
Galápagos Diving Cruise
8 Days Galápagos cruise on board the Sky
From USD 6,906
Galápagos Diving Cruise
8 Days, Max. 16 passengers
6 Reviews
A 8-day Expedition Cruise
6 Reviews
The Trip Highlights
Two of world's best diving spots: Darwin & Wolf
Hundreds of hammerheads at Darwin's Arch
Majestic whale sharks at Wolf Island
Sunfish, Mantas, Turtles sighted regularly
Galapatours 'Plus' Experience
Three days at Wolf & Darwin
Four dives every day!
English-speaking guide for all activities
Lectures in the evening
This diving cruise on board the Galapagos Sky will take you to the most remote islands of the Galápagos Archipelago, Darwin and Wolf, where you will explore what are arguably some of the world's best diving spots. Depending on the season and your luck, you can expect to see whale sharks, schools with hundreds of hammerhead sharks, sea lions, penguins, mantas, eagle rays, Galápagos sharks, sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, mola mola, iguanas, golden rays, seals and with a bit of luck even whales and dolphins!
Important: Please be aware that this is a cruise for advanced divers. Both Darwin and Wolf, but also other spots on this route, require experience with strong currents and a minimum of 50 logged open-water dives. If you feel like this might be a challenge for you, you can book an additional diving guide to accompany you. Nitrox is available upon request and much recommended. Please inquire with us for more details about this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. We're divers, too.
Your ship: Sky
- 3 Days at Wolf and Darwin Islands
- Purpose-built dive boat with luxury feel
- 2 dive masters, 4 dives a day
- Complementary wine/beer with meals
The Galápagos Sky is a 100ft, purpose-built luxury dive boat. Her current owner helped to design her to his exact requirements and she was launched in 2001. Traditionally in Galápagos, those looking for luxury didn't go on a dive boat, and those looking for great diving had to avoid the luxury boats. Galápagos Sky has rewritten that rule by providing those who are looking for the ultimate diving experience with stunning accommodation and fine … Read more about Sky
Amenities
Nitrox (free)
Snorkel gear (free of charge)
100% CO2 carbon footprint offset
All meals
Air conditioning & private bathroom
Single travellers can share cabin
Water, Coffee, Tea & fresh juices
Wetsuits
English guide
Alcoholic Beverages
Food & Drinks
The food on our Galapágos Cruises is among the very best you will find in South America. Most of the on-board chefs are internationally trained and have prior experience working in the best hotels and restaurants in Ecuador and indeed around the world.
You can expect a first-class selection of food, including a good variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, locally sourced poultry and fish/seafood, rice and pasta dishes. Most boats will always include some typical Ecuadorian dishes on the menu during your cruise. If you have specific dietary requirements then these can usually be accommodated by the chef providing you have given advance notice. Please make sure you tell us about any allergies or dietary requirements you have at the time you book with us. If you leave it until you arrive at the dockside, then it may well be impossible to accommodate your needs.
Most boats serve a range of options at meal times in a relaxed buffet-style. At the first class and luxury end of the market, some boats have more formal dining where you will be served at your seat. However the atmosphere is always relaxed on board our cruises, and never stuffy or formal.



No dates selected
Multiple Addons possibe
Optional Module Before First Day
Day 1
AM
San Cristóbal • Arrival at San Cristóbal airport+transfer to ship

Welcome to Galápagos! Once your flight has landed and you went through the immigration process, you'll be met in the Arrivals lounge by our English-speaking guide who will take you to your transfer vehicle for the short journey to your waiting ship.
San Cristobal is home to the official capital city of the Galápagos, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, and one of the archipelago's 2 airports. We don't know of any other airport where jet airliners land that is within walking distance of the town it serves, as is the case here on San Cristobal - you can stroll to the centre of town from the terminal in 15 minutes!
Once on board your ship, you will be introduced to the crew and given a welcome briefing as well as an important safety drill. After this you'll be shown to your cabin. While you're served a well-deserved and delicious lunch, the captain will cast off and your adventure truly starts.
Note: If you are already in San Cristóbal before the cruise and want to meet the group there, please let us know. This is no problem at all and the transfer from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and back couldn't be easier.
PM
San Cristóbal • Isla Lobos Dive Site

