Galapagos Scuba Diving
Diving the Galapagos isn't as easy as it used to be! In 2007, the Galapagos National Park revoked most of the scuba diving licenses, so the options for dive boats are greatly limited. The boats fill up very quickly, so plan ahead!
There are three options for scuba diving in the Galapagos:
- A live-aboard dive boat
- Occasional diving off a regular tour boat
- Day trips from one of the islands (staying at hotel)
When to Go
If you want to see the whale sharks, April-November is the best time. There is about a 99% to see them out at Wolf and Darwin Islands. I read a blog from a guy who went there in August 5 years in a row and saw whale sharks every year. However, the water is slightly cooler (74-78 degrees), and it can be cloudy, which affects underwater photography
The chance to see whale sharks December-March is about 50%. The water is warmer (75-80 degrees), and it tends to be more sunny.
Live Aboard
The most famous dive spots in the Galapagos are at Wolf and Darwin Islands. There are currently only five boats still offering scheduled live-aboard diving itineraries that include Darwin and Wolf Islands. You will need 8 days in the Galapagos for these trips.
Contact us for special last-minute discounts!
Aggressor I & II
- 2011 Prices start at $4495/person for an 8-day cruise.
- Cruises start on Thursday.
- Up to 17 dives and 4 land excursions
- Available for charter
Galapagos Sky
- 2012 Prices for an 8-day cruise are $4795-4995/person through May 31, 2012 and $5195-5395/person through May 31, 2013.
- Cruises start on Sunday.
- 10 and 14 day cruises also available
- 2-3 dives/day and 2 land excursions
- Available for charter
- http://www.galapagosconnection.com/GalapagosSky/
Deep Blue
- 2011 Prices start at $3795/person.
- Cruises start on Monday.
- Up to 21 dives and 3 land excursions
Humboldt Explorer
- 2011 Prices start at $3995/person for an 8-day cruise.
- Cruises start on Monday.
- Up to 21 dives and 3 land excursions
- The newest dive boat in the Galapagos
Estrella del Mar I
- 2011 Prices starting at $3890/person for an 8-day cruise + $150/person fuel surcharge
- Cruises start on Monday
- Up to 21 dives and 1 land excursion
- Charters are available.
- The cheapest dive boat option
Occasional Diving
Most tour boats in the Galapagos will offer an "occasional diving" option. This means, for example, on an 8-day cruise, you can do 1 or 2 days of diving. Typically, the price is about $250/person for a 2-tank dive, and you will need a minimum of 2 people or 4 people to do the dive depending on the boat. There will be fewer options like this starting in January 2012.
Day Tour Diving
There are a number of hotels on Santa Cruz and San Cristobal Islands that offer daily dive and tour options. This is often the best option as it offers the most flexible dates, a variety of itineraries, and the best value.
Hotels that offer Galagagos diving >>
Nautilus
The Nautilus is an 8-passenger motor-sailor that can be chartered for a single day dive or for multi-day / multi-island trips of 4-9 days (staying at hotels on various islands).
