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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

  1. Day 1: Fly to Ecuador

    Depart the UK for Ecuador, arriving later the same evening. Overnight in a local hotel before continuing your journey.
  2. Day 2: Fly to the Galapagos & join your liveaboard

    Set sail on your Galapagos liveaboard, making one check dive this afternoon.
  3. 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.
  4. Days 4-7 : 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

Key info

  • Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 10 days from £5,995 pp
  • Departures: Exclusive departures available! View all departure dates
  • Included in the price/package:
    • Flights from the UK
    • 1 night accommodation in Guayaquil
    • 7 nights on (Aqua) Galapagos liveaboard
    • Up to 20 dives (dependent on itinerary)
    • All meals on liveaboard
    • Galapagos Park Fee
    • Tourist Card
    • Transfers
Featured locations:

Wolf & Darwin Islands

Located 14 hours north of the main group of islands, Wolf and Darwin are reached by liveaboard and are a magnet for divers, with warm water species seen nowhere else in the archipelago. Whale sharks are common Jun-Nov, and hammerheads also frequently seen. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Ideal for viewing: whale shark, Galapagos shark, scalloped hammerhead shark, giant oceanic manta ray, spotted eagle ray
  • Excellent for: Liveaboard diving, Shark diving, Whale shark, Manta ray

San Cristobal

The most easterly island in the Galapagos, San Cristobal is where Charles Darwin set foot in 1835. Today it has plenty to offer its visitors both topside and underwater - from interpretation centres and wildlife reserves to check-out dive sites with playful sea lions. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Ideal for viewing: manta ray, Galapagos shark
  • Excellent for: Liveaboard diving, Resort based diving

Santa Cruz

The rocky coastline and mangrove lined inlets of Santa Cruz Island are ideal for divers to spot sea turtles, sharks and rays. Home to the Charles Darwin Research Station, there are also healthy populations of tortoises, land and marine iguanas and birds. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Ideal for viewing: marine iguana, Galapagos giant tortoise, white-tip reef shark, Galapagos shark
  • Excellent for: Liveaboard diving, Resort based diving

Isabela

Shaped like a seahorse, Isabela is the largest island in the Galapagos, and one of the most volcanically active places on earth. Surrounded by stunning turquoise waters, turtles, sea lions, whales and Galapagos penguins are common sightings. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Ideal for viewing: Galapagos giant tortoise, marine iguana, Galapagos penguin, humpback whale
  • Excellent for: Resort based diving

Galapagos Islands

Their radiant fish and bizarre animals make the Galapagos a world-class diving and unique wildlife destination. Fed by nutrient rich waters from the tropical Pacific Ocean, the magical marine life enchants and fascinates in equal measure. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Ideal for viewing: whale shark, Galapagos shark, scalloped hammerhead shark, giant oceanic manta ray, Galapagos penguin
  • Excellent for: Liveaboard diving, Resort based diving, Singles diving, Group diving, Shark diving, Hammerhead shark, Whale shark, Manta ray
This itinerary is available on the liveaboards shown below. Please contact us for further recommendations.

Galapagos Sky

This luxurious 30 metre liveaboard offers week long itineraries in the Galapagos. Diving highlights include sharks, rays and dolphins around the Wolf and Darwin Islands, as well as several land excursions. Find Out More about Galapagos Sky