A must-visit destination for all experienced divers, the Galapagos Islands play host to spectacular, unique and awe-inspiring wildlife encounters both above and below the water.
Liveaboards head to the Wolf & Darwin Islands for the most exciting encounters. These small rocky outcrops to the northwest of the main group of islands attract huge whale sharks, schools of hammerhead and silky sharks, Galapagos sharks, manta rays and more besides, ensuring a show like no other.
Upwards of 17 dives are offered depending on your liveaboard itinerary, while land excursions are also scheduled on most trips to allow you to enjoy some of the Galapagos' unique topside wildlife encounters. Seven and ten night liveaboard itineraries are available.
June to November is the cooler season, but also brings the best whale shark encounters. From December to May divers are more likely to encounter schools of hammerhead sharks and mobula rays. Challenging conditions mean these trips are only suitable for more experienced divers.
The itinerary below is based on a seven night trip on board the Aqua Galapagos liveaboard. If you would like to extend your stay in the Galapagos or on mainland Ecuador please ask your Dive consultant.
Read SCUBA editor Simon Rogerson's blog on hammerheads in the Galapagos
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1:
Fly to Ecuador
Depart the UK for Ecuador, arriving later the same evening. Overnight in a local hotel before continuing your journey.
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Day 2:
Fly to the Galapagos & join your liveaboard
Set sail on your Galapagos liveaboard, making one check dive this afternoon.
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Day 3:
Explore the Galapagos Islands
Make your way northwest through the Galapagos Islands, taking in some of the wonderful diving and dramatic volcanic scenery on route. Make an overnight crossing for the Wolf & Darwin islands.
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Days 4-7
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Dive the Wolf & Darwin Islands
Considered the pinnacle of any Galapagos liveaboard, up to four dives a day are offered to allow you time to immerse yourselves in these incredible dive sites. A magnet for marine life, these small rocky outcrops are known for regular sightings of hammerheads, whale sharks, eagle rays, sea lions, Galapagos sharks silky sharks and more.
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Day 8:
Land excursion to experience the Galapagos Islands' fabulous wildlife
After an overnight crossing, make a final dive before spending the afternoon on land. Highlights of your land excursion include a visit to see the giant Galapagos tortoise in its natural habitat in the native scalesia forest of the El Chato Tortoise Reserve. Some itineraries also include a visit to the Darwin Research Station.
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Day 9:
Disembark & begin your journey home
Your liveaboard ends this morning and you will fly back to mainland Ecuador. You have the option of an overnight stay, or you can continue your journey home this evening.
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Day 10:
Arrive UK
Please note: The above itinerary is a sample only and your actual liveaboard itinerary may vary. Marine park fees and fuel surcharges may apply. Prices based on berth in a twin share cabin.
