Scuba Diving

Diving in the Galapagos Islands is extremely unique and life changing. I know that this sounds like a very bold thing to say but I truly feel that that's and understatement! The local shops are more than happy to accommodate to any skill level and will typically fill up their boats a day in advance, so make you you pick your desired location and dive shop at least the morning of the day before your intended dive.

Dive shops can be chosen after your arrival and there is not much of a need to arrange before your arrive to the islands (at least in Puerto Ayora, where we stayed). Outside each dive shop you
will find the location of the next day's dive (sometimes even a schedule for the next few days). There are many enjoyable dive spots to choose from and a variety of different conditions (e.g. wall, drift, deep, etc.).

I chose to do all of my diving with Albatros Tours, directly across from the port in Santa Cruz. They are a PADI® dive shop and embark daily for trips to all the local (e.g. Santa Cruz, Plazas, Floreana, etc.) dive destinations. The crew is attentive, hospitable, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable of the area.

The night before the dive you drop off all your gear (or rent gear if you do not bring your own) at the shop and get sized for the wetsuit you will be using (if you don't have one with you). The morning of the dive you will meet at the port and board a water taxi (which is included with your dive) for approximately two minutes and meet the dive boat. Onboard will be all your gear, marked, and ready to go.
Your boat ride to local destinations are about 2-3 hours depending on the location. Gordon Rocks is less than Floreana but both are equally breath taking.

After you finish your first dive you will take a break for lunch and snorkeling:

At Gordon Rocks (Rocas Gordon) you will find an array of marine life (plenty of hammerheads) and a wide variety of diving conditions (e.g. drift, current/surge, wall, thermocline, deep, etc.). There are three main rocks above the water and each time you dive here you have the chance to dive a different one, depending on the conditions/currents. I highly recommend diving this location several times to get the full experience.



As I mentioned before, snorkeling is offered in between dives and was the highlight of my trip on days spent at Gordon Rocks. Plazas (North and South) is covered in sea lion colonies and the picture/video opportunities are once in a lifetime.

The closer to shore you get the more sea lion interactions you will have. But be careful ... if you hear a large barking male it's best to back up a bit and show your respect.

Floreana is another dive location popular when departing Santa Cruz. Here you will find many of the same species but not typically hammerheads. The sea lions are much more active here and large schools of fish are common. Keep an eye out for batfish as well!