Explore the Galapagos Islands’ legendary underwater world — home to whale sharks, hammerheads, marine iguanas, and rare pelagic life. Whether you choose a luxury liveaboard or flexible land-based package, your scuba diving adventure starts here!
The ultimate option for serious divers. Access remote sites, dive multiple times per day, and live aboard a vessel designed for marine exploration.
Stay in hotels on Santa Cruz or San Cristóbal Island and join daily dive excursions. Great for divers traveling with families or seeking flexibility.
Blend diving with iconic land excursions to see blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, lava fields, and more. Packages include lodging, activities, and inter-island transport.
No matter how you explore, diving in the Galapagos Islands delivers unforgettable encounters beneath the waves.
“The Galapagos Travel Centre prepared a varied itinerary to match my request for a mix of diving, hiking, snorkeling and visiting different islands. I was very pleased.” — SM S. Canada
“We booked the "Full Pack" Tour, stayed on three islands, visited four. Elizabeth customized the package to include a day of diving Gordon Rocks in the middle. Organization was very thorough - from the moment we landed on San Cristobal until we left from Baltra airport nine very fast days later.” — Lars A, USA
Liveaboard diving in the Galapagos is the gold standard for underwater exploration. These multi-day dive cruises, which usually last one week, are designed for experienced divers seeking unmatched access to remote sites, high-volume dives, and close encounters with the ocean’s giants.
Dive sites like Darwin and Wolf Islands, unreachable by day trip, make liveaboards the best way to experience Galapagos Islands scuba diving.
Accessible only by liveaboard cruises, these sites offer massive hammerhead schools, whale shark sightings (June–November), and strong pelagic currents—ideal for advanced divers.
Located off Santa Cruz Island. Known for white-tipped reef sharks, eagle rays, and occasional hammerhead sightings in challenging conditions.
See marine iguanas feeding underwater, Galapagos penguins, mola molas, and seahorses. Cold water, deep dives, and advanced skill required.
Galapagos Islands diving is best suited to certified and experienced* divers. However, land-based dive centers offer training and specialty options to help you prepare.
Options on Santa Cruz or San Cristóbal include:
*Liveaboards typically require at least 50–100 logged dives and do not offer beginner training.
Due to conservation regulations, permits and liveaboard spots are limited. Booking 6–12 months in advance is strongly advised.
While most dive cruises fill early, last-minute openings are occasionally available due to cancellations.
If you're flexible, we can help you experience diving in Galapagos even on short notice!
From world-class liveaboards to flexible land-based dive trips, we help you craft the perfect Galapagos scuba diving experience on your timeline, your style, and your terms.
Q: Do I need to be an advanced diver?
A: Yes, especially for liveaboard cruises. Most cruise operators offering scuba diving in the Galapagos require advanced certification and 50–100 logged dives due to strong currents and deep dive profiles.
Q: Can I get certified to scuba dive in the Galapagos?
A: Yes! Once in the Galapagos, scuba divers can get certification through several dive centers that offer PADI Open Water, Advanced Open Water, and Nitrox courses on Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal Islands.
Q: Is dive gear included?
A: Most liveaboards and land-based shops in the scuba Galapagos scene offer full rental packages for an additional fee. Gear availability varies by operator, so we recommend confirming what you need in advance to ensure a smooth and fully equipped dive experience.
Q: When is the best time to go?
A: Diving in the Galapagos is a year-round opportunity, but each season brings unique marine life encounters and water conditions. Whether you're chasing whale sharks or looking for calm seas and vibrant reefs, understanding the seasonal patterns will help you plan the perfect trip.
Water temperatures range from 16–26°C (60–78°F). A 7mm wetsuit with a hood is strongly recommended year-round. For a broader overview of when to visit the islands, including wildlife calendars and climate tips, check out our full guide on when to go to the Galapagos.
Q: Are there last-minute dive tours?
A: Yes. While many trips book out in advance, we occasionally have last-minute availability for those flexible with their travel dates. If you're open to spontaneous diving in Galapagos, contact our team to check current openings and options.
Q: What should I pack for diving in the Galapagos?
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