Galápagos
Why
There is a place that holds incredible treasures, amazing history, is the basis for
Charles Darwin's evolution theory that rocked the foundations of religions and
even today is the source of many debates. There is a place where you will find
spontaneous volcanic explosions and geological processes. A place who’s name
comes from the giant tortoises that live there, and a place who's location has
provided a haven for the uniqueness of its animals, birds and plant.
Welcome to the Galápagos Islands!
The Galápagos Islands are one of the most intriguing and magical sites on earth.
This chain of 16 volcanic islands is made up of six small islands and ten islets,
located on the equator, approximately 1000 km west of the Ecuador coastline.
Together the islands create a terrestrial area of approximately 8000 sq ft.
Diving in the Galápagos Islands, you will encounter a diverse selection of mammals,
fish and reptiles. There are more than ten different species of whales and dolphins to
be seen at the Galápagos Islands including Baleen whales, large sea lions lying lazily
on the beaches that move at an incredible speed once in the water. Whale sharks are
also a common sight in these waters along with Galápagos sharks, hammerheads and
many other species, alongside gigantic schools of colorful fish. marine iguana basking
in the sun can be seen frequently plunging into the turquoise waters to enjoy a seaweed
meal, that grows on the basalt rocks. The rare 'Mola Mola', sunfish, can also be spotted
in certain places around the island and a wide range of friendly sea birds.
So to make a long story short, the Galápagos Islands are one of the
most amazing places to visit in the world... heaven on earth!
When
The Galápagos Islands are affected mainly by two tidal currents that
determine the seasons of the year.
January until June is known as the warm and humid season, which is
affected by warm tides coming from Panama Bay and sometimes El Nino.
July until December are cold and dry and influenced by the cold Humboldt
Current from the southern coast of Chile and Peru. During the cold months,
the temperatures range from 18C degrees at night up to 30C in the day,
and in the warm season from 24C degrees at night up to 38C in the day.
The water around the Galápagos Islands is a mixture of hot and cold,
between 18.5 to 29.5 Celsius.
It is a superb diving destination in both seasons and the breathtaking
views above and under water are truly an incredible sight.
How
The Galápagos Islands draw vacationers and divers from all over the world.
For us divers, there is no doubt that the best option is off shore diving from
a dive boat to get us to the best sites at the right time and ensure amazing
views. Liveaboard dive boats are the only way to reach the best dive sites
located at the Darwin and Wolf Islands. You can always add a land excursion
before or after sailing, in addition to the regular visits to land during the diving
excursion.
Excursions usually depart from San Cristobal Island which is the closest
island to the mainland. You may also set sail from Baltra Island, which is
also the meeting point with the guide that will accompany your trip.
Arrival at the Galápagos Islands is usually via a domestic flight from the capital
city Quito. The return flight is also via Quito, or via the coastal city Guayaquil,
where you board an international flight.
On arrival, we recommend you stay a day or two in Quito, to ensure your luggage
has arrived. Enjoy a visit in the colourful city, travel to the town of Otavalo where
you can find markets of the local tribes, and take tours to nearby active volcano sites.
כללי על היעד
אופי הצלילות
מה רואים
Diving in the Darwin Island region.
El Arco
An arch known as one of the most impressive and wild dive sites in the world!
This site is a cleaning station where you can meet many species of sharks such
as hammerheads, Galápagos sharks, tiger sharks, silky sharks, dolphins, huge
schools of many fish such as tuna, manta rays, turtles etc. During the months of
June to November, there is a great chance of meeting huge whale sharks.
Level: Suitable for experienced divers.
Depth: 12-30 m.
Diving in the Wolf Island region
The northernmost island, where hammerheads and Galápagos sharks are more
common than any other area in the archipelago. During the months of June to
November, there is a great chance of meeting huge whale sharks. Additionally
you can see schools of tuna, dolphins, manta rays, barracuda, sea lions, turtles
and more.
Level: Suitable for experienced divers.
Depth: 12-30 m.
