Diving Holidays in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Iconic big-animal diving and world-class liveaboard expeditions

All-Inclusive Galapagos Liveaboard Dive Trips, Tailored by Divers

Situated around 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are one of the most biologically important marine environments on Earth. Where multiple ocean currents collide, cold nutrient-rich upwellings create extraordinary levels of marine life both above and below the surface.

For divers, the Galapagos represents one of the planet’s last true frontiers. Expect vast schools of scalloped hammerheads, close encounters with whale sharks, powerful currents and some of the highest marine biomass found anywhere in the ocean.

Our Galapagos dive holidays are expedition-based and carefully planned by Sea to Sky, focusing on the remote northern islands where the most dramatic pelagic encounters occur.

Why Dive the Galapagos with Sea to Sky?

The Galapagos is a vast and protected marine reserve, and its most legendary dive sites, including Darwin and Wolf, can only be reached by liveaboard. These remote northern outposts demand a well-equipped vessel, experienced crew and precise logistical planning.

Sea to Sky works with the Galaxy Diver II, a purpose-built liveaboard designed for the demanding conditions of the Galapagos. We manage the complex permitting, transfers and logistics required to operate here, allowing you to focus fully on the diving.

Where You Will Dive in the Galapagos

Galapagos diving spans a wide range of environments, from cold western upwellings to the shark-rich northern islands. Most itineraries focus on offshore pinnacles and exposed rock formations where pelagic life concentrates.

Strong currents are common, and dives often involve holding position on the reef and watching large marine life move through the blue.

Darwin’s Arch (The Pillars)

Wolf Island (Landslide / Shark Bay)

Cabo Douglas (Fernandina Island)

Vicente Roca Point (Isabela Island)

Darwin’s Arch (The Pillars)

Darwin’s Arch (The Pillars)

Widely regarded as one of the best dive sites in the world, Darwin’s Arch remains a magnet for massive schools of scalloped hammerheads. The submerged pillars below the collapsed arch are also a key aggregation site for whale sharks, particularly from June to November.

Jeremy adds:

“Darwin is all about patience and positioning. Get settled, manage the current and let the sharks come to you. When it happens, it happens on a huge scale.”

Wolf Island

Diving Holidays in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Wolf Island (Landslide & Shark Bay)

Wolf Island offers high-energy diving with near-constant shark activity. Divers hook into the rocks and observe hammerheads, Galapagos sharks and eagle rays moving through strong current. This is raw, demanding diving at its best.

Filomena adds:

“Wolf can be intense. Stay close to the reef, keep your awareness high and conserve energy. It’s one of the most action-packed shark dives you’ll ever do.”

Cabo Douglas

Cabo Douglas

Located off Fernandina Island, Cabo Douglas is famous for encounters with marine iguanas grazing underwater, a behaviour found nowhere else on Earth. Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants and playful sea lions are also common here.

Jeremy adds:

“This is one of the most unique dives in the Galapagos. Take your time and watch the behaviour rather than chasing encounters. The marine iguanas are unforgettable.”

Vicente Roca Point

Vicente Roca Point

Found on Isabela Island, this site is influenced by cold upwellings that attract mola mola (sunfish). The walls are rich in macro life, while turtles and sea lions are frequently seen in the shallows.

Filomena adds:

“Vicente Roca is colder and more technical, but full of surprises. Watch the blue for molas and take time to explore the walls between encounters.”

When to Dive the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos offers world-class diving year-round, with two distinct seasons.

June to November
Colder water (18-23°C) brought by the Humboldt Current creates nutrient-rich conditions and the highest shark biomass. This is the prime season for whale sharks at Darwin and Wolf.
December to May
Warmer water (24-28°C), calmer seas and generally better visibility. This period offers excellent manta ray encounters and large schools of hammerheads.

Beyond the Diving

Naturalist Walks

Guided land excursions allow you to see giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies and land iguanas in their natural habitat.
Charles Darwin Research Station

Learn about ongoing conservation efforts aimed at protecting one of the world’s most fragile ecosystems.

Our Local Partner – Galaxy Diver II

Sea to Sky’s Galapagos trips are operated in partnership with the Galaxy Diver II, a liveaboard chosen for its balance of performance, comfort and safety.

Accommodation for 16 guests in 8 cabins
Spacious sun deck, hot tub and camera facilities
Highly trained naturalist dive guides
Modern navigation and safety systems for remote operations

Filomena adds: “The Galaxy Diver II is built for Galapagos conditions. It’s comfortable without losing the expedition feel, and the guiding really enhances the experience.”

FAQs

Is Galapagos suitable for beginners?

No. A minimum of 50 logged dives and Advanced Open Water certification are required due to strong currents and demanding conditions.

What exposure protection is recommended?

Water temperatures range from 16–26°C. A 7mm wetsuit with hood and gloves is recommended.

Are land excursions included?

Yes. All itineraries include guided land visits.

How do I reach the boat?

Flights operate from mainland Ecuador to Baltra (GPS). Transfers to the vessel are arranged by Sea to Sky.

Is Nitrox available?

Yes. Nitrox is strongly recommended due to dive depth and frequency.

Do I need dive insurance?

Yes – we recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers diving activities.

Ask Jeremy & Filomena

Jeremy, Filomena and the Sea to Sky team work closely with Galaxy Diver II and trusted partners across the Galapagos.

If you have a question about experience level, seasons or conditions, just ask.

Ready to Dive the Galapagos?

The Galapagos is not an easy destination, but for experienced divers seeking the highest level of big-animal encounters, it remains unmatched.

Tell us your travel dates, experience level and group size, and we will create a personalised Galapagos liveaboard diving itinerary.

Jeremy’s tip: “The Galapagos demands respect. Be current-ready, stay flexible and trust the process. When the conditions align, the diving here is extraordinary.”

Galapagos Booking Enquiry

Just have a quick question? Contact us

Liveaboard diving in the Galapagos Islands

“The trip was organised by Jeremy at Sea to Sky. His attention to detail through the booking process, right through to his first hand knowledge of the dive sites was superb. It led to the holiday being truly relaxed, and wanting a teenager to come back with her friends for a diving course.”

G Thompson, on TripAdvisor

“I had already 2 trips with Sea to Sky and I can warmly recommend this company! Friendly people best organisation and professional diving trips. With Sea to Sky you are in very good hands and your holidays are worth booking.”

Muliwahn, on TripAdvisor

“I’d been looking for a trip that blended site seeing, diving, great locale and authentic restaurants and can not recommend this company enough. Travelling as a single person in a new country can daunting, but Sea to Sky made my travels easier than I could have expected”

CLD, on TripAdvisor

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