Discover sustainable travel in the Galapagos Islands! Explore our citizen science scuba dives & responsible land-based tours. Carbon removals included!

Sustainable Travel in the Galapagos Islands | Yugen Earthside

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Yugen Earthside connects mindful travelers to responsible package trips around the world. CARBON REMOVALS INCLUDED WITH EACH BOOKING!

Connecting mindful travelers to responsible experiences around the world.

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

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Discover self-guided, privately-guided, & small group tours around the world. Our sustainable adventures are customizable, and include carbon removals with each booking!

Trips | Yugen Earthside | Sustainable Adventures

This 'Dive & Stay' package in the Galapagos Islands is for beginners seeking scuba diving open water PADI certification. Carbon removals included!

[7 days] Scuba 'Dive & Stay' Certification Package - Galapagos Islands

This 'Dive & Stay' package in the Galapagos Islands is for beginners seeking scuba diving open water PADI certification.

When not visiting beautiful dive sites, you'll experience several iconic land-based excursions around the Galapagos Islands or have free time to relax, all while basing your stay in a cozy guest house nearby.

This Dive & Stay package is at a PADI 5-star dive resort on Santa Cruz Island. Airport transfers from Baltra and dive equipment are included!

1 scuba diving pool session and 4 open water scuba dives

Be on the lookout for: reef fish, sharks, turtles, sea lions, rays, barracudas, eels, invertebrates, and more

1 free day (relax or add on an additional excursion)

Dive sites depend on the day of the week.

Tuesday: Gordon Rocks (only for divers with 25+ dives)

Wednesday: North Mosquera / Seymour Channel

Saturday: Seymour Northeast / Seymour Channel

Sunday: Punta Carrion / Gordon Rocks (only for divers with 25+ dives)

Here is what to expect at each dive site:

Location: South of Santa Cruz Island, 3 possible dive sites: Punta Cormorant, Champion, and Enderby; it is 1 hour and a half away from our base.

Site Conditions: Depth of 18m. Normally the sites do not present strong currents. Reef dives where corals and sponges can be found.

Activity: Cleaning station, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, white tip reef sharks, red-lipped batfish, turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, barracudas, and various invertebrates.

(Min. experience to participate: 25 logged dives or the previous evaluation of our dive guides at another site.)

Location: North of Santa Cruz Island, 2 dive sites located 30 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).

Site Conditions: This rock formation is a world-renowned site. It is only for intermediate and advanced divers due to the strong currents and surges.

Activity: Hammerhead shark, cleaning station, Galapagos sharks, white tip reef shark, mobulas (devil rays), turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, Galapagos eel, barracudas, and various invertebrates.

Location: North of Santa Cruz Island between North Seymour Island and Baltra Island. This is an islet that emerges from the sea (sand bar), one dive site located 25 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz island).

Site Conditions: Normally there are no strong currents and a sandy bottom around 10 meters with garden eels and pelagic species. North Mosquera presents a sandy rock area that connects with Seymour Channel, where reef fishes and sharks rest.

Activity: Hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, black tip reef sharks, white tip reef sharks, sea lions, turtles, barracudas, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, mobulas (devil rays), Galápagos eels, and various invertebrates.

Location: North of Santa Cruz Island, 2 dive sites located 25 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).

Site Conditions: For all levels of divers, although sometimes there can be strong currents, platform reefs with a diversity of fish species, sandy bottom with a 10m reef where there are a lot of reef sharks, and a fish cleaning station.

Activity: Cleaning station, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, white/ black tip reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, mobulas (devil rays), turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, Galapagos eel, barracudas, and various invertebrates.

Location: Located east of Santiago Island, a small Island with the famous Bartholomew pinnacle, dive sites are located 1.5 hours from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).

Site Conditions: No strong currents to expect. A platform is found at approximately 10 meters of depth where a variety of reef fishes rest. On the edge of this platform, there are underwater cliffs that start at a depth of about 15 meters with good probabilities to observe pelagic species.

Activity: White tip reef sharks, reef fishes, barracudas, turtles, mantas, mobulas (devil rays), sting rays, and various invertebrates.

Location: North-east of Santiago island near Bartholomew island. Dive sites are located 1.5 hours from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).

