Galapagos dive cruises - Galapagos archipelago marine reserve

Galapagos marine reserve - dive info

A Galapagos dive cruise in the archipelagos marine reserve is one of the most amazing experiences any scuba diver can dream of.  The readers of Rodale Scuba Diving Magazinevoted the Galapagos as the # 1 dive destination in the world in the year 2000.

We have put together an information base and invite you to dive in and immerse yourself in the underwater world of Galapagos through a virtual tour on our website. You will find details on dive sites, live-aboard cruises, Island based dive tours, dive resorts, marine life and much more.

The waters that surround the Galapagos archipelago are rich and teaming with oceanic life due to the confluence of warm and cool surface currents and deep cold upwelling waters, the waters surrounding the Galapagos Islands are home to a fascinating ecological system.

Marine life in the waters surrounding the Galapagos Islands is amazingly related to the life on the islands. Island animals depend on the sea.  Birds and animals who live by the water have a several diverse habitats and unique local species including the only sea-going lizard on the planet, the Marine Iguana. Other notable animal life includes the Sea Lion, Fur Seal, Galapagos Penguin, Flightless Cormorant, Waved Albatross, Lava Gull and Swallow-Tailed Gull.

The Galapagos marine reserve is home to some 3000 species of  marine plants and animals. Scuba live-aboard cruises in the Galapagos are quickly expanding; divers look to encounter large populations of sharks, including hammerheads, Galapagos and white-tips, the nutrient rich ocean waters also attract manta rays, spotted eagle rays, sea turtles, dolphins and whale sharks.

The need for protection of this underwater ecological wonder moved Ecuador to create a management plan in 1992 for the Galapagos Marine Reserve, but due to lack of organization and commitment it was ignored. In 1997 renewed effort is bringing forward important changes to the preserving the marine environment. All of the local sectors (fishing, tourism and conservation) have been brought together to negotiate protecting these resources. Finally in 1998 The Galapagos Marine Reserve was created. Designed to protect the waters surrounding the Galapagos Islands and the resources they contain.

The Galapagos Marine Reserve Law provides for the following:

  • The incorporation of the Marine Reserve into the National System of Protected Areas
  • The Marine Reserve area is increased from 15 - 40 miles (24-64 km) from the base line
  • The Galapagos National Park Service is established as the authority in charge of administration, management and control of the marine reserve, as well as coordinating control with the Fisheries Ministry and the Navy.
  • Establishing a multi-sector management board consisting of the Galapagos National Park Service and the users of the Galapagos Marine Reserve.

We invite you to browse through this section of our website, it covers everything you will need to know for a dive trip to the exotic and remote Galapagos underwater ecosystem.