Galapagos is about 620 miles from the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. The 19 islands sit at the conjunction of three ocean currents and are considered the “melting pot” of marine life. The island inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection during his visit in 1835.

For pelagic lovers, the Galapagos is a diver’s dream come true! Every dive unveils a breathtaking spectacle of graceful sea turtles gliding through the currents, majestic hammerhead sharks commanding the depths, and playful sea lions darting through the underwater landscape. 

Above land is just as magical! While in Galapagos, you will be able to visit North Seymour Island to see everything from marine iguanas to blue-footed boobies. As well as visit the Highlands of Santa Cruz, where Charles Darwin Station houses giant land tortoises.

What To Expect

Scuba Diving

Galapagos is unquestionably the hammerhead shark capital of the world. Still, it is also home to the sleek Galapagos shark, horn shark, white tip, silkies and the occasional pelagic visitors like the tiger shark. And that’s just the beginning. You will also have the opportunity to see whale sharks, giant manta rays, giant schools of fish and incredible macro marine life. You’re going to wonder if a week is enough time to see it all! 

One of the most popular dive sites in Galapagos is “Darwin’s Arch.” It provides great drift diving with medium to strong currents. Unfortunately, in 2021, the top part of the arch collapsed due to natural erosion, but the pillars remain standing and still provide incredible diving. 

To dive this location, you must be an Advanced Open Water Diver and have completed a minimum of 50 dives. Failure to meet these requirements may result in sitting out from dives. 

You might see:

• Galapagos sharks
• Hammerhead sharks
• Whale sharks
• Sea turtles
• Sea lions
• Marine iguanas
• Galapagos penguins
• Whales
• Dolphins

Recommended Specialty Courses

• Advanced open water
• Shark ecology
• Waves, tides & currents
• Photo & video
• Deep Dive

Culture

Although the islands are inhabited mostly by wildlife, some solely by wildlife, there is still a rich culture among the 25,000 residents. The biological richness and diversity make the Galapagos unique and the rich history makes the Galapagos special. Take a trip here to see wildlife that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.  

Charles Darwin Research Station

The Charles Darwin Research Station is a scientific research center located on Santa Cruz Island which conducts scientific research and conservation efforts in the Galapagos. This research helps to inform conservation efforts and management strategies to protect the islands’ fragile ecosystem. Visitors can take guided tours of the research station where they will see giant tortoises, iguanas, birds and other species that can be found nowhere else in the world. 

Birdwatching

Birdwatching in the Galapagos is a unique experience because of the high diversity of species including many endemic to the islands. Some that may be seen include the blue-footed booby, red-footed booby, Galapagos penguin, waved albatross and the famous finches studied by Darwin.

Post Office Bay

Head to Floreana Island to visit the most unique post office on Post Office Bay. Here, visitors will find no employees, no stamps and no walls or ceiling. This post office was created when passing ships would stop at the island on their journey home and leave letters for their loved ones. Stop at the post office and drop off a letter! 

What prior travelers say

“This is truly my favorite place in the world! I feel like I am in a James Bond movie when I see all of the sharks circling above us. You hold yourself on the theater and simply watch the marine world in front of you, from hammerheads to silkies, to massive schools of yellow-fin tuna to schools of eagle rays and so many turtles you stop pointing out all of the turtles.”

- JoAnn H.

Traveler Photos

Know Before You Go

Dive Insurance

Dive insurance is required on all Diventures trips. We recommend purchasing DAN dive insurance.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not required but is highly recommended for all Diventures trips. We recommend purchasing DAN trip insurance.

Passport

Passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the dates of your trip.

Money exchange

The US dollar is the official currency of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

Dress code

You will most likely want to be in shorts and a loose comfortable t-shirt or tank top. A wide-brimmed or long-billed hat and a pair of sunglasses are essentials for protecting face, eyes, ears and neck from the bright and scorching equatorial sun.

Electricity

There are no adapters required. If you’re visiting from the States, you won’t need to worry about an adapter for your cell phone or computer.

Language

The official language of Ecuador and Galapagos Islands is Spanish. However, English is widely spoken and understood.

Weather and water temp

The air temperature averages 77º – 88ºF. The liveaboard will cross from South of the equator to North. While on the South of the equator, the water temps average between 60-65ºF so make sure to bring proper exposure protection. Once on the North of the equator, the water temps warm up and are around 76ºF. 

Sunscreen

Sunscreen in the Galapagos Islands is very important. The sun hits the equator hard and can burn you before you know it. We recommend SPF 45 Reef Safe waterproof sunscreen. Don’t forget the tops of your feet! Strong sunburn can be a debilitating condition, especially for those with lighter skin. Cream is better than spray.

Wi-Fi

There will be no access to wi-fi on the liveaboard.