One of the best spots in Galápagos to observe sea lion pups, trumpet fish and blue footed boobies.
Lobos Island is named after the colony of Galápagos Sea Lions that live here, but they aren't the only native Galápagos species that calls this narrow island home. In the water, you will find Fur Seals fishing Blue-Footed Boobies, Trumpet Fish, Green Turtles, Rays and white-tip reef sharks. With a bit of luck, you might also spot marine iguanas, although they are not hugely common here!
Day 2
AM
Bartholomew • A walk on Bartholomew

Bartholomew (known as Bartolomé locally) is the most popular excursion for Galápagos visitors, and its iconic scenery is the most photographed in the whole archipelago.
To start your walk on this island you will land in the small bay opposite the famous Pinnacle Rock. You then start the climb to the 375ft peak of Bartholomew. You’ll travel along a half mile trail that includes a series of wooden steps that have been built by the National Park Service to protect the ground here from erosion caused by tourists hiking to the summit.
When you arrive at the top of island the spectacular views will have made your efforts worthwhile. Your Galapatours expert guide will point out all the landmarks you will see from here - Pinnacle Rock itself, jutting skywards. The huge black lava flows of Sullivan Bay. The islands of Daphne Major and Daphne Minor.
On the way back down, you will be able to recognise the different volcanic formations evident on the island, such as tuff cones and volcanic spatter. You'll also see some remarkable examples of the Galápagos' ability to highlight the adaptation of species. For example the bushes that all look dead are actually very much alive, with leaves covered with special grey hairs that help to reflect the harsh sun and reduce moisture loss for the plants.
Back at the beach there is excellent snorkeling, thanks to the underwater caves and rocks in the area. You will see various sharks, rays and tropical fish. You may also see Galápagos Penguins swimming with you!
PM
Santiago • Cousin Rock

This is a famous site thanks to the wide variety of marine life you can encounter in just one dive, but it is for moderate to advanced divers only. Depths range from 10 to 90ft, with visibility between 30 and 60ft depending on the season. Currents here are moderate, and surges will be experienced in the shallows.
In the water you'll encounter sloping rock plate formations and a fantastic wall that drops far down out of sight. These rocky formations are home to seahorses, Galápagos black coral, octopus, a wide range of tropical fish and Galápagos sharks and hammerheads.
When you add to this the friendly sea lions who almost always come to play with divers and the elegant green turtles that cruise past, this dive site really does have it all.
Day 3
AM
Wolf • The Landslide Dive Site

El Derrumbe is particularly well known as THE dive in Galápagos to see Hammerheads and Galápagos Sharks. Whale sharks have alse been encountered here, as well as a huge range of fish, rays, turtles, marine mammals and many more iconic Galápagos creatures.
PM
Wolf • Shark Bay

Shark Bay at Wolf Island is an underwater visitor point well known as being among THE best dive sites in Galápagos to see Hammerheads and Galápagos Sharks. Whale sharks have alse been encountered here, as well as a huge range of fish, rays, turtles, marine mammals and many more iconic Galápagos creatures.
Day 4
AM
Darwin • Darwin's Towers

Huge schools of hammers and Galápagos sharks, whale sharks, Mantas: Darwin's Towers (formerly: Darwin's Arch) is arguably one of the world's best diving sites.
Located just off the southeast tip of Darwin Island, the islet of Darwin's Towers (formerly known as Darwin's Arch, but the arch collapsed in 2021) is a fantastic marine wonderland. The main attractions are the whale sharks and hammerhead sharks that often gather here. But there are many other species you can find - green turtles, majestic manta rays, dolphins, large schools of fish, and other species of sharks are all frequent encounters.
We have met divers with over 1000 logged dives that still called it the single best diving site of their life! If you have any particular species that you are keen to see on your dive, contact one of our Galápagos experts today, and we can advise on the best dive itinerary to suit your requirements.
PM
Darwin • Main Darwin Island

