Land Based diving in Galapagos

[lobsterassassin]

Hi Everyone,

I'm heading down to Galapagos at the end of september to do a few dives. However I'm not going to be on a liveaboard for this trip so I was wondering if anyone had any good recomendations for a land based dive operator.

Thank you!

 

[Kevrumbo]

Scuba Diving Galapagos Islands - Scuba Iguana

 

[Doc]

ditto that.

SCUBA Iguana, far and away.

 

[RJP]

Any recommendations for operations on San Cristobal? Will be taking a Peter Hughes cruise out of there next year, and my buddy and I are hoping to get a day or two of land-based diving in prior to liveaboard departure.

Thanks!

 

[Kevrumbo]

On my trip last May, the port of embarkation for Peter Hughes Sky Dancer was Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal. Don't know of any recommended dive ops, but take a look here as well as do a google search: Galapagos travel advisor San Cristobal based diving

 

[DiveTheGalapagos]

Who you go with depends on where you want to go and when you are there. Most local shops operate on a schedule: Mon is Dive Site 1. Tues is Dive Site 2, etc. If you are an advanced diver, I doubt you would be interested in Academy Bay or Santa Fe. If you are not an advanced diver, you wouldn't be interested in Gordon Rocks. If you're a macro photogapher, Cousins is great. Penguins at Bartolome, etc. So it totally depends on what level you are and what you want to see. And which days you're looking for diving.

Hammerheads are usually at Gordon Rocks, however, 2 weeks ago, there was not one to be spotted and yet, I saw over 100 at Mosqueras. I would recommend hitting the 3 sites at Floreana if possible as the Park may soon close Diablo del Corona (Devil's Crown) to all but some of the cruise ships. It's an easy dive with lots of life, but the point is that you may never have the chance to dive there again.

By September, it is possible that new permits will be in place. Price is another consideration. Lots of local options. To me, a big deal is engines. To go on a slow boat with 2 stroke engines getting you sick from the fumes is NOT my idea of a good time. I've gone from Puerto Ayora to Gordon Rocks in less time than it can take some boats to go from the Canal (after a 45 minute drive in a taxi) to Gordon Rocks.

Am slowly adding more about sites to my blog: divingthegalapagos.com

 

[jalber]

I've just got back from 6 days land-based with Scuba Iguana. I can only second the advice above - they were very professional and helpful, changing the schedule in our quest to see mantas (we eventually saw one at Gordon Rocks, although the viz and current there were terrible). The boats worked well, great food and the guides were excellent. We saw schools too big to count of eagle and mobula rays at Seymour. And playing with four sea-lions at Floreana was a great experience. You're gonna love it!

 

[TranquiloDivers]

Hi folks! Just thought I'd let you know about another option for land-based diving from San Cristobal Island.
Tranquilo Divers is a small dive operation recently started by a native of the island who has been working in diving and marine conservation internationally, most recently in Bali and Raja Ampat. He has returned to San Cristobal, Galapagos, with the aim to share with others the wonders of the underwater world he calls home. The operation itself is fairly new, but is backed up by an incredible team with a lot of experience, and currently offers complete land-based diving and tour packages as an alternative to the liveaboard model. Tranquilo Divers can also organize day diving trips to other islands, such as Espanola or Floreana, from your base at San Cristobal as well. One of the most amazing dive sites in the Galapagos Islands is Kicker Rock (schools of Galapagos sharks, silkies, eagle rays and of course, hammerhead sharks!), and it is only half an hour from the Port at San Cristobal - check it out with Tranquilo Divers! www.tranquilodivers.com