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.
After arriving at Baltra Airport, you’ll meet your guide and head straight into the Santa Cruz highlands. The day begins at the Twin Craters, large volcanic formations set within scalesia forest, offering insight into the island’s geology.
You’ll then visit a private natural reserve to observe giant tortoises in their natural environment before transferring to Puerto Ayora in the afternoon. Check in to your hotel and enjoy a free evening in town.
The morning starts with a navigable bay tour, introducing you to coastal marine life through relaxed snorkelling in sheltered waters. This serves as an ideal warm-up before the diving days ahead.
In the afternoon, you’ll visit Tortuga Bay, reached via a paved walking trail. Time is available to swim, explore the beach, and observe coastal wildlife before returning to Puerto Ayora.
Today is your first dedicated diving day, with two immersions from a dive yacht at Seymour Island or a comparable site. This area is suitable for divers with varying experience levels, although moderate currents and drift conditions are common.
Marine life sightings often include reef fish, rays, sea turtles, and pelagic species depending on conditions. Lunch is served on board between dives.
This day focuses on one of the Galapagos’ more demanding dive sites. Gordon Rocks is an extinct volcanic crater known for strong currents, deeper profiles, and advanced diving conditions.
Two immersions are planned, with depths reaching up to 32 metres on the sandy bottom and steeper wall sections beyond. This day is best suited to experienced divers, and advice is recommended if you have fewer than 30 logged dives.
You’ll spend the day on a yacht excursion to Santa Fe Island or a similar site, focusing on snorkelling and wildlife observation. The island is known for clear waters and opportunities to see sea lions, reef fish, and rays while snorkelling.
On land, you may encounter land iguanas and coastal bird species. After returning to the pier in the afternoon, you’ll make your own way back to the hotel on foot or by taxi.
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred back to Baltra Airport in line with your departure flight schedule, bringing the tour to a close.
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.
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
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