Combination trip: Galapagos Islands & Amazon
Experience an unforgettable diving vacation to the Galapagos Islands with a liveaboard to Darwin and Wolf, among others, followed by a multi-day adventure to the Amazon rainforest.
Travel period
Features
Starting from
Combination trip: diving in the Galapagos & to the Amazon
For divers, the Galapagos Islands are high on their bucket list. And that is not surprising, you can make fantastic dives with lots of pelagic life. Hammerheads, whale sharks, Galapagos sharks, mantas and with a lot of luck even orcas: you will find it all there. This trip is a combination of a week of diving from liveaboard Galapagos Sky with a visit to the Amazon Rainforest in northern Ecuador, where you stay at the Napo Wildlife Center Ecolodge. Perfect for divers who want more than just diving and really want to enjoy nature in Ecuador.
The first part of the trip you will dive by luxury liveaboard at such famous sites as Darwin and Wolf. Here you are surrounded by sharks, whale sharks, manta rays, rays, turtles, penguins, marine iguanas and sea lions. This variety of marine life is the reason the Galapagos Islands is on many divers’ bucket lists.
After diving in the Galapagos Islands, this trip takes you to the heart of the Amazon, where the Napo Wildlife Center Ecolodge exemplifies sustainable ecotourism. Managed by the Añangu Kichwa community, this lodge offers an in-depth experience in one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world. Guests can go canoeing, jungle trekking, and bird watching, with the possibility of seeing rare animals such as the jaguar and harpy eagle.
Best travel time for a diving vacation to the Galapagos Islands & the Amazon Rainforest
For staying in the Amazon, we recommend going between August and March and not going during the wettest months, namely April tm July.
Average temperatures
Wetsuit advice for diving Galapagos Islands
The water is cool year-round. We recommend you bring a 7mm wetsuit, and possibly even a cap and gloves. Especially with several dives a day, it’s nice to stay warm.
What will you experience on this diving vacation?
View itinerary here
Day 1 & 2 | The journey to Ecuador
Today your journey begins with a flight to Quito or Guayaquil. Several efficient routes are available, often with a short transfer. Total travel time is between 11 and 15 hours. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and taken to a comfortable hotel near the airport, where you can relax and after the trip.
This is the beginning of an unforgettable diving vacation in the Galapagos Islands! After a good night’s sleep and breakfast at the hotel, you are ready for the next part of your adventure.
The Galapagos Sky always starts its trip on Sunday, which means leaving Europe on Friday/Saturday.
Day 3 | Arrival at San Cristobal
Today you will fly from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos Islands, to San Cristobal, arriving in the late morning. The crew of the Galapagos Sky will meet you personally, pick up your luggage and escort you to the ship, where your luggage will be taken to the dive deck. At 11 a.m., all guests must be on board for an introduction to the boat, safety briefings and drills. Then sail to Los Lobos for the check dive, where you will meet playful sea lions and fur seals. So on the first day, you will already see the diverse land formations and unique underwater world of the Galapagos.
Day 4 | Bartolomé & Cousins Rock
Today you will start with a dive at Bartolomé, followed by a land tour in the same area. The day concludes with two spectacular dives at the popular Cousins Rock dive site.
Both sites offer platforms that descend to 30 meters before emerging on a sandy bottom at 40 meters. These platforms are covered with soft black coral and are an excellent place to find Pacific seahorses. White tip reef sharks, green sea turtles, large moray eels and octopus often lurk under the overhangs. Schools of barracuda and other reef fish can also be seen here, while manta rays and hammerhead sharks often swim around the terraces.
Bartolomé also offers a wonderful land tour where guests can climb to the top of the hill for breathtaking views and, conditions permitting, snorkel with penguins.
Day 5 to 7 | Wolf & Darwin
The next three days offer up to four dives per day, on the legendary islands of Wolf and Darwin. Tuesday you will dive four times at Wolf, including a night dive. Four dives at Darwin are scheduled for Wednesday. Thursday concludes with two dives at Darwin and an afternoon dive at Wolf before returning to the central islands.