Diving sites near Isabela Island
Punta Vincente Roca
On this island, the water is colder, but it is one of the most beautiful dives in the
area! Here you can observe unique species of penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas,
hundreds of 'Mola Mola' fish, cormorant birds that dive into the water, lobsters,
small Horn sharks and lots of small sea creatures like sea horses, nudibranchs,
frog fish, red-lipped batfish and more. You can also get a glimpse of the Port
Jackson shark- a 1.5m long shark-like fish.
Level: Suitable for all diver levels.
Depth: 6-30 m.
Cabo (Cape) Marshall
A vertical wall dive with an interesting volcanic rock structure. This is the place to
see large manta rays, reef sharks, sea lions, turtles, large schools of barracuda, yellow
fin tuna, groupers, snappers etc. Especially recommended from January to May.
Level: Suitable for experienced divers.
Depth: 10-30 m.
Diving on Fernandina Island
Cabo Douglas
At this dive site you can see unique penguins and sea iguanas, sea
lions, sea turtles, horned sharks, schools of snappers, grouper fish etc.
Level: Suitable for experienced divers.
Depth: 6-30 m.
Diving on Santiago Island
Cousin Rocks
A fascinating wall dive with a special rocky structure. On site you will encounter
manta rays, sea lions that love to play with the divers air bubbles, turtles, reef
sharks, hammerheads, sting rays, barracuda, grouper fish, and a variety of black
corals. This is also the home to small creatures such as scallops, blue prawns,
frog fish, sea horses and more... This site is suitable for a special night dive.
Level: Suitable for experienced divers.
Depth: 3-30 m.
Diving on Santa Cruz Island
Punta Carrion
The reef structure is rocky and full of boulders. Here you can meet hammerheads,
reef sharks, sea lions, sting rays, turtles, nudibranchs and more...
Level: Suitable for all diver levels.
Depth: 12-30 m.
Diving on Bartholomew Island
An impressive rocky structure formed from volcanic activity. A superb dive where
you can meet, barracudas, turtles, colorful coral reefs with reef fish such as giant
puffer fish, scorpion fish, hammerheads, reef sharks, pods of dolphins, grouper fish etc.
Level: Suitable for all diver levels.
Depth: 6-30 m.
The Galápagos Islands are unique not only for the number of active volcanoes on
the islands, this is the only place in the world where you can see large and natural
flocks of unique endemic animals that are nearly all 'human friendly'. Charles
Darwin's travels in the islands contributed greatly to the theory of evolution.
Large marine mammals can be observed on land and underwater. Sea lions are
very common here and form huge colonies on the beaches. Male sea lions are
easily distinguished from the females via a bump on the forehead. Unlike seals,
which are not found in this region, sea lions have protruding ears. You can
approach the sea lions to get a close and clear view.
Here you can also observe 9 species of whales, including the Blue Whale, the largest
creature on the planet, Sperm and Humpback Whales. Also to be seen are five species
of dolphins among them: the common Stenella dolphin, small dolphin characterized
by their spots and famous for their impressive whistle and also the Risso dolphin
otherwise known as "Monk Dolphin" and "Grampus".
Galápagos offers a great opportunity to encounter amazing species of sharks, enormous
whale sharks, Galápagos sharks, huge schools of hammerheads, giant tiger sharks and
silky sharks (with exceptionally smooth skin).
The reptile kingdom does not disappoint either. Galápagos offers a rare and unique
opportunity to observe assorted Marin iguanas, and endemic specie, that can dive to
a depth of 15 meters to graze their next meal.
On the island itself, huge tortoises can be seen, after which the islands are named.
Galápagos is also home to unique birds: The Galápagos Penguin are some of the only
penguins that live on the equator and the only ones to reach the northern hemisphere.
Galápagos Cormorants and Sula Birds from 3 different species are beautiful sea birds
with impressive diving and fishing abilities.
