Galápagos Islands Travel Forum

We're going to be in Peru in August and are entertaining the idea of diving out on the GI. Are there boats that do Peru - GI or do we need to fly?

The Galapagos have no international airport - thus, you can only fly in from Ecuador. All flights pass through Guayaquil, so there is no sense in going to Quito to get there, as you'll just stop to pick up more passengers in Guayaquil on the way. I've heard of people taking container boats out from the port, but I think you would have to be crazy to do that. Thus, your only real option is to fly. Between the flight and the park fees, I'd figure on 500 dollars for transportation alone. Then factor in your hotel fees (you can get by in Puerto Ayora for about 75$ a night, or on a liveaboard for at least $125-150 for a cheap boat). Finally, your dive costs are about $80 for a two tank dive. The diving is spectacular, and I would strongly recommend Scuba Iquana, right next to the entrance of the Darwin station. They are very safety conscious, and speak perfect English if that is a concern. They are close to a hyperbaric chamber should you need one.

Anyways, the short of it is that a diving trip to the Galapagos can hardly be had for less than 1000$ per person for a 4 or 5 day dive trip. That's why the majority of the folks you see out there are wealthy retirees, and Ecuadorian nationals (who get the airfare for less than half price and the park fees for $5.)

Cheers,
Damon