Wolf and Darwin are known as the best dive sites in the world, famous for their large schools of hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, whale sharks (from May to November) and bottlenose dolphins. The dives here are unforgettable and are the highlights of the Galapagos. During the night dive at Wolf, you have the chance to spot the unusual red-lipped batfish.
In 2021, the famous Darwin’s Arch collapsed, due to natural corrosion. Since then, the place is now called Darwin’s Towers.
Day 8 | Marine iguanas & mola molas
On Friday morning, your diving adventure begins at Cabo Douglas on the west side of Isabela. Here you can see penguins, marine iguanas, cormorants, sea lions, seahorses, sea turtles, and occasionally hammerhead sharks and whitetip sharks. There are also many smaller fish such as creole fish and parrot fish.
Later we move to Punta Vicente Roca for up to two dives. Punta Vicente Roca is a great place to see the famous mola mola or “moonfish.” This site has a long, sloping underwater wall that extends to a depth of 28 meters. The shallower areas are rich in marine life, where you also often see penguins frolicking gracefully around divers. Playful sea lions also often swim with snorkelers and divers here.
Day 9 | Isla Pinzon & Santa Cruz
We start today with a dive at the northeast tip of Isla Pinzon/Islote Dumb, where you can encounter a diversity of sharks, sea lions, manta rays, eagle rays and moray eels.
After the dive, sail on to the Itabaca Channel. Guests will be transported by bus for an approximately two-hour transfer to the Highlands of Santa Cruz, where you can see Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat and visit Puerto Ayora. You will then be taken back to the Itabaca Channel to board the Galapagos Sky around 7:00 pm. The Sky then returns to San Cristobal, where the cruise concludes on Sunday morning.
Day 10 | Travel to Quito
After a week of unforgettable diving, it is time to say goodbye to the Galapagos Islands. Early in the morning you will be transferred to the Baltra airport. From here you will fly to Quito. Near the airport you stay overnight because the next morning your journey to the Amazon Rainforest starts.
Day 11 | Flight to Coca
From the capital Quito, a 30-minute flight takes you over the mountains of the Eastern Andes to the city of Coca. Known as the “Gateway to the Amazon” since Francisco de Orellana began his expedition here in 1541, Coca is located at the junction of the Coca and Napo rivers.
A modern, coveredmotorboat offers a comfortable 2.5-hour crossing from the private port in Coca to the Napo Wildlife Center’s receiving station in Yasuni National Park. Then transfer to hollowed-out canoes piloted by expert local guides to paddle silently up Anangu Creek. This quiet part of the trip takes you through undisturbed nature, where you can get your first impressions of impressive wildlife, such as the hoatzin. As you sail up Lake Añangu and approach the ecolodge at the Napo Wildlife Center, prepare to be overwhelmed by the mesmerizing view!
In terms of activities, the lodge offers a range of excursions that highlight the area’s rich biodiversity. Guests can take guided jungle walks, go on nocturnal river safaris, bird watching, and visit local Kichwa communities to learn more about their culture and traditions. Canoe excursions are also available to explore the tranquil waters and lush waterways of the Amazon Delta. Each of these activities is led by experienced and knowledgeable native guides, who share in-depth knowledge of the local flora and fauna.
Day 12 | Explore the Amazon Rainforest
Your day starts early with a trip to the places where parrots gather to “lick clay. This place is about an hour and a half from the lodge. You will arrive just in time to observe the morning activities of various bird species, including parrots, parakeets and macaws.
After this colorful experience, a path leads you to the Kichwa Interpretation Center “Kuri Muyu“, managed by local women. Here you will gain insight into the Kichwa-culture and the chance to buy unique local handicrafts.
Next, you will trek through the Terra Firme Forest to a second clay lick site, where you can spot various bird and mammal species depending on the weather. After a lunch in nature, you return via the main stream to the lodge, where you have even more opportunities to observe wildlife. Your adventurous day will conclude with a delicious dinner at the lodge.
