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Green sea turtle swimming past scuba divers on a Galapagos diving and hiking tour

Galápagos Diving and Hiking Tour: Sierra Negra and Two Dive Days

Days Icon 6 Days
Location icon Galapagos
Budget icon From USD 1,720 p.p.

Galápagos Diving and Hiking Tour Summary

Experience the best of the enchanted islands above and below the water on this 6-day Galápagos diving and hiking tour. Designed for certified divers, this itinerary combines world-class dive sites with guided excursions across the islands’ volcanic landscapes and remarkable wildlife habitats. Between dives, explore the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, encounter giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and Darwin’s famous finches, and enjoy time to discover the islands at your own pace.

Comfortable accommodations, guided activities, and seamless transportation allow you to focus on the experience rather than the logistics. Whether you’re drifting alongside sea turtles, reef sharks, and colorful tropical fish or hiking through lava fields shaped over the ages, this journey offers an unforgettable introduction to the natural wonders of the Galápagos and Ecuador.

Highlights

  • check Galápagos Dive Sites

    The Galápagos offers some of the world’s finest diving, with encounters ranging from hammerhead sharks and rays to sea turtles and playful sea lions.

  • check Sierra Negra Volcano

    Hike to the rim of one of the world’s largest volcanic craters for sweeping views across Isabela Island’s dramatic lava landscapes.

  • check Charles Darwin Research Station

    See giant tortoises at every stage of life and learn how the archipelago’s breeding and conservation programmes have brought species back from the brink.

  • check Concha Perla

    Just steps from Puerto Villamil, this sheltered snorkeling spot is known for its calm waters, sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, and colorful tropical fish.

Reviews

Geoff V
15/08/2025
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5
Galapagos trip Every detail and excursion was perfect. The guides were outstanding, hotel was first class. I would highly recommend Rebecca
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Daniel R
06/02/2025
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5
Intimate luxury Galapagos immersion Highly recommend. The guide, nature hikes, snorkeling, kayaking, and food were outstanding. Rebecca Adventures is responsive and friendly.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor

Prices

Prices, based on number of guests, start at:
1 guestUSD 2,091 p.p.
2 - 3 guestsUSD 1,890 p.p.
4 or more guestsUSD 1,720 p.p.

Galápagos Diving and Hiking Tour: Day-by-Day Itinerary

Download Itinerary
  • DAY 1: Baltra arrival and Puerto Ayora

    Rebecca Adventure Travel A giant tortoise with its mouth wide open amidst lush green grass in the Santa Cruz Highlands of the Galápagos Islands

    Welcome to the Galápagos! After arriving at Baltra Airport, you’ll be transferred to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. A visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station is a great introduction to the islands, where you’ll learn about ongoing conservation efforts and see giant tortoises at different stages of development.

    Later in the day, you’ll meet your dive master at the hotel to review equipment, confirm your dive schedule, and prepare for the next two days underwater.

    • Activity Activity:Exploring. Sightseeing.
    • Transport Transport:Boat, Bus, Car.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel Deja Vu or similar.
  • DAY 2: First diving day from Santa Cruz

    Rebecca Adventure Travel Scalloped hammerhead shark swimming upward in clear blue ocean waters during a Galapagos Diving tour in Ecuador

    After breakfast, you’ll travel by speedboat to one of the Galápagos’ renowned dive sites around Santa Cruz. The destination depends on the day of the week and follows the dive schedule listed in the Additional Information section. Travel times range from approximately 30 minutes to 2.5 hours.

    You’ll complete two guided dives with all equipment included. Expect encounters with reef sharks, sea turtles, rays, sea lions, colorful reef fish, and—at select sites—schools of hammerhead sharks. Maximum dive depth is 30 meters.

    • Activity Activity:Diving, Exploring, Wildlife Watching.
    • Transport Transport:Boat. Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast, Lunch.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel Deja Vu or similar.
  • DAY 3: Second diving day from Santa Cruz

    Rebecca Adventure Travel Scuba diver making hand gestures while floating above a thriving coral reef during a galapagos scuba diving tour

    Today brings another full day of diving at a different site within the Galápagos Marine Reserve. Like yesterday, the exact location depends on the weekly schedule and sea conditions.

    You’ll complete two more guided dives, exploring volcanic reefs and rich marine habitats that are home to sharks, rays, sea turtles, sea lions, and an impressive variety of tropical fish.

    • Activity Activity:Diving. Exploring. Wildlife Watching.
    • Transport Transport:Boat. Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel Deja Vu or similar.
  • DAY 4: Free time on Santa Cruz and speedboat to Puerto Villamil, Isabela

    Rebecca Adventure Travel Brown pelican perched on a lava rock outcrop in turquoise coastal waters off Isabela Island near Tintoreras

    Enjoy a relaxed morning before departing for Isabela Island. If time allows, visit Tortuga Bay, a beautiful white-sand beach known for its marine iguanas, mangroves, and calm turquoise waters. Kayaks are available to rent, and it’s sometimes possible to spot reef sharks cruising through the shallow channels.

