Mythical dives in the Galapagos: inside Darwin's bubbles
In summary
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Sports
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Duration9 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationAmerica / Ecuador
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AgeFrom 18 - 75 years
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COβ-Emissions185.04 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
Spanish
English
In a few words
Embark on an extraordinary underwater adventure in the heart of the Galapagos Islands π, a natural jewel and UNESCO World Heritage Site πΏ. This 8-day trip immerses you in an exceptional marine world, between volcanic islands π and fascinating endemic wildlife π’. Based between San CristΓ³bal , home to sea lions π¦, and Santa Cruz , vibrant and full of life π, you'll enjoy a series of recreational dives in a safe and intimate setting π€Ώ. This underwater safari opens the doors to a unique marine sanctuary : hammerhead sharks π¦, manta rays , turtles , and a multitude of pelagic species cross your path in crystal-clear waters π. Far from the usual routes, this immersion is ideal for divers wishing to combine exceptional encounters , conviviality π€ and respect for the environment π±.
The highlights
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Immerse yourself in a unique marine sanctuary: the UNESCO Galapagos Marine Biosphere Reserve
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Unforgettable and spectacular aquatic encounters, all year round
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A safe and friendly underwater adventure
Photos
Sport
Level
Scuba diving
In figures
Diving
- 2 average daily practices
Management
Spanish
English
Program
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Welcome to Ecuador!
- Transportation Car - 00h50 - 31km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Welcome to Ecuador!
A proverb says, " Travel leaves you speechless at first , before transforming you into a storyteller . "
So let yourself be swept away on the adventure of this Extraordinary Journey to the land at the center of the world.
Chulla vida!
You will be met at Quito airport by your Spanish-speaking driver.
Private transfer with Spanish-speaking driver from Quito airport to the hotel.
Overnight stay at the Ikala Hotel in a Junior Suite room.
Day 1 -
Quito at liberty
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
π Free day in Quito
Quito is distinguished by its topography, which stretches from north to south π§, in a majestic Andean corridor flanked by the Pichincha volcano π (which can be admired up close by going up the TelefΓ©riQo π ) and the valley where the airport is located βοΈ.
But above all, it is the largest and best-preserved colonial city on the continent ποΈ, a true jewel of history and culture.
π½οΈ 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 πͺπ¨.
A true source of culinary pride for a cuisine of identities and an unforgettable journey of the senses π¨βπ³β¨.
ποΈ Night at the Ikala Hotel , in a Junior Suite room , for a rest in comfort and elegance ππ¨.
Day 2 -
Flight to the Galapagos
- Transportation Car - 00h50 - 31km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
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).
Day 3 -
Diving in Leon dormido
- Activity Diving
- Number of practices per day 2
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The Sleeping Lion is an iconic rock formation located off the coast of San CristΓ³bal. 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).
Day 4 -
Heading to Santa Cruz Island and its land tortoises
- Transportation Ferry - 02h30 - 80km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
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.
Day 5 -
Day of scuba diving in the Galapagos
- Activity Diving
- Number of practices per day 2
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
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 :
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Days 6 to 8 -
Departure from the enchanted islands
- Transportation Car - 01h15 - 50km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You will be taken by private transport by a Spanish-speaking driver from your hotel to Baltra Airport.
Day 9
Accommodation
Located in the city's commercial district, the Ikala Quito Hotel is a hidden haven in a residential neighborhood, ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city. Its modern dΓ©cor, amenities, and personalized service make the Ikala Hotel the perfect place for your travels. It features a restaurant as well as elegant spaces for various events.
Located just steps from Mann Beach on San Cristobal Island, you'll be welcomed to a charming, recently built hotel with comfortable and tastefully decorated rooms. The suites offer breathtaking ocean and sunset views.
The recently renovated Lava House hotel is ideal for families or those on a budget. It's a welcoming establishment with a lovely garden where you quickly feel at home. The owners are friendly and the common areas are pleasant.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
All inclusive items (hotels, transport, guides, meals, entrance fees) mentioned for each day;
β’ Hotel and tourist service taxes;
β’ French-speaking assistance from our team 24/7 during your stay;
β’ Fees and taxes related to land, sea and air transport;
β’ Fees for guides and/or drivers.
The price does not include
β’ Round-trip international flight
β’ Domestic flights
β’ Insurance (cancellation / repatriation / multi-risk / etc.). Please contact us for more information.
β’ Meals not mentioned
β’ Drinks
β’ Tips
β’ Galapagos taxes (National Park entrance fee USD 200, Migration Card USD 20, Isabela Island tax USD 10) unless specifically mentioned in this quote upon arrival in the Galapagos
β’ Personal expenses
β’ Potential visa fees and legal immigration procedures for traveling to Ecuador, depending on your nationality
Options
- Single supplement : CHF329.33 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
βΉοΈ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
Diving equipment is included, but you are free to bring your own equipment if you wish.
Equipment to bring
Sunglasses with very good UV filtration
Binoculars
Gourd
Adapter with American flat plugs for electrical appliances from Europe
Personal pharmacy
Mosquito repellent
Sunscreen
Camera (drones are prohibited on the archipelago)
Clothing to bring
Lightweight clothing: shorts, t-shirts, light shirts and trousers.
Swimsuit / UV-protective swimwear
Bring a warm garment for the evening.
Waterproof jacket, K-Way type, for downpours.
Suitable footwear:
Whether for walking or sports, the volcanic trails, dirt paths and pebbles are ideal.
Closed, non-slip sandals for getting into the water, flip-flops for the beach
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