Galapagos Dive Shops
Galapagos dive shops are clustered in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, the main base for day-trip diving. Below is our list of dive centers, followed by advice on choosing an operator, what a dive day looks like and which certification you need.
Dive Shops in Puerto Ayora
Here's a list of dive shops in the Galapagos. Contact each shop through its website to confirm current trips, prices and certification requirements before you travel.
Scuba Iguana
Av. Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora
Academy Bay Diving
Puerto Ayora
Shark Bay Dive Center
Puerto Ayora
Albatros Diving
Puerto Ayora
Nautidivers
Puerto Ayora
Nauti Diving
Av. Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora
Galapagos People Diving Center
Av. Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora
Eagle Ray Tours
Av. Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora
Galapagos Sub Aqua
Av. Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora
Sub Aqua Friends
Av. Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora
Galapagos Dive Center
Av. Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora
How to Choose a Galapagos Dive Operator
Diving in the Galapagos Marine Reserve is regulated by the Galapagos National Park, and dives are run by licensed operators with park-certified guides. Within that framework, operators still differ a lot. These are the questions worth asking before you book:
- Which sites do they visit, and on which days? Day boats rotate between sites, so ask which days go to the sites you most want to dive, such as Gordon Rocks or North Seymour.
- What experience do they require? Current-swept sites are often limited to divers with an advanced certification or a minimum number of logged dives.
- How big are the groups? Smaller groups mean more time with the guide and an easier time staying together in a current.
- What rental gear do they have? Water can be cold, so check that they rent 7mm wetsuits, hoods and gloves in your size. Our Galapagos scuba gear guide explains what to bring and what to rent.
- What safety equipment is on board? Look for emergency oxygen, a first aid kit and a radio, and ask whether every diver is given a surface marker buoy.
What a Day of Diving Looks Like
Most day trips leave Puerto Ayora in the morning, make two dives at one site or at two nearby sites, serve lunch on board and return in the afternoon. Some trips also include a short land visit or snorkeling stop. Boat rides to the outer sites can be long and choppy, so eat a light breakfast and bring seasickness medicine if you need it. For the remote northern sites, Darwin and Wolf, you will need a liveaboard instead; our Galapagos dive travel guide compares the two options.
Dive Courses and Certification
Many dive centers in the Galapagos offer PADI and SSI courses, from the Open Water certification for beginners to advanced and specialty courses. Learning in the islands means your training dives may come with sea lions and turtles, but the water is cooler and currents stronger than at many tropical training sites. If you are short on time, consider finishing the classroom part of a course online before you arrive. Divers who are already certified but have not been in the water for a while can usually book a refresher dive first.
Planning Your Dives
Dive conditions change with the seasons. The cold season brings richer water and more sharks, while the warm season brings warmer water and calmer seas. See the best time to dive in the Galapagos and the top 10 must-visit dive sites in the Galapagos to match the operator to the sites and season you want, and browse the Galapagos diving blog for more planning articles.
Galapagos Dive Shop Questions
Do I need to be certified to dive in the Galapagos?
Yes, to join fun dives you need a recognized scuba certification. If you are not certified, several Galapagos dive shops offer PADI or SSI courses, including Open Water certification.
Can beginners dive Gordon Rocks?
Gordon Rocks is known for strong currents and is best suited to advanced divers. Beginners usually start at calmer sites such as North Seymour.
Can I rent dive gear in the Galapagos?
Most Galapagos dive shops offer basic gear rentals. Many divers still bring their own mask, dive computer and regulator for fit and familiarity.