    After lunch, board the afternoon speedboat to Isabela Island. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening in Puerto Villamil.

    • Activity Activity:Exploring. Relaxing. Wildlife Watching.
    • Transport Transport:Boat. Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel La Laguna or similar.
  • DAY 5: Sierra Negra trek and Concha de Perla snorkeling

    Rebecca Adventure Travel Hikers walking along a narrow trail through grassy terrain on Isabela Island during a Sierra Negra trek in the Galapagos

    This morning, travel into Isabela’s highlands for a guided hike across Sierra Negra Volcano, home to one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas. Continue to nearby Volcano Chico, where lava fields and colorful volcanic formations reveal the island’s dramatic geological history. A boxed lunch is provided during the excursion.

    Back in Puerto Villamil, spend the afternoon snorkeling or swimming at Concha de Perla, where sea lions, sea turtles, colorful reef fish, starfish, and sea urchins are commonly seen. If you prefer, you can upgrade to a guided Los Túneles snorkeling excursion for an additional fee.

    • Activity Activity:Hiking. Snorkeling. Swimming.
    • Transport Transport:Boat. Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Box Lunch.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel La Laguna or similar.
  • DAY 6: Return to Baltra and departure

    Rebecca Adventure Travel Two happy travelers with backpacks waving in front of the departures sign at Baltra Airport in the Galápagos Islands

    After breakfast, board the morning speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island. From Puerto Ayora, you’ll continue by vehicle and ferry across the Itabaca Channel before transferring to Baltra Airport for your onward flight to mainland Ecuador.

    • Transport Transport:Boat. Bus. Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.

Galápagos Diving and Hiking Tour Map

6-Day Galapagos Diving Hiking Map

Inclusions

  • Meals as described in the itinerary.
  • Accommodation in a single, double or triple room.
  • Airport pickup and drop off at Baltra Airport at your arrival/departure time.
  • Transportation on and between the Islands as described in the itinerary.
  • Transportation between Baltra Airport – Itabaca Channel each way.
  • Local naturalist guide (English & Spanish speaking).
  • All activities as described in the itinerary.
  • Snorkeling equipment: mask, snorkel, fins and life vest.
  • Diving equipment: wetsuit, BCD (Buoyancy Control Device), regulator, mask, fins, booties, weight belt, and tanks.
  • 24/7 assistance in English, Dutch and Spanish.

Exclusions

  • Round trip flights between mainland Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands.
  • Food & drinks that are not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Entrance fee for the Galápagos National Park: $ 200 p.p. (cash only).
  • Migratory Control Card / Ingala Transit Card: $ 20 p.p. (cash only).
  • Isabela dock fee: $ 10 p.p. (cash only).
  • Water Taxi (small boat that takes you from the speedboat to the harbor and back).
  • For rent: wetsuit for snorkelling (recommended between May – November).
  • For rent: rain boots (recommended for Sierra Negra hike between June – September).
  • Personal expenses.
  • Personal health & travel insurance.
  • Optional tips for the guide.

Accommodations

White multi-level exterior of Hotel La Laguna Galápagos in Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island

Hotel La Laguna

Rooftop hot tub under a wooden pergola overlooking palm trees and the ocean at Hotel La Laguna in Isabela Island

Hotel La Laguna

Pool and tropical garden at Deja Vu Hotel on Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos

Hotel Deja Vu

Palm-lined garden pathway leading to the pool at Deja Vu Hotel on Santa Cruz Island

Hotel Deja Vu

6-Day Galápagos Diving & Hiking Tour: FAQs

  • Do I need to be a certified diver for this Galápagos diving tour?

    Yes. This tour is designed for certified scuba divers. Some dive sites are suitable for beginners, while others, such as Gordon Rocks, require previous experience and a minimum number of logged dives.

  • What marine life can I expect to see while diving in the Galápagos?

    Depending on the dive site, you may encounter hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, rays, reef sharks, sea lions, barracudas, tropical fish, and, during the right season, manta and mobula rays.

  • Does this Galápagos tour include activities besides diving?

    Yes. Along with two full days of diving, you’ll hike Sierra Negra Volcano, visit Tortuga Bay, explore Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands, and enjoy free time to discover the islands.

  • Is diving equipment included in this Galápagos tour?

    Yes. Standard scuba equipment is included for the scheduled dives. Your dive master will review your equipment and dive plan before each day’s excursions.

  • When is the best time to take a Galápagos diving tour?

    The Galápagos offers excellent diving year-round. Water conditions and marine life vary by season, but divers can enjoy outstanding underwater wildlife encounters throughout the year.

Additional information

Galápagos Diving Sites Schedule

Monday – Floreana

Located about 90 minutes by boat from Puerto Ayora, Floreana offers two dives suitable for all certification levels. Conditions are generally relaxed, although currents can occasionally be strong.