If all this is not enough, Galápagos is also the place to see the rare 'Mola Mola'
fish (sunfish) that reach over 3m long, beautiful and vibrant species of corals,
huge schools of open sea and reef fish, moray eels, octopuses and more...
International Time
GMT - 6 hours. There is an hour's time difference from Ecuador.
Entry Visa
You are required to present a valid passport with at least 6 months
validity from the date of entry. On arrival you will receive a T3 tourist
card. In addition, you will be required to present a return flight ticket.
for more information please contact the nearest embassy in your country.
Vaccines
There is a risk of malaria, mainly for travelers travelling in Ecuador and
the mainland itself before or after your trip to Galápagos. It is recommended
to take precautions against mosquito bites. Check to see that you have valid
tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis and polio vaccines. We recommend keeping
updated with your Ministry of Health website, regarding vaccines.
Medication and First Aid
Pre-equip yourself with enough personal medication. The chance of
obtaining specific drugs does not exist! Do not forget seasickness pills
if necessary. Pack a high factor sunscreen to protect you from prolonged
exposure to tropical weather.
Personal Documents
A passport with at least 6 months validity.
Travel and diving insurance- can be purchased on this site.
A credit card is accepted in most places (but only on some
of the boats) saving the need to carry excess cash.
Diving certificate, valid diving insurance and a diving logbook.
Photocopy of your passport, diving certificates and travel insurance.
Make sure to keep it in a separate file from the original documents.
Diving Equipment
It is recommended to bring your own equipment with which you
are accustomed to using, especially a mask and a dive computer.
Scuba diving with a computer is a must! Check your diving
equipment prior to your departure.Scuba diving equipment must
be booked in advance. Payment for the equipment will be directly
to the boat. The thickness of your wetsuit should be according to
the destination you choose and according to your personal comfort.
The waters around the Galapagos Islands are a mixture of hot and cold water
between 18.5 and 29.5 degrees Celsius. It is recommended to bring a 5 to 7 mm
wetsuit, hat and gloves or a dry suit with a thin thermal garment.
Important items for diving trips: an inflatable buoy to mark the location
connected to the roller and a reef anchor rope against strong currents, a
whistle attached to your BCD and simple gloves to grip the reef if necessary.
Photography
This is certainly a destination to document. The Galápagos Islands are one of the
most spectacular places to photograph above and below water, some say it is the
best site in the world! You do not have to be an expert photographer in order to take
spectacular photos to capture some amazing, unique and unforgettable moments.
Diving packages are available for most kinds of cameras, for photography above
and under water. Easy-to-use extreme cameras are also a popular choice. Our
instructors are experts on the subject and we will be happy to advise and assist
in purchasing an underwater photography kit and training prior to the trip.
Clothing
The Galápagos climate varies according to the seasons. The coldest months
are June to November, when temperatures range from 18C degrees at night to
30C during the day. The hot season is December to June and temperatures
range from 24C degrees at night up to 38C degrees during the day.
It is recommended to bring a tracksuit, sweatshirts and comfortable shoes for
hiking around the islands.We recommend you bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen,
binoculars, a bottle of water, insect repellant and a small bag for hiking.
The capital city of Quito is very high and cold and the town of Otobello is often
covered in snow. Ensure to pack warm clothing.
Flights
Domestic flights depart from the capital, Quito or Guayaquil city and are a
duration of approximately 3 hours to Galápagos, Isla Baltera or San Cristobal
Island. The boats sets sail from Isla Baltera or San Cristobal depending on the
boat you have booked.
General Flight Guidelines
When you receive your flight ticket, please ensure that your name is spelled
exactly as in your passport! Whilst checking in, make sure that the label on
your suitcase shows the final destination of your trip.You must arrive at the
airport at least 3 hours before departure. The number of bags and their weight
should comply with airline restrictions to avoid overweight charges.
Transportation, Arrival and Pick Up
Travel arrangements should include a night's stay before embarking on the boat,
preferably in Guayaquil or Quito. This is important to ensure timely and orderly
arrival and to ensure the arrival of your luggage. It is recommended to stay an
additional night on return from the cruise before flying home.
