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Diver photographs a school of fish during a Galapagos PADI course surrounded by vibrant marine life

Galápagos PADI Course: Certify as Open Water at Kicker Rock

Days Icon 6 Days
Location icon Galapagos
Budget icon From USD 1,540 p.p.
Request a quote Book now

Galápagos PADI Course Summary

Discover the underwater world of the Galápagos while earning your PADI Open Water Diver certification on this six-day island-hopping adventure. Based on beautiful San Cristóbal Island, you’ll complete classroom sessions, confined-water training, and open-water dives under the guidance of certified PADI instructors. During your time in the water, keep an eye out for sea lions, sea turtles, reef sharks, rays, and colorful tropical fish.

The course culminates with an unforgettable dive at Kicker Rock (León Dormido), one of the Galápagos’ most celebrated dive sites. Between training sessions, you’ll have time to explore San Cristóbal’s laid-back waterfront, relax on nearby beaches, and experience the extraordinary wildlife that makes Ecuador one of the world’s premier diving destinations.

Highlights

  • check Kicker Rock

    One of the Galápagos’ premier dive and snorkeling sites, renowned for hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, rays, and dramatic volcanic cliffs.

  • check Playa Mann

    A dreamy white-sand beach just outside Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, famous for its relaxed sea lion colony and calm waters.

  • check Las Tijeretas

    A scenic coastal viewpoint and snorkeling spot where blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, sea lions, and tropical fish are common.

  • check San Cristobal Island

    One of the oldest islands in the Galápagos, celebrated for its abundant wildlife, volcanic landscapes, and laid-back coastal atmosphere.

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 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor rating score: 4.9 of 5, 
based on 588 reviews

Prices

Prices, based on number of guests, start at:
2 or more guestsUSD 1,540 p.p.
This tour can only be booked under request. Inquire Now

Galápagos PADI Course: Day-by-Day Itinerary

Download itinerary

  • DAY 1: San Cristóbal arrival and diving theory

    Red and white lighthouse on a rocky point near Playa Mann in the Galápagos with a town and ocean in the back

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

  • DAY 2: PADI class and Playa Mann beach

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

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

  • DAY 3: First two open-water dives at San Cristobal

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

    Today you’ll complete your first two open-water dives at San Cristobal bays, 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 Activity:Diving. Exploring.
    • Transport Transport:Boat.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel Casa Opuntia or similar.

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

    Majestic giant manta ray gliding effortlessly over a reef in deep ocean waters during a galapagos diving excursion

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

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

    The iconic volcanic rock spires rising from the sea at sunset on a kicker rock tour in the Galápagos Islands

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

  • DAY 6: Transfer to San Cristóbal airport and departure

    Scenic harbor filled with boats along the coastal town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal island Galapagos

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

    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.

Galápagos PADI Course Map

6-Day Galapagos PADI Scuba Diving

Inclusions

  • Meals as described in the itinerary.
  • Accommodation in a double or triple room.
  • Airport pickup and drop off at San Cristobal Airport.
  • 6 day PADI scuba course and all immersions as described.
  • Diving equipment.
  • PADI Open Water study book.
  • All activities as described in the itinerary.
  • 24/7 assistance in English, Dutch and Spanish.

Exclusions

  • Round-trip flights between mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.
  • Food & drinks that are not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Entrance fee for the Galapagos National Park: $ 200 p.p. (cash only).
  • Migratory Control Card / Ingala Transit Card $ 20 p.p. (cash only).
  • Water Taxi (a small boat that takes you from the speedboat to the harbor and back).
  • Personal travel & health insurance.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Optional tips for the guide.

Accommodations

Illuminated garden courtyard with arches and stone paths at Casa Opuntia, Galápagos
★ ★ ★ ★
📍 San Cristóbal

Hotel Casa Opuntia

Oceanfront boutique hotel situated along the main boardwalk with direct beach access.

  • Oceanfront
  • Outdoor pool
  • Kid-friendly

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.

Additional Information

  • 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 and conditions.

Exact Code: 56GPPADI6

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