Quick Facts
Destinations: Galapagos Western Archipelago, Darwin And Wolf Islands
Country: Ecuador
Dates: 18th - 27th February 2027
Type of trip: Women’s Only Wildlife Expedition
Dive requirements: AOW or equivilent with 100 logged dives
Duration: 9 nights/10 Days
Fly in/out: Baltra GPS (International flight to Quito UIO or Guayaquil GYE, then domestic flight to Baltra)
Scuba diving in the Galápagos Islands is the definition of a bucket-list adventure. Known as one of the most unique and biodiverse places on Earth, the Galápagos offers the chance to dive alongside schools of hammerhead sharks, playful sea lions, manta rays, marine iguanas, and even orca's if we're lucky!
We start the trip with 2 nights on the island of Santa Cruz, where we will have a full day to visit the iconic Charles Darwin Research Centre and get our souvenirs in the vibrant town of Puerto Ayura ("We Love Boobies' t-shirts are a must!). Two guided land excursions are also included, giving you more opportunity to see giant tortoises, iconic birdlife like the blue-footed boobie and Frigatebirds in all their glory.
This isn’t just a dive trip, it’s a true wildlife expedition. Now imagine experiencing it all with a group of adventurous, like-minded women on board one of the region’s best liveaboards! Who’s ready to join us on this once-in-a-lifetime Girls that Scuba journey?
To join this trip, all divers must hold Advanced Open Water (or equivalent) certification and have a minimum of 100 logged dives. The Galápagos Islands are one of the most exciting and challenging dive destinations in the world, and this requirement ensures you’ll be prepared to get the most out of the experience.
Expect to encounter strong and unpredictable currents, stationary dives (where you may hold onto rocks to watch the action), variable visibility, and dramatic changes in water temperature. This is not beginner diving, it’s true expedition diving.
In February, conditions are considered part of the “warm season.” Water temperatures are generally a bit milder, averaging 23–26°C (73–79°F) around Darwin and Wolf, though thermoclines can still drop as low as 16°C (61°F) in some sites. Visibility can range widely, from crystal-clear to limited depending on currents and nutrient upwellings.
While whale sharks and mola mola's are possible but not common at this time of year, February offers incredible encounters with hammerhead sharks, schools of jacks and tuna, rays, sea lions, marine iguanas, and Galápagos sharks. You’ll also enjoy calmer seas compared to the cooler, rougher months, making for a different kind of adventure.
Tiburon Explorer
Known as one of the best liveaboards in the Galápagos (only the best for Girls that Scuba!), the Tiburon Explorer offers luxury, comfort, and safety. Catering to just 16 guests, the vessel features 9 spacious cabins located on the lower and main decks.
The sun deck is perfect for unwinding between dives, with both shaded and full-sun areas, a jacuzzi, a bar and an outdoor dining space. On the main deck, you’ll find a comfortable air-conditioned dining and lounge area, multimedia system with a large TV screen and easy access to the dive platform.
You will be sharing a twin room with another female GTS Tripper, with a choice of:
Main Deck Stateroom
The upper deck cabins are smaller and more intimate than those of the lower deck, but they make up for it with large panoramic windows that fill the room with natural light and stunning ocean views. Each cabin includes twin beds, a private en-suite bathroom, air conditioning and storage. These cabins are perfect for guests who value views!
Lower Deck Larger Stateroom
The lower deck staterooms on the Tiburon Explorer are spacious and comfortable, offering plenty of room to stretch out and store your belongings. Each cabin features twin bed, a private en-suite bathroom and air conditioning for your comfort. These staterooms provide a spacious yet cozy retreat where you can relax after a full day of diving and exploration.
Welcome to the Galapagos!
Touch down at Baltra Airport, transfer to your hotel on Santa Cruz Island and take the afternoon to unwind and settle in after your journey.
In the early evening, meet your Girls That Scuba Host and the group for a relaxed sunset cocktail. Later, enjoy a leisurely evening exploring Puerto Ayora and choose somewhere for dinner at your own pace.
Charles Darwin Research Station
Visit the world-famous Charles Darwin Research Station. Here, you’ll learn about the conservation efforts that protect the Galápagos’ unique wildlife, including the iconic giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and the story of Lonesome George. The station offers fascinating exhibits on research, restoration projects, and the islands’ incredible biodiversity.
Afterwards, spend the rest of the day wandering the souvenir shops of Puerto Ayora, or craft your own adventure exploring the many sights and experiences Santa Cruz Island has to offer.
