
Galápagos Diving Cruise
8 Days Galápagos cruise on board the Galaxy Diver
From USD 3,950
Galápagos Diving Cruise
8 Days, Max. 16 passengers
7 Reviews
A 8-day Expedition Cruise
7 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
Great balance of affordability and comfort
In our opinion, one of the best chefs!
English-speaking guide for all activities
Lectures in the evening
This diving cruise on board the Galaxy Diver 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: Galaxy Diver
- Spectacular panoramic upper-deck bar;
- Only 6 staterooms means an exclusive cruise experience;
- Fantastic bow pulpit and stern swimming platform;
- Elegant comfort and great value.
Featuring just 6 staterooms, the classic motor yacht layout of Reina Silvia promise a particularly intimate and exclusive Galápagos discovery experience. A crew of 8 gives her one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios of all the boats in the Galápagos fleet. Unique features such as her swim platform and enclosed panoramic upper deck bar set her aside from many of the other vessels in her class that tend to … Read more about Galaxy Diver
Amenities
All meals
Transfers to and from ship
Snorkel gear (free of charge)
100% CO2 carbon footprint offset
Kayaks on board
Air conditioning & private bathroom
Water, Coffee, Tea & fresh juices
-20% for children ≤ 12
Triple cabins
1 free night in hotel prior to flight (only if booking flights with us)
English guide
Sundeck with jacuzzi
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.



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Day 1
PM
Baltra • Arrival at Baltra 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.
Baltra Island, where your arrival airport is, was used as an important Air Force base in the Second World War. This is the primary airport for the Galápagos Islands and you'll be rubbing shoulders with fellow tourists, international naturalists and conservationists, researchers and academics, and Galápagos residents alike. The airport has been built as a "green" airport, and as well as using recycled materials in its construction, it's special design keeps the buildings relatively cool without the need for any air conditioning.
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 plan to spend a few days prior to the cruise in Puerto Ayora and want to do the cruise later this is no problem at all. The transfer from Puerto Ayora to Baltra is very easy.
Baltra • Mosquera Diving Point

Mosquera, like may similar islets in the Galápagos, was formed by a volcanic uprising. The islet Mosquera that emerges from the sea between Seymour and Baltra island. A sandy bottom at 15-18 meters is scattered with curious garden eels and pelagic species as well as an underwater wall flowing downwards from the shallows into the deep. Keep an eye out for hammer head sharks and the garden eels that pop their heads out of the ground and disappear down their burrow as you approach! Also found in the area are black tip and white tip reef sharks, sea lions, turtles, barracudas, sting rays, eagle rays, mobula rays, Galápagos eels and a variety of reef fish and invertebrates.
Mosquera is home to one of the largest populations of Galápagos Sea Lions on the archipelago, and you will be able to watch their playful antics and admire their sense of relaxation as they sunbathe on the beach. There have been occasional sightings of Orca (Killer Whales) in the waters off Mosquera Island, probably attracted by the large number of Galápagos Sea Lions on which they prey.
Over the centuries it also attracted corals, and along with the rocks that form the islet this helped to capture the sand from the currents that flow between Baltra Island and North Seymour Island.
Mosquera Islet has a depth range between 6 – 27 meters (20 – 90 feet). Visibility averages 12 – 15 meters (40 – 50 feet). Surge and current is usually moderate to strong.
Day 2
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.
Wolf • Fondeadero

This is one of the only places in the whole Galápagos where night diving is allowed. Fondeadero means "anchoring site", and it's well names - this is the perfect place for a night dive as it's protected from the winds and currents. This makes it possible to enjoy night diving, and to witness a whole new side to Galápagos' undersea world.
Highlights to a night dive here include the chance of seeing the see glow gently with an eerie light, thanks to the bioluminescence of tiny plankton in the water when conditions are right. You've also got an excellent chance of being joined by Galápagos Fur Seals on your dives here.
PM
Wolf • North Islet / La Banana

North Islet is a small outcrop just off the north coast of Wolf, and because of the wall's shape it's known to locals as "the banana"!
This is a stunning sheer wall with caverns, tunnels and other wonderful rock formations. Depth here ranges from 30 to 120ft and the visibility is usually excellent, varying from 40 to 80ft depending on season. There is always a moderate to heavy current here.
A superb site for spotting Galápagos sharks, hammerheads, manta rays, green turtles and a wide range of fantastic Galápagos marine life.
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 3
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
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.
Day 4
AM
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.
PM
Wolf • Fondeadero