Site Conditions: Normally there are no strong currents at this site; this is partly a reef dive, partly a wall dive where the endemic black coral is found.

Activity: Cleaning station, sea horses, barracudas, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, white tip reef sharks, turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, various invertebrates. At surface intervals, penguins can be observed.

Location: North of Santa Cruz Island between North Seymour Island and Baltra Island, this is an islet that emerges from the sea (sand bar), one dive site located 25 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).

Site Conditions: There are no strong currents; a big reef of 5 meters with an inclination ravine of m with black coral and mollusks invertebrates; there is also a submarine rift from 18 meters with pelagic species.

Activity: Hammerhead sharks, black tip reef sharks, white tip reef sharks, sea lions, turtles, barracuda, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, mobulas (devil rays), Galápagos eels, and various invertebrates.

Location: North of Santa Cruz Island, an exposed rock, one dive site located 30 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of Santa Cruz Island).

Site Conditions: Moderate currents, rocky and sandy bottom. Here we find a small cave (this is NOT a cave dive) where white-tip reef sharks rest. Additionally, there is a pinnacle where we can find a diversity of rays, Galápagos sharks, turtles, coral reef fishes, barracudas, black coral walls, and various invertebrates.

Activity: Cleaning station, barracudas, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, white tip reef sharks, turtles, reef fishes, mantas, sting rays, eagle rays, and various invertebrates.

Location: North of Santa Cruz Island, located 30 minutes from Itabaca Channel (North side of

Santa Cruz Island). Site Conditions: A bit more difficult in relation to Seymour Channel. Rocky bottom with small caves at 12m where you can find turtles or reef sharks resting; currents are possible (not too strong). The dive starts on the coast and then goes into the blue to watch bigger pelagics, at the end of the dive there is a platform where sea lions play with the flow, and a cleaning station.

Activity: Cleaning station, sea lions, Galapagos sharks, white tip reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, mobulas (devil rays), turtles, reef fishes, sting rays, eagle rays, Galapagos eel, barracudas, and various invertebrates.

Site Conditions: For all levels of divers, although sometimes there can be strong currents, platform reefs with a diversity of fish species, sandy bottom with 10m reef where there a lot of reef sharks, and a fish cleaning station.

Location: Punta Carrion is located northeast of Santa Cruz Island.

Site conditions: Punta Carrión is a site with high ecological value due to the mangrove ecosystems that harbor an extensive variety of marine species and marine-coastal birds. This dive site offers ideal conditions for beginners and advanced divers as it has a protected area at the beginning of the dive with calm sea, and no currents at the sandy/rocky bottom full of marine life before reaching the gorge exposed to the currents. This outer side with its swell and currents ranging from moderate to strong offers favorable conditions for pelagic species.

Activity: The mangrove areas that offer protection to small fish allow this place to have a great variety of reef fish such as angelfish, butterfly fish, surgeonfish, grunts, snappers, damselfish, cod, scorpion fish, parrotfish, old Mexican, stonefish, hedgehog fish, trumpet fish, cornet fish, moray eels, tiger eels. Also, sea turtles can be spotted, as well as different species of rays such as skates, marbled rays, eagle rays, giltheads, mobulas (devil rays), and different species of sharks such as white tips, Galapagos sharks, hammerhead sharks, black tip sharks.

The climate of the Galapagos Islands is subtropical.

December to May: Warm season. Low 80°F/26°C – High 90°F/32°C, strong sun and rain alternately; warmer and calmer seas.

June to September: Cool season. Low 60°F/15°C – High 70°F/20°C, mornings are often misty; the drizzle ‘garua’ is common.

October to December: Dry season. Low 70°F/20°C – High 80°F/26°C, it's a good time to visit for mild weather conditions.

Below are specifics about the dive conditions:

January to June: 70°F/20°C – 80°F/26°C water temperature; southeast trade winds become weaker, and water coming from the Panama Basin brings warmer, calmer seas; sailing to any island/dive spot is easier.

July to December: 65°F/18°C – 75°F/23°C water temperature; the Humboldt Current typically brings choppy seas and strong surges making sailing times longer.

