing biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands you’ll witness various species of turtles, while the remarkable marine iguanas thrive, grazing on the abundant sea algae. The curious fur seals and playful penguins create unforgettable experiences, showcasing their impressive aquatic performances.
Why We Love Galapagos, Ecuador
Sharks, mantas, whales, sea lions – one of the most amazing scuba diving and wildlife experiences one can imagine – all from a comfortable boat with experienced dive guides, great food, and a relaxed atmosphere. I would love to do it again.
Shem, RegalDive
Galapagos, Ecuador
View Liveaboards View Departures Send Enquiry Speak to an expert. Call 01353 659999
Highlights
- Sharktastic destination with 32 species of shark visiting Galapagos waters.
- Whale sharks, whales, and plankton feeders often visit the Galapagos.
- Mobula rays, cow-nosed rays, and spotted eagle rays visit the Galapagos between Dec and Apr.
- Wolf and Darwin for the extraordinary concentration of marine life.
- Schools of hammerheads, dolphins and rays.
- Topside biodiversity matches the underwater marvels, including marine iguanas only present in the Galapagos.
Galapagos, Ecuador Liveaboards
Aqua Galapagos
The Aqua Galapagos is a mid-range, family friendly boat which takes you to the top dive sites in the Galapagos & more. Extend…
From £3,172
Galapagos Aggressor III
The luxury Aggressor III offers a superb base to explore the fantastic diving on offer around the Galapagos Islands.
From £4,179
Galapagos Sky
MV Galapagos Sky is a 30 metre steel hull liveaboard, offering very comfortable accommodation.
From £5,720
Humboldt Explorer
The M/V Humboldt Explorer comfortably accommodates 16 passengers in 8 air-conditioned cabins.
From £3,278
M/V Galapagos Master
Built of steel in 2004 and with a cruising speed of 12.5 knots, the 32m Galapagos Master had an extensive refit and upgrade to…
From £3,814
Upcoming departures
Upcoming departures for Galapagos, Ecuador are listed below or view all departures on our Holiday Search where you can also sort/filter.
Humboldt Explorer
Offer
£3,278
4804.00
- Departure Date: 02 Mar 26
- Country / Itinerary: Galapagos, Ecuador, Central Archipelago, Darwin And Wolf Islands GPS - GPS
- Nights: 7
- Embark Disembark: Baltra Baltra
- Spaces Available: 1
Additional information
- Dive areas visited: Ecuador: Central Islands, Ecuador: Wolf & Darwin
- Typical number of dives on trip: Please enquire
- Minimum dive experience: Please enquire
- Required certification: Please enquire
Cabins.
Stateroom Lower Deck
- Bed Type: Twin / Double (2 singles can convert to double)
- Location: Lower deck
- Avble. Spaces: 1
- Last Shared Space: Female
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
M/V Galapagos Master
£5,449
- Departure Date: 02 Mar 26
- Country / Itinerary: Galapagos, Ecuador, Master the Galapagos
- Nights: 7
- Embark Disembark: San Cristóbal San Cristóbal
- Spaces Available: 4
Additional information
- Dive areas visited: Ecuador: Central Islands, Ecuador: Fernandina & Isabela (Marine Iguanas), Ecuador: Wolf & Darwin
- Typical number of dives on trip: 18 dives
- Minimum dive experience: 50 dives
- Required certification: AOWD or equivalent + Nitrox
- Additional costs to be aware of:
– Ingala Transit Control Card (at the airport, per trip):
$20
– Galapagos National Park Fees (at the airport, per trip): $200
Cabins.
Classic Twin
- Bed Type: Twin (2 singles)
- Location: Lower deck
- Avble. Spaces: 1
- Last Shared Space: Male
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
Classic Twin/Double
- Bed Type: Twin / Double (2 singles can convert to double)
- Location: Lower deck
- Avble. Spaces: 2
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
Premium Twin/Double
- Bed Type: Twin / Double (2 singles can convert to double)
- Location: Upper deck
- Avble. Spaces: 1
- Last Shared Space: Female
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
M/V Galapagos Master
£5,449
- Departure Date: 09 Mar 26
- Country / Itinerary: Galapagos, Ecuador, Master the Galapagos
- Nights: 7
- Embark Disembark: San Cristóbal San Cristóbal
- Spaces Available: 1
Additional information
- Dive areas visited: Ecuador: Central Islands, Ecuador: Fernandina & Isabela (Marine Iguanas), Ecuador: Wolf & Darwin
- Typical number of dives on trip: 18 dives
- Minimum dive experience: 50 dives
- Required certification: AOWD or equivalent + Nitrox
- Additional costs to be aware of:
– Ingala Transit Control Card (at the airport, per trip):
$20
– Galapagos National Park Fees (at the airport, per trip): $200
Cabins.
Classic Twin/Double
- Bed Type: Twin / Double (2 singles can convert to double)
- Location: Lower deck
- Avble. Spaces: 1
- Last Shared Space: Male
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
Humboldt Explorer
£4,804
- Departure Date: 09 Mar 26
- Country / Itinerary: Galapagos, Ecuador, Central Archipelago, Darwin And Wolf Islands GPS - GPS
- Nights: 7
- Embark Disembark: Baltra Baltra
- Spaces Available: 8
Additional information
- Dive areas visited: Ecuador: Central Islands, Ecuador: Wolf & Darwin
- Typical number of dives on trip: Please enquire
- Minimum dive experience: Please enquire
- Required certification: Please enquire
Cabins.