Darwin Island (originally named Culpepper Island) was renamed in honor of the famous naturalist. It is considered by many to be one of the best underwater habitats anywhere on earth.
Darwin is the most northerly island in the Galápagos, and is over 100 miles northwest of Isabela. Together with its neighbour Wolf Island, it is the most remote part of the archipelago.
Renowned for the large schools of hammerhead sharks that gather here (for reasons scientists still don't fully understand), Darwin and Wolf are tips of huge long-extinct undersea volcanoes that grew up over half a mile from the seafloor below.
You will enjoy spectacular diving here, and among the species you are likely to encounter are hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, rays, green turtles, and a myriad of tropical reef fish. If you have any particular species that you are keen to see on your dive, contact one of our Galápagos experts today and we can advise on the best dive itinerary to suit your requirements.
Day 5
AM
Darwin • Main Darwin Island

Darwin Island (originally named Culpepper Island) was renamed in honor of the famous naturalist. It is considered by many to be one of the best underwater habitats anywhere on earth.
Darwin is the most northerly island in the Galápagos, and is over 100 miles northwest of Isabela. Together with its neighbour Wolf Island, it is the most remote part of the archipelago.
Renowned for the large schools of hammerhead sharks that gather here (for reasons scientists still don't fully understand), Darwin and Wolf are tips of huge long-extinct undersea volcanoes that grew up over half a mile from the seafloor below.
You will enjoy spectacular diving here, and among the species you are likely to encounter are hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, rays, green turtles, and a myriad of tropical reef fish. If you have any particular species that you are keen to see on your dive, contact one of our Galápagos experts today and we can advise on the best dive itinerary to suit your requirements.
PM
Wolf • Shark Bay

Shark Bay at Wolf Island is an underwater visitor point well known as being among THE best dive sites in Galápagos to see Hammerheads and Galápagos Sharks. Whale sharks have alse been encountered here, as well as a huge range of fish, rays, turtles, marine mammals and many more iconic Galápagos creatures.
Day 6
AM
Fernandina • Cape Douglas

A dive in Cape Douglas off the west coast of Isabela Island is a fantastic opportunity to see a wide array of marine life, both above and below the surface of the water.
As you prepare for your dive you can see Galápagos Flightless Cormorants, Galápagos Penguins and Galápagos Marine Iguanas - all species you cannot see anywhere else in the world except this archipelago.
As you enter the water, you may have the opportunity to admire the powerful swimming ability of the marine iguanas as the bigger males feed on the rocks deeper under the surface.
Other species you may see in the water include Red-lipped Batfish, Horn Sharks and Mola Mola, and sometimes Baleen Whales are seen here gliding through the water.
If you have particular species that you are keen to see, contact one of our Galápagos experts today who can help you choose an itinerary that will best meet your requirements.
PM
Isabela • Vicente Rock Point

Galapatours clients regularly rate Vicente Rock Point as one of the best snorkeling and SCUBA diving sites in Galápagos, or perhaps even in the world! There is no landing here, and snorkeling is done directly from the boats. The scenery around the Point is stunning - the remains of two ancient volcanoes made this formation, and the cliffs and caves around the bay provide an amazing backdrop.
The bay is well sheltered from ocean swells, making it ideal for snorkelers of any experience. The cold-water currents bring a rich stock of food to these waters, and the bay around Vicente Rock Point is often home to feeding frenzies, with groups of whales, dolphins, Galápagos Sea Lions, tuna, Blue-footed Boobies and other marine birds all feeding together, making for spectacular sights.
Many boats also take visitors on a panga ride along the shore, offering the chance to explore some of the caves and to encounter some of the other species such as Galápagos Flightless Cormorants and a small colony of Galápagos Fur Seals.
Day 7
AM
Pinzón • Diving spot in front of Pinzon

