Diving Itinerary
Get familiar with everyday diving during the Liveaboard
Embark on an eight-day journey through one of the most extraordinary marine sanctuaries on Earth. Our Galapagos liveaboard expedition takes you all the way to the legendary Darwin & Wolf Marine Sanctuary and into the heart of the archipelago’s iconic diving spots, where currents bring life, schools of hammerhead sharks circle in the blue, sea lions play at the surface, and marine iguanas glide over volcanic reefs. And if you join us during the Humboldt season, you may even witness the giants of the ocean: the magnificent whale sharks.
Your adventure begins the moment you step aboard after arrival at the airport. Check day by day how the expedition will be.
Diving expedition to Darwin & Wolf
The map below gives you an overview of the route, starting from Santa Cruz Island (Baltra) and navigating through the Galapagos Marine Reserve. To complete the journey, the last day includes a special visit to see the iconic giant Galapagos tortoises before returning to the airport.
Ful Itinerary
Summary of your diving expedition
Day 1
Arrival and Check Dive
AM - Baltra airport
Welcome to Galapagos. As soon as you land at Baltra Airport, your naturalist guide will meet you and accompany you to the Itabaca Channel. This first transfer already connects you with the islands, taking you on a short ferry ride to Santa Cruz. On the way, you will pass through the dry, volcanic landscape of Baltra, which was once used as a U.S. airbase during World War II. It is the perfect introduction to the many stories and surprises that will unfold during your adventure.
PM - Baltra Northeast Check Dive
Today marks the beginning of your diving adventure aboard the Galaxy Diver II. From the port of Baltra, we will assist you with your luggage and take you to the yacht, where you can settle in and get ready for the journey ahead.
Before heading to the northern islands, we start with a check dive at Baltra Northeast (1 immersion) to refresh our skills and test all equipment in the water. With clear conditions and the first glimpses of Galapagos marine life, it is the perfect start to an unforgettable expedition.
Day 2
Let's start our diving expedition
AM - Punta Carrion
As the sun rises on our first full day of diving aboard the Galaxy Diver II, the excitement builds for our opening dive at Punta Carrion (2 immersions). With our gear ready and guided by our experienced dive masters, we enter the clear waters off Santa Cruz Island. As we descend, the visibility opens up beautifully and the site comes to life, with schools of fish swimming across the blue, curious sea lions gliding around the rocky formations, and the rich marine world of the Galapagos greeting us from the very first dive.
PM - In route to Darwin & Wolf
We continue exploring the vivid and colorful world of tropical fish, spotting groups of surgeonfish, angelfish, and parrotfish. If we are lucky, we may even find a few secretive seahorses hiding among the reef’s crevices. Later, we gather to share stories of our underwater adventures while the onboard cook prepares a delicious lunch on the Galaxy Diver. In the late afternoon, we set off on a 14 hour journey across the Galapagos Sea toward Wolf Island.
Day 3
Diving at the Marine Sanctuary Darwin & Wolf
AM - Darwin & Wolf Marine Sanctuary
Shark Bay (1 immersion) at Wolf Island is one of the most exhilarating dive sites in the Galapagos. Its waters are home to large schools of hammerhead and Galapagos sharks, while rays, sea turtles, and colorful tropical fish fill the reef. After an unforgettable dive, we move to La Banana (1 immersion) for a more playful but equally mesmerizing experience, where curious sea lions dart and twirl around us, showing off their incredible agility in their natural habitat.
PM - Magnificent Wolf Island Landslide
The Derrumbe (1 immersion) at Wolf Island is one of the most famous dive sites in the Galapagos, accessible only by liveaboard. Named after German geologist Theodor Wolf, who mapped and studied the archipelago, this marine sanctuary is full of life. Next, comes La Ventana (1 immersions), another iconic diving spot. We will find schools of hammerhead and Galapagos sharks that dominate the scene, while rays, sea turtles, marine mammals, and a variety of tropical fish complete the vibrant underwater world, making every dive an extraordinary adventure.
Day 4
Diving in the famous Darwin's Arch
AM - The Darwin Island
Located deep in the Pacific, Darwin Island is a marine sanctuary known for its remarkable biodiversity. Together with Wolf, it is considered one of the world’s premier dive destinations. At El Arenal (2 immersions), the famous site beneath the arches of Darwin, nutrient rich waters create an impressive underwater scene. Dolphins hunt through schools of fish while hammerhead and Galapagos sharks cruise along the drop off. Lucky divers may encouter giant whale sharks, tiger sharks, and even orcas. With moderate to strong currents and excellent visibility, this site delivers an unforgettable experience for every diving enthusiast.
