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A Pristine Sanctuary at the Edge of the Earth
Galapagos Guide

Over 350,000 people visit the Galápagos Islands each year to experience its world-renowned diving spots and unparalleled wildlife observation opportunities.The Galápagos Islands offer two main ways to explore: Cruise Tours and Day Tours. Most activities are based on Santa Cruz Island, which serves as the ideal hub for snorkeling, wildlife watching, and visiting nearby islands. Day tours in the Galápagos are typically divided into two categories: wildlife observation tours, focusing on iconic species like giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies, and snorkeling & diving experiences

Woman Snorkeling with Stingray
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The most iconic island for centered water activity
Pinzón Island

What is centered water activity?

The tour is centered around water-based activities, with snorkeling being one of the main highlights. However, it also includes scenic views, beach time, and opportunities for wildlife observation. This is perfect for those who want to explore the underwater world but prefer not to scuba dive.

Pinzón Island

Pinzón Island is a hidden gem in the Galápagos, just about 1.5 hours by boat from Puerto Ayora. Though uninhabited and rugged, its surrounding waters offer some of the best snorkeling in the entire archipelago. The underwater visibility is often crystal clear, revealing vibrant coral, large schools of tropical fish, and thrilling encounters with sea turtles, reef sharks, eagle rays, and playful sea lions. It’s a favorite among nature lovers and underwater photographers alike—an unforgettable stop for those seeking a rich, wild snorkeling experience just a short ride from town.

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Time Requirement: Full-Day Experience (approx. 7-9 hours)

Tours Options: Economy (Tier 4), Premium (Tier 3)

Main Activity:  Two Snorkeling Minimum, Blue Foot Birds Reef Observation, Beach Time, Fishing*

Dining: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks on the Board, Dinner*(Economy Yacht does not offer Dinner & Fishing)

Galapagos Diving
Seymour Diving
Fish Tide

The most amazing activity In Galapagos - Scuba Diving

The best place to dive on Earth

The Galápagos is often called one of the best places to dive in the world—and once you’re in the water, it’s easy to see why. Thanks to the mix of ocean currents, you get this incredible variety of marine life all in one place. On a single dive, you might find yourself surrounded by schools of hammerhead sharks, gliding alongside sea turtles, spotting giant rays, or even catching a glimpse of a whale shark. Add in playful sea lions, colorful reef fish, and the chance to see penguins underwater, and it really does feel like you’re diving into a nature documentary. The waters are wild, untouched, and absolutely unforgettable.

How to dive in Galapagos

If you hold an Open Water (OW) license, you can dive at Seymour Island. With an Advanced Open Water (AOW) license and over 20 logged dives, you’ll be able to access more than five dive sites around the islands. If you have an AOW license with over 100 logged dives, you can essentially dive anywhere permitted in the Galápagos.

 

For those without any certification, CIG offers a Discovery Diving Tour, which includes either one snorkeling session and one dive, or two dives—depending on your condition and comfort on the day. A certified guide will provide a basic introduction and teach you the fundamentals of diving before you enter the water.

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​Another way to explore diving in the Galápagos is by joining a liveaboard diving cruise. Some remote islands, like Darwin and Wolf, are only accessible this way, as they are located more than a full day’s journey from the main inhabited islands. These cruises offer the chance to reach the most untouched and thrilling dive sites in the archipelago—places teeming with large marine life and unforgettable underwater encounters.

CIG Diving Day Tour

CIG’s Diving Day Tour includes two guided dives per trip and typically lasts 5 to 8 hours. You’ll begin your day early—around 7 or 8 AM—with a transfer to Baltra Island, where your diving boat will be waiting at the port. All necessary equipment is provided, and underwater photos are included so you can take home memories of your experience. This tour is designed for both comfort and adventure, offering a seamless and well-supported diving experience in the Galápagos.

Time Requirement: Full-Day Experience (approx. 5-8 hours)

Tours Options: Day Tour & Diving Cruise

Main Activity:  Scuba Divings

Dining: Breakfast, Snacks on the Board, Lunch

Insurance: $50 deductible in Galapagos Hospital; Premium Insurance provided by AIG is available and please contact us 1 week before your tour. 

Yacht Category

Economy Class | Tier 4

A simple and reliable experience—perfect fortravelers who want to explore the Galápagos without compromising the essentials.

Luxury Class | Tier 3

An elevated experience with refined interiors, better stability, and freshly prepared meals

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First & Prestige | Tier 2&1

Exclusive Dinner experience is included for booking Prestige

With top-tier speed, ultra-smooth sailing, and five-star amenities, it’s designed for discerning travelers who seek exclusivity, elegance, and the most seamless Galápagos experience possible. CIG Prestige guests enjoy access to the finest day tour yacht available on the island, offering top-tier experience.

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Get Inspired and Redeem Your Point
Destination
Inspirations

Galapagos Island, Ecuador
Quito, Ecuador (Contact to Book)

Galapagos Cruise
Tours Packages
CIG Prestige

​North America (English) +1 8126062863

Latin America (Spanish) +593 990753119

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