The Galapagos... a Diver's Dream Come True!

Why We Love It

The Galapagos probably have the most spectacular diving on the planet: schools of hammerheads at Darwin's Arch, Galapagos sharks and eagle rays at Wolf Island, giant manta rays at Cabo Marshall, schooling fish in their thousands... Macro life is amazingly rich too with seahorses, nudibranchs, hawkfish, and frogfish. Sea iguanas, speedy penguins, and playful sea lions are also frequently seen at the Galapagos — what a sight! With some luck, you may even see a mola-mola or a whale shark. No doubt the Galapagos has some of the healthiest marine life of the Pacific Ocean — this is why it is one of our top favorites!

Conservation

The Siren Foundation makes charitable donations to various marine NGOs and charities worldwide. They also run trips in conjunction with the NGOs Reef Check and LAMAVE (Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines) for research, education, and fundraising.

Who Is It For?

For passionate, experienced divers. Strong currents attract the pelagic, which is why most sites are challenging. A minimum of 50 logged dives is required. Other activities include island-discovery on foot.

Prices and Dates

Departure and Arrival are from San Cristobal airport (SCY), Galapagos

Dive Briefing!

Marine Life

• The Galapagos Marine Reserve, established in 1998, is the second-largest marine preserve in the world
• It has been added as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001, an expansion from the Galapagos National Park which was recognized in 1978
• Located at the confluence of three ocean currents, the Galapagos are a "melting pot" of marine species with extraordinary diversity unmatched anywhere else in the world
• Nearly 20% of marine life in Galapagos is endemic, found nowhere else on earth, such as the world’s only marine iguana and the most northern-living penguin.
• Due to the island topography, pelagic species such as tuna, manta ray, and hammerhead shark can be seen close to the shoreline
• The diversity of underwater terrain is exceptional and cannot be found elsewhere

Dive Conditions

• Season: December to May is when manta rays are more commonly sighted; it is the warmest season but expect daily rain showers and cloudier skies. June to November is when the Humboldt current comes up from the south, bringing with it plankton and offering the best chance of seeing whale sharks; cooler temperatures with occasional showers.
• Currents: strong to very strong
• Visibility: 10 to 20 m (30 to 66 ft)
• Water Temperature: 23° to 29°C (73° to 84°F) from December to May and 22° to 27°C (72° to 81°F) between June and November
• Depth: accessible for both shallow and deep dives

Dive Sites

• On a typical day we offer up to 4 day dives.

• A total of 18-20 dives for a 7-night itinerary.

• Up to 30 dives for the 10-night itinerary.

• No night dive in the Galapagos.

• Note that to allow you to explore the Galapagos to its fullest, on days 2, 7 and 10, dives 3 and 4 will be substituted by island visits at North Seymour, Santa Cruz or Isla Isabela.

• Dive sites vary depending on the length you choose:

7 days: Punta Carrion, Baltra North East, Darwin's Arch, Wolf, Punta Vicente Roca, Cousin Rock, Los Gemelos

10 days: Punta Carrion, Darwin's Arch, Wolf, Roca Redonda, Punta Vicente Roca, Cabo Douglas, Cabo Marshall, Cousin Rock, Los Gemelos

The Team

• Dive operator in the area since 2014
• Maximum 6 divers per guide
• NOTE: No dive courses onboard

Safety Information

• Equipment Recommended: a 7 mm long wetsuit, a dive computer, an SMB, dive gloves, a reef hook, and the usual diving equipment. Wetsuit, Aqualung BCD and regulator, mask and fins can be rented on board.
• Insurance: Both dive insurance and travel insurance are mandatory. We recommend DAN Europe that has plans to cover both - ask us for a quote.
• Nearest Hyperbaric Chamber: Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz island

Visas, Flights, and More!

Visa Requirements

• You must have a valid passport to enter Ecuador, and a return ticket
• Most citizens do not require a visa to stay in Ecuador for up to 90 days
• Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the period you intend to stay
• Please check current visa policies that apply for your country on Ecuador Virtual Consulate

How to Get There

• You need to first go to Quito, at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Ecuador. Plan to arrive at least one day before the cruise departure.
• Take a domestic flight from Quito to San Cristobal (SCY) in the Galapagos. The flight AV1630 leaves at 10:10am.
• Most international flights will anyway arrive into Quito after the domestic connection to San Cristóbal has departed, making an overnight stay a necessity.
• In all cases, we recommend spending an additional night before and after the trip to ensure you do not miss any connection and are well-rested before diving.

More...

• Bring sunscreen, a hat, mosquito repellent, and long clothes (dengue is present in the Galapagos), a rash guard, a warm sweater, and a light-weight rain jacket.
• December to May has an average daytime air temperature of 23° (73°F) with daily rain showers and cloudier skies.
• June to November is drier, but with cooler temperatures - an average of 21° (70°F) - with local rain showers generally confined to the highlands of the larger islands. Evening temperatures can drop to just 15° (59°F) , so bring warm clothes.