Diving in Ecuador (besides the Galapagos)

[ElEstratega]

Hi everyone! I'm an novice Ecuadorean diver who lives in Spain. I'm going back to Ecuador this summer for the first time after getting my diver certification. Unfortunately, I cannot afford a trip to the Galapagos this year so I wanted to ask you if you have any diving experiences off the coast of Ecuador. I've found some agencies (for example this one) who offer diving as well as PADI instruction in the waters of Machalilla National Park. Lonely Planet says the diving there is decent (after all they call the Isla de la Plata the poor man's Galapagos). So if there's anyone who could share a thought about this, I'd be very grateful.

Cheers!

Diego.

 

[rubicon]

hi diego, i will be in equador in september (galapagos), however i plan on spending a week in montanita for surfing. i also would like to dive de la plata with the folks at explorama. btw, i haven't found any other dive operations by internet. i would like to read your dive report when you go back to equador. bill

 

[ElEstratega]

Sure Bill, if it happens I'll make sure to give out all details here.

 

[toby81]

I'm sitting in Quito in a Cybercafe right now. I went diving with Exploramar last week.

The entire staff and especially the divemaster were very friendly and extremely patient with my limited scuba experience and my even more limited Spanish. The boat as well as the scuba equipment they provided was in good shape.

On the day I booked the trip I was the only diver, so the divemaster and me shared the boat with another group of tourists who went hiking on the Isla de la Plata. After dropping them off we set course on the two dive sites.

Since this was only my 10th dive I can't really compare the Isla de la Plata to much else, but I really enjoyed the two dives. We saw many interesting tropical fish and sea turtles.

After the dives we picked up the group and went to yet another location for snorkeling.

Altoghether, I am very pleased with Exploramar and warmly recommend them.
If you need more information, ask away!

Toby

 

[ElEstratega]

Hi Toby,

Unfortunately I wasn't notified by email of your reply (this used to be the case last time I posted on this board) so I didn't read it before going on my trip, so thanks and my apologies for not taking notice of your post before. Fortunately though, I did exactly what you suggested and went diving with Exploramar in Isla de la Plata. Here's my trip report.

Bests,

Diego