The Galapagos Islands are among the most geographically remote on earth and are pristine and largely untouched by man. 15 main islands and countless smaller ones dot the archipelago – providing plentiful shallow-water habitats. Deep, oceanic water lies just offshore, and The Galapagos Islands are washed by 3 major oceanic currents (Humboldt, Cromwell, and Panama), a constant source of nutrients for the resident marine life. Galapagos delivers amazing biodiversity from big animals to small invertebrates. Enjoy this custom 7-day itinerary.
Project Focus: The purpose of this trip is to conduct fish surveys to support REEF's Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Click here to learn more about participating in fish surveys on a REEF Field Survey Trip!
Best Suited For: Experienced Divers
Accommodations: There are 4 Deluxe Cabins which include two twin beds, a private bathroom, and a Porthole window. There are also 4 Master Cabins which include either one king bed or two twin beds. The Master cabins also include a private bathroom and picture window.
Diving: The trip package includes 5 days of up to 4 boat dives and one-half day of diving. Please note that diving in the Galápagos is advanced due to strong currents, varying visibility, and cold water. Temperatures range from low 60's to upper 70's in different areas of the itinerary and seasons. Depths can be 20-30 meters or 65-100 feet. Divers must be comfortable in these conditions, as well as have very good buoyancy and be able to do negative (sometimes rapid) back-roll entries/descents from small boats. Recommended requirements include 50-100 open water dives, experience in currents, ability to remove gear in the water, and ability to get into small boats in choppy seas. Nitrox certification prior to the cruise is highly recommended. Recent dive experience is required. Recommended thermal protection is a full 7mm wetsuit with a hood and gloves. Multiple layers are also advised.
Pricing, Inclusions, and Other Fees
| Double Occupancy | |
| Deluxe Cabin | $7,595 |
| Master Cabin | $7,895 |
Your Package Includes: Nitrox fills, cabin accommodation, all meals, snacks, all beverages including an open bar policy (beer, wine, spirits and liquor), one 80 cu ft/12-liter tank, weights, weight belt, up to 4 dives per day on 5.5 days, 3 land excursions, service of Dive Guides 8:1, flights to and from Galapagos from mainland Ecuador (more details to come), transfers from and to San Cristobal airport and the dock. All other Galapagos Sky services and amenities.
REEF Program Fee: A REEF Program Fee of $300 will be added to each package to cover the cost of the group leader, seminar, and REEF survey materials. The REEF Program Fee applies to all divers and any attendee age 18 or older.
Other Costs Paid to REEF: Pre-arranged flights to and from Galapagos and Ecuador, cost TBD, $100 Park Fee, $20 TCT card, and a $35 Chamber Donation.
Additional Fees - Not Included: The following costs are not included in the price paid to REEF – Gratuities are not included and are at each individual's discretion.
Registration
To reserve your space, email trips@REEF.org or call 305-588-5869. A $1000 per person deposit will be due to confirm your reservation. Visit our Trip Policies page for more information on deposit and payment schedules.
Galapagos Travel Info
Insurance: Travel insurance is not included. REEF strongly recommends that each participant purchase adequate dive travel insurance to protect you from unforeseen circumstances. REEF partners with both DiveAssure and DAN to offer travel insurance packages specifically for divers. REEF will receive a portion of the proceeds from travel insurance purchases when you click on the following affiliate links for DiveAssure or DAN. Please note: DAN Accident insurance is required for this trip.
How to Get There: Participants should make arrangements to fly into Mariscal Sucre International - Airport Code UIO or Jose Joaquin De Olmedo - Airport Code GYE by Friday or Saturday morning before the scheduled departure on Sunday, March 17. Please be in mainland Ecuador for at least a full 24 hours prior to the flight to Galapagos. Allow for contingency plans if flights are delayed, canceled or if baggage is delayed. Galapagos Sky will be pre-arranging flights from both airports to San Cristóbal Airport - Airport Code SCY. All guests must be onboard Galápagos Sky and checked in by 11:00 am Galapagos Time. On the day of departure Sunday, March 24, participants will be transferred to the SCY San Cristobal Airport for flights back to mainland Ecuador via pre-arranged flights. (More information on Pre-arranged flights to come)
Transfers: Round-trip airport transfers to and from the airport in Galapagos are included.
Passports, Documentation and Visas: valid passport, with at least six months and one day remaining before expiration, is required to enter Ecuador. It is the passenger's responsibility to check with local immigration offices or the Ecuadorian Consulate prior to traveling to determine if a visa is necessary.
COVID-19 Considerations: It is the participant's responsibility to ensure that they understand and comply with all local requirements (for entry and visit as a tourist) of the host destination, and for exit and entry requirements for their home country. Be prepared for your plans to change. Be sure your travel insurance covers COVID-related issues. No travel is risk-free during the COVID-19 pandemic. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example, due to a new COVID-19 variant. Please be aware that REEF is not a travel agent. We are doing our best to interpret the information provided by our trip vendor and the host country’s government COVID-19 webpages. We encourage everyone to do their own research, interpretation, and due diligence. Please see REEF’s COVID-19 Considerations and Vaccine Policies section in our REEF Field Survey Trips Policies page for more information.