A land-based dive and explore experience in the Galapagos
*A 7-day Galapagos Island-Hopping tour you won’t ever forget!
“Get ready for an unforgettable journey that caters to all, combining thrilling Pacific Ocean dives with captivating land-based explorations of the Galapagos Islands. An extraordinary adventure that promises to leave you with long lasting memories and an enriching experience that captures the essence of this remarkable destination.” —Antoine, ITK Manager
Antoine’s insight about this land based scuba diving tour in the Galapagos
Embark on an enchanting 7-day diving and touring expedition in the mesmerizing Galapagos archipelago and immerse yourself in the abundance of extraordinary marine fauna and terrestrial wildlife. Encounter magnificent giant tortoises, playful sea lions, graceful whale and hammerhead sharks, majestic manta rays, vibrant tropical fish, and a myriad of captivating Galapagos endemic species. Prepare to be amazed by the diverse and awe-inspiring underwater world and the jaw-breaking non-aquatic environment that await you on this unforgettable journey, designed to cater to explorers and divers of all levels of experience. What sets our “Galapagos diving” tour apart is that it offers a unique blend for both divers and non-divers, unlike other cruises in the Galapagos Islands that exclusively cater to one group or the other. Each day presents an exciting combination of sites and activities, with dedicated places and time for diving and immersive naturalist visits.
With no compromise on your budget, you can wholeheartedly pursue your diving passion, while your friends or family members who prefer not to scuba dive can immerse themselves in the captivating charm and beauty of the Galapagos Islands on land. To gain a better understanding of the exceptional accommodation options we provide for an unforgettable diving and snorkeling tour, take a look at our carefully curated selection of Scuba Diving Cruises in the Galápagos.
Indicative Galapagosian Diving Sites and Sightseeing Itinerary:
Experience the Scuba Iguana Dive Center Galapagos in action, our trusted partner for thrilling land-based cruise diving tours. Watch the video now!
Day-to-day itinerary
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Quito (or Guayaquil) > San Cristobal island | San Cristobal; Diver (Kicker Rock) Non-diver (Isla Lobos) | San Cristobal island > Santa Cruz island |
| Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 |
| Santa Cruz island; Diver (Cousins Rock / Bartolome) Non-diver (Bartolome island). | Santa Cruz island; Diver (Gordon Rock) Non-diver (North Seymour island) | Santa Cruz island; Diver (Mosquera Sur / Seymour) Non-diver (South Plazas island) |
| Day 7 | ||
| Santa Cruz island > Baltra > Quito |
Galapagos Scuba Diving Tour highlights :
– Get the opportunity to engage in thrilling dives or partake in captivating naturalist visits during your time with us,
– Enjoy two exhilarating dives on our “diving” days while aboard an magnificent sailboat,
– Experience the thrill of spending overnight stays on two different islands, immersing yourself in the unique atmosphere of each location,
– Indulge in the comfort and charm of delightful hotels, tailored to your chosen accommodation category,
– Embark on exhilarating excursions to enchanting uninhabited islands.
Explore this land-based diving and seafaring expedition in more detail:
Day 1 : Quito > San Cristobal island (Ecuador)
Arrive at San Cristobal Island and transfer to the hotel.
Meal
No
Visit
No
Hike
No
transport
4h30
Day 2 : San Cristobal island
Diver
Transferred by speedboat, followed by two amazing diving experiences at a stunning dive site: Kicker Rock (a.k.a.“Roca León Dormido” in Spanish).
Non-Diver
Transferred by speedboat, followed a unique visit to Isla Lobos (Galápagos, Ecuador), where you can enjoy a memorable snorkeling experience.
Meal
bl
Visit
3h30
Hike
0h00
transport
1h30
Day 3 : San Cristobal island > Santa Cruz island
Transfer by speedboat to Santa Cruz island.
Meal
b
Visit
0h00
Hike
0h00
transport
2h30
Day 4 : Santa Cruz island
Diver
Transported to the Itabaca channel by road and then by boat, where 2 thrilling dives at Cousins Rock and Bartolome Island await you.
Non-Diver
Transported to the Itabaca channel by road and then transferred by boat. Upon arrival, you will disembark and embark on an exciting visit to Bartolome Island.
Meal
bl
Visit
3h00
Hike
0h00
transport
5h00
Day 5 : Santa Cruz island
Diver
Transported to the Itabaca channel by road and then transferred by boat to embark on 2 unforgettable scuba diving adventure immersion sites at Gordon Rock.
Non-Diver
Transported to the Itabaca channel by road then transferred by boat. Upon reaching North Seymour Island, you will have the opportunity to explore the island and enjoy a fantastic snorkeling experience at Bachas Beach.
Meal
bl
Visit
3h00
Hike
0h00
transport
3h00
Day 6 : Santa Cruz island
Diver
Transported to the Itabaca channel by road and then transferred by boat. Upon arrival at Seymour Norte (aka North Seymour Island) and Mosquera Sur Islands, you will have the opportunity to embark on two unique and exciting diving experiences.
Non-Diver
Transferred to the port, where you will disembark and have the chance to explore the captivating South Plaza Island.
Meal
bl
Visit
3h00
Hike
0h00
transport
4h00
Day 7 : Santa Cruz island > Baltra > Quito
Transfer to Baltra airport and flight back to Quito or Guayaquil.
Meal
b
Visit
0h00
Hike
0h00
transport
4h30
B: Breakfast
BL: Breakfast and Lunch
L: Lunch
D: Dinner
The rate decreases as the group size increases proportionally. The estimated price range for this adventure is from $— to $—. As we tailor this trip specifically for you, the final cost will depend on the personalized details. Your personalized quote will provide the exact price for your unique experience.
