GALÁPAGOS

EcUADOR

SUMMER 2029

WE’RE GOING TO THE GALÁPAGOS.

Eight days exploring one of the wildest marine ecosystems on Earth. Massive schools of hammerheads, giant whale sharks, sea lions, marine iguanas, penguins, ocean sunfish, and an extraordinary concentration of wildlife found nowhere else.

We’re heading into the remote waters of the Galápagos Islands for an expedition that goes well beyond recreational diving. We’ve partnered with Galapagos Shark Diving to join a citizen science expedition led by researchers working directly in shark conservation.

We’ll dive legendary sites like Darwin and Wolf Islands, explore volcanic coastlines, and get a firsthand look at the research helping protect these incredible animals.

World-class diving. Real science. One seriously wild adventure.

UNREAL DIVING

The Galápagos doesn’t do ordinary diving. We’re talking massive schools of hammerheads, Galápagos sharks, silkies, eagle rays, sea turtles, and the chance to encounter enormous whale sharks in open water. We’ll explore the legendary Darwin and Wolf Islands, where powerful currents bring an unbelievable concentration of marine life. It’s remote, wild, and some of the most exciting diving on the planet.

THE GIANTS OF DARWIN

Every year, enormous adult female whale sharks travel through the waters surrounding Darwin Island, including females believed to be pregnant. Why they gather here, where they go, and what role the Galápagos plays in their reproductive cycle are questions scientists are still working to answer. Our expedition takes place during the prime seasonal window for these encounters, giving us the chance to witness these incredible animals while learning directly from the researchers studying them.

DIVE WITH A PURPOSE

This isn’t just a dive trip — it’s a chance to contribute to real marine research. Alongside scientists from the Galapagos Whale Shark Project, we’ll learn how divers can help collect valuable data through wildlife observations, photo identification, and citizen science. We’ll get an inside look at the work being done to understand and protect sharks, and a portion of every booking directly supports that research. No science degree required — just curiosity and a love for the ocean.

SURREAL WILDLIFE

The Galápagos is one of those rare places where the wildlife is just as fascinating above the surface as it is below. Marine iguanas grazing underwater, penguins swimming through tropical waters, curious sea lions, giant tortoises, and bizarre-looking ocean sunfish are all part of this extraordinary ecosystem. Shaped by volcanic activity, isolation, and the meeting of powerful ocean currents, these islands are unlike anywhere else on Earth.

LIFE AT SEA

For seven nights, our liveaboard becomes home as we travel between some of the most remote dive sites in the Galápagos. Days revolve around diving, wildlife encounters, great food, and conversations with the scientists and crew. With up to four dives a day, onboard presentations, and a small group of fellow ocean enthusiasts, we’ll be completely immersed in this incredible environment. Eat, sleep, dive, learn, repeat. Not a bad way to spend a week.

BEYOND The BLUE

There’s plenty to discover beyond the dive sites. Our route takes us past rugged volcanic islands, dramatic coastlines, and some of the most unusual wildlife habitats in the world. We’ll also visit Santa Cruz Island, where giant tortoises roam the highlands and ancient lava formations tell the story of these remarkable islands. The Galápagos has a way of making the entire world feel a little more extraordinary.

WhY We CHOSE THIS TRIP

There are plenty of ways to dive the Galápagos. We wanted to do something a little different.

We partnered with Galapagos Shark Diving, a conservation-focused expedition company founded in 2017, because their approach to diving aligns with what we believe in at Mountains to Seas: incredible experiences, responsible exploration, and a genuine commitment to protecting the places we visit.

Their expeditions bring divers together with scientists actively studying sharks in the Galápagos. Rather than simply visiting these extraordinary dive sites, we’ll have the opportunity to learn from the people who have dedicated their careers to understanding them.

Through their partnership with the Galapagos Whale Shark Project, these expeditions help fund ongoing research, satellite tracking, and conservation efforts. Their business model is particularly impressive: Galapagos Shark Diving reports donating more than $112,000 to shark conservation since 2019 - directing more than 80% of its profits to local whale shark research.

We get to explore one of the world’s greatest dive destinations while directly supporting the science helping protect it. That’s exactly the kind of adventure we want to be part of.

