DIVING

DAILY DIVE TOURS AND DIVE PACKAGES

DAILY DIVE TOURS FOR CERTIFIED DIVERS

07h00 encounter at the dive center, day’s general briefing
07h15 transport to dive site
09h00 check out dive for new passengers (10 minutes)
09h30 first dive
10h30 surface interval, snack
12h00 second dive
13h00 lunch
15h30 return to dive center

Note:
• The schedule is flexible and can change according to the site and general conditions.

• Lunch will be provided on board or in a restaurant in Puerto Ayora depending on the sea conditions and dive site.

• For divers from the Finch Bay or anchored boats in Academy Bay: our boat can pick them up from the wharf or their boat when leaving from Puerto Ayora.

DIVE SITES DESCRIPTION
The sites are in order of challenge that they present to the diver, Academy Bay being the easiest.

ACADEMY BAY FIT US $90
This is the bay of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island with 4 dive sites all within 20 minutes from our base by boat. Three of the sites are generally calm with little current; ideal for students or novices. At the other site, the dives can be a little more complicated if there is a current so they are suitable for intermediate or expert divers. Frolic with sea lions or listen as the damselfish munches away at its algae farm. You may also see marine iguanas, rays, and even sharks all just outside your hotel's door!

SANTA FE FIT US $130
This island is a solid structure of basaltic lava rocks about an hour away from our base. The 4 dive sites here generally have excellent visibility and mild currents, making these sites ideal for novices. At the same time, the animals and topography (including a spectacular arch) make them interesting for intermediates and experts. We can see stingrays, eagle rays, garden eels, turtles, sea lion colonies, morays, pelagic fish, and maybe white tip reef sharks and/or hammerhead sharks.

BEAGLE ROCKS FIT US $135
These are 3 exposed rocks located south of Santiago Island, about 1h30’s cruise from Itabaca channel. This beginner/intermediate dive site starts on a 12 meters deep platform and leads to a wall, covered with black coral and sea fans, that drops to more than 60 meters. Pelagic species that can be observed include hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, mantas during the hot season, small rays, turtles and sea lions.

PINZON FIT US $135
The small island of Pinzon is located on the west side of Santa Cruz Island, about 1h30’s cruise away from our base. This beginner/intermediate dive site is on the east side where 2 tower-shaped rocks emerge. A wall covered in black coral drops to 10 meters and from there it’s a sandy slope that drops to more than 50 meters. Species commonly observed include the red lipped bat fish, sea horses, sting rays, turtles and white tip reef sharks.

COUSINS ROCK FIT US $135
An islet with a wall dropping from the surface into the deepest depths, Cousins Rock is home to a big area of sloping rock plates known as a "Planchonal" about two hours from our base. There can be strong currents here that separate the productive and unproductive sides of the dive site. Cousins’ is full of spectacular endemic young black corals and other sightings may include frogfish, fur seals, sea turtles, sea horses, and usually, hammerhead sharks.

SEYMOUR FIT US $135
North Seymour is an uplifted island of lava flow about 90 minutes north of ourdive base. There are 5 dive sites suitable for all levels of divers, although sometimes the currents can be strong. These sites have the most different species per square foot of sandy bottom. We can see cleaning behavior, a large gardeneel colony, sea turtles, sea lions, fur seals, eagle rays, yellow-tailed grunts, bigeyed jack, and frequently white tip reef sharks and hammerheads. Occasionally, Galapagos sharks can also be seen here.

FLOREANA FIT US $135
The island of Floreana is about 90 minutes south from our dive base. There are 9 dive sites here with generally calm waters. On the occasion that we do find strong currents, we can quickly move to another site, which makes Floreana ideal for all levels of divers. This site is one of the best in the central islands to see significant coral colonies, such as pebble coral and endemic black coral. You might encounter baby birds as they make unsuccessful attempts learning to fly. You may look on as barber fish clean sea turtles of parasites. Floreana is also one of the best sites to dive with sea lions. If that isn't enough there is the enticing gauntlet of sea horses, stingrays, eagle rays, turtles, long nose hawk fish, barracudas, pelagic fish, white tip reef sharks, Galapagos sharks, and hammerhead sharks.

DAPHNE FIT US $135 NET
This is an isolated offshore tuff cone with vertical walls all around it about one hour from our dive base. The main dive site is a shelf of boulders at about 60 feet and the diving can be difficult depending on the currents and surge. We usually see many Galapagos sharks here, some schools of pelagic fish, and multicolored sponges on the rock wall.

