OVERVIEW:
🤿 Why Dive in the Galápagos?
Diving in the Galápagos is unlike anywhere else on Earth. These remote islands are home to powerful ocean currents and nutrient-rich waters that attract an incredible variety of marine life. Expect close encounters with hammerhead sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, whale sharks, and more.
Rather than coral reefs, Galápagos diving is all about the big pelagic species and raw underwater drama. Dive sites like Kicker Rock and Gordon Rocks offer exciting drift dives with unforgettable sightings.
This destination is ideal for certified divers ready to explore one of the most legendary marine environments in the world.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Quito arrival day
Quito, the highest official capital city in the world, welcomes you with its stunning blend of colonial charm and Andean beauty. Nestled at the foot of the Pichincha volcano and located right on the equator, this vibrant city was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978 for its remarkably well-preserved historic center.
If you arrive early, take advantage of the extra time to start soaking in the charm of Quito. You might stroll through its colorful plazas, visit a local café, or simply relax and enjoy the mountain views. For those who want to make the most of the day, we can help arrange an optional excursion to nearby landmarks or nature spots—just let us know ahead of time!
Later in the day, your guide will meet you at the hotel for a welcome briefing. This is a great moment to go over the itinerary, answer any questions, and get to know your fellow adventurers. The first day is all about settling in, acclimatizing to the altitude, and getting ready for the amazing experience that awaits.
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Hotel in Quito
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The Initial Journey to the Galápagos
Today, you’ll start your journey by flying to Baltra Island in the Galápagos. Once you arrive, a transfer will take you across the Itabaca Channel by ferry to the neighboring island of Santa Cruz. From there, we’ll travel by car up to the lush highlands, where the famous giant Galápagos tortoises roam freely.
At a private ranch, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch before embarking on a guided walk to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. During the visit, you’ll also explore fascinating lava tubes—natural tunnels formed from cooled volcanic lava flows.
After the excursion, you’ll be taken to your hotel where you’ll meet your local guide, who will brief you on the plans for the next day. The rest of your afternoon and evening is free to unwind and soak in the unique atmosphere of this incredible island.
Before nightfall, we’ll help you prepare your diving equipment at our dive shop to ensure everything is ready for your first dive in the stunning Galápagos waters the following day.
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Meals
Breakfast, Snack, Dinner
Accomodation
Hotel in Galápagos
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Duration
All day
Exploring the Underwater Wonders of North Seymour & Mosquera
North Seymour Dive Site
The underwater landscape at North Seymour features a series of gentle ledges descending from the shoreline to a vibrant rocky reef around 8 meters deep, eventually reaching sandy bottoms at depths of 16 to 18 meters. Diving here offers incredible encounters with white-tip and black-tip reef sharks, as well as large groups of green sea turtles resting in the area. While North Seymour isn’t widely known for hammerhead shark sightings, small schools can occasionally be seen navigating the currents near the channel and points around the island. Divers will also find abundant schools of barracuda, snapper, and a variety of reef fish. The rocky reef provides an excellent habitat for elusive octopuses. One of the most spectacular sights, however, are the graceful spotted eagle rays gliding along the sandy channels, sometimes accompanied by majestic devil and manta rays.
Dive Level: Suitable for divers of all levels. Currents can range from mild to strong at times, but overall the site is beginner-friendly and offers enjoyable drift dives.
Mosquera Dive Site
Situated just off the northern shore of Baltra Island, Mosquera is known for its diverse marine life and calm conditions. This site features a wall dive with generally gentle currents, making it accessible for many divers. One of the main highlights is the frequent appearance of manta rays, which come remarkably close despite the water’s plankton-rich nature that can slightly limit visibility. Divers often encounter juvenile Galápagos sharks, white-tip reef sharks, and eagle rays here.
Dive Level: Ideal for easy to intermediate divers. The dive is not very deep, but careful depth monitoring is recommended due to the wall structure.
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Meals
Breakfast, Snack, Dinner
Accomodation
Hotel in Galápagos
Distance
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Duration
All day
Gordon Rocks: A Premier Diving Spot
Gordon Rocks is a fascinating dive site formed by an extinct volcanic crater, featuring a sandy floor at about 32 meters depth and steep drop-offs plunging to nearly 65 meters around its perimeter. The site is marked by three prominent rocks encircling the crater, along with three smaller pinnacles rising 5 to 6 meters below the surface on its northern edge. At the heart of the crater lies a larger pinnacle sitting roughly 21 meters deep.
Strong currents sweep through Gordon Rocks, creating ideal conditions for spotting large schools of hammerhead sharks. Divers can often witness impressive groups of 50 or more hammerheads gliding gracefully through the water, sometimes making multiple passes during a single dive. In addition to these iconic predators, the area is frequented by white-tip and black-tip reef sharks, curious green sea turtles, playful sea lions, stingrays, eagle rays, and expansive schools of barracuda and snapper. Lucky divers might also encounter the majestic manta rays or the elusive Mola Mola, adding to the excitement of this thrilling dive site.
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Meals
Breakfast, Snack, Dinner
Accomodation
Hotel in Galápagos
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Duration
half day
High-Speed Boat Journey to San Cristóbal Island
Kick off your day with an exhilarating speedboat ride to the stunning San Cristóbal Island. Once you arrive, you’ll settle into your hotel before setting out to explore the island’s wild beauty at your own pace. Whether you choose to hike, snorkel, or simply soak in the vibrant local vibe, this day is yours to dive into adventure and discovery!