If you have made your own travel arrangements, it is important to inform which
hotel you will be staying in in order to receive a welcome card an information sheet.
We would also like to be able to inform you of any changes regarding the meeting
time at the airport or other changes up to 24 hours before boarding the boat. On the
date of your domestic flight, you must be at the airport in Quito or Guayaquil two
hours before the flight to Galápagos. The boat's representative will wait for you at
the airport and will assist you with the check in process and paying a mandatory
$10 Galápagos visiting card. Upon arrival at Galápagos airport, you must pay the
national park entrance fee. $100 to be paid in cash, please ensure to keep your receipt.
The boat's representative will meet you at the exit and will assist with transferring
your luggage to the boat. If you are planning to arrive independently to the boat,
please contact our office for appropriate information regarding the recommended
arrival time and the ship's berth.
Communication
Galápagos is a remote area. Phones, and internet are available in only populated
locations and the best recommendation is to totally disconnect and concentrate
on the landscapes and the atmosphere... if you can! If necessary, you can
communicate via the boats satellite communications system.
Galápagos Weather and Seasons
The warm and rainy season is between January and April. In the colder months the
temperature ranges from 18c degrees at night to 30c degrees during the day and in
the hot season temperatures can reach 24c degrees at night and up to 38c degrees
during the day. April is the wettest month. Seas might be high due to strong winds
and sailing to some of the islands may be difficult. For those with seasickness, it
is recommended that you have the right pills that can be taken when diving. Scuba
diving in Galápagos can be strenuous sometimes due to currents and tides. The
combination of the two also causes difficulties on the water's surface, as well as
changes in the water temperature poor visibility and diving from the boat.
Diving in Galápagos is not recommended for new divers and requires experience
in depth diving, currents and hours at sea. The best dives in this area can only be
accomplished off the dive boat and in fact almost none of the dives are directly
from the ship. Some sites have currents that we will use to dive in the direction
of the current or maintain one position with Reef Hook. Above surface use an
inflatable buoy to mark your location until the boat arrives to pick you up.
Underwater visibility is good, around 18-30 meters. Keep eye contact with the
group leader according to the dive site visibility conditions in each specific dive.
Land Excursions
Land tours are a must when visiting Galápagos and during the trip we make several
tours, mainly to the north Seymour Island, where you can observe flocks of seabirds
and Santa Cruz where visitors can watch the giant turtles.
We also recommend a night in San Cristobal to experience a wonderful island with
sea lions dozing on street benches is not a strange sight! Here there is also a Vistor's
Centre that offers extensive explanations about the Galápagos Islands and the animals
that live there.
It is also recommended to visit the city of Quito for at least one day. It is the safest
capital city in South America with interesting attractions that include the Equator
Museum, the Old Town and Otobello Market. You can also add a few days and visit
the impressive upper Amazon of Ecuador.
Electrical Supply
110 volts, 60 Hz, a two-hole American socket should be prepared in advance.
Money
The official local currency is the US dollar. Dollars and credit cards are
accepted by all tourist service providers and the price lists are listed in dollars.
Local Taxes
$100 per person National Park tax, paid at the airport upon arrival at Galápagos.
$20 per person for a Galápagos visa, paid at the airport prior to the flight to Galápagos.
$30 per person departure tax from Ecuador.
This data may change, without notice, as has already occurred in the past.
Tips
The usual tips on these cruises are 10-15% of the cost of the
cruise per person. We think $150 is quite sufficient.
Emergency Numbers and Decompression Chamber
The nearest decompression chamber is located at Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island,
hours away by boat. Implications for late treatment may be severe and therefore it is
best not to perform abnormal activities during your dives! One method of reducing the
risk is to dive in Nitrox when the computer is in air mode and thus increases the safety
factor. If necessary, the ship will manage the evacuation.
24/7 Decompression Chamber Emergency Phone: (593) 5-526-911.