This is one of the only places in the whole Galápagos where night diving is allowed. Fondeadero means "anchoring site", and it's well names - this is the perfect place for a night dive as it's protected from the winds and currents. This makes it possible to enjoy night diving, and to witness a whole new side to Galápagos' undersea world.
Highlights to a night dive here include the chance of seeing the see glow gently with an eerie light, thanks to the bioluminescence of tiny plankton in the water when conditions are right. You've also got an excellent chance of being joined by Galápagos Fur Seals on your dives here.
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.
Wolf • North Islet / La Banana

North Islet is a small outcrop just off the north coast of Wolf, and because of the wall's shape it's known to locals as "the banana"!
This is a stunning sheer wall with caverns, tunnels and other wonderful rock formations. Depth here ranges from 30 to 120ft and the visibility is usually excellent, varying from 40 to 80ft depending on season. There is always a moderate to heavy current here.
A superb site for spotting Galápagos sharks, hammerheads, manta rays, green turtles and a wide range of fantastic Galápagos marine life.
Day 5
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 6
AM
Isabela • Cape Marshall

Cape (or Cabo) Marshall is a good wall dive on the northeastern coast of Isabela. Depths here can be as much as 130ft and the visibility is anywhere from 20 to 70ft depending on the time of year.
Because of the geography of the site the current here is always moderate to heavy, and this is always done as a drift dive following the coast. There's little surge here, though and you'll have a mix of wall and reef diving.
Cape Marshall is a great location for giant manta rays and a wide variety of pelagic fish, and hammerhead sharks are a common sight. Galapatours visitors have also reported encounters with large schools of barracuda and sea lions who come along to join in with your dive!
PM
Isabela • Cowley Islet

This islet off the coast of Isabela is a popular diving site thanks to the variety of species that you can see in the waters here. In or on the water you are likely to encounter a range of shark species, Galápagos sea lions, stingrays, green sea turtles, cormorants, penguins, manta rays, and many more.
Also visible in these habitats are sponges and corals, and if you are lucky even sea horses, shaped just like the island of Isabela herself!
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 7
AM
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.
PM
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!
Day 8
AM
Santa Cruz • Twin Craters

Los Gemelos (or the Twin Craters) are not, in fact, craters - although no less impressive for it! These two large pits were actually caused by the collapse of empty magma chambers after a volcanic uprising. They are easy to access from the Puerto Ayora to Baltra road.
There is a lovely walking trail here that leads up to and then around the rim of both craters. The hike takes you through the wonderful Scalesia Forest, which is full of bird life. It's likely you will see Galápagos Doves, Darwin's Finches, the stunning Vermilion Flycatcher, as well as short-eared owls and many other species.
As you climb up to the rim of the craters you are rewarded with a breathtaking view over the Scalesia canopy, it's lush green a real contrast to the arid vegetation on much of the other Galápagos Islands you can visit.
Baltra • Transfer to Baltra airport

