A Guide to Dive The Galapagos in 2024

A Guide to Dive The Galapagos

Diving in the Galapagos ranks at the pinnacle of many diver’s must-dive wish lists. It has a solid reputation as one of the planet’s most unique locations and is home to many endemic species. In addition, it guarantees large, rare marine life encounters. To make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime dive trip, take some time and plan your trip carefully to ensure your safety and protect the fragile ecosystem of the islands. Feel free to ask us for help, and here are a few guidelines to make your planning easier.

The Best Time to Dive the Galapagos?

Galapagos Scuba Diving is possible year-round, but the best time often depends upon your resilience to the cold, and how accustomed you are to greater thermal protection. You must also consider what you want to see and experience, which will help you pinpoint your time to visit. Below are the two seasons for Scuba Diving in the Galapagos.

How to Get to the Galapagos

Located in the Pacific Ocean, The Galapagos islands are about 600 miles (965 kilometres) off the coast of Ecuador in South America. Here are the most common ways to get to the Galapagos:

Choose your point of departure: Since there are no direct flights to the Galapagos, you must depart from Ecuador.

Flight to Ecuador: Arrange a flight to Ecuador. You can do this by transiting through the United States or several South American countries. For most countries, Ecuador issues a visa on arrival, but it pays to check your eligibility beforehand.

By plane: You can fly to the Galapagos Islands from Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador. There are two airports in the Galapagos: Seymour Airport (GPS) on Baltra Island and San Cristobal Airport (SCY) on San Cristobal Island. Several airlines offer flights to the Galapagos, including LATAM, Avianca, Tame, and Aeroregional.

By ferry:  There are ships between Ecuador and the Galapagos, but these can take up to three days and are usually cargo-type ships. We highly recommend taking the flight, and several liveaboard operators can offer discounted rates on the air tickets.

Where Should You Stay For Your Galapagos Dive Trip?

Even given the remoteness of the Galapagos, you still have the option of either a dive liveaboard or land-based diving with a resort and dive shop combo. Unlike the ‘mini Galapagos’ destination of  Socorro or the remote areas of Indonesia, you can choose whichever scuba mode is more comfortable for you.

Consider a Galapagos Liveaboard

That said, we recommend a liveaboard if possible. A dive liveaboard in the Galapagos will allow greater dive times and location flexibility. A great liveaboard will have an itinerary that gets you to the best spots at the best time to dive and will have a highly experienced crew that understands the area thoroughly. The travel time to further off dive sites will be lessened for your comfort, and you can get more dives out of your dive day.

The Best Dive Liveaboards in The Galapagos

Here are some of the best dive liveaboards in the Galapagos that Infinite Blue works closely with and recommends. These vessels cater to divers full-time; other dive liveaboards may divide their itineraries between naturalist cruises and dive itineraries. But you are probably here for the diving;)

• The Galapagos Master The Galapagos Master is a luxury liveaboard that offers 7 to 10-day diving cruises in the Galapagos Islands. The boat has spacious cabins, a large salon, and a sundeck. The diving itinerary includes some of the best dive sites in the Galapagos, including Wolf and Darwin islands. Built for speed and stability, the Galapagos Master exceeds safety requirements and has all the necessary environmental certifications for diving in the islands.

• The Humboldt Explorer, The Humboldt Explorer, is a dependable liveaboard with a highly experienced crew offering 7 to 10-day diving cruises in the Galapagos Islands. The boat has comfortable cabins, a spacious lounge, and a sundeck with a Jacuzzi. The diving itinerary includes some of the best dive sites in the Galapagos, including the Wolf and Darwin islands. The Humboldt Explorer has been carrying divers safely to one of the most exhilarating dive destinations on the planet for over a decade.

• The Tiburon Explorer The Tiburon, sister ship to the Humboldt Explorer, finished construction in 2020 and is ready to take discerning divers on the dive trip of a lifetime. This 38-meter-long steel-hulled mono hull has been constructed with divers in mind and sets a new standard of comfort, safety, and luxury in the Galapagos. The Explorer Fleet is the first to have been approved by Green Fins for sustainable dive and boat practices, so you can be assured the Tiburon and crew take their environmental responsibilities seriously.

• The M/Y Galaxy Diver is a steel-hulled vessel that has been completely rebuilt and renovated to accommodate up to 12 divers in comfortable cabins. The experienced and attentive crew have extensive knowledge of the area and will take you diving in the Galapagos Islands’ most incredible sites. The Galaxy Diver offers 7-night, specially curated dive itineraries.

