Diving The Galapagos

"It was an experience out of a dream; alone in the deep with a whale shark the size of a jet bomber, accompanied by a sea lion playing the role of fighter plane escort. The sea lion kept zipping back and forth from the whale shark to me, as if to say, "See? I told you it would be worth it." The three of us swam together for a small piece of eternity just as I began to wonder about finding my way safely home. As I swam up to the shallows, through thick schools of fish and sleek Galapagos and hammerhead sharks, I waved goodbye to my two new friends, and focused on the squadrons of sharks now surrounding me."  

Every diver can empathise with the understated, but very obvious thrill contained in these few short sentences, a wonderful mixture of tranquillity, awe and excitement.  

Diving in the Galapagos, especially around the northern islands, the more remote Darwin and Wolf, is exceptional. Galapagos diving is a very special experience. As you head out across open water to the dive site, the remoteness hits you, and the anticipation will excite even the most experienced divers.

Scientists, naturalists and tourists have explored the Galapagos for decades, but only very recently have divers ventured from protected bays and inlets to discover true Galapagos diving - diving on remote islets and rocks where the profusion, concentration and diversity of marine life is staggering.  

Buddy Dive have over 30 years of experience supplying first class service to divers of all levels (and demands). Buddy Dive Liveaboard Galapagos ensures that all dives are enjoyable and safe. The professional diving instructors and guides on board are always available to assist and to present comprehensive pre-dive briefings.   When your guide is finished with the boat orientation and safety briefing, it's time to get into the ocean for a checkout dive at Isla Los Lobos. Guides will assist you with buoyancy, weights, whatever you need, including a double-check of all your dive equipment.

Los Lobos means sea lions - and you can expect to be accompanied by several inquisitive "local inhabitants".   Diving in Galapagos waters is not for the beginner because of the currents. For your own safety divers are asked to complete a form with details of your diving experience, level of certification and medical condition.    

Water Temperature
The surface temperature of the sea ranges from 18ºC to 30ºC. September to November are the cooler months. Thermoclines are present, between 10 to 30 metres and the temperature can drop as much as 5ºC -  temperature depends on time of year, location in the archipelago and dominant ocean current. Best advice is to dress in layers, adding or subtracting another layer of neoprene as necessary.  

Visibility
100 ft. / 30m visibility is normal for Galápagos waters, although visibility in some areas will be lower due to the richness of phytoplankton.  

Drift Dives
All Galapagos diving is from smaller dinghies, or pangas, launched from the yachts. Most dives are drift dives and divers are given a safety flag. Safety stops are often made in blue waters, swim away from a wall, so the pangas can come right to you.   Deep Dives Over 20m is considered a deep dive - which is the first of the day. Use sufficient thermal protection and wear gloves to protect your hands. Many dives are deep and/or wall dives, making Galapagos diving more challenging.  

Night Dives
Night diving is not allowed by the Marine park reserve of the Galapagos  

Diving Qualifications 
We recommend divers have at least 100 logged dives in various water conditions. Divers should be able to handle rapid descents, diving in currents and able to dive from a panga (small zodiac). Each group of 8 will dive with a dive guide certified by the National Park Marine Reserve of Galapagos.  

Safety is paramount and the dive guides have the final decision about your ability to dive in the Galapagos waters. This is not a destination for beginners.  

Dive Equipment  
You must dive with a dive computer. If you don't have one please ask us to reserve one. There is a wide range of rental equipment available for hire, including the "revolutionary", semi dry wetsuits. If your personal equipment fails during your trip the crew will make sure you won't miss a dive and provide you with equipment, free of charge. They have tools on board, but please make sure you bring your own spare parts such as batteries, o-rings etc.  

BCD's are equipped with dive emergency horns and dive flag (better know as SMB/DSMB). BCD's are also equipped with an Nautilus Life Line, personal locator, a radio to communicate with the yacht and the Panga, and an international distress signal.

The Life Line has a display with the coordinates of your location. If you dive with your own equipment you will be provided with these safety devices.  

Dive Tanks 
Air and nitrox are available. Standard tanks are 80 cubic feet (12 litre) aluminium tanks - but 63 cubic feet (9 litre) and 100 cubic feet (15 litre) are also available. Please request these when making your booking.  

Dive Valves
Valves are international yoke valves but the boats are able to handle DIN fittings. Please let us know so that we can make the crew aware. Weight belts and weights are available on board  

Dive Equipment Specifications
2x LW 450 compressors
NRC Nitrox membrane system
Cressi dive gear
Suunto dive computers  

Please Note:  

• Don't forget your certification card
• Don't forget the liability waiver and application for the captain
• Dive insurance is mandatory
• Dive alerts and SMB's are mandatory
• Travel insurance is recommended
• Dive computers are mandatory
• Nitrox certification available on board with advance notification
• Don't forget to bring spare parts for your equipment