Galapagos Scuba Diving
Diving the Galapagos isn't as easy as it used to be! In 2007, the Galapagos National Park revoked most of the scuba diving licenses, so the options for dive boats are greatly limited. The boats fill up very quickly, so plan ahead!
There are three options for scuba diving in the Galapagos:
- A live-aboard dive boat
- Occasional diving off a regular tour boat
- Day trips from one of the islands (staying at hotel)
Unfortunately, tour boats do not offer "occasional" diving any more.
When to Go
If you want to see the whale sharks, June-November is the best time. There is about a 99% to see them out at Wolf and Darwin Islands. However, the water is slightly cooler (60-75 degrees), and it can be cloudy, which affects underwater photography.
The chance to see whale sharks December-May is about 50%. The water is warmer (70-85 degrees), and there are larger schools of hammerheads, manta rays and eagle rays.
Live Aboard
The most famous dive spots in the Galapagos are at Wolf and Darwin Islands. There are currently only five boats still offering scheduled live-aboard diving itineraries that include Darwin and Wolf Islands. You will need 8 days in the Galapagos for these trips.
Contact us for special last-minute discounts!
Aggressor I & II
- 2012 Prices for an 8-day cruise are $4795-$4995/person January-May and $5195-5395/person June-December.
- Cruises start on Thursday.
- Up to 17 dives and 4 land excursions
- Available for charter
Galapagos Sky
- 2012 Prices for an 8-day cruise are $4795-4995/person through May 31, 2012 and $5195-5395/person through May 31, 2013.
- Cruises start on Sunday.
- 10 and 14 day cruises also available
- 2-3 dives/day and 2 land excursions
- Available for charter
- http://www.galapagosconnection.com/GalapagosSky/
Deep Blue -- Fully booked for 2012
- 2012 Prices for an 8-day cruise are $3995-4095/person January-May and $4345-4545/person June-December.
- Cruises start on Monday.
- Available for charter
- Up to 21 dives (up to 3 dives/day) and 3 land excursions
Humboldt Explorer
- 2012 Prices are $3595-3895/person for an 8-day cruise.
- Cruises start on Monday.
- Up to 21 dives and 3 land excursions
- The newest dive boat in the Galapagos
Estrella del Mar I
- 2012 Charter only
- Cruises start on Monday
- Up to 21 dives and 1 land excursion
Day Tour Diving
There are a number of hotels on Santa Cruz and San Cristobal Islands that offer daily dive and tour options. This is often the best option as it offers the most flexible dates, a variety of itineraries, and the best value. Contact us for hotel and island-hopping options.
Nautilus
The Nautilus is an 8-passenger motor-sailor that can be chartered for a single day dive or for multi-day / multi-island trips of 4-9 days (staying at hotels on various islands).