Expect to encounter green sea turtles, Galápagos and white-tip reef sharks, golden rays, stingrays, sea lions, and a wide variety of reef fish.

Tuesday – Santa Fe

Just 40 minutes from Puerto Ayora, Santa Fe features two calm, beginner-friendly dives with excellent visibility and gentle conditions.

Common sightings include white-tip reef sharks, Galápagos sharks, green sea turtles, golden rays, stingrays, cat sharks, playful sea lions, and colorful reef fish.

Wednesday – North Seymour & Mosquera Islet

North Seymour lies about 30 minutes from the Itabaca Channel and offers two dives suitable for all experience levels, though moderate currents are possible. Nearby Mosquera Islet provides a more relaxed reef dive with minimal current.

Look for hammerhead, Galápagos, black-tip, and white-tip reef sharks, manta and eagle rays, mobulas, green sea turtles, garden eels, sea lions, and abundant tropical fish.

Thursday – Gordon Rocks

Approximately 50 minutes from the Itabaca Channel, Gordon Rocks is one of the Galápagos’ premier dive sites. Strong currents and surge make it suitable only for intermediate or advanced divers with at least 25 logged dives.

This is one of the best places to see large schools of hammerhead sharks, along with black-tip and white-tip reef sharks, barracudas, eagle rays, mobula rays, green sea turtles, and dense schools of reef fish.

Friday – Beagle & Daphne Islet

Both Beagle and nearby Daphne Islet offer two easy dives suitable for all certification levels. Calm conditions and healthy reef systems make these excellent sites for relaxed underwater exploration.

Expect to encounter green sea turtles, white-tip reef sharks, Galápagos sharks, golden rays, stingrays, sea lions, colorful reef fish, and a rich variety of marine invertebrates.

Saturday – North Seymour & Mosquera Islet

Return to North Seymour for another opportunity to explore one of the Galápagos Marine Reserve’s richest dive sites, followed by a second dive at nearby Mosquera Islet. Both sites are suitable for certified divers of all experience levels.

Marine life regularly includes hammerhead, Galápagos, black-tip, and white-tip reef sharks, manta and eagle rays, sea turtles, sea lions, garden eels, and large schools of tropical fish.

Sunday – Gordon Rocks

Your final dive returns to Gordon Rocks, one of the archipelago’s most celebrated advanced dive sites. Strong currents create exceptional conditions for pelagic wildlife and require previous diving experience.

Keep an eye out for schooling hammerheads, barracudas, eagle rays, mobula rays, Galápagos sharks, green sea turtles, white-tip reef sharks, and countless reef fish.

Please note: The Galápagos Islands is a national park, and schedules can change due to permissions.

  • Prices for the upcoming travel season are subject to change.
  • Essential items to bring include comfortable and lightweight clothing (with a jacket as a precaution), water, sunblock, sunglasses, and your passport.
  • To enter Ecuador, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your intended departure from the country.
  • Prices are subject to seasonal surcharges during Christmas, New Year’s, and Holy Week.
  • For children under the age of 12, there is a 10% discount.
  • Activity schedules are subject to change based on departure/arrival times and availability. All inclusions are guaranteed until the afternoon of the final day of the itinerary.
  • Maximize your time in the Galápagos by choosing early arrival and late departure flights. Late arrivals or early departures may cause you to miss some of the included tours.
  • Bring smaller baggage/bags since public transportation on the Galápagos Islands is quite limited.
  • ​​There are no guides on the public speedboat transportation between islands.
  • It is suggested to have current travel insurance, including personal medical insurance and COVID-19 coverage. Please inform us of any known medical conditions you have.
  • Take the necessary precautions to avoid food poisoning (always wash your hands before eating, don’t eat street food, only eat peeled fruits, etc.).
  • Tap water in the Galápagos Islands might contain bacteria and should not be consumed, not even for brushing your teeth. Bottled or purified water is always recommended.
  • Rebecca Adventure Travel and the respective cruise operator reserve the right to change the itinerary without prior notice due to weather conditions,  availability, National Park regulations or notifications, or unforeseen circumstances.
  • When flying to the Galápagos from Quito or Guayaquil, we recommend arriving in the city at least 24 hours before your flight to avoid inconveniences.

Advantages of Booking with Rebecca Adventure Travel

  • Impactful Travel: Develop meaningful connections that provide mutual enrichment for both travelers and host cultures.
  • Empowering Locals: Support family-owned businesses, immerse yourself in local culture, and contribute to local economies.
  • Sustainable Travel: Preserve cultures and environments for future generations with our Huella Positiva, a sustainable and regenerative tourism model.
  • Peace of Mind: We’re here for you every step of the way, offering requisite insurance, certifications, and rebooking options.
  • Customized Service: Our personalized Travel Curator ensures your trip meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

When you book a tour with us, you agree to our Terms & Conditions.

Exact Code: 59GPH6+DIV

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