Galapagos scuba diving

e-mail: Contact Us
US Toll Free # 1-800-426-0802
Outside US.or Canada 1-305-332-3099 Telefax 954 967 2547

Frequently asked questions

This information depends on the Yacht you will be booking, also depends on the type of tour, remember that the islands are in the Equator, you have to be aware of the sun light and there are 12 hours long avery day, 365 days a year. The Galapagos islands are far apart, sailing from one island to the next, it takes 2 or hours and in most Yachts navigation is normally during the night, in order to reach the next island in the morning, depending on the island.To reach Wolf and Darwin, the northermost islands takes between 10 and 15 hours, depending on weather conditions
How many luggages can I carry in the Galapagos flight? both airlines TAME(to Baltra island) and AEROGAL (Cristobal island) requires no more than 20 Kilos, the restriction do not includes carry-on bags or cameras cases.
What is a combined diving Itinerary? This is a very convenient type of cruise, where you can have 2 dives a day and also explore the islands twice a day and still have time for swimming and relaxing.
How many dives can I make? typically in a full diving tour,specially with Wolf and Darwin Itineraries you will have 3 or 4 dives a day,with less land visits,with a total of about 12-15 dives. In a combined naturalist with occacional dives, mostly 1 or 2 dives a day, and 1 or 2 land visits, while in a no-diving-naturalist trip, 2 land visits plus snorkeling with sea lions, penguins,etc.
What is included in the scuba diving trips? Accommodations aboard the vessel, diving, compressed air, tanks, weights and weight belts, land-tours, airport transfers on day of arrival and departure in Galapagos, meals and snacks, non-alcoholic beverages are included.
What does not include in the scuba diving trip ? Hotels in Quito or Guayaquil, transfers, unless is a package deal, USD $100 Galapagos National Park entry fee, Alcoholic beverages consumed on board
Personal expenses, Ecuador departure tax $ 25.00
Decompression Chamber Fee $35.00
International Air tickets to and from the U.S.
Gratuities for crew members and guides.
How many days are the diving trips and how many dives can I make? With all our combined diving Itineraries. we have normally an 8 day/ 7nights cruises, but also 5 days/ 4 nights, with the first option five and one-half days of diving., with the second option, three days and one –half days, except with a full diving charter, with up to 3 dives a day, all dives are conducted from PANGAS or dinghies.
.
When should I arrive in Ecuador-mainland? You MUST arrive in Ecuador at least one day prior to the vessel's departure, in order to meet the flight schedule to Galapagos from the mainland. If you do not make this flight schedule, you will not meet the vessel's departure time. Your travel arrangements should include a one night stay-over (prior to the vessel departure) in either Guayaquil or Quito, which are on the mainland, the flights to Galapagos from Quito or Guayaquil departs in the morning see the flights schedule and prices here.
-Do I need a visa to visit Ecuador and passport? U.S. citizens don’t need a visa for Ecuador and you are required to have a valid passport with at least 6 months before expiration date. Non-U.S. citizens should check with the appropriate consulate.
How do I meet the Galapagos Yacht on my arrival to the islands? Once you arrive at any the airports , either Baltra or Cristobal, depending on the Yacht, you will be asked to pay the National Park fees at the airport (in cash only). The yacht Guide will be there to welcome you, take care of your luggage, and drive you to the vessel, ten minutes bus ride to the Dock from the Airport.
Can I stay in the islands after or prior my departure diving trip? Yes you can stay in any of the 2 major inhabited islands, Santa Cruz-Puerto Ayora with its nearest airport Baltra, or Cristobal island where its airport is right besides the Town and the main dock
What is unique diving in the Galapagos? Lots of large pelagics, particularly the schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks. White-tip reef sharks and Galapagos sharks, are also abundant, as are manta rays, eagle rays, golden rays, turtles, sea lions, fur seals, schools of tuna, jack and snapper. Whales sharks and dolphins are frequently sighted. There is also the opportunity to snorkel with penguins and marine iguanas.
What is the water temperature? The waters of the Galapagos Islands are a unique mixture of warm and cold water, ranging between 65F and 85F, bathed by the cold Humboldt Current from about June to the end of November. We recommend a 1/4" (5mm) wet suit with hood and booties year round.
Is there night diving? No ,there is a new regulation from the Galapagos National Park , no night diving due to extreme conditions and strong currents on most dive sites.
Safety? You must have surface intervals between dives, you must wait 24 hours before flying, all divers must submerge together, which usually does not happen, therefore the crew will take one or two hours to assist to all group
What type of terrain are the walking trails in Galapagos? The islands are volcanic in origin and the walking trails are rocky along the shores and mountainous on the highlands, you are able to see some volcanoes still active.
We give our passengers personal attention from the beginning of the tour to the end:
Our trip services begin when our passengers arrive at the international airport of their first destination. Our representative, accompanied by an informative guide, transfers them to their hotel and assists with check-in. They do the same for all other airport transfers during the trip.
A guide familiar with the destination accompanies the group on most tour segments.
Unneeded luggage is stored. We hold on to tickets (except for E-tickets obtained pre-flight) and any hotel vouchers until the day they are needed.
To ensure the safety of our travelers, our guides are linked with outside services 24 hours a day in all locations to provide assistance when necessary.
Galapagos Divers and its operators take all precautions to ensure that your adventure is safe and enjoyable, certain risks are involved while traveling. We recommend that you purchase your own short-term travel insurance. Cost effective and simple, travel insurance protects you and your equipment from any problems that might arise, such as damage or loss of baggage, health problems, cancelled or delayed trips, and other unanticipated disturbances. We encourage you for the following travel insurance as you prepare for a safe and enjoyable trip.

Note:-There is a recompression chamber in the island of Santa Cruz- Pto . Ayora, Galapagos.

e-mail Contact Us
US Toll Free # 1-800-426-0802
Miami local # 1-305-332-3099

back to packages