Galapagos Diving Rules and Park Regulations

Diving in the Galapagos takes place inside one of the most protected marine areas on Earth. The Galapagos Marine Reserve surrounds the islands, and the Galapagos National Park manages how visitors use it. These Galapagos diving rules are what make the wildlife so relaxed around people, and following them is part of every dive. This guide summarizes the main rules visiting divers need to know. Rules can change, so always follow the current guidance from your operator and the national park.

The Galapagos Marine Reserve

The marine reserve covers the waters around the islands and is one of the largest protected marine areas in the world. In 2022, Ecuador created the Hermandad Marine Reserve next to it to protect more of the migratory route that sharks, turtles and other species use between the Galapagos and Costa Rica's Cocos Island. The islands and reserve are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dive With Licensed Operators and Guides

Visitors dive with operators licensed by the national park, and dives are led by park-certified guides. Independent shore diving is not how visitors explore the reserve. Our list of Galapagos dive shops includes operators in Puerto Ayora, and our guide to Galapagos liveaboard diving explains how liveaboard itineraries work.

Wildlife Rules

• Do not touch animals. This applies to sea lions, turtles, sharks, rays, iguanas and every other species, even when they come close.
• Keep your distance. Visitors are asked to stay about two meters from wildlife on land; in the water, let animals approach you and never chase them.
• Do not feed wildlife or leave anything behind.
• Do not take anything, including shells, rocks, coral or sand.
• Do not stand on or hold onto coral and other living reef.

Our article on diving with sea lions explains how to behave around the islands' most playful residents.

Biosecurity: What You Bring In

Introduced species are one of the biggest threats to the Galapagos. Your luggage is inspected before you fly to the islands and when you arrive. Do not pack fresh fruit, seeds, plants or soil. Rinse sand and mud off fins, boots and dive bags before packing them, and check gear for seeds or insects. Our Galapagos dive travel guide explains the arrival process, including the transit card and park entrance fee.

Responsible Diving Habits

• Keep good buoyancy so you do not touch the bottom or the reef.
• Secure dangling gear such as gauges and octopus regulators.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen and reusable bottles. Our Galapagos scuba gear guide covers eco-friendly essentials.
• Follow the guide's briefing on routes, depths and when to end the dive.

Photography and Drones

Photography is welcome, but getting a shot never justifies touching or crowding an animal. Drone use is restricted in the national park, so check the current rules before bringing one. Our guide to Galapagos underwater photography has tips for getting good pictures without disturbing wildlife.

Why the Rules Matter

Galapagos animals are unusually unafraid of people because they have been protected for generations. Every diver who follows the rules helps keep it that way for the next visitors and for the wildlife itself.

Fees and Paperwork

Visitors buy a transit control card at the mainland airport before flying to the islands and pay the Galapagos National Park entrance fee on arrival. The park fee was raised in 2024, so check the current amount before you travel and carry cash. These fees help fund conservation and park management. Liveaboard prices usually do not include them, so budget for them separately.

What Happens If Rules Are Broken

Park-certified guides are responsible for their groups and can end a dive or an activity if rules are not followed. Serious breaches can lead to fines or other penalties under Ecuadorian law. In practice, most issues come from small habits, such as reaching out to touch a turtle or standing on rocks, so the easiest approach is to keep your hands to yourself and follow the briefing.

Rules on Land Visits

Many dive trips include land visits, and similar rules apply there: stay on marked trails, keep your distance from animals, do not bring food to visitor sites and follow your naturalist guide. Several visitor sites can only be entered with a park-certified guide, and some have daily visitor limits, so book tours through licensed operators.

Related guide: Galapagos dive travel guide.