Galapagos, Ecuador
November 16 - 24, 2024 - 7 divers
The Galapagos Islands are a volcanic archipelago located 600 miles off the west coast of Ecuador. Site of the confluence of multiple major ocean currents, the Galapagos Islands are home to a wide variety of endemic creatures (found only in one place). The Galapagos Marine Reserve and National Park are some of the best protected natural areas in the world. The mixing of vastly different currents makes the Galapagos ideal for a strange lineup of creatures large and small. The cold currents provides the necessary habitat for sea lions and penguins, while the warm water sustains tropical fish translocated from the Indo-Pacific. The highlight of diving in Galapagos is the abundance of large pelagic creatures like sharks, rays, turtles, cetaceans and more, as the water around the islands is incredibly deep and packed with action.
This year’s package included 8 dives spread out over the course of the week. Some of the signature dives included 2 days at the famous open-water volcanic crater called Gordon Rocks, shallow sand flats abundant with marine creatures large and small and a massive school of endemic black-striped salema at Daphne Minor
Unseasonably warm and clear conditions made for superbly comfortable diving. We experienced the best the central archipelago has to offer, with schools of hammerheads, mild current, 4 Mola molas on one dive and even a surface encounter with pilot whales and a silky shark en route to Gordon Rocks.
Galapagos Dive Safari is an annual trip on the Inside Under calendar. Secure your spot for 2025 here!
Trip Report
Trip type - 8-night land-based dive safari
Inside Under Island Guide - Alex Lichtblau
Dive operator - Eagle Ray Tours
Accommodations - Hotel Ninfa
# of dives - 8
Visibility - 50-60 feet
Water temperature - 75 degrees F
Air temperature - 71 (nighttime low) - 80 (daytime high)
Weather - Overcast with mottled sunshine, cool mornings and evenings, warm afternoons
Moon phase - Full moon on November 15
Current - mild, up to 2 knot current at Seymour Point
Specialty dives - drift dives
Wildlife highlights - Schooling mobulas and hammerhead sharks, oceanic-black tip sharks, Mola molas, pilot whales, Galapagos sharks, marbled stingrays, green sea turtles, flamingos, marine iguanas, Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies
Trips Reviews
“Alex did a great job of managing the trip and taking care of any concerns. I enjoyed not needing to do a lot of research before hand in order to make the trip enjoyable and successful. Highly recommend both the Galapagos location as well as any trip with Inside Under!”
“Alex is a true professional. Safety is always a first priority and enjoyment is close behind. You can feel the love he has for the ocean & environment.”
by Alex Lichtblau
I first dived in the Galapagos in 2011. It inspired in me an unmatched passion...the ocean. Since then I've travelled the world, diving, exploring and building my own dive travel and dive instruction business, Inside Under Dive & Travel. To learn more about me, my passion, and my business see my bio. Also, learn more about future dive trips and certification courses.