Pinzon is named after the brothers who captained the famous ships Pinta and Nina that sailed with Christopher Columbus on his voyage of discovery to the New World. This small island is surrounded by deep waters, and this has meant that its species have been isolated from the rest of the Galápagos for millennia. However this is also what makes it a great dive site.
For diving beginners the conditions are ideal in the tranquil bay, where you will be joined by friendly sea lions and elegant green turtles. You will be able to see a wide variety of tropical fish, included Red-Lipped Batfish.
For more experienced divers there is a deep drop-off wall where you are more likely to encounter a variety of shark species, manta and stingrays, lobster and even sea horses.
PM
Santa Cruz • Puerto Ayora

The bustling town in Puerto Ayora is central to almost everything in Galápagos. Although it is the biggest town on the Galápagos Islands it not its capital (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno in San Crístobal is). Here, you will find local merchants loading and unloading their ship, you can catch a water-taxi ride to Playa Alemanes / Las Grietas and the beautiful hotels Angermeyer Waterfront Inn and Finch Bay! Also, it is the meeting point for a few cruises that start from here.
You be almost certain that you find a few sea lions relaxing on the benches of the pier, which are actually though for tourists to sit on. But, as you will learn in Galápagos, sea lions don't give much about these rules.
Santa Cruz • Santa Cruz Highlands

Santa Cruz is the only island on the Galápagos that allows you to travel through every habitat type that exists in the archipelago. This makes the journey north from the coast up into the highlands a fantastic opportunity to experience the breadth of life that exists on these islands.
Your bus journey starts from Puerto Ayora on the coast and you slowly start to climb through the agricultural zone where open fields begin to give way to lush, green, mist-covered forests. This is a marked contrast to many of the islands which are at much lower elevation and much more arid. This rich verdant landscape is predominantly made up of dense Scalesia forest.
Your expert Galapatours guide will stop several times along the route to allow you to explore various different sites. Among the stops will be a Giant Tortoise reserve, and also a visit to the famous lava tubes. Over half a mile long, a walk through these natural volcanic features is eerie and unforgettable.
Also along the way you will stop for refreshments, and you'll be able to try locally-grown Galápagos coffee - we think it's among the best we've ever tasted!
Day 8
AM
San Cristóbal • Interpretation Center Gianny Arismendi

The Gianny Arismendi Galápagos Interpretation center in San Cristóbal, Galápagos, aims to provide a complete history of the Galápagos and give visitors a more holistic understanding of these islands' unique habitats and wildlife.
There are also interesting exhibits covering the Galápagos' human history, and the conservation efforts in place to preserve the archipelago, and undo some of damage human occupation has brought.
For those who are interested in the geology of the archipelago there is a complete exhibit on the volcanic birth of the Galápagos and how this impacted on the habitats present here.
Your Galapatours expert guide will be able to answer any further questions raised by your visit to the Center and can help you to link what you will learn here to what you will see as your Galápagos journey continues.
Where does the name Gianny Arismendi come from? The Directorate of the Galápagos National Park recognized park ranger Gianni Arismendi Guerrero, one of the park rangers of San Cristóbal, for his 27 years of work dedicated to environmental education.
San Cristóbal • Transfer to San Cristóbal airport