Stateroom Lower Deck
- Bed Type: Twin / Double (2 singles can convert to double)
- Location: Lower deck
- Avble. Spaces: 7
- Last Shared Space: Female
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
Stateroom Main Deck
- Bed Type: Twin / Double (2 singles can convert to double)
- Location: Main deck
- Avble. Spaces: 1
- Last Shared Space: Male
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
Humboldt Explorer
Offer
£4,450
4804.00
- Departure Date: 16 Mar 26
- Country / Itinerary: Galapagos, Ecuador, Central Archipelago, Darwin And Wolf Islands GPS - GPS
- Nights: 7
- Embark Disembark: Baltra Baltra
- Spaces Available: 9
Additional information
- Dive areas visited: Ecuador: Central Islands, Ecuador: Wolf & Darwin
- Typical number of dives on trip: Please enquire
- Minimum dive experience: Please enquire
- Required certification: Please enquire
Cabins.
Stateroom Lower Deck
- Bed Type: Twin / Double (2 singles can convert to double)
- Location: Lower deck
- Avble. Spaces: 9
- Last Shared Space: Male
- Air Con: Yes, individually controlled
- Ensuite: Yes
Galapagos, Ecuador Itineraries
Galapagos Islands Itinerary
Discover a pristine world untouched by time. Dive into a marine sanctuary teeming with life, where Darwin's inspiration lives…
Gallery
Galapagos, Ecuador Information
Resort & liveaboard diving
Nowadays, there is a good selection of scuba diving liveaboards departing from San Cristobal, offering unforgettable dive sites hopping itineraries in the Galapagos. These liveaboards provide the ultimate scuba diving experience, allowing divers to explore the most remote diving sites, such as Wolf and Darwin. In addition to the diving adventures, the resorts on the Galapagos Islands are both comfortable and welcoming, serving as an excellent base for exploring the local islands. Guests can entertain themselves in a variety of activities, including wildlife watching, hiking through lava tunnels, and engaging in a range of adventure sports.
Which location should I visit?
To fully experience the underwater wonders of the Galapagos Islands, one of the best options is to join a professional dive liveaboard. For an unforgettable adventure, consider embarking on a cruise that sails to Wolf and Darwin Islands, where you'll often encounter exhilarating, fast-paced encounters with sharks. While many scuba liveaboards in the Galapagos may provide only a limited wildlife-watching experience and visits to marine iguana sites, the Islands also offer a diverse array of accommodations for those who wish to extend their stay. Visitors can partake in various activities such as hiking, kayaking, bird watching, horse riding, and many more, making creating a well-rounded and memorable trip easy.
Tailor-made holidays
If you're looking for an amazing scuba diving experience in the Galapagos Islands, consider a liveaboard trip! However, you can make your adventure even better by adding a land-based stay for as many nights as you'd like. The Galapagos Islands are full of incredible sights and experiences, so we suggest extending your journey to explore one of the central islands. By combining your liveaboard with the Galapagos Islands hopping itinerary, you can enjoy more unforgettable dives and encounters with the unique wildlife the islands offer.
What to see when
The Galapagos Islands experience two distinct seasons: a wet season characterized by calmer and warmer waters, and a dry season that is often windy and rough. The beginning of December marks the onset of a favorable season for observing various species such as manta rays and mobula rays arriving in Galapagos, as well as the mating and laying of eggs by green turtles. January is also the time when large schools of hammerhead sharks start to arrive in the waters surrounding the Galapagos Islands.
Conversely, if you're hoping to see whale sharks, including large pregnant females, the ideal time to visit the Galapagos is from June to November. During the low season in August, Galapagos sea lions begin giving birth to pups, and penguins become more active, particularly around Bartolome Island.
Manta rays
Likelihood: Very likely
Seen year-round, the warmer waters from December to May bring the most regular sightings. Manta rays can also likely be seen during Jun-Nov.
Mobula rays
Likelihood: Very likely
Mobula rays prefer the warmer waters found between December and May each year. Mobula rays can also be seen during Jun-Nov but are less likely.
Hammerheads (scalloped)
Likelihood: Very likely
Hammerhead sightings are common throughout the year, with schooling behaviour more likely from January to May. Hammerheads can also be seen during Jun-Nov, but are less likely.
Whale sharks
Likelihood: Very likely
From Jun to November, large females frequent the waters around Wolf and Darwin Islands, drawing in eager divers. Whale sharks can also occasionally be seen during Jun-Nov.
About Galapagos, Ecuador
When to dive the Galapagos
The Galapagos can be dived year round, with different marine life and conditions and different times of year. See our What to See When section for more details.
Who is the Galapagos diving suitable for
Diving in the Galapagos Islands is suitable for experienced divers only due to the challenging and dynamic conditions. Many liveaboards insist on an Advanced Open Water qualification, and 50 or 100 dives in order to be able to participate.
Looking for a Liveaboard-Based Diving Holiday?
Find out more about our Galapagos Liveaboards
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