8 Day Galapagos Island Hopping For Divers

Day 1 · Transfer in From Baltra Airport + Highlands

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   Reserva El Chato

   2 h 15 min Admission included

   From the Village of Santa Rosa you can hike down through the Guayabillo forest to the Tortoise Reserve, though it is easier to view them on one of the farms where they share the fields with cattle, watch out for the only “TORTOISE CROSSING” signs in the world !

   There are also many mosses, ferns and other epiphytes on the trees, watch out for the small and large tree Finches, from Los Gemelos the road descends in a straight line to Itabaca Channel which separates Santa Cruz from Baltra, almost immediately it turns into the transitional zone and then, in marked contrast to the south side, there is a very long dry-zone.

   From the Village of Santa Rosa you can hike down through the Guayabillo forest to the Tortoise Reserve, though it is easier to view them on one of the farms where they share the fields with cattle, watch out for the only “TORTOISE CROSSING” signs in the world !

Hotel Galapagos Dreams or similar

Day 2 · Ferry to Isabela + Tintoreras

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   Las Tintoreras

   2 h 30 min Admission not included

   TINTORERAS, where we can do some snorkeling and watch the different species of fishes, corals

   and resting sea turtles. Then we’ll continue with the boat along the coast watching species like:

   blue-footed boobies, penguins, pelicans and frigate birds. Reaching the Isle of TINTORERAS,

   we’ll get to know the blue shark, marine iguanas and sea lions.

Hotel Gran Tintorera or similar

Day 3 · Los Túneles + Ferry Back to Santa Cruz Island

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   Los Tuneles

   5 hours

   Los Tuneles. Canals in the lava rocks with bridges and caves. Cactus grow on the rocks and many big turtles, rays and fish can be seen swimming in the canals and pools filled with sea-water.

   includes snorkeling at a similar nearby site where sea-horses and sharks can be seen.

   Los Tuneles, Isabela-Galapagos had heard a lot about Los Tuneles, but the one thing that made me want to go there was this: “It’s like snorkeling in an aquarium.”

   It takes about an hour to get to Los Tuneles from Puerto Villamil, but what a glorious hour it is! There is an oceanic path of sorts that is primarily shallow water near the shore. So on the way, we got to see giant manta on the surface, so many sea turtles I was afraid we might run over one, and of course, those vistas on the land

hotel Galapagos Dreams or similar

Day 4 · Diving North Seymour

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   Stop 1

   6 hours

   North Seymour and Mosqueras offer stunning diving experiences with diverse marine life, including eagle rays, manta rays, hammerheads, white-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos sharks, stingrays, moray eels, sea turtles, and massive schools of fish.

   North Seymour has two dive sites: the ocean side, where rocky slopes attract manta rays, hammerheads, and reef fish, and the channel side, which has strong currents and Galapagos sharks.

   Mosqueras is a shallow sand islet known for sea lions, hammerheads, garden eels, and cleaning stations where snappers gather. Photographers love the thriving underwater biodiversity, from tiny nudibranchs to massive mantas.

   Currents range from moderate to strong, with thermoclines visible at 45 ft and 75 ft, creating a mesmerizing effect underwater. Water temperatures vary by season, from 68°F to 78°F.

Hotel Galapagos Dreams or Similar

Day 5 · Diving Gordon rocks (2 stars license and 25 dives of experience are necessary, otherwise it is a different diving site)

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   Stop 1

   6 hours

   Gordon Rock is one of the top dive sites in the central Galapagos, known for its challenging currents and thrilling marine life. A remnant of a crater, it's often called “the washing machine” due to strong surge and currents.

   Expect schools of hammerhead sharks, eagle rays, Galapagos sharks, manta rays, turtles, and abundant fish. Sea lions and endemic fur seals may also make an appearance.

   The site features drift dives, walls, and submerged pinnacles, with depths from 6m to 40m. Visibility ranges 6m–18m, and water temps vary from 20–25°C depending on the season.

   Best for advanced divers!

Hotel Galapagos Dreams or similar

Day 6 · Ferry to San Cristobal Island + Free Time in San Cristobal Island

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   San Cristobal

   Passing by

   Recommended sites to visit:

   -Las Loberias Beach

   -Visit the Treehouse, as part of a trip to a gorgeous beach, Giant Tortoises and a Crater Lake

   -Watch the Sunset at Punta Carola

   -Visit the Interpretation Centre

   -Walk up Frigate Bird / Cerro Tijeratas Hill for a spectacular view

   -Hang out with Sea Lions

   Saving the best for last! Without doubt, our highlight on San Cristobal were the sea lions. These guys are literally everywhere, in far greater quantities than on any of the other islands, lying on benches, in the road, on boats… yep, generally everywhere you can imagine.

   They are very used to humans (although you aren’t supposed to get within 2 metres of any animal in the Galapagos), so are easy to take photos of. They are also endearingly, unbelievably cute. We visited in December, which happened to coincide with sea lion babies being everywhere. And if there’s anything cuter than a baby sea lion wobbling across the sand, I don’t know what it is. So yes, sea lions. You can’t miss them.

Hotel Algarrobos or similar

Day 7 · Diving Kicker Rock

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   Kicker Rock

   6 hours

   Kicker Rock, or “Leon Dormido”, is one of the most spectacular landmarks in the Galapagos Islands. Towering 140 meters, it resembles a sleeping sea lion or a boot, depending on the angle.

   A top snorkeling and diving site, its narrow channel reaches 19m deep, attracting hammerhead sharks, eagle rays, and Galapagos sharks. The mild currents make it accessible to intermediate divers.

   Above water, frigate birds and blue-footed boobies nest on its cliffs. Located an hour from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, it’s a perfect day trip from San Cristóbal, combining stunning scenery with incredible marine life.

Hotel Algarrobos or similar

Day 8 · Transfer Out to San cristobal Airport

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   Stop 1

   10 min

   Transfer Out to San Cristóbal Airport