Diving in Galapagos

Within the many wonders of our world, our oceans and seas have been the least explored.

The Galapagos Islands, and its Marine Reserve (largest one in America), declared World Heritage Site in 2001, await the arrival of more visitors in the coming years.

In Galapagos, not only land visitor sites can be explored, but also their waters, and more so their submarine highlights.

Diving With Seals

Better yet, when we are near the peak of the Hot Season (January to July) where tropical temperatures and great visibility, dominate the dive sites of the Marine Reserve.

Certainly, a fascinating place for scuba diving in Galapagos.

But, of course, what are the benefits of diving in Galapagos? Here's a list of the most tangible benefits:

• The Islands are known as the Galapagos Marine Reserve This guarantees visitors that the diving is done in a protected area of the country.

  Thus, divers find no evidence of high environmental impact.

• The diversity of species in the same dive site.
• Endemism (uniqueness) of about 20% of what divers see.
• No more than 30,000 divers per year.
• Number One place in the Pacific Ocean where divers will plan a return trip.
• Dive among penguins, sea turtles, seals and more exciting marine wildlife in Galapagos.

To feel the true essence of diving in Galapagos, you don't need previous experience, nor your own equipment, since it is all provided by most tour operators in the Islands.

This short course includes theoretical and practical activities explaining the technical implications of diving in the Islands.

Then you are ready to test the equipment... and in a matter of minutes you'll be exploring the amazing aquatic world of Galapagos surrounded by friendly hammerhead sharks, rays, angel fishes, sea lions.

Also dive among parrot fishes, sea turtles, jacks, eels, groupers, scorpion fish, reef sharks.

And of course the always attractive invertebrates, and a variety of marine birds, that make these wonderful islands a world to be discovered.

The waters of these Islands are cool, and diving in Galapagos is for the wildlife lover.

For the photographer, the Islands provides as many surprises as it does on land.

The sharks are friendly, playful sea lions, you can also observe penguins diving with marine iguanas. It's just lovely...

And, what are the current options for Diving in Galapagos?

• Scuba diving (ships) available with Metropolitan Touring's voyages when visiting Santa Cruz Island or as pre/post tour options.
• Land based or Diving Tours are available at Finch Bay Galapagos Islands hotel with rewarding packages.
• Open Water Scuba Diving Certification available at this hotel.
• Continuous Education (Advanced, Rescue, EFR, etc) upon request

Recommended Galapagos Reading:

Marine Life of the Galapagos: Divers' Guide to the Fish, Whales, Dolphins and Marine Invertebrates
A definitive guide that introduces many new species of marine life never seen before, and rich with stunning color photography and underwater shots. Written for readers and divers with a passion for visiting a world-acclaimed diving destination.

More About Galapagos:

Galapagos Vacation Packages

Bartolome Island

Santa Fe Island

Pinzon Island

Pictures of Galapagos Islands