Mythical dives in the Galapagos: inside Darwin's bubbles

🌄 Free day in Quito

Quito is distinguished by its topography, which stretches from north to south 🧭, in a majestic Andean corridor flanked by the Pichincha volcano 🌋 (which can be admired up close by going up the TelefériQo 🚠 ) and the valley where the airport is located ✈️.

But above all, it is the largest and best-preserved colonial city on the continent 🏛️, a true jewel of history and culture.

🍽️ Gourmet dinner at Somos restaurant, one of the best creative and socially conscious restaurants in Quito.

A tasting menu specially designed for you , showcasing the richness of Ecuadorian culinary heritage 🇪🇨.

A true source of culinary pride for a cuisine of identities and an unforgettable journey of the senses 👨‍🍳✨.

🛏️ Night at the Ikala Hotel , in a Junior Suite room , for a rest in comfort and elegance 🌙🏨.

Transfer with your Spanish-speaking driver from your hotel to Quito airport.

An English-speaking driver-guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel.

El Junco is a unique lagoon, one of the only natural freshwater reservoirs captured by a volcanic crater in the hills above San Cristobal. It is also a refuge for many bird species.

You will then go to Galapaguera , a breeding center for the giant tortoises endemic to the island.

They live in semi-freedom, for their preservation and reintroduction.

You will end these visits with a stop at Puerto Chino beach for a moment of relaxation and swimming.

Free time in San Cristobal.

Suggested visit : the interpretation centre focused on the natural and human history of the archipelago.

Behind the center, a path winds through cacti and lava fields, leading to Tijeretas Hill. From its viewpoint, you can watch frigatebirds soaring overhead. Along the way, you'll likely catch a whiff of Palo Santo , trees whose resin is prized as incense.

Below, you can get into the water to enjoy the coolness of this sheltered cove.

Overnight stay at the Casa Playa Mann hotel in a Superior room (Standard category).

The Sleeping Lion is an iconic rock formation located off the coast of San Cristóbal. This 153-meter-high tufa cone is split in two, and the protected channel between its two halves serves as a refuge for a very important biodiversity. It therefore offers unique conditions for observing deep-sea wildlife.

You can get there by speedboat in 45 minutes.

You will be able to observe frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies and sea lions on the rock shaped like a sleeping lion.

While diving you will see many tropical fish, sea turtles, sea lions and sometimes non-aggressive sharks.

Overnight stay at the Casa Playa Mann hotel in a Superior room (Standard category).

A private Spanish-speaking driver will take you from your hotel to the port.

The crossing from San Cristobal to Santa Cruz is made aboard a fast public speedboat and lasts between 2 and 3 hours.

A Spanish-speaking driver will pick you up at the port of Santa Cruz and take you to your hotel.

You will visit the Highlands of the island.

This lush landscape contrasts with the arid lands of most of the archipelago's smaller islands. During your walk, you will pass through different ecosystems, from dry areas covered with Opuntia cacti to Scalesia woods in the highlands. You will visit a finca to observe giant tortoises up close in their natural habitat .

An additional surprise awaits you with the visit to the lava tunnels , which are over a kilometer long. They were formed by the solidification of the periphery of the lava flows, while the liquid lava continued to flow inside.

Upon your return to Puerto Ayora, you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Centre to discover the islands' biodiversity conservation initiatives and see up close the famous giant land tortoises, the iguanas of the different islands and magnificent examples of the local flora.

Free time in Santa Cruz. Suggested visit: Tortuga Bay beach.

Overnight stay at the Lava House hotel in a Standard room.

Early this morning, the dive center will pick you up from your hotel at the time agreed upon the previous day (the return trip will be around 4 pm in the afternoon to Puerto Ayora). You will dive twice that same day.

Each day, diving will take place at different islands and sites. Daily programs are established according to the divers' level, local conditions, and authorizations from the National Park administration.

Depending on the boat (capacity: 10 divers + crew), the routes are as follows:

- Monday: FLOREANA

- Tuesday: GORDON**

- Wednesday: MOSQUERA and SEYMOUR CANAL

- Thursday: COUSINS and BARTOLOME

- Friday: MOSQUERA and DAPHNE

- Saturday: SEYMOUR NORTH EAST and SEYMOUR CANAL

- Sunday: PLAZAS and GORDON**

NOTES :

1. Minimum level required: 20 dives to your credit to enjoy the immersions.

**A minimum of 25 dives is required, and must have dived within the last 18 months prior to diving in Gordon.

1. Full diving equipment is included and comprises: 7mm full wetsuit, boots, fins, mask and snorkel, gloves, dive light, regulators/octopus, BCD. Dive computer not included.
2. You will go to the dive center the day before, in order to prepare your diving equipment for your outings of the day.

Overnight stay at the Lava House hotel in a Standard room.

You will be taken by private transport by a Spanish-speaking driver from your hotel to Baltra Airport.