It's sadly time to make the very short trip to the airport for your flight back to the Ecuador mainland. Your Galapatours guide, who will have been with you throughout your adventure, will accompany you back to the departures area, giving you one final chance to tap into their excellent local knowledge and unrivalled experience.
Note: If want to spend some time in Galápagos after your cruise, please let us know. This is no problem at all and the transfer from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno to the airport and back couldn't be easier.
Multiple Addons possibe
Optional Module After Last Day
Reviews
Nathan Strall
Sky ist legendär Diese Tauchsafari werde ich nie wieder vergessen. Die Tierwelt unter Wasser ist bisher das vielfältigste und gesündeste Ökosystem, wo ich je drin taucher durfte. Massen an Hammerhaien, Seidenhaie, Galapagoshaie, Meerechsen, usw. Die Gegend um Galapagos hat zu viel zu bieten, um es kurz und knapp in diese Bewertung zusammen zu fassen. Vor allem der Darwim-Tauchplatz hat es mir angetan - jeder Cent hat sich gelohnt. Ich würde noch gerne darauf aufmerksam machen, dass manche Tauchgänge in recht kaltem Wasser statt fanden, auch die Strömungen und die Sicht sind immer unterschiedlich und nichts für schwache nerven. Für Neueinsteiger ist es noch nicht empfehlendwert, man braucht hierfür etwas mehr Taucherfahrung. Die Dive Master geben stets ihr Bestes um jeden Taucher die Schokoladenseite der Galapagos Inseln zu zeigen. Die Sky und die Crew war großartig. Die Kabinen waren gemütlich, die Besatzung immer freundlich und zuvorkommend. Das Schiff war im super Zustand, vor allem das Sonnendeck war perfekt fü's Enstpannen zwischen den Tauchgängen. Nach jedem Tauchgang wurden wir an Deck mit Heißen Handtüchern und frisch gebackenen Snacks begrüßt - was will man mehr? Man kann nicht leugnen, dass die Tacuhsafari teuer ist aber diese Investition war es auf jeden Fall Wert und ich werde dieses Schiff und auch die Galapagos Inseln allen meinen Freunden und Bekannten empfehlen!
Nathan Strall
Sky rocks! The overall the experience was fantastic and the marine life was like no other I have previously experienced. Tons of Hammerhead sharks, Silky sharks, Galapagos sharks, Marine Iguanas, etc., etc. The area has more wildlife than can be expressed in this review and it is by far the healthiest ecosystem I have ever had the privilege of diving. The Darwin dive site by itself is worth the price of admission. Unfortunately, Whale sharks were out of season and we did not see the Mola mola or Giant Manta, but that didn’t take away anything from the experience. Diving in the Galapagos Islands is truly amazing and impossible to express in a review. I would caution that some of the dives can be quite cold and the current is very strong at times with relatively low visibility, so new divers or even semi-experienced divers should do their research before booking. There is an expected level of ability that the dive masters will expect you to have both on deck and in the water and it can be very frustrating for the entire group if one person’s inexperience holds up the group. That said, the dive masters do their best to make sure everyone gets the best of what the Galapagos has to offer. The Galapagos Sky and crew were great. The ship and state rooms were comfortable and clean and the staff was always courteous and professional. The ship was well maintained and the sun decks were great for lounging between dives or having drinks at night. They crew bent over backward to make sure we had everything we wanted and were comfortable at all times, including hot towels and fresh baked snacks immediately after every dive. Despite diving 3 – 4 times a day, I think I actually gained weight on the trip. The biggest downside is that the trip is expensive. Once you get past the sticker shock, the rest of the trip quickly falls into the “once-in-a-lifetime” category. I would definitely recommend this trip and the Galapagos Sky to anyone.
Retrip
