Diving in Galápagos: day dives or a safari
You can dive from a base on land or on a dive safari by boat. Day operators run Gordon Rocks and Kicker Rock. Darwin and Wolf are different: the safari program covers both islands with overnight crossings, and no regular ferry or day tour goes there. Plan them as a safari.
Requirements are set by each operator, not by one national rule. The numbers below are typical examples, so check the terms of the trip you want.
Our picks: diving
Our take: Kicker Rock is for certified divers with recent dives; the discovery dive suits first-timers with an instructor.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Two dives at Kicker Rock
- Two dives
- Full gear and two tanks
- Lunch and drinks
For certified divers with a recent dive: two dives with full gear and a certified guide, plus lunch.
Check availability →
Discovery dive day on Santa Cruz
- One dive with an instructor
- Snorkel session
- Dive gear
One dive with an instructor for one or two people, plus a snorkel session, gear and meals.
Check availability →Galápagos diving tours and day trips
Day dives and boat trips with dive and snorkel stops, with live prices and availability.
Dive sites compared
What each one typically asks of you.
| Site | Format | What the operator asks | Price in 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gordon Rocks | Day dive | Open Water certification and 25 documented dives. From 18 dives, entry may be possible after a check dive. | – |
| Kicker Rock (León Dormido) | Day dive from San Cristóbal, 6 to 7 hours | There is no general minimum number of dives for this day dive. Ask the operator about your level. | $234 |
| Darwin and Wolf | Dive safari with overnight crossings | Advanced Open Water or equivalent, at least 50 logged dives, nitrox and current experience | – |
For most certified divers, a Kicker Rock day dive from San Cristóbal is the practical start. Darwin and Wolf suit experienced divers who are ready for a multi-day safari. Price alone does not show how hard a dive is.
What to know before you dive
Cold, hours and flights.
Cold water and wetsuits
Water temperatures run 20 to 26 °C from December to May and 18 to 23 °C from June to November. Site, depth and thermoclines change this. Safari boats ask for a full suit of 5 or 7 mm plus a hood or vest, and water below 15 °C is possible locally. Do not assume a warm-season dive needs no suit.
Diving hours
Park hours are 06:00–18:00 and diving ends at 17:00. Permitted night dives run from 18:00–22:00. Some sites have their own hours and can close early.
Flying after diving
Plan on 24 hours between repeated dives and a flight. Plan your last dive day well before your departure. Do not book a dive and a connecting flight on the same day.
Distances under water
Keep at least 2 m from animals when you dive, camera included. Do not swim or dive with whales or dolphins. See the rules page.
Choosing an operator
Ask each operator what the price includes and which certification and number of dives it wants. Insurance requirements can differ between boats. A day operator may also ask for a check dive before it lets you into a harder site such as Gordon Rocks.
Weather and sea state
Sea state can limit where a boat goes, so a plan can change on the day. Keep a spare day in your schedule instead of fixing one dive date.
Sunscreen and rubbish
Sunscreen with oxybenzone or octinoxate is restricted for water activities. Take your waste back to the boat.
Dive from land or from a boat
The choice shapes your whole trip.
From land
You stay in a town, dive on set days and keep your evenings free. Day dives reach Kicker Rock from San Cristóbal. Read about the island in the San Cristóbal guide. A land base does not reach every dive safari site.
From a boat
A dive safari covers the far north, including Darwin and Wolf. The time at sea, the number of dives and the gear differ by boat. For other boat trips, see the cruise guide.
Snorkeling instead
If you do not dive, Kicker Rock is also a snorkel day trip from San Cristóbal. The snorkeling guide compares the options.
Plan the rest of your trip
Where diving fits.
Galápagos diving: frequently asked questions
Do I need to be an advanced diver?
It depends on the site and the operator. Gordon Rocks day dives typically ask for Open Water and 25 documented dives. The Darwin and Wolf safari asks for Advanced Open Water or equivalent and at least 50 logged dives. Ask the operator for your site.
Can I dive Darwin and Wolf as a day trip?
No regular ferry or day tour goes there. Plan Darwin and Wolf as a dive safari with overnight crossings.
How much does a day dive cost?
A Kicker Rock day dive from San Cristóbal costs about $234 for 6 to 7 hours as of 2026. Prices vary by provider.
What wetsuit do I need?
Safaris ask for a 5 or 7 mm full suit plus a hood or vest, because water below 15 °C is possible locally. For day dives, ask what the operator provides.
When can I fly after diving?
Plan on 24 hours after repeated dive series. This is no medical advice, so follow the rules of your dive center. Leave a buffer day before you fly.