The Humboldt Current, like the upwelling of the Cromwell Deep Current off the Galapagos Islands, makes the waters quite cold for divers. Thermoclines even colder than 65°F/18°C are possible. We provide 5 or 7mm wetsuits and have accessories such as hoods. If you are not used to cold seas, or if you feel cold easily, please feel free to bring an extra base layer.

Snacks, lunches, & non-alcoholic beverages as mentioned in the itinerary

Transfers to/from Baltra Airport with an English-speaking guide

Either 1 pool session + 4 open water dives

Private, bilingual (EN/ES) divemaster guide

Carbon removals are included with your booking.

The dive company is locally-owned, and cooperates with the National Park and the Charles Darwin Research Station to support their projects to protect the islands.


The accommodation is a locally-owned guest house implementing the following sustainability measures:

Everything used in the bathroom is biodegradable: liquid soap, shampoo, and bamboo bags for garbage cans.

There is a big hot water heater (instead of an instantaneous water heater).

All garbage is thrown away according to the recycling rules.

Scuba 'Dive & Stay' Certification Package - Galapagos Islands

Spend 15 days on a small, liveaboard yacht scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands alongside marine biologists on this sustainable citizen science adventure! Carbon removals included.

[15 days] Galapagos: Citizen Science Scuba Diving | Yugen Earthside

Spend 15 days on a small, liveaboard yacht scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands alongside marine biologists on this sustainable citizen science adventure! 

The Galapagos Islands are one of the most beautiful locations on earth, and your dive trip here supports the Galapagos Whale Shark Project (which was featured in the BBC Blue Planet II series).

Marine biologists and divemasters will be on board to provide a life-changing experience, assistance, and educational guidance on endangered marine wildlife conservation as you explore these renowned scuba diving spots.

This unique and adventurous getaway gets 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.

Night dive opportunity in Punte Vicente Roca

Wolf Island: swim through cave entrances and walls

Fernandina Island (home to the world’s largest marine iguana colony)

Cape Douglas: cormorant and penguin watching

This experience will blow your mind away. Observing sharks and marine megafauna, and, perhaps, having a dolphin pass by overhead is something you do not get to experience every day. Huge schools of fish and other species that inhabit the coral-covered platform are to be sighted in the blue waters of this natural paradise. With a 15-day liveaboard dive experience, you will double your chance to see the big wildlife you are 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!

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.

Please note that this itinerary is subject to approval by the National Park, which takes place in March of each year. The purpose of obtaining approval is to ensure that there is a limited number of guests present in the park on any given day. Therefore, the travel route can be subject to minor changes to comply with the park's regulations. 

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).

July 29th, 2025 departure: 11 spots left.

Galapagos National Park tax ($100 pp, cash only) - payable upon arrival at Galapagos Airport 

Transit Control Card ($20 pp, cash only) - payable in cash at Quito or Guayaquil Airport of departure for the Galapagos 

Personal equipment: Wetsuit, BCD (Buoyancy control device/jacket), regulator, booties, fins, mask, dive computer, gloves, hoods, dive light 

Liveaboard yacht accommodation for 14 nights/15 days 

Pre-breakfast, breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals

Transfers to/from the airport within the Galapagos Islands 

Accompaniment by the research project team

Photography instruction & practical advice 

Technical equipment: tanks, weights, weight belt.

A variety of lectures about the Galapagos Islands and the Galapagos Whale Shark Project 

Translation in Spanish, German, and French  

Waived Fuel Surcharge ($150 per person; other vessels still charge this amount)

Donation for the whale shark research project

Prices of rental gear add-ons are listed on the Booking page.

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.

Environmental Initiatives
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. The boat uses water flow reducers.

Socioeconomic Initiatives
The crew of the boat is all local people who are paid fair wages. Besides, we focus on serving locally-grown foods and locally-bought meat.


Citizen Science Scuba Diving in the Galapagos

On this unforgettable land-based tour of the Galapagos Islands, experience some of the most enchanting wildlife & amazing natural wonders on Earth!

[7 days] Galapagos Islands Land-Based Tour | Yugen Earthside

On this unforgettable land-based tour of the Galapagos Islands, experience some of the most enchanting wildlife and amazing natural wonders on Earth!