PM - The legendary Darwin's Arch
We head to Darwin’s Tower, known around the world as Darwin’s Arch (2 immersions), one of the most iconic dive sites on the planet. This impressive rock formation marks a meeting point for the extraordinary marine life of the Galapagos. Beneath the surface, an inspiring scene appears with coral reefs full of color, schools of tropical fish, and the elegant silhouettes of hammerhead sharks moving through the blue. Diving here is an experience unlike any other, one that stays with you long after you surface.
Day 5
Last divings at the Marine Sanctuary Darwin & Wolf
AM - Back to El Arenal
We will come back again to El Arenal (2 immersions), one of the most remarkable sites at Darwin Island. Located deep in the Pacific, this marine sanctuary is famous for its rich biodiversity and is considered, together with Wolf, one of the world’s top dive destinations. In the nutrient rich waters beneath the arches of Darwin, dolphins hunt through schools of fish while hammerhead and Galapagos sharks move along the drop off. With luck, divers may encounter giant whale sharks, tiger sharks, or even orcas passing through the blue. With strong currents and excellent visibility, El Arenal offers an unforgettable experience for every diving enthusiast.
PM - Last views of Wolf
After an exciting morning dive, we return to El Derrumbe, a site shaped by underwater cliffs and caves where life gathers in every corner. Sea turtles glide along the rock walls, eagle rays move silently through the blue, and playful sea lions often join us with their curious behavior. This site is also known for the rare opportunity to observe bull sharks in shallow waters.
We then continue to Shark Bay, a beautiful site where Galapagos sharks patrol the drop off and schools of fish fill the reef. From July to November, this area may also offer encounters with the impressive whale shark, creating a truly unforgettable moment in the far northern islands.
Day 6
The diving expedition continues
AM - Iguanas and their natural habitat
We begin the morning with a dive at Douglas Cape, one of the few places in the world where you can observe Galapagos marine iguanas in their natural routine. Before diving, they warm up on the shore under the sun, preparing for their underwater feeding session. For a short window of about twenty minutes, they swim gracefully through the water as they feed on algae, a striking contrast to their rugged appearance on land. When they return to the rocks, they expel excess salt in a characteristic spitting motion. Alongside these unique reptiles, divers may also encounter Galapagos penguins, sharks, and schools of colorful tropical fish.
PM - Vicente Roca Point
Vicente Roca Point is one of the most striking coastal landscapes in the Galapagos, framed by towering cliffs and dramatic volcanic formations. Although there are no walking trails, a dinghy ride along the shoreline allows you to experience its wildlife up close. Here you can spot Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, blue footed boobies, pelicans, sea turtles, marine iguanas, and Galapagos fur seals resting on the rocks. The deep surrounding waters often attract dolphins and whales, adding a touch of excitement to this already unforgettable visit.
Day 7
Closing the expedition with giant Galapagos tortoises
AM - Where Mobula Rays pass by
Our final dive takes us to Cousin Rock (2 immersions), a beautiful site where corals and gorgonians form an impressive underwater landscape. Seahorses, reef fish, and colorful nudibranchs hide among the rocks, while coral hawkfish move quickly around their territory. As we descend, we may see eagle rays gliding through the blue or a white tip shark resting quietly in a crevice. With a bit of luck, schools of barracudas or mobula rays might pass by. To finish the experience, playful sea lions often join us, adding a perfect final touch to our Galapagos diving adventure.
PM - Highlands and giant Galapagos tortoises
Enjoy a scenic journey into the lush highlands of Santa Cruz, where the landscape shifts from coastal arid zones to green, humid forests. In this peaceful reserve and relaxed trail you can observe giant Galapagos tortoises grazing freely in their natural habitat, some reaching impressive sizes. The area is also home to a variety of endemic birds, including Darwin finches, Galapagos flycatchers, barn owls, and white cheeked pintails. If included in your itinerary, you will also explore a lava tunnel, a fascinating reminder of the volcanic forces that shaped these remarkable islands.
Day 8
Check out and airport transfer
AM/PM - Baltra airport
Your Galapagos adventure comes to an end. After enjoying your last breakfast on board and completing check out, you will be transferred to Baltra Airport, where your National Park naturalist guide will assist with the final details before your flight back to mainland Ecuador. As you say goodbye to this incredible paradise, take with you the unforgettable memories of one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations.