Location
It usually takes around 16 hours flying time to reach Guayaquil - this is your gateway to the Galapagos islands. The flight from Guayaquil to San Cristobal is then around 2 hours.
The Galapagos has year round big fish. It's most famous for the schooling hammerheads, but from December to May, Manta Season is the “warm season” for Galapagos diving. Air temperatures go up a few degrees, but typically the water at Wolf and Darwin Islands will be anywhere from 25-27C. Despite the warmth, visibility is also usually the best Galapagos has to offer during Manta Season. Between June and November, the number of whaleshark encounters increases dramatically.
Weather and Climate
The Galapagos has good weather all year round. The weather is not normally too wet (inspite of its equatorial location), with the dry season running from Jul - Dec and the warm season from Jan - Jun. Temps range from 21-30C.
Travel
Flight options
Our holidays to the Galapagos can be quoted with most major airlines from Heathrow to Guayaquil or Quito. We are able to book most major airlines. If you would like to depart from a different UK airport (eg. Glasgow/Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham or Gatwick) or have a specific airline you prefer to fly with, simply let us know in your booking request. Times and any applicable costs will be confirmed by your travel consultant before you finalise your holiday.
If you wish to make your own flight arrangements to Guayaquil, let us know and we can remove the cost of the international flights from your quote. We are unfortunately not able to redeem airmiles on your behalf. Please do not confirm any flight arrangements yourself before your holiday is confirmed by us.
Stopovers
As there are no direct flight, it is simple to add a stop over en route - simply ask your travel consultant for a quote. Popular locations include the USA, Amsterdam or Madrid.
Arrange before you go
Visa requirements
UK passport holders are able to obtain a free 90 day tourist visa on arrival. Do ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date to prevent any issues with immigration. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Regulations can change: please review current FCO advice: click here
Insurance
Scuba Travel requires all of our customers to have diving insurance. Please make sure that you have appropriate cover for your diving activities.
We also strongly recommend you have travel insurance. It's worth taking out travel insurance once you have paid your deposit to ensure you are covered for unforeseen events and cancellation.
Find out more about our combined dive and travel policy click here
Immunisations
Please speak to your local GP or check out the latest NHS advice on travel immunisations: click here
Preparing to fly
Seating
You will be able to manage your booking online once you have been ticketed (after you have paid your holiday balance). Most airlines will now enable you to select your seating at this point. There may be a small charge for prebookable seating before online check in opens. Please speak to the airline for more information about charges.
Check in
As you are flying with a scheduled airline, you will be able to check in online with your airline. Please visit their website for more information about when online check in opens.
Lounge
An airport lounge is a great way to start your holiday or to while away flight connections in comfort. Scuba Travel works with Lounge Pass to offer a huge range of affordable airport lounges around the world.
click here
Parking
Prebook your airport parking to save money! If you have a long way to travel, why not also look at booking an airport hotel. These aren't as expensive as you might think.
click here
What happens when I arrive?
On arrival to the Ecuador mainland, you will need to clear immigration and collect your baggage. You will then be met outside of arrivals by a representative. They will be holding a board with either your destination or your name on it.
If you have any issues at all locating your rep, please contact us. We have an emergency contact, manned by a member of the team here in the UK. Please call 0044 7747 488 002. We will be able to help your rep locate you in the airport.
Transfers
Quito airport is around 1 hour by car from Quito city. Guayaquil airport is closer to the city, and transfers to your hotel are usually no more than 30mins.
You will be advised locally of your pick up time for your return to the airport and flight to the Galapagos Islands. The flying time is around 2 hours between Guayaquil and San Cristobal
Departures
At the end of your holiday, your return transfer details will be advised locally.
On leaving the Ecuador there is an departure tax of $30-$40 which must be paid in cash.
Info
Tipping
Tipping is entirely at your discretion and should reflect the enjoyment and level of service you experienced
Currency
The U.S. dollar is Ecuador’s standard currency. We strongly recommend taking cash USD to the Galapagos for gratuities and onboard charges are best paid in cash. This avoids any additional Ecuadorian taxes and service fees. Credit cards are subject to the 14% VAT plus 5% in bank fees.
Phone coverage
Limited
Plugs and electricity
110V 2 pin
Extras
Hire equipment
We recommend all divers bring their own mask, gloves, booties, fins, hood or hooded vest and computer. A personal wetsuit is also a good idea if you have space. Diving in Galapagos can be challenging and it is important that you are comfortable with the equipment you dive with.
Extras
Galapagos National Park fee: $155 (inc Hyperbaric Chamber fee & Tourist transit card).
Souvenirs
No souvenirs are included in the price, but there will be souvenirs available locally.
Nitrox/Gas
Free on board
Payments
Deposits and Balances
Normally from around £1000 deposit with full balance paid 90 days before departure.
Ways to pay
We accept mastercard and visa debit or credit cards. Alternatively, you are welcome to pay via bank transfer. All non sterling card payments and UK business debit cards will be subject to the 2% surcharge. Overseas bank transfers must add £6 to the sterling total to cover international handling fees. We are not able to accept PayPal transactions.
Group Payments
If you have booked as part of a group, you can still call and pay directly without needing to go via your group leader. Please have your trip reference number to hand to help us locate your holiday as quickly as possible. You will receive a transaction receipt - your group leader will forward your ATOL certificate and booking confirmation
Discounts
Repeat Guests
Are you one of Scuba Travel's repeat customers? Over 60% of our customers trust Scuba Travel to book their next diving holiday, time after time.
And we believe you deserve a huge thanks for your ongoing support over the years, which is what our repeater discount is all about! Travel with us again in either 12 months or 24 months and you will qualify for a discount. That's all you have to do. No forms, no numbers to remember, no fuss, just a good honest price reduction.
5% off for repeat customers travelling with Scuba Travel within 24 months
5% off plus £100 bonus for repeat customers travelling within 12 months
Repeat discounts are not cumulative and cannot be applied to special offer prices
Included
Your package is based on a twin deluxe share cabin on a full board basis
There are 17-19 dives on average itinerary plus free nitrox for certified divers, 12lt tanks and weights.
Social servings of selected alcohol with your evening meal
You can chose to pre-pay your marine park fees if you wish
Excluded
This holiday excludes international flights to Ecuador (UIO or GYE) or the Galapagos Islands.. Excess baggage and any departure taxes are paid locally.
To pay on board are the Galapagos park fees ($100), chamber tax ($35) & tourist card ($20)
Rental kit hire or on board souvenirs.
Please be aware for credit card payments on board there is a 14% tax. We highly recommend taking USD cash.
Rose and I had a super time Galapagos was well worth the wait and cost (and it's not cheap either there or in Ecuador !), we got to see everything and Mola Mola (which I've never seen before), lots of sea lions and so many sharks etc. The captain of Galapagos Sky, his entire crew, the salon manager Gonzalo and one particular guide Solon were outstanding, the likes of which I probably won't experience ever again. A very big thank you for all your hard work. You have two very happy customers (much poorer now in financial terms, but far more wealthier in experience !)