Diving tour to discover Galagagos islands’marine biodiversity

Day 1 : Quito Airport

Welcome to Ecuador !

A proverb says *Traveling leaves you speechless at first, before turning you into a storyteller*

… Let the adventure start in the country of the middle of the world ! Chulla vida ! You will take a flight of about 2 hours from Quito to Baltra. An English-speaking driver-guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. You will visit an interpretation center focused on the natural and human history of the archipelago.

Behind the center there is a path through cactus and lava fields, which will lead you to the Tijeretas Hill. From its viewpoint you can observe the flight of the frigates birds. On the way you will probably have smelled the scent of the *Palo Santo*, these trees whose resin is appreciated as incense.

Below, you can take to the water to enjoy the coolness of this protected cove. Night at Opuntia hotel in Standard room.

Day 2 : Kicker Rock

Kicker Rock is an emblematic rock located off the coast of San Cristobal. This 153 meter high tufa cone is split in two and the protected channel between its two parts serves as a refuge for a very important biodiversity. Therefore, it offers unique conditions for observing the deep sea fauna.

You will get there by fast boat in 45 minutes.

You will be able to observe on the rock in the shape of a sleeping lion, frigate birds, blue-footed boobies and sea wolves.

While diving you will see many tropical fish, sea turtles, sea lions and sometimes non-aggressive sharks. Night at Opuntia hotel in Standard room.

Day 3 : Puerto Ayora

A private Spanish speaking driver will take you from your hotel to the port. The crossing from San Cristobal to Santa Cruz is done aboard a fast public boat and takes between 2 and 3 hours. A Spanish speaking driver will pick you up at the port of Santa Cruz and take you to your hotel. You will visit the island’s Highlands.

This lush landscape is in contrast with the arid lands of most of the small islands of the archipelago. During your ride, you will pass through different ecosystems, from the dry areas covered with *Opuntia* cactus to the *Scalesia* woods on the heights. You will visit a finca to observe closely the giant turtles in their natural habitat.

An additional surprise awaits you with a visit to the lava tunnels more than a kilometer long. They were formed by the solidification of the periphery of the lava flows, while the liquid lava continued to circulate inside.

Free time in Santa Cruz. Suggested visit: Charles Darwin Science Station.

The station is not only a place for research, but also for the preservation and reintroduction of the main species of turtles and iguanas of the archipelago. It is therefore a unique opportunity to see all these emblematic animals of the islands in one place. Night at Villa Laguna hotel in Standard room.

Day 4 : Puerto Ayora

This morning, the dive center will pick you up at your hotel at the time defined the day before (the return will be around 4pm in the afternoon in Puerto Ayora). You will dive twice a day.

Every day you swim different islands and dive sites. The programs will be established based on the level of the divers and climatic conditions.

The boat has a capacity of 10 divers and crew and has radio , GPS, air therapy, first- aid equipment)

– Monday : FLOREANA

– Tuesday : GORDON

– Wednesday: MOSQUERA and SEYMOUR CHANNEL

– Thursday : COUSINS and BARTOLOME

– Friday : MOSQUERA and DAPHNE

– Saturday : SEYMOUR NORTHEAST and SEYMOUR CHANNEL

– Sunday : PLAZAS and GORDON

*NOTES:*

– *Minimum of level required : 20 certified dives.*

* at least 25 dives and have been diving for the last 18 months is required for those departures.*

– *The diving equipment is included. Full gear kit is included as follows: Wetsuit integral 7mm, Boots, Fins, Snorkel Gear, Gloves , Dive Light, Oktupus, BCD*
– *You will go to the dive center the day before, in order to prepare your diving equipment for the day’s outings.* Night at Villa Laguna hotel in Standard room.

Day 5 : Puerto Ayora

The island South Plazas is next to Santa Cruz and was created by underwater ascents of lava. You will get there by fast boat.

You will be picked up at your hotel and a private bus will take you directly to the boat pier.

The island is home to one of the largest colonies of sea lions. It has endemic vegetation, the most characteristic of which is *Sesuvium* (which turns bright red during the dry season, creating a magnificent contrast), but also the *Opuntia* cactus.

You will be able to walk among the sea lions on its beautiful white sand beach.

*NOTE: 2 hours round trip by boat. Capacity of the boat: 16 people.* Night at Villa Laguna hotel in Standard room.

Day 6 : Puerto Ayora

You will be taken by private transportation from your hotel to Baltra airport.

On your way, you will stop on the island’s Highlands.

This lush landscape is in contrast with the arid lands of most of the small islands of the archipelago. During your ride, you will pass through different ecosystems, from the dry areas covered with *Opuntia* cactus to the *Scalesia* woods on the heights. You will visit a finca to observe closely the giant turtles in their natural habitat.

An additional surprise awaits you with a visit to the lava tunnels more than a kilometer long. They were formed by the solidification of the periphery of the lava flows, while the liquid lava continued to circulate inside. You will take a flight from Baltra to Guayaquil. Free connection with your international flight.