Es war unglaublich! Mein Mann und ich kamen gerade von einer Tauchsafari auf der Sky zurück nach Hause. Unsere zwei Kinder waren auch dabei. Ich kann es wirklich nicht oft genug sagen, wie gebeistert ich von der Crew an Bord bin! Alle, angefangen mit dem Kapitän, bis hin zu den Schlauchbootfahrern, Küchenpersonal und den Dive Mastern waren fabelhaft und kümmerten sich gut um uns. Unsere Kabine mit dem Doppelbett war sehr schön. Die Kinder waren in einer Twin Kabine. Das Essen war traumhaft und der Empfang auf der Tauchplatform mit warmen Getränken nach jedem Tauchgang war das i-Tüpfelchen. Nun zum Tauchen: SUPER! Wir wollten unbedingt Walhaie sehen und dieser Wunsch ging in Erfüllung. Allerdings sollte man erfahrener Taucher sein, denn das Wasser ist manchmal kühl, die Strömungen sind stark und die Sicht ist mal gut mal schlecht. Doch das war es Wert, denn wir sahen auch tausende von Haien (Hammerhaie, Galapagoshaie, Seidenhaie), Seelöwen, und eine Delfinmutter mit Nachwuchs! Das war die Reise unseres Lebens. Ich schlage vor Sie bringen so viel eigene Ausrüstung mit, wir nur möglich. Auch sollte man vielleicht mal einen Kurs in Strömungstauchen absolviert haben, um gut vorbereitet zu sein. Sehr zu empfehlen an alle Taucher! Quelle: https://goo.gl/9X2MQs
Retrip
An awesome trip My husband and I and our two children just returned from an awesome trip on the Sky. I truly cannot say enough about how wonderful the crew on the boat were. Everyone from the captain, the panga drivers, kitchen and engineering staff, the chap who looked after the cabins and of course Gonzalo who took care of us at meal times etc., were topnotch. We had a cabin with a king bed and it was very comfortable. My kids shared one with two twins. The food was delicious and plentiful and the tea and hot chocolates and snacks on the dive platform were more than appreciated. And now the diving!!! Totally awesome but not a walk in the park but any means. We wanted to see whale sharks (which we did and they were incredible), so it meant winter time! The water was cold, vis not great and there were strong currents. I am a warm water diver and it took some getting used to the 7ml, all the extra weight, gloves, hood, etc., but it was well worth it. We saw thousands of sharks. Schools of hammerheads that resembled schools of the silversides I am used to seeing, Galapagos sharks which I think are truly beautiful, silkies, etc. We were kept amused by playful sea lions and on one safety stop had a very friendly mother dolphin showing off her newborn! It really was the trip of a life time. I would suggest that you bring as much of your own gear as possible (I really wish I had my bcd with integrated weights, etc) and I think that some diving in current, cold, etc., would be good experience prior to the trip. My kids are in their twenties and we all have a goodly number of divers but mostly in the pristine conditions in the Cayman Islands so this was a whole different experience. Highly recommend the Sky to anyone considering this trip! Review from: https://goo.gl/9X2MQs
Graham Z., England
Galapagos Sky Tauchsafari Tauchüberblick: Man sollte in Strömungstauchen Erfahrung haben und auch wissen, wie man sich nach hinten ins Wasser rolls von einem Schlauchboot aus. Wassertemperatur lag zwischen 17-22°. Tauchgänge dauern zwischen 45-50 Minuten, was völlig ausreicht, da es 3-4 Tauchgänge pro Tag gibt. Ich hatte einen 6.5 mm Nasstauchanzug im May für jeden Tauchgang mit Haube und Handschuhen (zum Festhalten an Felsen bei der Strömung), viele andere Tauchen waren ähnlich ausgestattet. Man sollte die Kälte nicht unterschätzen. Das Tauchen an sich ist wirklich einzigartig, meine Erwartungen wurde bei weitem übertroffen. 19 Tauchgänge, davon ein Nachttauchgang, 11 bei Darwin & Wolf, diese zwei Tauchplätze sind wirklich die besten Ihrer Klasse! Wir sahen über 20 Hammerhaie in einer Schule, zahlreiche Galapagoshaie, Seidenhaie, einen 10 Meter langen Walhai, Thunfischschwärme und Delfine. Ein weiteres Highlight waren die verspielten Seelöwen, die Meerechsen und der Mola Mola. Auf Sicherheit wurde gut geachtet, es gab detaillierte Briefings vor jedem Tauchgang. Die Crew gab stets ihr Bestes, damit sich alle wohfühlen und dies gelang Ihnen perfekt. Das Schiff: Toller Service, das Essen war extrem gut und wiederholte sich kein einziges Mal. Die Crew hat viel und hart gearbeitet, damit es den Passagieren an Nichts fehlte. Die Kabinen waren in Ordnung, es gab warmes Wasser zum Duschen. Nach jedem Tauchgang wird man mit warmen Getränken und Snacks empfangen und man kann sich heiß abduschen - sensationell!