If you’re planning a scuba diving trip to the Galapagos Islands, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to stay on land or choose a liveaboard experience like Galapagos Sky. Both options offer incredible underwater adventures, but the right choice depends on your priorities, dive experience, and how much of the archipelago you want to explore.
Let’s break down the pros and cons of each approach so you can make an informed decision.
Liveaboard Diving with Galapagos Sky
A liveaboard is a dedicated dive vessel that lets you live, eat, sleep, and dive—without ever needing to return to land. It’s the ultimate option for serious divers who want to experience the Galapagos to its fullest.
Pros:
- Access to remote sites like Darwin & Wolf Islands — only reachable by liveaboard and known for schools of hammerheads, whale sharks, and large pelagics.
- Multiple dives per day (typically 3–4), maximizing underwater time.
- Seamless dive logistics — no commuting, gear hauling, or day-trip coordination.
- All-inclusive experience with accommodation, meals, guides, and diving in one package.
- A true “dive, eat, sleep, repeat” lifestyle.
Cons:
- Requires solid dive experience — we recommend a minimum of 50–100 logged dives, Nitrox certification is mandatory, and prior experience with strong currents and deep dives is highly encouraged.
- Less flexibility for land excursions unless added before or after your trip.
- You’ll be on a set itinerary — great for diving, but not for hopping around town.
Note: Galapagos Sky underwent a refined renovation in early 2025 to enhance guest comfort onboard.
Land-Based Diving in the Galapagos
Staying on one of the inhabited islands (like Santa Cruz or San Cristóbal) gives you the flexibility to mix diving with land exploration. You’ll take daily boat trips to local dive sites and return to your hotel each night.
Pros:
- Ideal for newer divers or those wanting a more relaxed pace.
- More flexibility to combine diving with land tours, shopping, and dining.
- Great for travelers with limited time or who prefer a shorter dive schedule.
- Access to well-known dive sites like Gordon Rocks, Kicker Rock, and North Seymour.
Limitations:
- You won’t reach Darwin and Wolf Islands — the crown jewels of Galapagos diving.
- Daily boat trips can mean longer travel times and fewer dives per day.
- Gear setup and transfers can be more logistically demanding.
- Accommodation, meals, and diving are booked separately, adding complexity.
Looking for the best months to dive different sites?
If you’re considering a Galapagos dive trip, you might wonder if you can combine a liveaboard with land-based travel or if a land-based dive trip is worth it if you can’t get on a liveaboard.
The answer is yes to both! Many divers choose to extend their Galapagos experience by adding a few days of land-based exploration before or after their liveaboard adventure. This allows you to immerse yourself in the islands’ unique wildlife and enjoy island life at a more leisurely pace, complementing the underwater experience.
However, if a liveaboard trip isn’t in the cards, don’t worry! A land-based dive trip still offers fantastic opportunities to explore the Galapagos underwater world. While you won’t have access to the far northern dive sites like Darwin and Wolf Islands, there are plenty of incredible dive spots closer to the main islands, not to mention the chance to discover the archipelago’s terrestrial wonders. It’s an excellent choice for shorter stays or if you’re looking for a balanced trip with both land and water activities.
But if a liveaboard diving experience is your best option, now’s the time to book as we are offering 10% OFF selected 2025 and 2026 departures and 15% OFF select holiday sailings.
You can see all our special offers here.
Whether you’re looking for the ultimate dive immersion on Galapagos Sky or a more flexible land-based adventure, the Galapagos has something for every kind of diver. Let us help you craft the perfect itinerary.