Day 13 | To the heart of the Amazon
After a delicious breakfast, embark on a sunrise hike to the observation tower in the Napo River area. This tower, 36 meters high and only 30 minutes from the lodge, offers a unique view of the forest from the crown of a Ceibo tree. Here you can observe different species such as tanagers, macaws, toucans and monkeys. This experience offers a privileged perspective of wildlife.
After lunch, a walk through a terra firme forest is scheduled, where you will have the chance to encounter various fauna, including the rare golden mantle tamarin monkeys. Later, explore the lake and streams by canoe, hoping to spot giant otters. The lodge features a second observation tower above the restaurant, which offers stunning views of the lagoon and surrounding area.
The day ends with dinner followed by a night hike, where you will have the chance to observe insects, reptiles, amphibians and even nocturnal monkeys using flashlights.
Day 14 | Forest hike & canoe trip
This morning explore the trails that wind their way through the mainland and swamp forests in search of wildlife such as golden mantle tamarin monkeys, capuchin monkeys, sloths and more. After the hike return to the ecolodge for a delicious lunch and some relaxation. In the afternoon, you’ll glide through the streams in row canoes, giving you more opportunities to spot unique wildlife.
Day 15 | Return trip across the Añangu
The day begins early as you return to the reception area for the transfer to the motorboat. You sail through the Añangu-current, enjoying the morning sounds and peaceful morning scenery. Then transfer to the motorized boat for the return trip to Coca. Upon arrival you will check in for your return flight to Quito and upon returning to Quito you will check into a hotel to recover from your transfer day.
Day 16 & 17 | Return home
Your beautiful combination trip is over. On the day of your departure, you will check out of your hotel around the standard late morning check-out time and be transferred to the airport. Your overnight flight departs in the afternoon or early evening, giving you plenty of time to check in at the airport and possibly get something to eat.
Highlights of this trip
What can you expect from Ecuador?
Diving with pelagic life
Diving around the Galapagos Islands is legendary for the impressive pelagic life you can encounter here. In places like Darwin and Wolf, you’ll dive among schools of hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks and, with luck, whale sharks, manta rays and rays in the flowing, nutrient-rich waters. The combination of strong currents and abundance of food makes this underwater world a playground for large migrating species and a dream for experienced divers.
On land in the Galapagos
There is at least as much to do above water on the Galapagos as there is below. After diving, you can hike through unique landscapes, where you can see giant tortoises in their natural habitat and marine iguanas lead their own island life. Several land excursions take you to lookout points and coastal areas with sea lions and rare birds. This combination of land and underwater allows you to truly experience the extraordinary biodiversity of the archipelago.
On expedition in the Amazon
After diving in the Galapagos, this expedition takes you deep into the heart of the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador, where you will stay at the Napo Wildlife Center Ecolodge. In this lush tropical forest, you will take boat safaris on rivers, trek through dense jungle trails and spot unusual animals such as monkeys, colorful birds and maybe even giant otters near the water’s edge. The contrast between the underwater world of the Pacific and the rainforest makes this trip unforgettable.
The liveaboard
The ship and cabins
Galapagos Sky
Galapagos Sky is a 33-meter luxury liveaboard yacht designed specifically for diving in the Galapagos Islands. Launched in 2001 by Santiago Dunn, this yacht has been offering extraordinary dives in the Galapagos Archipelago to 16 passengers for nearly a decade. The ship offers luxurious cabins, excellent food, high-end amenities and is manned by the best and most qualified crew in the region.
All meals and snacks on board are included in the cruise price. The dishes, prepared by chefs trained at culinary schools, consist of locally sourced ingredients from sustainable suppliers. The menu offers a mix of Ecuadorian and international dishes, with breakfast and lunch served buffet-style and dinner served fine. 25% of the food comes from the Galapagos and more than half is organic, mainly from San Cristobal and Santa Cruz Island.
Galapagos Sky is equipped with advanced navigation and safety equipment such as VHF and HI-SUB radios, GMDSS, color radar, echo sounder, and Furuno GPS. There is also an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) on board for added safety.