Your Galápagos adventure ends with the arrival of your ship back at Baltra Island. After what many guests describe as an emotional goodbye to your ship and its crew, you'll board the transfer vehicle that will take you on the short journey to the airport in plenty of time for your flight back to the mainland.
Baltra airport serves both Guayaquil or Quito, and we can arrange flights that fit best with your onward plans - particularly if you are continuing a South America tour. Speak to one of our travel experts as we are often able to beat even internet pricing on flights to and from Galápagos.
Note: If you plan to spend a few days in Galápagos after your cruise this is no problem at all. Just let us know and we will arrange for the logistics. The transfer from Baltra to Puerto Ayora, for example, is very easy.
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Reviews
Sonya N.
Ein unvergessliches Erlebnis Wir sind am 02.12.2018 gut nach Hause gekommen und wir durften eine wunderschöne, geniale Zeit auf Galapagos und der Reina Silvia verbringen. Die ganze Crew, unser Guide Fabian und auch die anderen Gäste waren sehr sehr toll. Ein unvergessliches Erlebnis!!!
TravelingJoy456, Lake Oswego, Oregon
Der beste Urlaub aller Zeiten Der Urlaub auf der Reina Silvia war der beste Urlaub den wir je hatten. Die Besatzung war super in vielen Hinsichten sogar mehr als das. Mein Mann und ich hatten einige Lebensmittelunverträglichkeiten und ale haben sich rührend um uns gekümmert. Auf uns wurde immer Rücksicht genommen. Der junge Mann, der das Schlauchboot fuhr, hatte immer ein Lächeln im Gesicht und half beim Ein- und Aussteigen. Aber der Guide, Alejandro, spielte eine besondere Rolle. Seine Leidenschaft für dieses Archipel und das Wissen worüber er verfügt, sind sehr inspirierend. Jeder Tag übertraf unsere Erwartungen.
TravelingJoy456, Lake Oswego, Oregon
Best Vacation Ever We just returned from a trip on the Reina Silvia. It was one of the best vacations we have ever had. The crew was excellent in so many ways. My husband and I have a food allergy and they took great care to offer fabulous food that did not contain milk or cheese. The dinghy operator that took us out on the snorkeling trips always had a smile and was ever so helpful getting us in and out of the dinghy. But, what made the trip absolutely exceptional was our guide, Alejandro. His passion and knowledge of the islands was inspiring. At the beginning of the trip he quickly accessed the group and then gave us a trip of a lifetime. Most days we snorkeled twice a day and hiked twice a day. Every day far exceeded any expectations we had due to the crew and Alejandro's enthusiasm to share with us all that these beautiful islands had to offer.
Muggsy0200, Singapore
Unvergesslich Wir bereisten die westlichen Inseln auf der Reina Silvia im November 2016. Diese Reise übertraf unsere Erwartungen. Wir hatten viel Platz in unserer Kabine und der ganze Rest war auch fabelhaft. Essen, Crew, Guide, alle waren großartig und leisteten tolle Arbeit.
Muggsy0200, Singapore
Unforgettable vacation of a lifetime We are a couple who travelled around the Western islands of Galapagos on board the Reina Silvia in Nov 2016. This trip more than met our expectations and prompted us to write this review. We bought our cruise just 4 days before embarking on it, having researched that prices go down nearer the date of the cruise. We secured a 50% discount though I believe it's possible to get an even better rate shopping really last minute in Quito. As for the cruise itself, we were lucky to have a total of only 8 passengers on the Reina Silvia, a boat that usually accommodates 12. We were always well looked after - cold towels after our land trips, snacks and refreshments, free flow of soft drinks, tea and coffee, and beer! Our rooms were made up twice a day. Very impressive since there was only one person in charge of this: Ronald did a brilliant job, and also mixed the best cocktails. The rest of the crew were efficient and friendly. The chef must also be commended. One of us is pescaterian and there was always something suitable prepared. Great pains were clearly put into presentation, and the food was hearty and wholesome - I'm still not sure how they managed to whip up 3 course meals in that space. We stayed on the lower deck which was comfortable and spacious compared to other boats. The Reina Silvia is not the newest of boats, but it has been extremely well maintained and is very clean. It has a retro vibe with lots of wood trim and warm lighting. Staterooms on the upper deck come with windows ; while on the lower deck we got portholes which was more than sufficient. There is a small library of Galapagos-related books which we browsed in-between activities. The Reina Silvia also has a long bow which we found handy on the days we observed Orcas and Dolphins! The highlight was the activities. We felt that the Reina Silvia's Western itinerary was good because it included Fernandina, the only place we could observe marine iguanas and flightless cormorants in the water while snorkelling. We had 2 land tours and at least one snorkel every day. Walks were between one to three km long and snorkel sessions were an hour each, which was just nice. The activities were interspersed with a siesta to help recuperate between activities. For a relatively active couple, this was perfect. There was no time to be bored, although on one of the days, we had a longer siesta. We appreciated that as it gave us time to relax and reflect on what we had experienced so far. The wildlife was amazing. We were greeted by at least one different animal everyday. We snorkelled with penguins, sea lions, turtles, rays, fur seals, galapagos sharks, flightless cormorants, marine iguanas (as mentioned of the highlights of this itinerary was that it brought us to Fernandina where we could swim with marine iguanas. Not many itineraries offered this), reef fish, even a mola-mola, just to name a few. On our walks, we came across lots of sea lions, land iguanas, tortoises, blue footed boobies, frigates, finches, mockingbirds, and many more. We also saw a pod of orcas from our boat at Canal Bolivar near the northern tip of Isabella, on 2 consecutive days - it was one of the most awe-inspiring moments. The crew was also great at pointing out wild life from the boat, and would accommodate us by stopping or going to where the action is. We had common dolphins and bottle-nose dolphins come right next to the boat a couple of times. We had not fully appreciated how important the guide is despite reading similar comments on this forum before, so it was fortunate that we got Jan Post as our guide. Knowledgeable and patient, he answered our questions (even the most inane ones!) and kept us enthralled by his descriptions of the animals' behaviors. The Galapagos Islands attract people who are interested in wildlife and in the concept of evolution, and Jan shared lots of information in that respect. He also gave talks spanning geology, the Coriolis effect, and Darwin's life, all of which we appreciated. His easygoing demeanour and fascination with the animals (despite probably having repeated the same information hundreds of times before) helped stoke our own enthusiasm as well. Tips were suggested for the 7-man crew as $150-$180 and $60-$80 for the guide. This was far above the tipping range others have mentioned on this forum and definitely impacted our budget, but we followed the guideline believing that the crew deserved it. Overall the cost of our Galapagos holiday was high but at least the experience turned out to be commensurate with the price - we got what we paid for! Our cruise turned out to be a magical experience and probably the best vacation we have taken so far.