GALAPAGOS, SEPTEMBER 2026
Trip 1: SOLD OUT
Trip 2: September 14-21, 2026
Galapagos is nearly universally acknowledged as the definitive TOP diving destination in the world.
If you like Big Stuff, this is the place to be. Hammerheads in their hundreds – to the point that you almost get bored of seeing them (no, not really – no one gets bored of seeing hammerheads!), huge whale sharks, 10 different other species of sharks, mola molas, big schools of jacks, marine iguanas, playful seals and more.
This is a liveaboard trip – the only way to visit the iconic Wolf and Darwin Islands.
Overview
Located about 1,000 km off the coast of Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands are a volcanic archipelago renowned for their raw natural beauty and unmatched biodiversity. Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site, these islands are home to unique species found nowhere else on Earth — from marine iguanas and flightless cormorants to giant tortoises and Darwin’s finches. The cool Humboldt and Cromwell currents converge here, creating a nutrient-rich marine environment that supports extraordinary ecosystems both above and below the surface.
For divers, the Galápagos offer some of the most exhilarating underwater experiences on the planet. Sites like Darwin and Wolf Islands are famous for thrilling drift dives alongside massive schools of hammerhead sharks, Galápagos sharks, manta rays, and even massive whale sharks. The currents can be strong, the water cool, and the dives advanced — but the rewards are unmatched. Add in playful sea lions, marine turtles, and the possibility of orca sightings, and you have a dive trip that belongs on every serious diver’s bucket list.
Itinerary
TRIP ITINERARY
- Day 1 (Sep 14): Embarkation in the port of San Cristobal between 14:00-14:30
- Day 2: Baltra & North Seymour (land tour and 2 dives)
- Day 3-5: Wolf & Darwin (4 dives/day)
- Day 6: Fernandina & Isabela (4 dives)
- Day 7: Cousins Rock & Santa Cruz (2 dives and land tour)
- Day 8 (Sep 21): Disembark no later than 0830
The itinerary has 18 dives planned, but as with all liveaboard schedules, this is contingent to conditions, group abilities and the Cruise Director’s discretion.
Diving Info
In September, the colder Humboldt Current brings nutrient-rich waters to the islands. This also brings the whale sharks over to feed – this is, in fact, peak whale shark season. And of course, you have the other thing the Galapagos is famous for – the massive schools of hammerheads, in their hundreds. And let’s not forget the playful sealions or the Godzilla-lite marine iguanas. Or the 10 other different sharks species. Or the massive jack schools. Or a chance to see orcas.
But all this comes with a caution – the waters are going to be cold (18-23C), and there can be strong currents. So a minimum of 50 dives, an Advanced card and Nitrox are required for this trip.
And because this is a trip of the lifetime for everyone on the boat, it isn’t fair to others if one diver affects the dives for everyone else. So we request all divers to ensure that they have experience diving in a current, and are self-sufficient in terms of being able to manage ascends and descents without needing help, and also able to function as responsible divers (in terms of of watching air, NDL, etc).
Accommodation & Meals
Our base for the trip is going to be the vessel Galapagos Master, a 32m vessel with 8 cabins taking 16 divers, and 11 crew.
The boat has an indoor saloon, an open air saloon, a sundeck, a separate camera station and bar.
Accommodation is in Classic Double/Twin rooms, with attached en suite facilities. Bath towels, deck towels and shampoo is provided.
The trip includes 7n stay with full board including breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Unlimited tea, coffee, juices, soft drinks and water are also provided.
Transfers, Visa and Insurance
Domestic Flights:
After flying to Ecuador, divers should book a flight to San Cristobal in the Galapagos, from where they will be boarding the vessel.
Visas:
Ecuador visa is a bit of a lengthy process – we have a good handle on this, and will advise people on how to go about it. The plan is to start the visa process in February 2026.
Insurance:
Diving insurance is mandatory. In addition, given the cost of the trip, travel insurance is highly recommended in case you have to cancel due to health or travel connection issues. You can purchase insurance using the links below or contact us if you need any assistance selecting a plan:
Dive Assure:
All plans: https://app.diveassure.com/#/registration/main/process/0/int/0/17014/en
DAN:
Annual plans: https://apps.dan.org/join-dan/?do=dw&rc=3209485
Short term plans: Contact us for a link to buy
Pricing
Trip Price:
$6800 per person (retail: $7140), for a classic Twin/Double cabin in the lower deck.
Premium Twin/Doubles are available for $7245 but subject to availability.
Payment schedule is as follows: $1800 to confirm the booking, $2000 by April 5 and the balance by July 1. The deposits are non-refundable when made – but if we get someone else to take over your spot, we will transfer your deposit to them and get them to reimburse you.
Extras:
- $200 Galapagos Park Fees and $20 Transit Control, to be paid at the airport
- Transfers from San Cristobal airport to the harbor
- Nitrox: $150, to be paid in advance on boarding
- Gratuity: $700 (cash only)
- Gear rental – see below
- Laundry and alcoholic beverages
Other Useful Info
- There is a 3% charge for credit card payments on the boat. Please carry enough USD cash for tips and airport fees
- We will have a Whatsapp group for coordinating the travel, visas and more
- It is recommended that divers extend their stay by a few days to explore Galapagos on land as well. The Whatsapp group will be aresource for planning/sharing this info, and we will provide details on some operators to contact for the same. However, those trip extensions are not an official part of this diving trip.
- Feel free to contact us on +919880334003 or +917044072204 if you have any questions, or email info@bangalorescuba.com
