Tips for Scuba Diving in the Galapagos, by Hortense Soulier

Located about 650 miles west of the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. Filled with an extraordinarily rich and surprisingly fearless wildlife, exploring the archipelago is a dream come true to any nature lover. Scuba divers will particularly be pleased as the Galapagos are home to amazing marine wildlife and spectacular diving spots are scattered all over the coasts of the various islands comprising the archipelago.

To prepare your scuba diving experience in the Galapagos and make sure this once-in-a-lifetime experience goes as smoothly as you want, read this guide to planning your scuba diving trip in the islands. Basically, there are two options for diving in the region: cruises or land-based trips. Generally, boat cruises will expect travelers to bring their own gear and diving equipment whereas land-based operators provide all the necessary equipment, usually for rent. Some luxury cruises may be equipped with diving equipment so make sure to ask your travel agent about it.

Live-aboard cruises offer the advantage of being already on waters and being able to journey to deeper waters, further from the coasts of the islands. This is the only way to travel all around the archipelago, with opportunities to dive in various spots, up to three times a day, and sometimes even at night. Some cruise ships go as far as the more remote islands of Wolf and Darwin, were shore visits are forbidden but where marine wildlife is the most stunning.

Day-trip diving organized directly from the islands will be more economical and spontaneous, as you can just go to any operator and book your diving trip for the next day. However, they are more limited in the diving spots there are able to offer because of the distances between the islands. Nevertheless, you will be able to travel to absolutely sumptuous diving spots such as the world famous Gordon Rocks.

This guide to the planning your diving trip in the Galapagos was written by a Peru travel expert at Peru For Less available to help you custom design your exciting Galapagos vacations.