Explore the islands in their entirety through a number of guided tours and activities. This sustainable package tour of the Galapagos Islands will help you enjoy (almost) everything that these enchanted islands have to offer and show you first-hand the importance of protecting our planet’s fragile ecosystems.

Stay in hotels - as opposed to on a cruise ship or a small yacht - and island-hop by boat during the days to explore the wondrous diversity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Starting on Santa Cruz Island, you will have excursions to the famous Charles Darwin Research Station and the tortoise breeding center. On Isabela Island, the wetlands and volcanoes will be waiting for you. You will also visit two of the following islands: Bartholome, North Seymour, Santa Fe, or South Plaza; each one has unique and endemic wildlife.

For children and adults curious about nature, animals, and science, this ecotourism experience in the Galapagos is the perfect option. Enjoy navigating the islands in a stress-free manner thanks to our carefully crafted itinerary and guides, so you can focus on being with your family, snorkeling, taking pictures to last a lifetime, and being present for every moment of this experience!

Discover the islands via speedboat, a ferry boat, and a yacht

Soak in stunning views, unique landscapes, and white-sand beaches

Spend 7 days in the remarkable land of giant tortoises

Admire friendly wildlife from respectful distances

Learn about the complexity of the natural world from expert, English-speaking guides

Take a thrilling ferry speedboat ride to Isabela Island, where you’ll embark on an exciting tour of the Wetlands, Wall of Tears, and Breeding Center, before taking a Bay Tour to Tintoreras Islet. Enjoy the adventure of a lifetime with an excursion to the breathtaking Sierra Negra Volcano, followed by an afternoon visit to Concha de Perla, a serene and picturesque beach. A day tour on a yacht will let you encounter the unique flora and fauna of the islands. Experience the ocean up close and meander through the different islands to uncover the enchanting wonders that this heavenly destination has in store for you. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore one of the most stunning places on earth!

3 reasons why the Galapagos Islands are so special:

Biodiversity: The Galapagos Islands are home to an incredible array of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. The islands’ isolated location, combined with their volcanic origin and complex ocean currents, created a unique ecosystem that allowed species to evolve in isolation from mainland populations. This led to the development of numerous endemic species, such as the Galapagos tortoise, the marine iguana, and the Galapagos penguin.

Scientific significance: The Galapagos Islands played a significant role in the history of science, particularly in the development of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. During his visit to the islands in 1835, Darwin observed and collected numerous specimens that helped him develop his theory of natural selection. His observations of the islands’ unique fauna and flora led him to propose that species change over time through a process of natural selection, which revolutionized the way we understand the natural world.

Conservation efforts: The Galapagos Islands are now recognized as one of the world’s most important conservation sites, with ongoing efforts to protect the islands’ unique ecosystem and biodiversity. The islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve were established in 1959 to protect the islands’ natural resources. Conservation efforts have included the eradication of invasive species, the establishment of breeding programs for endangered species, and the promotion of sustainable tourism practices.

The islands are, without a doubt, a year-round destination with two main seasons: the dry season and the wet season.

June to December: The dry season is generally considered the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands. Enjoy cooler and drier weather with less rain and more sunshine. The sea is calmer, making navigation between the islands easier and providing pleasant conditions for snorkeling and diving. The dry season is best for seeing rare fish, birds, and many of the Galapagos’ iconic wildlife species, including giant tortoises, land iguanas, blue-footed boobies, albatrosses, and penguins. This is the best time to see blue-footed booby mating displays and migrating whales. Note: When it rains during the dry season, the showers tend to last longer than in the wet season.

January to May: The wet season is characterized by sunny weather, frequent yet short showers, higher humidity levels, and warmer temperatures (ranging from the low 70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit). Despite the rainfall, the sun still shines brightly on most days, making it a good season for hiking and wildlife spotting. The islands will be lush and green, the ocean will be warmer, and sailing will be smooth. This is the best time to see many of the Galapagos’ underwater species, such as sea turtles and hammerhead sharks.

Airfare to/from Quito or Guayaquil on Ecuador's mainland

Entrance fees to the Galapagos Islands ($100)

4 nights' accommodation at Santa Cruz Island

2 nights' accommodation at Isabela Island

Contact us for luxury hotel pricing, or for groups of 10 or more.

