If you’re looking for a diving experience that is completely out of this world, Galapagos is the place to find it. The Galapagos Islands are a National Park and Marine Sanctuary and over 90 percent of the land and all of the waters are protected. Darwin’s playground offers unparalleled thrills both above and below the surface. Diving through this living laboratory, also known as the shark capital of the world, you can meet scalloped hammerheads, Galapagos Sharks, White tipped sharks and of course, majestic Whale sharks. You’ll also find hundreds of other bizarre and beautiful creatures, which is why the Ecuadorian archipelago of Galapagos is a bucket-list destination for divers, curious explorers and savvy world travellers.
So how can you make the most of exploring this precious corner of the planet? We’re here to tell you how:
Sail on a Luxury Liveaboard Yacht
Taking a cruise on a small yacht is the best way to see the more remote islands and wildlife. Since the Galapagos Islands are located 620 miles off Ecuador’s coast in the Pacific Ocean, visits to the very remote islands of Wolf and Darwin, which have the best diving, are only available from these liveaboard yachts. The MV Galapagos Sky is a purpose-built luxury cruiser, offering impeccable service and up to four dives per day. Your stay aboard this luxury liner includes Nitrox fills, private en-suite facilities, spacious lounge areas, fine dining and more. Between dive snacks are always a welcome treat. Fully equipped camera tables allow those who are filming to set up and tear down with ease. Several on-board talks by the knowledgable staff on a wide range of topics continue to help you fall more in love with this place.
Meet Marine & Land Life
Thanks to the stringent marine park rules, the Galapagos continues to boast some of the most abundant marine life in the world. As such, you can get up close and personal with awe-inspiring creatures endemic to the islands. On guided dives, prepare to meet schooling hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, marine iguanas, horn sharks, Mola mola (Ocean Sunfish), manta rays, dolphins, sea lions, schooling spotted eagle rays, morays and many other incredible rarities. If we’re lucky (as we have been in the past), you’ll experience the thrill of watching a whale shark appear out of the distance. Rounding out the wonder of the underwater world are several land tours, putting you face to face with sea lions, blue footed boobies, pelicans and the famed Galapagos giant tortoise.
Visit in Autumn
In the Galapagos, the cooler, dryer season runs from June through November, thanks to the Humboldt Current which brings cooler water and milder temperatures. Experienced divers know that the autumn is the perfect time to visit, as the cooler waters attract even more magnificent marine life (think big schools of hammerhead sharks!). This time of year, divers also have the best chance of spotting legendary whale sharks at Wolf and Darwin islands.
Amazon Adventure
Our Galapagos dive tour begins with an optional Amazon Add-on Adventure that escorts you deep into the famous Amazon rainforest. We head up the NAPO river into the thriving jungle, where guides escort us by motorized open canoes, on foot through the jungle and then by hollowed out canoes to the breathtaking La Secha lodge. You’ll learn from expert guides about the medicinal properties of plants and hold a whip scorpion spider if you’re brave enough. Staying at a picturesque jungle lodge allows you to enjoy once-in-a-lifetime activities such as Amazon tarantula walks, birding lookouts from a canopy suspension bridge, jungle walks, a butterfly sanctuary visit and caiman spotting in inland lakes. Plus, no Amazon trip would be complete without a swim with piranhas, so you’ll get to do that as well. Are you ready?
Explore Quito
Ecuador’s majestic capital sits high in the Andean foothills at an altitude of 2,850m, which makes it the highest official capital city in the world. Float N Flag’s Amazon add-on adventure gives you two days in this dazzling city. Quito’s charming Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, packed with breathtaking colonial architecture and awe-inspiring historical sites. Dramatically situated between two misty mountain peaks, colourful Quito is a photographer’s dream. We’ll visit the “centre of the earth” at the Equator museum and sample local cuisine. And then it’s on to the Galapagos Islands!
Float N’ Flag is leading a trip to the Galapagos Islands with a side excursion to the Amazon Jungle.
Ready to jump on board for the Trip of a Lifetime?
Our Amazon/Galapagos tour is scheduled for October 14-29, 2018. to avoid disappointment!
Want to read more details? See the trip details here
