North Galapagos Islands 8-Day Diving Cruise

Have you ever dreamed of exploring the underwater wonders of the Galapagos Islands? Join this incredible 8-day cruise in the northern region of the archipelago, where you will uncover some of the most remarkable dive sites imaginable. This journey promises to be an unforgettable experience!

8-Day Diving Adventure in the North Galapagos Islands

Day 1: Arrival at Baltra Island

Welcome to the enchanting Galapagos! Our team will greet you at the Baltra airport and escort you to the vessel for an exciting 8-day exploration of the North Galapagos Islands. Get ready to set sail!

During the initial leg of our journey, you'll enjoy a delicious meal on board while receiving essential guidelines for the first dive of our trip. Later in the afternoon, we will anchor in the northeastern section of Baltra Island, an ideal starting point for our diving adventure. Beneath the waves, we can expect to encounter intriguing volcanic rock formations and unique marine life, including white-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, rays, and playful sea lions.

As the day winds down, we will return to the ship for a relaxing dinner.

Day 2: Discovering Isabela Island

We’ll kick off the day with breakfast on board. Next, we will drop anchor at Isabela Island, specifically at Cape Marshall. Equipped with our diving gear, we will explore this captivating cape that lies near the equator and the majestic Wolf volcano. Look out for Galapagos, hammerhead, and white-tip sharks, alongside fascinating black corals adorning the volcanic cliffs.

Afterward, we will navigate to the renowned "manta ray city," where you’ll have the chance to swim alongside the giant manta rays of Isabela. Following this remarkable encounter, we’ll head back to the vessel for dinner and set sail overnight towards Darwin.

Days 3, 4, & 5: Unveiling Darwin & Wolf Islands

During the 3rd, 4th, and 5th days, we will submerge ourselves in the breathtaking dive sites of Darwin and Wolf Islands, recognized as some of the most premier locations for scuba diving in the Galapagos!

Throughout these three days, we will savor meals on board while visiting these captivating dive spots:

• Darwin's Arch: Although nature's hand has worn away parts of the arch, diving around this area is nothing short of spectacular! Expect to encounter hammerhead sharks and even the majestic whale sharks, the largest fish species on the planet.
• El Arenal: Just a stone's throw from Darwin's Arch lies El Arenal, a sanctuary for hammerhead and whale sharks, as well as various dolphins and whales.
• Shark Bay: Located on the eastern shores of Wolf Island, here the waters are shallower. You might spot hawksbill and Pacific green turtles alongside spotted eagle rays and sea lions.
• The Landslide: This key dive site on Wolf Island features swift currents, lending an exhilarating edge to your exploration. Here, typical Indo-Pacific marine life abounds, highlighted by Pavona corals.
• The Pinnacle & The Caves: Explore some of the island's most stunning underwater caves, encountering puffer fish, moray eels, grey reef sharks, round ribbontail rays, and hidden lobsters.
• The Secret Cave & Anchorage: If timing allows, we’ll indulge in two night dives at the intriguing Secret Cave and Anchorage on Wolf Island.

Day 6: Enriching Isabela & Fernandina Islands

We'll fuel up with breakfast before diving at Vicente Roca Point on Isabela Island. Here, we will enter a shadowy cave beneath a dramatic arch, revealing sights of sharks, penguins, puffer fish, seahorses, and the elusive ocean sunfish.

Post-lunch, we will enjoy a break before diving at Cape Douglas on Fernandina Island, where we may spot cormorants and marine iguanas.

We’ll wrap up the day back on the vessel for a complete dinner.

Day 7: Santiago & Santa Cruz Islands

After a hearty breakfast, we will gear up for diving at Cousin's Rock off Santiago Island. This volcanic formation is a haven for wildlife, including blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, Galapagos sea lions, and penguins.

In the afternoon, we will journey to Santa Cruz Island and explore the El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve, home to the remarkable Galapagos tortoises. Immerse yourself in the tales of these iconic creatures.

As the evening rolls in, we will return to the ship for our final dinner together.

Day 8: Farewell at Baltra Island

As our adventure concludes, we will enjoy breakfast before escorting you back to Baltra airport. This marks the end of our exceptional 8-day diving cruise. Safe travels!

Accommodation Details

Your stay will encompass 7 nights on the Aqua vessel with full board included. When booking, you may choose between lower or upper deck accommodations.

Flight Information

To join us on this cruise, please arrange your roundtrip flights according to the following schedule:

If Departing from Quito

• Outbound flight: AVIANCA - AV1632. Departure from Quito at 8:04 am. Arrival in Baltra at 10:48 am.
• Return flight: AVIANCA - AV1633. Departure from Baltra at 11:38 am. Arrival in Quito at 4:15 pm.

If Departing from Guayaquil

• Outbound flight: AVIANCA - AV1632. Departure from Guayaquil at 9:53 am. Arrival in Baltra at 10:48 am.
• Return flight: AVIANCA - AV1633. Departure from Baltra at 11:38 am. Arrival in Guayaquil at 2:29 pm.