This is a program that enables you to understand the importance of this amazing destination. It is carefully designed with the support of our local supplier and follows all regulations imposed by the Galapagos National Park to preserve the fragile ecosystem of the islands.


Environmental Initiatives
By visiting the islands you will be helping with the Islands’ preservation as your entry fee to the national park will go directly towards the conservation projects.

The preservation and sustainability standards here are the highest in the country. However, there are many challenges the Galapagos faces: overfishing, human population growth, climate change, and invasive species.

When you visit the islands be aware of the fragile nature ecosystem you are stepping on, and make sure you always abide by the following rules explained by your naturalist guides.

Everything in the Galapagos is very special and you must follow the rules to keep this paradise as remote as possible. Guides will make all efforts for every traveler to understand the importance of each island, they will explain to them the preservation efforts of the community, the government, and the local operators. They will be the voice of the wildlife and you will follow in Darwin's footsteps!

The accommodations chosen are small and locally run, and they use eco-friendly cleaning products and energy-saving lights. All lodges and hotels follow the regulations of the Galapagos National Park strictly.


Local Economy
The Galapagos economy depends on tourism. We work with a local partner who is regulated by the Galapagos National Park laws. They employ excellent local guides and staff and follow all the sustainability policies ordered by the Galapagos government system.


Please be sure you have traveler's insurance.

We have been certified with the Safe Travels stamp from the World Travel & Trade Council and we follow all regulations instructed by the Ministry of Tourism in our country.

Spend 8 days on a small, liveaboard yacht scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands alongside marine biologists on this sustainable citizen science adventure! Carbon removals included.

[8 days] Galapagos: Citizen Science Scuba Diving | Yugen Earthside

Spend 8 days on a small, liveaboard yacht scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands alongside marine biologists on this sustainable citizen science adventure! 

You will do 2-4 dives a day on this trip, for a total of 19-20 dives. There’s also the opportunity for a night dive. 

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. Each scientist will provide you with extensive knowledge about whale sharks and will teach you at the same time how you as a diver can support the conservation of marine wildlife such as whale sharks, giant manta rays, sea turtles, other shark species, rays, molas, whales and other endangered animals – in the Galapagos and worldwide. You can also expect to learn about underwater photography while onboard (please note: you need to bring your own camera) and be taught about photography using what you have.

Highlands with giant tortoises (land excursion)

On this trip, you’ll spend very little time on land. The majority of the experience is on the yacht and underwater. You’ll visit islands that not all boats visit, including sites that primarily attract divers.

The yacht for your Galapagos eco dive liveaboard provides a unique and unforgettable experience, with the best service and diving that you could hope for. The boat has nine cabins with private bathrooms, air conditioning, electricity, and all that you may need to make your stay comfortable. Three meals a day are included, as well as ‘pre-breakfast’ and snacks between dives.

Please note: The famous Darwin's Arch rock formation collapsed in 2021 due to erosion; it now resembles two pillars instead of an arch and is being referred to as the “Pillars of Evolution.”

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.

Every year, only a few shark conservation dive departures are offered. These align with the best shark diving season and the best months to dive in the islands of the Galapagos (July – October).

Liveaboard yacht accommodation for 7 nights/8 days 

Translation in Spanish, German, and French

We not only care about our travelers, but we also care about the local communities and the environment. When you book a tour with us, you become an active collaborator of the local and international foundations we work with in order to do our part. Whether it is educating children on the coast of Ecuador, or helping out with conservation projects in the Galapagos, we care.


Environmental Initiatives
This trip takes travelers off the beaten path and avoids tourist "hot spots". The boats in this trip use water flow reducers. 
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.

Economic Initiatives
The crew of the boat is all local people who are paid fair wages.
We support other local and international projects that provide jobs and assistance to local communities.


Sociocultural Initiatives
Travelers and locals will exchange knowledge with locals, have an opportunity to learn from one another, and gain a new perspective on their own environment.
We focus on serving locally-grown foods and locally-bought meat.

The Galapagos Islands

Scuba 'Dive & Stay' Certification Package - Galapagos Islands

Citizen Science Scuba Diving in the Galapagos

Galapagos Islands Land-Based Tour

Citizen Science Scuba Diving in the Galapagos

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