Diving Tour in Tortuga Island and Hiking in Tintoreras

This land and underwater adventure off the southern coast of Isabela is designed for travelers seeking a deeper connection with the landscapes and wildlife of the Galapagos. The tour combines a guided walk through the lava channels of Tintoreras Islet with two recreational scuba dives at Tortuga Island, an area known for its volcanic seabeds and rich marine biodiversity.

Under the guidance of certified diving instructors and Galapagos National Park guides, you will explore contrasting ecosystems, from coastal lava formations where whitetip sharks rest, to open-water dive sites where sea turtles, sea lions, hammerhead sharks, and rays are frequently encountered. Safety, environmental respect, and personalized attention are at the core of this experience.

This land and underwater adventure takes place off the southern coast of Isabela Island and is designed for travelers seeking a meaningful connection with the landscapes and wildlife of the Galapagos. The experience combines a guided land exploration with recreational scuba diving in one of the most biodiverse marine areas of the archipelago.

The tour begins with a guided walk through Tintoreras Islet, a unique volcanic landscape formed by lava channels and rocky trails. During the hike, you will explore nesting areas and key observation points where it is common to see marine iguanas, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and whitetip reef sharks resting in the shallow channels. This walk offers an excellent opportunity to understand the coastal ecosystem and observe wildlife from land under the guidance of a certified Galapagos National Park guide.

After returning to the boat, the navigation continues toward Tortuga Islet, where the diving portion of the experience takes place. You will complete two recreational scuba dives, each lasting approximately 45 minutes, accompanied by a PADI-certified diving instructor. Before each dive, a technical briefing is provided, covering site conditions, safety procedures, and expected marine life behavior.

The underwater landscape around Tortuga Islet is characterized by volcanic seabeds, cliffs, channels, and small caves. Visibility typically ranges between 6 and 18 meters, depending on tides and time of day. Water temperatures vary seasonally, ranging from 23°C to 25°C between January and June, and 18°C to 22°C between August and December. Sea conditions generally involve medium waves and moderate currents.

During the dives, divers may encounter a wide variety of marine species, including whitetip reef sharks, moray eels, reef fish, sea turtles, sea lions, and occasionally schools of Galapagos hammerhead sharks, which have been observed in groups of up to 20 individuals. There is also the possibility of seeing giant manta rays, eagle rays, mobula rays, and, under favorable conditions, whale sharks.

Between dives, there is a surface interval onboard the speedboat, where guests can rest, hydrate, enjoy fresh fruit and snacks, and receive a debriefing from the dive team. A box lunch is also provided during this break.

At the end of the diving activities, the boat returns to the pier, followed by a transfer back to the hotel. Later, guests are picked up again to enjoy a lunch at a beachfront restaurant, where a final debriefing of the experience takes place. Edited underwater photos and videos are delivered within 24 hours after the tour.

This experience is conducted under strict environmental and safety standards endorsed by the Galapagos National Park, with a strong emphasis on responsible tourism, safety, and respect for marine life.

Swimsuit Light clothing for after the water Reusable water bottle Biodegradable sunscreen Hat or cap and sunglasses Closed shoes or secure sandals (recommended for walking on lava and rocks) Dry bag Light jacket or waterproof coat (recommended between July and December) Motion sickness medication if you are sensitive to sea conditions

Hotel pick-up and transfer to the pier Guided walk in Tintoreras Islet Two scuba dives (approximately 45 minutes each) PADI-certified diving instructor and Galapagos Marine Reserve guide Speedboat equipped for recreational diving Complete diving equipment (tank, regulator, BCD, wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins, boots, gloves, and weights) Technical briefing before each dive High-resolution underwater photos and videos On-board service: fresh fruit, snacks, and hot & cold beverages Box lunch Towels, vest, and life jacket Purified water First aid kit and DAN professional oxygen equipment Accident insurance Lunch at a beachfront restaurant and post-dive debriefing

Active diving certification (Open Water or higher) is required Completion of a diving medical questionnaire is mandatory Basic diving experience is required Maximum group size: 12 people per departure Maximum 4 divers per instructor The itinerary may vary depending on weather and sea conditions Participation is subject to basic medical evaluation All activities follow environmental and safety regulations established by the Galapagos National Park