Galapagos, Ecuador
November 15 - 23, 2025 - 8 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. During our week based in Santa Cruz, we dived every accessible site in the central archipelago including the famous open-water volcanic crater, Gordon Rocks. We also made a special day trip to Bartolome and Cousin’s Rock.
We experienced schools of hammerheads, mild current, 2 Mola molas on one dive and even a surface encounter with bottlenose dolphins.
Galapagos Dive Safari is an annual trip on the Inside Under calendar. Secure your spot for 2026 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 - 30-60 feet
Water temperature - 68-72 degrees F
Air temperature - 65 (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 hammerhead sharks, Mola molas, bottlenose dolphins, Galapagos sharks, green sea turtles, Galapagos penguin, marine iguanas, Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies
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.