Diving Holidays in the Galapagos

Introduction

The unique archipelago of the Galapagos comprises nineteen main islands and several small islands. Extreme depths, down to 3,000 metres off the western islands, and a complex system of currents combine to nourish a stunning abundance of marine species.

The radiant fish and bizarre animals populating the islands make it one of the great dive destinations; swept by the cold waters of Antarctica and the warm currents from the tropical Pacific, the Galapagos colourful marine-life embodies an unusual mixture of species. Here, penguins swim with tropical fish and iguanas feed underwater. The marine animals exhibit the same bold curiosity and lack of fear that characterises the terrestrial wildlife.  There is no better way to explore the Galapagos Islands than on board a boat and for a diver no better way than a liveaboard

The following illustration of diving holiday experiences are simply examples of the many exciting and diverse diving holidays we are able to arrange for you.  It is not intended to provide the details for a specific booking, since our aim is to create a holiday tailored to your particular wishes.

Please contact Medway Travel without hesitation with your wishes for your diving holiday, and we will be delighted to research your options and suggest the ideal holiday for you. 

Images 10, 11 and 12 courtesy of Anthony Dixon 

Overview

Liveaboards

Here, penguins swim with tropical fish and iguanas feed underwater. The marine animals exhibit the same bold curiosity and lack of fear that characterises the terrestrial wildlife.

There is no better way to explore the Galapagos Islands than on board a boat and for a diver no better way than a liveaboard. Medway Travel can offer a selection of boats with a variety of specifications.

Throughout the voyage, you'll encounter a spectacular array of animal and plant species, many found nowhere else in the world. Penguins, Marine Iguanas, Sea-lions, Golden Rays, Mantas and turtles are just a few of the marine creatures you'll see at dive sites off Seymour, Santiago, Santa Cruz, Darwin and Wolf Islands. Galapagos is best known for its pelagics such as dolphins, Pilot Whales and sharks. The sharks are attracted like a magnet to the rocky islands - Silky, Galapagos, White-tip, and scalloped Hammerhead Sharks by the hundreds. From May to November many species of whales are regularly seen in the islands especially the Melon Headed, Short-finned Pilot and Humpback Whales heading to the coast of Ecuador.

Darwin and Wolf are two islands located 14 hours north of the main group of islands and a magnet for many divers. Sightings of the Whale Shark are common here from May to November and at the Northern Arch at Darwin, Hammerhead Sharks are not uncommon, nor are Bottlenose dolphins. The reef also contains many warm water varieties of fish found nowhere else in the Islands.

Due to the ruggedness, currents and slightly cooler temperatures around the Galapagos Islands, diving here is only recommended for experienced divers.

Resort Diving

For those for whom a liveaboard lacks appeal or those wishing to spend some extra time in the Galápagos Islands after their liveaboard expedition, then an ideal choice is a resort stay and Medway Travel has a number of hotels for you to choose from.

The diving is carried out by Galápagos Sub-Aqua, the oldest dive centre in the Galápagos Islands. Owner Fernando Zambrano, is a professional instructor, an oceanographer, certified commercial diver and naturalist park guide. Sub-Aqua consists of an international team of professional divemasters and instructors who follow very high safety standards.

Dive sites vary from easy with little current in Academy Bay, to world-class areas such as Gordon Rocks, North Seymour, Cousins Rock and Floreana. The list of what can be seen is endless: thousands of tropical fish, barracudas, Black-tip, White-tip, Hammerhead and Galápagos sharks, Moray Eels, Manta and Spotted Eagle Rays. You will have an excellent opportunity for dolphin-watching during the boat-trip to and from Floreana. You will also enjoy some sightseeing by boat of the local marine and birdlife, such as sealions, Fur Seals, Blue Footed Boobies, Frigate Birds, penguins, Marine Iguanas. There is a breathtaking vertical wall with a profusion of black corals and other invertebrates. During the surface interval between Cousins and Bartolome snorkel to look for penguins.

We are pleased to offer tailormade diving holidays to the Galapagos, using scheduled airlines with daily departures. The Galapagos islands are accessed by a 90-minute flight from Quito in Ecuador. We recommend spending a couple of nights in Quito here upon arrival to allow yourself time to recover after the long flight, and will be pleased to advise on your options here.

Example Itinerary

Darwin's Dive Triangle Tour

9 Days

Darwin's Diving Triangle package is a seven night adventure including visits to Santa Cruz, Isabela and San Cristobal islands. Discovering the islands of the Galapagos with Red Mangrove allows for plenty of land-based and diving opportunities, maximising wildlife encounters and creating plenty of memories.

Throughout this trip, you will have the chance to see the Galapagos Islands' varied and ecletic mix of marine life, that includes Eagle Rays, Manta Rays, Hammerheads, White-Tipped Reef Sharks, Galapagos Shark, Stingrays, Moray Eels, Sea Turtles, Jacks, Blue and Gold Snappers, Creolefish, Barracuda, Frogfish, Yellowtail Surgeonfish, Nudibranch and many more.

Itinerary

Day 1. Depart for Ecuador
Touchdown in mainland Ecuador and transfer to Santa Cruz Island by Ferry (10 min-ride). Check-in at Aventura Lodge. Afternoon activities involve snorkelling with Sea Lions, Sting Rays and Baby Reef Sharks in the shallow, emerald waters of Tortuga Bay, then witness the nesting site of the famous Marine Iguanas.

Day 2. Santa Cruz Island
Diving in North Santa Cruz to witness the variety of wonderful marine life the Galapagos has to offer. Depart for a guided tour of the fascinating Charles Darwin Research Station. Night at Aventura Lodge.

Day 3. Transfer to Isabela Island
Opportunity for more diving in North Santa Cruz. Return to the Aventura Lodge and transfer to Isabela Island by ferry. Upon arrival, there is time to relax and enjoy the spectacular white sand beach before dinner at Isabela Lodge.

Day 4. Visit to Cerro Orchilla & Wall of Tears
Depart for Isla Tortuga for 2 dives, followed by a drive along Long Beach, the most beautiful, white sand, palm-lined beach in the whole of the Galapagos. Walk up the stairs for astounding vistas from the top of Cerro Orchilla. Visit the Muro de Las Lagrimas (Wall of Tears). On your way back to town, drop in to the Interpretation Center, a breeding center for the giant Galapagos Tortoises and the only place to view the rare Galapagos tortoises. Overnight stay at Isabela Lodge.

Day 5. Exploration of Isabela Island
Further diving is available at 4 Hermanos, a series of 4 islands and islets. Enjoy a free afternoon to relax on white sandy beach or explore downtown Isabela, Puerto Villamil, and take in some of the unique island culture and flavor.

Day 6. Bicycle tour of Isabela & transfer to San Cristobal
Depart for a morning bicycle tour of the highlands of Isabela. Spectacular afternoon flight to San Cristobal. Arrive and check in at your lodge. Ride through the countryside to reach El Junco Lake, a caldera (collapsed cone) of an extinct volcano, the only large fresh water reservoir in the Galapagos archipelago. Experience spectacular views to the lagoon, surrounding hills and over the far away Pacific Ocean.

Day 7. Diving in San Cristobal
Dive Kicker Rock or Sleeping Lion in San Cristobal. Free time in the evening to go shopping and explore down town San Cristobal.

Day 8. Depart for the UK
Visit Cerro de las Tijeretas or Frigatebird Hill on the last land tour in Galapagos before heading to the airport for your flight home (via Quito).

Day 9. Arrive in the UK
Arrive back home.

Pick & Mix

As well as suggested holiday itineraries, Medway Travel are delighted to create bespoke holiday experiences.

If you are a traveller who is looking for something completely different to the suggested itinerary on the previous tab, picking and mixing your accommodations, trips and activities that you specifically wish to enjoy might be a fantastic solution for you!

Contact Us with information of when you are looking to travel and what adventures you would like your holiday to include, and our expererienced travel consultants will put together a personalised itinerary especially for you!

For ideas and inspiration of what to do during a once in a lifetime visit to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, please take a look at the below details...

Galapagos Diving

Here, penguins swim with tropical fish and iguanas feed underwater. The marine animals exhibit the same bold curiosity and lack of fear that characterises the terrestrial wildlife.

There is no better way to explore the Galapagos Islands than on board a boat and for a diver no better way than a liveaboard. Dive Worldwide can offer a selection of boats with a variety of specifications.

Throughout the voyage, you'll encounter a spectacular array of animal and plant species, many found nowhere else in the world. Penguins, Marine Iguanas, Sea-lions, Golden Rays, Mantas and turtles are just a few of the marine creatures you'll see at dive sites off Seymour, Santiago, Santa Cruz, Darwin and Wolf Islands. Galapagos is best known for its pelagics such as dolphins, Pilot Whales and sharks. The sharks are attracted like a magnet to the rocky islands - Silky, Galapagos, White-tip, and scalloped Hammerhead Sharks by the hundreds. From May to November many species of whales are regularly seen in the islands especially the Melon Headed, Short-finned Pilot and Humpback Whales heading to the coast of Ecuador.

Darwin and Wolf are two islands located 14 hours north of the main group of islands and a magnet for many divers. Sightings of the Whale Shark are common here from May to November and at the Northern Arch at Darwin, Hammerhead Sharks are not uncommon, nor are Bottlenose dolphins. The reef also contains many warm water varieties of fish found nowhere else in the Islands.
Due to the ruggedness, currents and slightly cooler temperatures around the Galapagos Islands, diving here is only recommended for experienced divers.

Galapagos Resort Diving

For those of whom a liveaboard lacks appeal or those wishing to spend some extra time on land after their liveaboard expedition, then an ideal choice is a resort stay.

