Galaxy Diver II Itinerary

Galapagos Diving

Day 1:
Arrival at Baltra airport where you will meet our dive guides at the designated area, ready to be transferred from the airport to the Galaxy Diver II. We’ll show you your accommodations, and the Divemaster will hold a short briefing on all safety and emergency protocols. Lunch is served on board. The first dive in the Galapagos Islands is a check dive at Baltra Northeast to ensure adequate buoyancy and to confirm that the diving equipment works properly. While exploring the site, you can enjoy schools of reef fish, skate rays, eagle rays, moray eels, turtles, garden eels, and whitetip sharks.

Day 2:
As the sun rises on our first day of diving aboard the Galaxy Diver yacht, we can feel the excitement building for what's in store at our first dive site, Punta Carrion. We gather our gear, and with the guidance of our expert dive master instructors, we dive into the crystal-clear waters surrounding the stunning Santa Cruz Island. Descending deeper into the underwater world of Punta Carrion, we'll be immediately mesmerized by the incredible visibility and the abundance of marine life that surrounds us—schools of hammerhead and whale sharks, this last one available between June and December. At the same time, playful sea lions dart in and out of the rocky underwater cliffs. 

 

We learn more about the vivid and colorful world of tropical fish as we continue our exploration, including groups of surgeonfish, angelfish, and parrotfish. Luckily, we can even find a few secretive seahorses hidden in the reef's crevices. Later, we joyfully discuss our underwater excursions. At the same time, the onboard cook makes a lovely lunch when we return to the Galaxy Diver. Finally, in the late afternoon, we'll begin our 14 hours of navigation through the Galapagos Sea to Wolf Island. 

Day 3:
Shark Bay at Wolf Island is one of the most exhilarating dive sites in the Galapagos. Its waters are home to massive schools of hammerhead and Galapagos sharks, and with some luck, we might even spot the ocean’s giants—whale sharks. The area is teeming with marine life, from Galapagos rays to sea turtles and tropical fish. After an unforgettable dive, we head to La Banana for a more playful but equally mesmerizing experience: sea lions darting and twirling around us, showcasing their incredible agility and curiosity in their natural habitat. 

The Landslide at Wolf Island is one of the most famous dive sites in the Galapagos, accessible only by liveaboard. Named after German geologist Theodor Wolf, who mapped and studied the archipelago, this marine sanctuary teems with life. Schools of hammerhead and Galapagos sharks dominate the scene, while the occasional whale shark graces the depths. Rays, sea turtles, marine mammals, and an array of tropical fish add to the site’s dynamic ecosystem, making every dive an extraordinary adventure. 

Day 4:
Located deep in the Pacific, Darwin Island is a marine sanctuary renowned for its biodiversity. Alongside Wolf, it is one of the world’s premier dive spots. At El Arenal, a legendary site beneath Darwin’s Arch, nutrient-rich waters create an unparalleled spectacle. Dolphins hunt schools of fish while hammerhead and Galapagos sharks patrol the depths. If lucky, you may encounter whale sharks, tiger sharks, or even orcas. With moderate to strong currents and outstanding visibility, this site offers an unforgettable experience for diving enthusiasts. 
 

We head to Darwin’s Tower, better known as Darwin’s Arch, one of the most legendary dive sites on the planet. This majestic rock formation serves as a gathering point for the Galapagos’ incredible marine biodiversity. Beneath the waves, an awe-inspiring spectacle unfolds: vibrant coral reefs teeming with life, schools of colorful tropical fish, and, most impressively, the imposing presence of hammerhead sharks gliding gracefully through the depths. The experience of diving here is truly unmatched—one that will stay with you forever. 

Day 5:
We begin our day at El Arenal, one of the most thrilling dive sites in the Galapagos. As we descend, we enter a vibrant world of coral reefs and stunning volcanic formations. The marine life here is truly spectacular—hammerhead and Galapagos sharks roam in large schools while dolphins weave through fish shoals. If luck is on our side, we might spot whale sharks, tiger sharks, or even orcas. This site is not only remarkable for its wildlife but also for its striking geological formations, a testament to the archipelago’s volcanic past. 
 

After an exhilarating morning dive, we explore El Derrumbe, a site filled with underwater cliffs and caves teeming with marine life. Here, you'll encounter sea turtles, eagle rays, and playful sea lions. But what makes this site truly remarkable is the rare chance to dive with bull sharks in shallow waters. Our final dive takes us to Shark Bay, an underwater paradise home to Galapagos sharks and, from July to November, the elusive whale shark, offering an awe-inspiring encounter with one of the ocean's true giants. 

Day 6:
Start your morning with a dive at Douglas Cape, a rare opportunity to observe Galapagos marine iguanas in their daily routine. First, they bask in the sun on the shore, preparing for their underwater feeding session. For about 20 minutes, they glide gracefully through the water, feeding on algae—an elegant contrast to their rugged, land-dwelling appearance. Upon emerging, they return to the rocks and expel excess salt through a unique spitting behavior. In addition to these fascinating reptiles, you may encounter Galapagos penguins, sharks, and vibrant schools of tropical fish. 

Vicente Roca Point offers a breathtaking natural spectacle, featuring some of the tallest cliffs in Galapagos and intriguing volcanic formations. While there are no trails, a dinghy tour along the shore provides an up-close look at the area's rich wildlife. Highlights include flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, and sea turtles. The site is also home to Galapagos fur seals and marine iguanas basking on the rocks. Moreover, the deep waters surrounding the area make it an excellent spot for dolphin and whale sightings. 

Day 7:
Our final dive takes us to Cousin Rock, a fascinating dive site where corals and gorgonians create a mesmerizing underwater scene. Seahorses, reef fish, and colorful nudibranchs hide among the formations. Watch the agile coral hawkfish darting around, and as we dive deeper, we might spot graceful eagle rays gliding by or a white-tip shark resting in a crevice. If lucky, we could encounter schools of barracudas and mobula rays. To end on a high note, playful sea lions will join us for a final underwater adventure. 
 

Begin your Galapagos adventure with a scenic bus ride into the lush Santa Cruz highlands. Walk through a reserve, spotting giant tortoises—some over 600 pounds—grazing peacefully. Discover endemic birds like finches and flycatchers. If included in your itinerary, explore a lava tunnel, a fascinating remnant of the volcanic forces that shaped these islands. 

Day 8:
Your Galapagos adventure comes to an end. Today, you will be transferred to Baltra Airport, where your National Park naturalist guide will assist you with final details before your flight back to mainland Ecuador. As you bid farewell to this paradise, take with you the unforgettable memories of one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations. 

Sample itineraries are for guidance only. Actual itineraries may differ slightly due to factors such as weather, wildlife, logistics and local regulations.