Galápagos PADI Course: Certify as Open Water at Kicker Rock

• DAY 1: San Cristóbal arrival and diving theory

  

  After your morning flight from Quito, you’ll be met at San Cristóbal Airport and transferred to your hotel. Once you’ve settled in, you’ll have some time to explore the waterfront before your course begins.

  In the afternoon, you’ll attend the first four-hour session of your PADI Open Water course, covering essential diving theory and preparing you for the practical sessions ahead. Learn more about exploring the archipelago on our Galápagos island-hopping tours or discover why the islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Activity:Exploring.
  • Transport:Car.
  • Accommodation:Hotel Casa Opuntia or similar.

• DAY 2: PADI class and Playa Mann beach

  

  After breakfast, you’ll continue your PADI training with confined-water exercises at Playa Mann, practicing the core skills needed for open-water diving in a calm, protected environment.

  Your lesson finishes around 1:00 PM, leaving the afternoon free to relax on the beach, explore San Cristóbal, or join an optional excursion.

  • Activity:Diving. Relaxing.
  • Transport:Car.
  • Meal:Breakfast.
  • Accommodation:Hotel Casa Opuntia or similar.

• DAY 3: First two open-water dives at El Predial

  

  Today you’ll complete your first two open-water dives at El Predial, gradually applying the skills you’ve learned in real diving conditions.

  Diving to a maximum depth of 10 meters (33 ft), you’ll practice buoyancy, navigation, and safety procedures while keeping an eye out for tropical fish, sea turtles, and other marine life.

  • Activity:Diving. Exploring.
  • Transport:Boat.
  • Meal:Breakfast.
  • Accommodation:Hotel Casa Opuntia or similar.

• DAY 4: Second two open-water dives at Las Tijeretas and Kalahua

  

  Your training continues with two open-water dives at Las Tijeretas and Kalahua, increasing your maximum depth to 14 and 18 meters (46 and 59 ft) as your confidence grows.

  These dive sites are known for their abundant marine life, including sea lions, reef fish, rays, and sea turtles. Learn more about San Cristóbal Island before your dives.

  • Activity:Diving. Exploring.
  • Transport:Boat.
  • Meal:Breakfast.
  • Accommodation:Hotel Casa Opuntia or similar.

• DAY 5: Qualifying dives and PADI certification at Kicker Rock

  

  Today is the highlight of your course as you head to Kicker Rock, one of the Galápagos’ most celebrated dive sites. Its dramatic volcanic cliffs shelter an incredible variety of marine life, including sea turtles, rays, reef sharks, hammerheads (seasonally), and large schools of fish.

  After returning to shore, you’ll complete your final PADI exam and celebrate earning your certification. See why Kicker Rock is considered one of the world’s top dive sites.

  • Activity:Diving. Exploring.
  • Transport:Boat.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Box Lunch.
  • Accommodation:Hotel Casa Opuntia or similar.

• DAY 6: Transfer to San Cristóbal airport and departure

  

  After breakfast, you’ll transfer to San Cristóbal Airport for your onward flight, bringing your Galápagos diving adventure to a close.

  • Transport:Car.
  • Meal:Breakfast.

6-Day Galápagos Scuba Certification: FAQs

• Do I need previous diving experience to join this Galápagos PADI course?

  No. This tour is designed for beginners and includes all the theory, confined-water practice, and open-water dives needed to earn your PADI Open Water Diver certification.

• What marine wildlife will I see while diving in the Galápagos?

  Expect encounters with sea lions, sea turtles, reef sharks, rays, colorful tropical fish, and, at Kicker Rock, potentially hammerhead sharks, eagle rays, and other pelagic species.

• Is Kicker Rock suitable for newly certified divers?

  Yes. After completing your training during the course, you’ll finish with guided dives at Kicker Rock under the supervision of experienced PADI instructors.

• Is all the diving based on San Cristóbal Island?

  Yes. The entire Galápagos PADI course is based on San Cristóbal island, allowing you to train at nearby dive sites while enjoying one of the Galápagos’ most wildlife-rich islands.

• What's included in this 6-day Galápagos PADI Scuba Course?

  The tour includes PADI instruction, dive equipment, guided dives, accommodations, island transportation, selected meals, airport transfers, and all activities listed in the itinerary.

• Do I need a medical certificate to dive in the Galápagos?

  You complete a PADI medical declaration on arrival. If you answer yes to any condition listed, a doctor’s clearance is required before diving can begin.