We recommend the Finch Bay Eco Hotel, a perfect Galapagos resort experience. Whether your interests lie in observing or photographing the natural wildlife of the Galapagos, enjoying world-class diving, mountain biking, exploring lava fields, relaxing on the beach, or a bit of everything, your stay at the Finch Bay Hotel offers you the freedom to select the activities of your choice.

Located a five minute boat ride away from the village of Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, it is nestled amongst mangroves with a magnificent pool and private beach. All rooms are tastefully decorated and are airconditioned with en-suite bathrooms.

Diving can be arranged through the PADI affiliated Galapagos Sub-Aqua dive centre in Puerto Ayora. Dive sites vary from easy with little current in Academy Bay, to world-class areas such as Gordon Rocks, North Seymour, Cousins Rock and Floreana. The list of what can be seen is endless: thousands of tropical fish, barracuda, Blacktip, Whitetip, Hammerhead and Galapagos Sharks, moray eels, Manta and Spotted Eagle Rays. You will have an excellent opportunity for dolphin-watching during the boat-trip to and from Floreana. You will also enjoy some sightseeing of the local marine and birdlife by boat, such as sealions, Fur Seals, Blue Footed Boobies, Frigate Birds, penguins, Marine Iguanas. There is a breathtaking vertical wall with a profusion of black corals and other invertebrates.

Galapagos Highlights

As the Galapagos Islands is a year-round destination, you may like to choose when you visit according to the wildlife cycle...

January
On Española the adult Marine Iguanas become brightly coloured.
Green Sea Turtles arrive to the beaches to lay their eggs.

February
Greater Flamingoes begin nesting on Floreana.
Marine Iguanas begin nesting on Santa Cruz.

May
Start of the prime Whale Shark season at Wolf and Darwin.

June
Giant Tortoises on Santa Cruz Island migrate from the highlands to the lowlands in search of suitable nesting places.
Some groups of Humpback Whales and other cetaceans that migrate up to equatorial latitudes along the coast of Ecuador reach the Galapagos.

July
One of the best months to observe whales and dolphins especially off the western coast of Isabela.
A good time to observe the four stages of nesting in Blue-footed Boobies - eggs, chicks, juveniles and sub-adults.

August
Galapagos Sealions begin to give birth.

September
Galapagos Penguins are at their most active on Bartolome.

October
The Galapagos Fur Sealions begin mating.
Blue-footed Boobies raise their chicks on Española and Isabela.
Giant Tortoises are still laying eggs.

November
The seas are calm and the south-east trade winds have decreased in strength.
Generally good weather due to a seasonal transition.
Excellent visibility for snorkellers.

December
Hatching of Giant Tortoise's eggs begins and lasts until April.
Green Sea Turtles begin their mating display.


A visit to the Galapagos Islands combines well with many other adventures in South America, including...

Amazon - Ecuador

The legendary Amazon, home to hundreds species of mammals, thousands of birds and insects, many endemic to Ecuador. Ancient tress some over 400 years old, tower above, entangled with tick lianas and supporting the huge variety of bromeliads. Wildlife apart, this is also a cultural experience, where you can meet local communities whoshare their intricate knowledge of their surrondings; the medicinal propierties of plants and their unique relationship with the jungle.

Quito

Quito is located on a plateau at the foot of Pichincha volcano. Colonial architects build the formidable churches, moasteries and mansions which caused the city to be designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Visit St. Augustine Convent and the Parliament Buildings, whose stone mural depicts the history of Ecuador. The main square is flanked by the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, Municipal Building and the Archibishop's Palace nearby the church of San Francisco is one of the great religious buildings of the New World, Baroque influenced by Moorish

Andes

Remote villages and colorful Indian markets rest amongsts soaring cones of snowcapped volcanoes. The towns and people retain a distinctive identity with fascinating blends of Inca and colonial influences.

Essential Information

Weather

Galapagos is a place that can be visited at any time.  There are two season and the warmest is between December to May and it is the time when the sky is always clear and the sun shines strongly. If you love to dive in amazing places, the best time to visit Galapagos is from June to November. During this season the weather is a little cold but it gives you the chance to enjoy the best from Galapago's famous marine reserve.

The time period between December and May is considered the "warm season." During this warmer season, the Galapagos' climate is more tropical with daily rain and cloudier skies. Also, the ocean temperature is warmer for swimming and snorkelling.

Passports and Visas

Since June 2008, all foreign nationals have been allowed to visit Ecuador and the Galapagos without a visa. On arrival in the country, the immigration police will normally allow holders of British passports to remain in Ecuador for up to 90 days.

You must ensure that your passport is valid for at least of six months from the date of your arrival or until the date of your departure from Ecuador, whichever is the longest.

Health

You should seek medical advice from your GP before travelling to the Galapagos and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions from the policy, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake whilst on holiday. Medway Travel can provide you with a quote for this - please contact a member of the Leisure team or use our Online Insurance Quotation System