Rate Includes
– Accommodation
– All transfers in/to/from the Galapagos islands: vehicles, guides, drivers as well as their costs and fees.
– Guides as indicated in the below “Diving, Snorkeling, & Visiting Guidance” section.
– Meals as indicated in the program.
– Diving Equipment (See “Dive and Non-Dive Equipment” section below).
Rate Doesn’t include
– International Flights
– Round trip flight to Galápagos ($530 per/pers.)
– Entrance to the Galápagos National Park
– Mainland services (transfers to/from Quito airport)
– INGALA Migration Card a.k.a. Galapagos Transit Control Card, an immigration control requirement ($20).
– Individual Dive Equipment (See “Dive and Non-Dive Equipment” section below)
– Wetsuits indicated as “optional” or “at an additional cost”
– Alcoholic drinks
– Not indicated meals
– Tips
– Diving : transport and collective visits (12 divers max.). Dive Master diving instructor. For 12 divers, 2 monitors will be present.
– Snorkeling and visits on the islands : transport and collective visits (20 people max.). Bilingual Spanish-English Galapagos National Park guide.
Note : transfers on arrival and departure days (to the Itabaca canal) will be private.
– Technical Diving: for non-divers, no technical level nor other certifications are required for land excursions. On the other hand, for divers, a minimum of 10 dives, with a PADI certificate, is mandatory.
Clothing:
– 1 or 2 light walking trousers
– 1 polar jacket when traveling by boat and/or in the evening
– 1 waterproof jacket (such as K-way)
– light t-shirts
– 1 pair of hike shoes
– 1 pair of casual shoes
– cap or hat
Scuba gear included:
– fins
– mask
– snorkel
– bottle
– 7mm wetsuit
– regulator with octopus
-pressure meter
-depth gauge
-BCD (buoyancy control device)
Not included (optional)
– dive computer ($15/ day)
– nitrox bottle on Santa Cruz island ($15/bottle)
Comfort category: Charming and comfortable accommodations in the 2/3*** category. These accommodations are clean and provide a customer service experience tailored to European and American standards.
Superior category: Charming accommodations in the 3/4**** category. These accommodations offer top-quality infrastructure and personalized service, with spacious and tastefully designed rooms.
Luxury Options: Upon request, we also offer luxurious 4/5* accommodations for those seeking the ultimate indulgence.
– Given transfer and visit times are approximate,
– For meals not included, budget between $5 for popular options and $45 for gourmet experiences per person,
– Tips (as in “voluntary payments or gratuities given to service providers as a gesture of appreciation for their service”): We suggest a range of $10 to $20 per day for a guide and $5 to $10 per day for a driver.
Several factors contribute to determining the best time to dive in the Galapagos Islands:
Marine Life: The presence and behavior of specific marine species can vary throughout the year. For example, whale sharks are more commonly sighted around the northern islands from June to November, while hammerhead sharks tend to congregate in larger numbers from December to May. Researching the seasonal patterns of the marine life you wish to encounter can help determine the optimal diving time.
Water Temperature and Visibility: Water temperature and visibility can vary depending on the time of year. Generally, the water is cooler from June to November, ranging from 64 to 75°F (18 to 24°C), and warmer from December to May, ranging from 68 to 86°F (20 to 30°C). Visibility can also vary, with clearer waters often experienced during the cooler months.
Weather and Sea Conditions: The Galapagos Islands have two distinct seasons. The dry season (June to December) and the warmer/wetter season (January to May). The dry season typically offers calmer seas and less rainfall, while the warmer/wetter season can bring occasional showers and rougher sea conditions. Consider your preferences and comfort level with different weather and sea conditions when choosing your diving time.
Personal Preferences: Your personal preferences, such as desired water temperature, the presence of specific marine species, and your tolerance for potential weather or sea variations, should also be taken into account in order to evaluate the best time to dive in the Galapagos islands.
To ensure the best diving experience, it is recommended to consult with local dive operators and experts, like ITK Voyage, who have in-depth knowledge of the Galapagos Islands’ diving conditions and can provide tailored advice based on your specific interests and requirements.
The best time for snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands can be similar to the factors influencing the best time for diving, but there are a few additional considerations specific to snorkeling:
Water Temperature: : Snorkelers may prefer warmer water temperatures for extended periods of time in the water. The water in the Galapagos Islands is generally warmer from December to May, ranging from 68 to 86°F (20 to 30°C ). Snorkelers may find this period more comfortable for extended snorkeling sessions.
Wildlife Activity:: The presence and activity of marine species can also influence the best time for snorkeling. For example, certain times of the year may offer better chances of encounters with sea turtles, sea lions, penguins, or marine iguanas. Researching the seasonal patterns of wildlife behavior can help determine optimal snorkeling times.
Weather and Sea Conditions: Snorkeling can be affected by weather and sea conditions, similar to diving. Calm seas and good visibility are generally preferred for snorkeling. Considering the weather patterns and sea conditions during your preferred travel time can also help ensure a more enjoyable snorkeling experience.
Personal Preferences: Just like with diving, personal preferences play a role in determining the best time for snorkeling. Some individuals may prefer warmer water, while others may prioritize specific wildlife encounters or weather conditions.
While there may be overlap with the best time for diving in the Galapagos, snorkelers may have additional considerations due to the nature of their activity. Consulting with local snorkeling guides or experts such as ITK Voyage can provide valuable insights and advice tailored to your snorkeling interests and preferences.