TRIP DETAILS

DIVER PREREQUISITES
The Galápagos is bucket-list diving at its finest — but make no mistake, these waters demand respect.
This is not your average tropical dive vacation. The Galápagos is known for powerful currents, surge, cooler water temperatures, thermoclines, variable visibility, and challenging entries and exits. These conditions are part of what makes this destination so extraordinary, bringing us face-to-face with some of the most incredible marine life on the planet.
This expedition is designed for experienced, confident, self-sufficient divers who are comfortable when conditions get challenging.
DIVERS MUST HAVE:
● Advanced Open Water (AOW) certification or higher
● Nitrox certification
● 100+ logged dives
● Recent diving experience and comfort in open-water conditions
● Strong buoyancy control, trim, and situational awareness
● Experience diving in currents, including drift diving
● Confidence managing negative entries, descents, and potentially challenging surface conditions
● The ability to maintain awareness of their buddy, dive group, depth, gas supply, and surroundings without constant supervision
● Comfort diving in cooler water with appropriate thermal protection
● The physical fitness and stamina to manage repetitive dives, boat entries, and exits in changing sea conditions
PERSONAL DAN DIVE INSURANCE IS REQUIRED FOR ALL DIVERS.
Comprehensive trip insurance is highly recommended.
This trip calls for divers who can remain calm, think clearly, and manage themselves. Strong buoyancy, efficient air consumption, good judgment, and the ability to follow dive briefings and respond appropriately to changing conditions are essential.
The Galápagos is a protected marine environment, and responsible diving is non-negotiable.
Our goal isn’t to make this trip intimidating. It’s to make sure everyone aboard is prepared to safely enjoy one of the most spectacular diving destinations on Earth.
If you’re unsure whether your experience is a good fit, talk to the M2S crew before booking. We’re happy to discuss your dive history, help you assess your readiness, and recommend additional training or experience if needed.
THE M2S RULES
We also have one unofficial prerequisite: you must to come ready to have a good time.
M2S trips are group adventures. We ask everyone to show up with a good attitude, an open mind, flexibility, and respect for the people traveling alongside you.
Destination: Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Getting to the Galápagos is easier than you might think! Travelers will first fly into mainland Ecuador before catching a connecting flight to the islands.
International Airports — Mainland Ecuador
● Quito (UIO) – Mariscal Sucre International Airport
● Guayaquil (GYE) – José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport
Both cities offer connecting flights to the Galápagos Islands.
Galápagos Arrival & Departure Airport
● Baltra (GPS) – Seymour Airport, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
All expedition guests should plan to fly into and out of Baltra Airport (GPS) for the start and end of our adventure.
Travel Tip: We strongly recommend arriving in mainland Ecuador at least one day before your Galápagos flight to allow extra time for international connections and unexpected delays.
Airport transfers between Baltra Airport and our expedition vessel are included.
Once you step off the plane, we’ll take it from there!
Your trip includes:
- 8-day / 7-night Galápagos liveaboard expedition
- Comfortable onboard accommodations aboard a fully crewed dive vessel
- 2–4 dives per day, conditions and itinerary permitting
- World-class diving at legendary sites including Darwin Island, Wolf Island, Isabela, and Fernandina
- All onboard meals — breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
- Coffee, tea, and drinking water throughout the expedition
- Scuba tanks and weights
- Round-trip airport transfers from Baltra Airport (GPS)
- Diving alongside shark scientists from the Galápagos Whale Shark Project
- Educational presentations on marine biodiversity, shark research, and conservation
- Hands-on citizen science opportunities and SharkAmbassador education
- A contribution to the Galápagos Whale Shark Project supporting ongoing shark research and conservation
- Small-group expedition experience with a maximum of 16 guests
- Guided land excursion on Santa Cruz Island, including opportunities to see giant tortoises
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- International airfare to/from mainland Ecuador
- Domestic flights between mainland Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands (Baltra Airport – GPS)
- Galápagos National Park entrance fee — $200 USD
- Galápagos Transit Control Card — $20 USD
- Personal dive equipment and rentals
- Crew and trip leader gratuities
- Personal purchases and expenses
DAN Dive Insurance is required for all divers. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended and is not included in the expedition fee.
TRIP PRICING TO BE RELEASED