Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Nov 15 - 23 & Nov 23 - Dec 1, 2025

land-Based Dive Safari

Explore the central islands of the Galapagos archipelago during this 8-night safari style trip. Experience the best dive sites of the region and famous land attractions, all based from our top-rated hotel in the charming oceanside town of Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz.

$1899/person

(price reflects accommodations in a standard double occupancy room; options available)

Limited spaces available…reserve yours!

dive

Accessible only through Ecuador, this world-renowned national park and marine reserve offers a chance to dive the wild ocean and view nature in it's purest state. The park consists of more than 13 main islands, hundreds of smaller rocks and islets and the 50,000 square miles of ocean surrounding them. Of the 4 inhabited islands, Santa Cruz lies almost directly in the center of the archipelago, and thus provides the best base from which to explore. Santa Cruz provides easy access to daily dive safari sites suitable for all levels of diver, including Gordon Rocks (the central islands premiere site for hammerheads), sea lion colonies, sea turtle cleaning stations, spectacular drift dives and the possibility of unexpected visitors like mantas and dolphins.

Located in the heart of Puerto Ayora, our partner dive center is family owned and operated. We promote safe and responsible dive practices while embracing the wild spirit of the Galápagos Islands. Dive from a comfortable fast-boat, designed especially for Galapagos diving, equipped with the latest safety and communications technology and designated specifically for Inside Under divers. Join four days of two morning dives with the option to add additional dives throughout the week.

Delicious home cooked lunches of local cuisine, snacks and drinks are included with each day of diving, as well as all rental equipment. Experience the best diving around the central islands of the Galapagos, with plenty of time out of water to explore some of the land-based attractions like Galapagos tortoise preserves, Charles Darwin Research Station tours, volcano hikes, mountain biking, surfing and much more.

Recommendations: Divers should be comfortable diving in moderate current, cool water and choppy surface conditions. Divers are recommended to dive with Nitrox if certified as it will reduce nitrogen load throughout the trip. Ask about getting Nitrox certified with Alex prior to the trip.

stay - hotel Ninfa

Also located in the heart of Puerto Ayora, the capital of Santa Cruz Island, Hotel Ninfa is your personal oasis in the middle of the enchanted islands. Relax in your private room, equipped with deluxe amenities (A/C, WIFI, hot water, television) and enjoy the hotel’s luxury pool and jacuzzi, recreation room and bar when you’re not out adventuring. Hotel Ninfa represents the gold standard of Galapagos hospitality in Puerto Ayora. You’ll start each day with a full nutritious breakfast buffet, included in your stay.

Find the dive shop, waterfront park, bars, restaurants and hiking/beach trails right outside your door. Access all of the attractions around Puerto Ayora within minutes. Venture the nature trail to Tortuga Bay, an incredible white sand beach perfect for a beach day or a surf lesson. Ride bicycles from the upper cloud forests down to the shore, explore a tortoise nursery or take a fishing charter. The possibilities are endless!

conservation & Environmental stewardship

The Galapagos National Park protects some of the most pristine and valuable natural resources on the planet. They, alongside the Charles Darwin Research Station provide ample opportunity to get involved with ongoing conservation efforts. During our trip you will have the option to participate in a clean-up of one of the National Park’s most coveted beaches.

Part of the proceeds of your trip will be donated to the Charles Darwin Research Station and Galapagos National Park. Inside Under will also provide insight on how to minimize your ecological footprint during your travels.

GUIDE - ALEX LICHTBLAU

Alex called Santa Cruz, Galápagos home for a year and began his diving career there. He learned to dive in 2011 and spent the next year advancing up through Rescue diver and familiarizing himself with Galápagos dive sites and conditions, with over 120 logged dives there. During that time he also worked for the Charles Darwin Research Station, and developed an intimate knowledge of the ecosystems and wildlife of the famous islands.

During your trip, Alex will serve not only as one of your dive buddies in the water, but as your personal expert liaison to the islands and all of their diving & non-diving attractions. Alex is fluent in Spanish and his relationships guarantee you a genuine local experience like no one else can provide. Dive the best spots with Alex and your private Galapagos Marine Reserve divemasters, eat at local favorites and enjoy the most popular adventures.

Rely on Alex for all of your pre-trip planning and booking needs, as well as during your time on Galápagos. Vacation like a local and trust Inside Under with your bucketlist!

See the full trip reports from past Galapagos Dive Safaris!

Optional activities

There is plenty to do and see besides the diving in Galapagos. Join Alex on a tour of the Charles Darwin Research Station, Galapagos giant tortoise nursery and Tortuga Bay beach. Optional activities include a guided hike to the famous Las Grietas swimming hole, a guided tour of a giant tortoise preserve, bike rides from the highlands to the ocean, surfing, exploring volcanic craters and tunnels, and much more. Ask Inside Under to help plan the rest of your time on the most famous islands in the world.

Good Eats

For any and all of the meals not included in the package, Alex will be visiting all of his favorite restaurants around Puerto Ayora and he’d love to share them with you. Want something different? Need help making reservations? Ask for Alex’s assistance.

Connection information

All the information you will need to get to Galapagos will be provided to make your travel experience as seamless as possible.

BOOKING AND PAYMENT INFORMATION

Have more questions? Ready to get in the water? Securing a spot is easy, and so is learning more! In order to secure your spot, there is an initial $250 deposit, and the remainder will be paid in three installments; the first being $500, paid by May 1, 2024, the second being 50% of the balance paid by July 1, 2024, and the third and final payment being the final 50% of the balance, paid by September 1, 2024. Ask Alex about payment method options. Deposit is fully-refundable until two months prior to the trip date.

(3% fee for payment by credit card)