The deck plan includes 8 cabins (4 Master, 4 Deluxe) with ensuite bathrooms, a maximum capacity of 16 guests and a crew of 11. The yacht features a sun deck, a lounge with two flat-screen TVs and Apple TV, a video and book library, type B electrical outlets, a camera table and charging station on the dive deck, and a booth-style dining area.
The lodge
The stay in the Amazon rainforest
Napo Wildlife Center Ecolodge
The Napo Wildlife Center Ecolodge, located in Ecuador’s Yasuni National Park, is known for its deep commitment to sustainability and ecotourism. The lodge offers luxurious accommodations and an authentic experience of the Amazon, all while minimizing environmental impact.
The Ecolodge has different types of rooms (standard rooms and suites) elegantly designed with traditional elements and modern comforts. Guests can choose from spacious suites with stunning lake and river views, equipped with private balconies from which one can often observe monkeys, parrots and other wildlife. Each room is equipped with modern amenities such as a private bathroom, hot water, fans and electricity generated by solar energy.
In terms of facilities, Napo Wildlife Center offers an open-air restaurant and bar serving delicious local and international dishes, all prepared with fresh ingredients sourced locally. The communal lounge is a perfect place to relax and socialize with other guests while enjoying the panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest.
Travel costs
What is included
This diving vacation to the Galapagos Islands and Amazon Rainforest is available from US$ 10.398 per person based on two people in one room. The diving trip can be expanded as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about this diving vacation? Get in touch with us!
Included in this diving trip, from US$ 10.398 p.p.
- 7 Nights on the Galapagos Sky
- Full board accommodation (+coffee, tea, snacks)
- Return transfers Baltra Airport
- Described land excursions
- WiFi if available
- Dive package consisting of approximately 19 dives
- Nitrox
- 4 Nights (suite) Napo Wildlife Eco Lodge
- Accommodation Napo Wildlife Eco Lodge based on full board
- Access to Yasuni National Park and parrot clay licks
- Bilingual community guide and naturalist
- Rain poncho and rubber boots
- All excursions and activities as per detailed itinerary
- Flights from Quito to Coca return
- VZR & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flight Quito or Guayaquil from ±US$ 1.271 p.p.
- Return flight Baltra ±US$ 404 p.p.
- National Park Fee ±US$ 213 p.p.
- TCT Card (Tourist Tax) ±US$ 21 p.p.
- Chamber Fee ±US$ 37 p.p.
- Airport Hotels Quito ±US$ 116
✈︎ The quoted (international) flight prices are indicative prices and based on departures from Europe. However, we can arrange flights from any location worldwide. Booking your own flights is of course also possible.
Optional
- Diving equipment, ±US$ 291 p.p.
- 15L Tank, ±US$ 84 p.p.
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips
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Frequently asked questions about diving on the Galapagos Islands
Diving in the Galapagos Islands general information
Because of the sometimes very strong currents, only experienced divers are allowed on this liveaboard. You must hold Advanced Certification and have a minimum of 50 logged dives. A nitrox certificate is strongly recommended.
Boat diving, and in some cases drift diving.
See the daily program. Total make 19 dives.
Nee. This liveaboard is geared toward experienced divers. Nitrox certification is possible on board.
Diving equipment
The tanks are DIN, but can also be with adapter to INT.
Yes. These can be rented in advance for US$80. Do make reservations in advance.
Nitrox is free.
Yes. This can be rented for US$275. Do make reservations in advance.
Galapagos Sky Liveaboard
Yes, if there is coverage.
Yes. Booth be shared with someone of the same sex. Private room is with 50% surcharge.
Napo Wildlife Center Ecolodge
No, only fans since ht is an eco-lodge is concerned.
Yes, there is satellite wifi at a small additional charge.
Yes, the restaurant offers a tasty mix of local and international dishes. Start the day with a rich breakfast buffet, enjoy a composite lunch and in the evening, sample local specialties at the dinner buffet. In between you can get unlimited tea, water or coffee at the coffee station
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