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Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel in Galápagos
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half day
Exploring the Depths of Kicker Rock
León Dormido, also known as Kicker Rock, is one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the Galápagos Islands and a must-see for any visitor. This striking formation is what remains of an ancient lava cone, consisting of two towering vertical rocks that soar about 500 feet (150 meters) above the ocean surface, creating a narrow channel that small boats can navigate.
The skies above León Dormido are alive with tropical birds, including magnificent frigatebirds and playful boobies. Beneath the water’s surface, just about an hour from the main port, lies a vibrant underwater world. The channel’s depth varies between 14 and 18 meters, with the rock walls plunging beyond 40 meters. This site offers one of the best diving experiences in the Galápagos, where you can encounter an array of shark species — including hammerheads — alongside colorful reef fish, sea lions, graceful rays, turtles, and much more.
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Meals
Breakfast, Snack, Dinner
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Hotel in Galápagos
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Duration
half day
The Wonders of Lobos Island
Start your day with breakfast before heading to the dock for a brief boat trip to Isla Lobos. Along the journey, you might catch glimpses of vibrant marine creatures swimming beneath the surface. Once you arrive, a guided walk will lead you through this wildlife sanctuary, where you can marvel at blue-footed boobies, frigate birds soaring overhead, sea lions lounging on the shore, and manta rays gliding through the water. There’s even a chance to spot some sharks nearby. Before returning to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, enjoy some free time to explore the island’s stunning white coral beaches, relax in the sun, or take a dip in the clear, turquoise sea.
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Meals
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel in Galápagos
Distance
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Duration
half day
Heading Back to Quito
Spend your final morning at leisure before heading to San Cristóbal Airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador. Once you arrive in Quito, you’ll be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel, where you can enjoy a peaceful evening before your adventure comes to an end.
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Breakfast
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Hotel in Quito
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Duration
half day
Time to Depart
International departures mark the end of our services. As you leave, carry with you unforgettable memories and stunning photos—and a piece of your heart left behind in Ecuador. This incredible land will surely call you back for more adventures. Wishing you a sincere and joyful “¡Buen viaje!”
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Maps
SERVICES
Include
- Transportation: Comfortable land transportation. Fast public boat to move in between islands.
- Accommodation based in double occupancy: 2 nights in 5* hotel in Quito, 3+ star hotels in the Galapagos.
- Meals: 8 Breakfasts, 4 box lunches provide in the boat in between dives.
Not include
- Single supplement.
- International air (also applied to trans-border flights).
- Domestic Flights: Quito-Galapagos-Quito.
- Extra meals not described in the program, drinks.
- INGALA transit card: USD 20.
- Galapagos National Park fee (USD 200 per person).
- Incidentals.
- Mandatory Travel Insurance.
- Airport taxes.
- Tips or gratuities (recommended $10 per trip leader and dive master $2 for drivers NOTE: keep in mind that this is all per day per traveller).
- Beverages.
- Optional tours or optional admissions not listed above.
Final Note
Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey through Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. We hope this experience has inspired you, challenged you, and left you with unforgettable memories of breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and warm-hearted people.
As your adventure comes to an end, remember that travel is not just about the places you visit, but the stories you collect and the connections you make along the way. We truly hope Ecuador has found a place in your heart.
Until next time — keep exploring, stay curious, and we hope to welcome you back soon.
¡Buen viaje y hasta pronto!
EQUIPMENT
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best time of year to climb in Ecuador?
Our tours typically include certified guides, transportation, accommodation, meals, and any necessary equipment for your activities. Specific inclusions vary depending on the tour, so be sure to check the detailed itinerary.
2. Do I need previous mountaineering experience?
Not necessarily.
- For Cotopaxi: Beginners with good fitness can join a summit program if they complete acclimatization hikes and receive basic glacier training.
- For Chimborazo and Cayambe: Prior glacier experience is highly recommended due to higher altitudes and longer summit pushes.
3. How important is acclimatization?
Acclimatization is critical. To prevent altitude sickness and improve summit chances, we recommend spending 3 to 5 days hiking at altitudes above 3,000 meters before attempting any summit over 5,000 m. Our acclimatization programs are designed to help your body adjust progressively.
4. Is a certified guide required
Yes. For safety and legal reasons, glaciated peaks like Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, Cayambe, and Antisana require an ASEGUIM/UIAGM certified mountain guide. All our guides meet this standard and have extensive experience in the Andes.
5. What gear do I need?
For glacier climbs, you need:
- Double insulated mountaineering boots
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Climbing harness
- Helmet
- Headlamp
- Warm base layers, down jacket, and waterproof outer layers
- Gloves, hat, sunglasses, backpack
We offer rental equipment if you don’t
6.What is the weather like during this trip?
Expect a mix of cool mountain weather (5–15°C / 41–59°F) in Cotopaxi and Quilotoa, and mild to warm weather (15–25°C / 59–77°F) in Baños. Rain is possible year-round, especially in the afternoons, so bring waterproof layers.
7.Can I customize or extend the itinerary?
Absolutely! You can add an extra day in Quito, continue to the Amazon or Galápagos, or upgrade accommodations. Contact us directly to customize your experience.
8. Is this tour family-friendly or suitable for solo travelers?
Yes. This tour is perfect for solo travelers, couples, families with older children (12+), and small groups. You’ll meet like-minded adventurers and be accompanied by local experts every step of the way.
9.How do I book this trip and what’s the cancellation policy?
You can book directly through our website or by contacting us via email at info@cotopaxi-travel.com or WhatsApp +593 981 333 483.
Our cancellation policy offers flexibility — free cancellation up to 15 days before departure. For full terms, visit our booking conditions.