• The Galapagos Agressor III Part of the world-renowned Aggressor Fleet, this liveaboard meets all the expected exacting standards you have come to know and love. Purpose-built for dive cruises, the 30 m-long steel-hulled ship provides a luxurious platform for up to 16 divers. The Galapagos Agressor III specializes in 7-night dive itineraries.

The Best Dive Sites in The Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands are known for their incredible marine biodiversity and striking geological formations, making them a premier dive destination. Here are some of our top dive sites in the Galapagos:

• Wolf Island is one of the top dive sites in the north Galapagos. It is known for its abundant marine life, including schools of hammerhead, Galapagos, and whale sharks.
• Darwin Arch is another world-renowned dive site in the Galapagos that offers the chance to see large schools of hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and manta rays.
• Gordon Rocks is a popular dive site for experienced divers due to its strong currents and deep waters. It’s known for its abundance of hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, eagle rays, and sea turtles.
• Cousin’s Rock is a must-visit site for macro photography enthusiasts. Its abundant small marine life includes seahorses, nudibranchs, and octopuses.
• Punta Vicente Roca is well known for its dramatic underwater landscape, including a wall covered in colourful soft corals and sponges. It is also a great spot to see marine iguanas and penguins.
• Cabo Douglas is a dive site located on the western side of Fernandina Island. It is known for its large schools of hammerhead and Galapagos sharks, sea turtles, and eagle rays.
• Pinnacle Rock: Located in Bartolomé Island, it is famous for its unique underwater landscape, including a towering rock formation covered in coral and sponge gardens. It’s also a great spot to see penguins, sea lions, and reef fish.

These are just a few of the best dive sites in the Galapagos Islands. The islands offer a diverse range of stunning dive spots with unique marine life and underwater landscapes.

Non-diving Activities

Although scuba diving is a major drawcard in the Galapagos, it certainly isn’t the only fun available. Exciting land excursions, endemic birds, lush forests, volcano craters, giant tortoises, aquatic iguanas, a flamingo lagoon and penguins make the Galapagos a heaven on Earth. With three islands to explore, you can immerse yourself in the planet’s evolutionary history.

To get the most out of your trip to this remote archipelago, I recommend that scuba divers lucky enough to visit here consider a stay on land before or after a liveaboard trip. Many agencies offer a host of different, land-based experiences. For more in-depth info, get in touch with us here.

Where to Eat Plant-based in The Galapagos?

The Galapagos are remote and ecologically sensitive, meaning ingredients can be difficult to source, and in many instances, you will be unable to carry your food. Rest assured, there is some great inclusive cuisine with plant-based options on land.

If you plan to stay in a dive resort, you should communicate your dietary needs to your hosts. We recommend keeping up a constant dialogue to ensure you are catered for, or you could let us take care of that for you. The availability of plant-based food on the liveaboards can vary vastly, but it is possible to have both fantastic diving and a happy stomach.

There are several options for plant-based eating on the islands. Here are some of our suggestions.

Santa Cruz Island. It is one of the main islands for departing dive cruises where most divers will spend some time. Look out for the Ukku Acai Bar for acai bowls, smoothies and juices. The Galapagos Deli has vegan options and vegan ice cream! You can also pick up vegan snacks at the main supermarket for your dive trip.

Isabela. The largest island in the Galapagos is also home to some great vegan options along the sandy main road. Keep an eye open for Booby Trap which many people rate as the best restaurant in the Galapagos and provide some great vegan food. Also, Shwarma Hot have some plant-based items available.

San Cristobal. This is the other main island for dive liveaboard departure and the political centre of the Galapagos. Consider visiting Calypso for vegan pizza or Muyu, a pilot programme of the Galapagos Foundation. Muyu specializes in utilising all locally sourced or foraged organic ingredients to lessen carbon emissions and support local livelihoods.

It can be a little tricky to ensure your diver’s dietary preferences are well catered for in the Galapagos, but with some thought, you can do it, and don’t be afraid to give us a shout for help.

To Wrap it Up

I am certain a dive holiday to the Galapagos will be one of the best dive destination decisions you have made. It can take some extra planning and knowledge to work just right, but don’t let that stop you. If you need some advice, do not be shy; connect with us here.

Written By:

Brett Robertson

(Diver and Vegan)

PADI Platinum Course Director | Dive educator | Dive resort and liveaboard owner | Vegan advocate for conservation projects and plant-based lifestyles, and a burgeoning serial runner.

See author's posts