Diving in the Galapagos

[aarong]

New to the forum and relatively new to SCUBA.

I know this has been covered and I have searched but I have a couple of further questions about a SCUBA trip to the Galapagos. I thought that this community may be able to help out. Please and thank you!

My brothers and I will be traveling to Ecuador for a trip to the Galapagos the first or second week in July. We are debating a live aboard experience but finances may limit us. We want to maximize diving but also see the land formations and animals. I have the following questions:

1) What should one look for in a SCUBA operator? (We all have moderate experience diving but have never booked a SCUBA specific trip)
2) Where are the ideal diving locations in the Galapagos (I have read about Wolf and Darwin are there other must-sees)?
3) (not a question) Can people who are more experienced with SCUBA specific travelling speak about the differences, strengths and weaknesses of live aboard versus shore based diving with day trips?
4) Does anyone know about any specials available for this time period?

Recommendations appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

 

[DiveTheGalapagos]

Hi Aarong...Sorry you've had no replies and sorry this is such a late one, but I have not been around. First, if you're new to scuba, you won't be permitted to dive the best sites. Darwin and Wolf (northern islands) are the reason divers dive Galapagos. The central islands should really be considered a different destination as the diving and the marine life is completely different. A lot of the species are the same, but the populations are very different. Kinda like walking through midtown pedestrian traffic in NYC vs walking through a sidewalk in pick-any-small-town-USA. Yes, you'll see people (species) here and there, but you're not going to get the throngs like you would in NYC. Having said that, several excellent sites are accessible by land. From Santa Cruz, there's Gordon Rocks (must have logged 30 dives in order to dive there), N. Seymour/Mosqueras and even Cousins, on all liveaboard itineraries (except Aggressor). Granted, it a long boat ride from land (1.5 hours), but you can go. I also quite like Floreana - Enderby and Champion. I'd highly recommend Scuba Iguana (operator) for Santa Cruz. If you go to San Cristobal, Kicker Rock...but only with Wreck Bay (operator).

You should avoid most operators, even if the lower price is tempting. Your boat could get turned away by the Park and not permitted to dive for being illegal. Or worse... One illegal operator had someone die at Gordon Rocks in Feb. Guy surfaced alive, but no oxygen onboard and no one knew CPR. Go with Scuba Iguana or Wreck Bay. Even one legal operator was suspended by the Park last year after 2 accidents - now out of business.

As for liveaboards, that's the only way you'll get access to Darwin and Wolf, however, in high season, rates will begin at $4500 + pp, so it is expensive. We do run any specials offered on our website...divethegalapagos.com-linked in signature below. There is a good one June 4 if you're flexible. High season officially begins June 1, but in reality, it's July - early Nov. Those months are mostly sold out way in advance.

 

[ScubaMoMo]

Hi Aarong,

In my opinion diving in the Galapagos is mostly about Wolf and Darwin and those are only accessible via liveaboard. They are costly but totally worth it. In case you can't get a spot or can't unfortunatelly afford it, i had a great experience on a land extension from Isabella. In terms of diving we had a great dive experience from there and you might wanna contact DiveTheGalapagos for that. Leslie will know what i'm talking about. Also you can do Los Tuneles there which is a snorkel trip which is better then most dive sites are at other places. Apart from that you can do the Sierra Negra volcano trek which was hard but awesome. If i get the chance to get back i will most likely do all of this again and spend some more time diving at Isabella.

 

[Nitro91]

why would you want to dive with extreme currents?

i had a drift dive and the speed felt like 30 knots lol.

 

[laurenceh]

if you don't visit darwin and wolf you're missing the whole point