- Social / Environmental Impact
- Behavioral Awareness Education
- Small Group Travel
Liveaboard a small yacht and visit some of the world’s most renowned scuba diving spots on this sustainable, citizen science trip to the Galapagos Islands! Marine biologists and divemasters will be on board to provide a life-changing experience, assistance, and educational guidance on endangered marine wildlife conservation.
This unique and adventurous getaway puts you closer to science and animal life. It grants you the opportunity to enjoy the adventure of the Galapagos’ special underwater world. Come to America to explore Darwin’s Arch, Fernandina and Isabela Islands, and other breathtaking places featuring endemic biodiversity. Enjoy whale watching, see dolphins playing, do night dives, and take hikes through volcanic landscapes.
Part of your trip fee supports the Galapagos Whale Shark Project, which was featured in the BBC Blue Planet II series.
Highlights:
- Marchena Island
- City of Mantas
- Dives at Darwin Arch
- Wolf Island: swim through cave entrances and walls
- Night dive in Punte Vicente Roca
- Fernandina Island (home to the world’s largest marine iguana colony)
- Hike in Tagus Cove
- Dinghy ride
- Cape Douglas: cormorant and penguin watching
- Bartolome Island
This experience will blow your mind away! Observing sharks and marine megafauna, and, perhaps, having a dolphin pass by overhead is not something you get to experience every day. Huge schools of fish and other species that inhabit the coral-covered platform can be sighted in the blue waters of this natural paradise. With a 15-day liveaboard dive experience, you will double your chances of seeing the big marine wildlife you’re coming for!
The highlands of the Galapagos are as magnificent as their sea life. We will travel back in time to the formation of lava tubes, spatter cones, and the remains of two types of hardened lava. Prepare yourself to observe unique animals such as iguanas, birds, and the famous giant tortoises.
Photography instruction and practical advice about photography on land and underwater will take place directly onboard.
This scuba diving trip living amongst distinct animal species is an adventure that will be stamped in your heart forever!
Related Trips:
[8 days] Diving with Scientists in the Galapagos
Are you looking for other sustainable, citizen science dives around the world? Contact us!
Seasonal Notes:
Every year, only a few shark conservation dive departures are offered – sometimes, there is only one dive organized per year. The schedule is always designed to align with the best shark diving season and the best months to dive in the islands of the Galapagos in general (July – October). These trips frequently sell out so we encourage you to book early to reserve your spot. For example, the 2023 departure is already full, and there is only one departure planned for 2024, so contact us today if you’re interested in learning more!
What is it Really Like?
Check out our blog post on Sustainable Scuba Diving in the Galapagos Islands for an even deeper look into what to expect.
📋 Itinerary
As this trip requires the approval of the national park, the itinerary may be subject to minor changes.
Day 1: Morning: Santa Cruz - Baltra Airport
Afternoon: Punta Carrion (1 check dive)
Day 2: Morning: Marchena (2 dives)
Afternoon: Marchena (1 dive)
Day 3: Morning: Cape Marshall (2 dives)
Afternoon: City of Mantas (1 dive)
Day 4: Morning: Wolf Island (2 dives)
Afternoon: Wolf Island (2 dives, including night dive)
Day 5: Morning: Wolf Island (2 dives)
Afternoon: Darwin's Arch (1-2 dives)
Day 6: Morning: Darwin's Arch (2 dives)
Afternoon: Darwin's Arch (1-2 dives)
Day 7: Morning: Darwin's Arch (2 dives)
Afternoon: Darwin's Arch (1-2 dives)
Day 8: Morning: Darwin's Arch (2 dives)
Afternoon: Darwin's Arch (1-2 dives)
Day 9: Morning: Wolf Island (2 dives)
Afternoon: Darwin's Arch (1-2 dives)
Day 10: Morning: Wolf Island (2 dives)
Afternoon: Wolf Island (1 dive)
Day 11: Morning: Roca Redonda (2 dives)
Afternoon: Punte Vicente Roca (1-2 afternoon/night dive)
Day 12: Morning: Punte Vicente Roca (2 dives)
Afternoon: Land excursion to Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island
Day 13: Morning: Land visit to Tagus Cove
Afternoon: Cape Douglas (2 dives)
Day 14: Morning: Cousin's Rock (1 dive) & land visit Bartolome
Afternoon: Santa Cruz - land excursion to the Highlands with giant tortoises
Day 15: Early Morning: Land excursion to North Seymour
Morning: Baltra Airport (departure day) or continue your trip with a land extension
🌱 Sustainability
Our view on Sustainability
We are a company specializing in diving trips and marine conservation. For every diver, the organization donates to the research of the Galapagos Whale Shark Project. This team is studying the unique population of adult whale sharks in the Galapagos.
Local Crew
The crew of the boat is all local people who are paid fair wages.
Water Usage
The boat uses water flow reducers.
Food
We focus on serving locally-grown foods and locally-bought meat.
