This multi-day Galapagos itinerary is designed for certified divers who want to combine world-class diving with island exploration and wildlife encounters. Based on Santa Cruz, the programme blends guided land visits, snorkelling, and full diving days at some of the archipelago’s most recognised sites.
The trip is structured to build up gradually, with easier marine activities before progressing to more demanding dive sites, while keeping logistics simple with a single accommodation base.
This itinerary combines land-based highlights of Santa Cruz with dedicated diving days at regulated sites such as Seymour and Gordon Rocks, plus a full-day snorkelling excursion by yacht. You’ll stay in Puerto Ayora throughout, allowing time to rest between activities and explore the town independently in the evenings.
All diving and excursions operate under Galapagos National Park regulations. Dive sites and visiting days are assigned according to park availability and conditions, and substitutions may be made where required.
Santa Cruz Island serves as a central base for diving and island excursions, with Puerto Ayora offering easy access to dive boats, piers, and visitor services. The town is also home to research centres, restaurants, and coastal walkways.
Diving and snorkelling excursions depart by yacht to surrounding islands and marine sites, all managed under strict park controls to protect fragile ecosystems and regulate visitor numbers.
Participants must hold a recognised scuba diving certification and present a valid diver’s licence before diving. A minimum of 30 logged dives is required for advanced sites such as Gordon Rocks.
Divers should be comfortable with drift diving, variable currents, and deeper dive profiles. This itinerary is not suitable for beginners or uncertified divers.
Galapagos diving conditions vary throughout the year, with water temperatures, currents, and visibility changing by site and season. Briefings are provided before each dive to outline conditions and safety procedures.
All dives are conducted in accordance with local regulations, and dive plans may be adjusted to prioritise safety.
Accommodation is provided in a tourist-class hotel in Puerto Ayora, offering private double or triple rooms. Hotels are selected for comfort, cleanliness, and proximity to town amenities.
Staying on Santa Cruz allows consistent access to dive departures while avoiding frequent hotel changes.
Since 2014, trips across Ecuador and the Galapagos have been designed with a focus on responsible travel, operational reliability, and meaningful wildlife encounters. Programmes are structured to respect park regulations while maximising time in key environments.
Strong relationships with local guides, dive operators, and conservation partners help ensure a safe, well-managed experience that supports local communities and environmental protection.
This itinerary is designed for certified scuba divers who already have experience diving in currents and variable conditions. It is particularly suitable for those looking to combine diving with broader island exploration.
Travellers without a valid diving certification or sufficient logged dives will not be able to participate in the dive days.
Gordon Rocks is considered an advanced dive site due to strong currents, depth, and down-currents that can occur. Divers should be confident with buoyancy control and drift diving techniques.
Those with fewer than 30 logged dives are advised to seek guidance before booking.
Diving is included as part of the programme, but equipment availability can vary. It’s recommended to confirm equipment rental requirements in advance.
Personal dive computers and safety equipment are strongly recommended.
Depending on conditions, divers may encounter reef sharks, rays, turtles, schooling fish, and pelagic species. Sightings vary by site and season.
Wildlife encounters are natural and cannot be guaranteed.
Snorkelling activities offer additional opportunities to observe marine life in shallower, calmer waters and help divers acclimatise before deeper dives.
They also allow non-diving moments to enjoy the marine environment without full dive gear.
Dive yachts typically carry between 12 and 16 passengers. Group sizes are managed to comply with park regulations and safety standards.
Guides provide briefings and oversight throughout each dive day.
If conditions are unsafe or sites are unavailable due to park regulations, alternative sites or activities may be substituted.
Safety and environmental protection always take priority.
Breakfast is provided at the hotel, and lunch is served on board the yacht during diving and snorkelling excursions.
Dinners are not included, allowing flexibility in Puerto Ayora.
Solo travellers can request pricing, but the tour requires a minimum of two passengers to operate.
Availability is subject to confirmation.
Bring sun protection, swimwear, a long-sleeved shirt, reef-safe sunscreen, sturdy walking shoes for lava terrain, and personal dive gear if preferred.
Additional recommendations and safety briefings are provided locally before activities.
About the centre
Aeropuerto Seymour de Baltra, Isla Baltra Baltra, Seymour, Ecuador
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