Galapagos

The Islands That Stand Apart

The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago that lie far offshore of Ecuador. It’s truly a destination like none other, with a variety of endemic animals that can only be found here, including the Galapagos sea lion, Galapagos sea turtle, Galapagos marine iguana, and so much more — the islands were studied by Charles Darwin and influenced his groundbreaking theory of evolution.

Best Time to Travel: June – Nov  Diving: Boat Diving.  Unique Marine Life: Manta Rays, Galapagos Marine Iguanas, Galapagos Sea Lions, Galapagos Sea Turtles, Hammerhead Sharks, Whale Sharks, Bullhead Sharks, Mola Molas, Jackfish, Barracuda, Wahoo, Tuna.  Level: Intermediate & Advanced.  Sea Temps: 65 – 77°F.  Air Temps: 72 – 85°F.  Accommodations: Liveaboard.

Scuba Diving in the Galapagos

You can only reach Galapagos via liveaboard, but your dive operator will arrange land excursions so you can explore the rugged terrain and exotic plants and animals.

The diving is challenging: there’s cool water, strong currents, and sometimes low visibility, depending on the water conditions. However, you’re rewarded with unforgettable underwater encounters, featuring hammerhead sharks, sea lions, whale sharks, and fish tornadoes.

You will enjoy Galapagos…

If You’re Seeking Pelagic Encounters
Galapagos has tons of big animals: schooling hammerheads, dolphin pods, whale sharks, manta rays, and playful sea lions. Galapagos sharks make common appearances, and there’s a staggering number of schooling fish: jacks, tuna, snappers, rainbow runners, wahoo, and more. Doesn’t get more exciting than this.

If You Enjoy Biodiversity
Apart from the big animals, the biodiversity in Galapagos is truly incredible: marine iguanas, mola mola, bullhead sharks, sea horses, shrimp, snake eels, boxfish, filefish, and so many more critters. The wildlife on land is equally rich.

If You Don’t Mind Tougher Diving
The water conditions can be challenging, and back-roll entries are required at most dive sites. Advanced divers will have the most enjoyable experience.

Galapagos Sky

The Galapagos Sky offers 7-night liveaboard trips year-round, with up to four dives per day on most days. The itinerary includes diving at the renowned northern islands of Wolf and Darwin, known for encounters with hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and other marine life. ​ 

With its combination of luxurious accommodations, top-notch amenities, and exceptional diving opportunities, the Galapagos Sky provides an unparalleled experience for divers exploring the rich biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands.​

Galaxy Diver II

The Galaxy Diver II is an exclusive liveaboard yacht offering unparalleled diving experiences in the Galapagos Islands. Fully rebuilt in 2023, this 29.5-meter (97-foot) vessel combines modern design with comfort, accommodating up to 16 passengers in eight double cabins. Each cabin is equipped with air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms to ensure a comfortable stay.

The Galaxy Diver II provides 8-day/7-night diving itineraries that visit some of the most renowned dive sites in the Galapagos.

Humboldt Explorer

The Humboldt Explorer is a 16-passenger liveaboard vessel which underwent extensive renovations to enhance guest comfort and safety.

Featuring eight air-conditioned staterooms located on the main and lower decks, each featuring a private bathroom, flat-screen television, and ocean view.​

The boat has a spacious dive deck featuring a bathroom, a large camera table with a charge station, individual storage areas, and rinse bins for cameras and gear.​

Diving operations are conducted from two large rigid-hull inflatable tenders, easily accessible from the dive deck.

M/V Tiburon Explorer

The M/V Tiburon Explorer is a premier liveaboard vessel launched in 2020, offering luxury diving experiences in the Galapagos Islands. Accommodating up to 16 passengers, the yacht features nine air-conditioned staterooms across the main and lower decks, each with private bathrooms and ocean views. The two main deck cabins are equipped with queen beds, while the remaining cabins have twin beds that can be converted to queen beds for couples. 

The Dive Deck is spacious with a large camera table with charging stations, individual storage spaces, and rinse bins for cameras and gear.​

Diving operations are conducted from two large pangas (tenders) that are easily boarded from the dive deck.

Your liveaboard will arrange island excursions so you can check out all the endemic flora and fauna, which is truly an amazing ecological experience — and the islands themselves are beautiful. When you get back to Ecuador, you can embark on adventures in the capital city of Quito or the surrounding countryside.

  • Take the Cable Car and Enjoy Panoramic Views of Quito
  • Explore Old Town Quito
  • Take a Stroll Along Caile La Ronda (a picturesque street with colorful colonial architecture)
  • Hike Through Maquipucuna Reserve (spot hundreds of bird species, endemic plants, and Andean spectacled bears)
  • Hike Through the Mindo Cloud Forest (where you can also take a chocolate tour)
  • Visit Fundación Iglesia de la Campaña (a historic and visually-stunning Jesuit church)