(Later in the trip, we’ll visit the El Chato Tortoise Reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz for a closer look at the giant tortoises in their natural habitat, so we advise not going there on this day.)
Hello Tiburon Explorer!
Today, we board our Galápagos liveaboard, the Tiburon Explorer. Settle in, enjoy a delicious lunch on board, and unpack and set up your dive gear.
Later, join the safety briefing to get familiar with the vessel, followed by a sunset cocktail and welcome briefing on the sundeck. It's time to get excited for the adventures ahead!
Let's go diving!
The following schedule outlines the expedition program for the week aboard the Tiburon Explorer, though all dives, visits, and timings may be adjusted due to weather, sea conditions or wildlife encounters. The REAL adventure starts here!
Sunday: Baltra North (2 Dives)
Equipment check, 7:00 and 10:00 dives
Sightings include rays and schools of fish.
Afternoon North Seymour land visit. Walk the path around North Seymour Island to see the large colonies of Blue Footed Boobies and Frigate Birds. Sighting of Sea Lions and Marine Iguanas are also common.
Depart for Wolf Island (long transit)
Monday: Wolf Island (3-4 Dives)
10:30. 2:00 and 4:30 dives. Possible night dive.
Sightings often include hammerheads, eagle rays, sea lions, Galapagos sharks and silky sharks
Tuesday: Darwin Island (4 Dives)
6:30, 10:30, 2:00 and 4:30 dives
Sightings often include hammerheads, eagle rays, Galapagos sharks and silky sharks.
Transit to Wolf Island
Wednesday: Wolf Island (3-4 Dives)
6:30, 10:30, 2:00 and 4:30 dives
Sightings often include hammerheads, eagle rays, Galapagos sharks and silky sharks.
Transit to Cabo Douglas (12 hours)
Thursday: Cabo Douglas (1-2 Dives)
Sightings include marine iguanas.
Transit to Punta Vicente Roca
Punta Vicente Roca (1-2 Dives)
Sightings often include mola mola, turtles and macro life.
Transit to Cousins Rock (10 hours)
Friday: Cousins Rock (2 Dives)
6:30 and 9:30 dives
This is a great macro diving with an excellent chance of seeing sea horses, sea lions and eagle rays. Lunch will be served while transiting to Santa Cruz (3 hours). Travel by bus to the Santa Cruz Highlands to visit the giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Transfer to the town of Puerto Ayora. Group dinner in Puerto Ayora. Return to the Tiburon Explorer at 8:30pm - time to pack!
Please note your no-fly time when booking your flights for the following day.
Goodbye Galapagos!
Early this morning we will disembark from the Tiburon Explorer and transfer to the airport.
Say your goodbyes to your new friends for life, and take with you unforgettable memories of your Galapagos expedition adventure!
Accomodation for 9 nights/10 days - 2 nights hotel, 7 nights liveaboard
3 meals daily (apart from day 1, day 2, no dinner on day 8, breakfast only on day 10)
Unlimited water, tea, coffee, soft drinks and domestic alcohol
Upto 4 dives daily (days 3 - 9)
Diving tanks, weights and weight belts
Multilingual local guides
2 guided land tours
Airport transfers and transfers to vessel from Puerto Ayura
A wonderful GTS Host
International return flights to Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE) Ecuador
Domestic return flights from Quito or Guayquil to Baltra (GPS)
Visa's - please check the visa entry requirements to Ecuador from your country
TCT Card - $20 pay on line before departure
Galapagos Tourist Fee - $200 pay in cash on arrival at Baltra airport
Gear rental available onboard
Nitrox - $150 for full trip
Fuel charge - currently $150
We head off the boat and onto an island (Puerto Ayora) for our last night group dinner which is not included
Charles Darwin Research Station $10 paid at entry
No food or drinks included on day 1, day 2 and morning of day 3 whilst staying in the hotel
Tips are not compulsory in Galapagos, but we do recommend 10% paid in USD cash
New to Girls that Scuba trips? Find out more about our trips, the Girls that Scuba difference, along with the respect and openness we ask for on these experiences as well as any requirements. Read our full Girls that Scuba Trips Community Norms and FAQs here
This is an expedition-style trip with a wide variety of dive experiences, temperatures, conditions and abundant wildlife. It can be quite intense, so please make sure you meet all relevant dive requirements and are prepared for a dynamic adventure.
You will be on on land for 2 nights and onboard the boat for 7 nights sharing a room with one other female roommate. Group trips are fun and supportive environments to be a part of, read our reviews here to get more of an idea of how our trips are run.