Education & Awareness
Clients travel with scientists to collect data that furthers our understanding of whale sharks and other marine wildlife. This helps us promote conservation through education and awareness. We specifically discuss with travelers how to act responsibly in this destination, and why that's important. Our team of scientists will teach you how as a diver you can support marine life conservation.
On our Eco Dive Tour, we will pay attention to how to travel economically responsibly and behave respectfully toward wildlife.
- Adhere to Strict Environmental Standards
- Conserve Ecosystems/Preserve Biodiversity
- No Animal-Harming Tourism
- Local/Organic Restaurants
- Local/Organic Food Served
- Tours Benefit Local Community
📌 Location
Use the Google map to orient yourself about where in the world this trip is. The location indicates the starting point for this trip.
A specific route map is included in the downloadable detailed itinerary.
🏷️ Pricing
Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.
See the full list of price inclusions and exclusions in the downloadable detailed itinerary.
ℹ️ Other Info
If you're ready to book this trip or have any questions, contact us!
To reserve your spot on a tour, a 30% deposit will be required. Final payment (balance due): 120 days prior to departure. The deposit is not refundable.
Refund options:
- 364 to 120 days before departure: 30% of the regular rate will be retained; 70% of the regular rate will be refunded.
- 119 to 0 days before departure: 100% of the regular rate will be retained; 0% of the regular rate will be refunded. (Exception: If the space is filled by another person, then we will refund the amount paid by the replacement.)
You may privatize this trip (only travel with those whom you book the trip with) and choose your own departure date.
Be sure you have traveler's insurance.
Travelers need a negative PCR result for COVID-19 within 96 hours before going to the Archipelago. Travelers with a vaccination certificate can enter the archipelago without restrictions. Socially distance yourself when possible, and have both a mask and hand sanitizer with you at all times.
Q: What does the Physical Rating of "Mildly Strenuous" mean?
Travelers should be prepared for 2-4 dives a day. They should be in a fit condition and be certified, open-water divers.
Q: What are the accommodations like?
The ship has nine cabins with private bathrooms, air conditioning, electricity, (a given since you have A/C), and all that you may need to make your stay comfortable. The master cabin on the main deck and cabins on the upper deck have windows that will allow you to enjoy the beautiful sunrise and sunset of the Galapagos Islands. The lower cabins have portholes with an ocean view and natural light.
Q: Is this trip recommended for solo travelers, women, LGBTQ+, and POC travelers?
Solo travelers stay in a single cabin. Only when requested, they can share the cabin with another traveler of the same gender. The project is led by a female scientist who of course will do everything to make women and travelers of LGBTQ+ community feel safe and welcome.
Q: Why dive in Galapagos?
Once you dive in Galapagos your life and diving will NEVER be the same! Galapagos offers a unique variety of wildlife that you only can find here! In Galapagos, you can actually DIVE with the mightiest of all sharks… the Whale Shark! Galapagos is the only place in the world where 99.8% of the whale sharks are truly HUGE adult females swimming up to 15 meters / 45+ feet in length! Nearly all of them seem to be pregnant as they have massively extended abdomens. Galapagos might be THE place where whale sharks give birth - which is one of the reasons that scientists from all over the world come to the Galapagos to study this UNIQUE population.
Q: Why dive with us?
- Because YOU support the research of the 'Galapagos Whale Shark Project' directly & help us find more ways to protect these gentle giants!
- Daily presentations related to Galapagos Islands & Galapagos Whale Shark Project.
- Small group - maximum of 15 passengers 4 divemasters - 1 divemaster per 4 divers.
- Dive with the Whale Shark experts and underwater photographers: Jonathan R. Green, Simon J Pierce, Sofia Green, and Jenny Waack.
- Get details about the research project in Galapagos and behind-the-scenes insights of the filming of 'BBC Blue Planet II' directly from the project leader, Jonathan.
- Become a Shark Ambassador - Learn how to provide data to actively support Whale Shark Research. You can get engaged with shark conservation now and make a difference wherever you go diving worldwide.
- We always travel responsibly! On our Eco Dive Tour, we will pay attention to how to travel economically responsibly and behave respectfully toward wildlife. Photography instruction and practical advice about photography on land and underwater will be provided directly on board by the underwater photographers.
- We offer translation onboard in English, German, Spanish, and French.
About the trip:
The itinerary still requires the approval of the national park, which takes place in March of the respective year. It is intended to ensure that only a certain number of guests are in one place on one day. Therefore, the travel route can be subject to minor changes.
About gear:
- We recommend that you bring your own gear as it fits best and will make you feel more comfortable with Galapagos' diving conditions.
- Any rental payments made on board are subject to a 15% local tax and fees.
- Please note that limited sizes and quantities are available.
- We recommend you reconfirm your rental needs at the moment of booking.
- Refund fees are applicable to any lost or damaged equipment rented.
- Refund fees will be confirmed at the moment of booking.
- Rental rates are subject to change