GUY FAWKES FIT US $135
These 4 islets are located on the northwest side of Santa Cruz Island, about 1h15’s cruise from Itabaca channel. In general the ocean bottom descends in slopes, some almost vertical. The walls of the islets are eroded, full of cavities in some parts, and big rocks covered in black coral in others. At this intermediate site divers can observe pelagic species such as Galapagos sharks, white tip reef sharks, turtles, and a wide variety of reef fish and sea lions.

GORDON ROCKS FIT US $130
Minimum experience to participate is 30 logged dives.
This tuff cone formation is a world famous dive site about one hour from our base.
There are 4 dive sites in the area, but only two are for novices. The other two sites are for intermediates and experts because there can be strong currents and surge. The Gordon Rocks dive sites are mostly walls with a deep bottom. Blend in and blow few bubbles and you may be blessed with a hammerhead sighting!
Hammerhead sharks are the main attraction of Gordon Rocks, where they often conglomerate in large schools. You won't be able to stop looking at this aquarium as you're likely to also see reef fish, large pelagic fish, golden rays, stingrays, eagle rays, turtles, morays.

NAMELESS FIT US $135 NET
Minimum experience to participate is 30 logged dives.
This nameless islet is located offshore on the west side of Santa Cruz Island, about 1h15’s cruise from our base. This intermediate/advanced site is exposed to strong currents and surge. It is mostly a wall dive where many species of coral, sponges and gorgonians can be observed and where a good control of buoyancy is mandatory. Since the site is exposed to strong conditions it attracts mainly large pelagic species such as hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, barracudas, tunas, turtles and a wide variety of reef fish.

NIGHT DIVE TOUR FIT US $90
Experience the wonder of diving in the dark! Our night dives are in Academy Bay and include all the necessary night equipment. You may see various species of invertebrates (such as sea cucumbers) and fish that only come out at night.

During the ride back to town, you'll watch as bioluminescence sparkles on the boat's wake. Only for intermediates and experts.

18h30 encounter at the dive center, general briefing.
19h00 transport to dive site
19h30 dive
20h30 return to dive center.

DAILY DIVE TOURS FOR NON-CERTIFIED DIVERS
Our special adventure for visitors who want a first look at the underwater world:
This dive is in calm waters. You will first have an orientation with the instructor, including a video and personal instruction with the dive equipment. You will learn what will happen in the water, and what you must or must not do for a safe dive.

Your instructor will help you prepare for the dive and accompany you at every moment in the water. All you need is good health, swimming ability, and a little self-confidence. You may see reef fish, sea turtles, sea lions, different types of rays, and even sharks. The program includes only one dive and the maximum depth is 12 meters (40 feet).

For non-certified diver clients we offer introductory dives in 2 options:

Option #1
In Academy Bay
08h00 video screening
08h30 dive equipment handling instructions
08h45 transport to dive site
09h30 dive equipment revision in Punta Estrada.
10h00 dive briefing in La Lobería or Punta Estrada depending on the sea conditions.
11h00 debriefing, snorkeling optional
11h30 return to dive center.
Note:
• Does not include lunch.
• Can also be done during the afternoon (starting at 14h00)

Option #2
Outside Academy Bay with the certified diver’s group.
Day 1
Video screening
Dive equipment handling instructions
Day 2
07h00 Encounter at the dive center, day’s general briefing.
07h15 Transport to dive site
09h00 Snorkeling (during the certified divers’ first dive)
10h30 Introductory dive (during surface interval)
12h00 Snorkeling (during the certified divers’ second dive).
13h00 lunch
15h30 return to dive center.
Note:
• This option is not possible at Gordon and Nameless.

LAND BASED DIVE PACKAGES
8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
Day 1: Arrival and Hotel check in. The afternoon is a good opportunity to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station’s visitor center with its educational displays and giant tortoise breeding center. Later, prepare scuba gear for the next day’s dive.
Day 2: Breakfast, 2 dives at Seymour, return to base.
Day 3: Breakfast, 2 dives at Beagle, lunch, return to base.
Day 4: Breakfast, 2 dives at Cousins, lunch, return to base.
Day 5: Breakfast, 2 dives at Gordon Rocks, lunch, return to base.
Day 6: Breakfast, 2 dives at Floreana, lunch, return to base.
Day 7: Breakfast, 2 dives at Nameless, lunch, return to base.
Day 8: Breakfast, hotel checkout, departure.

5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
Day 1: Hotel check in, in the afternoon one check out dive in Academy Bay, return to base.
Day 2: Breakfast, 2 dives at Floreana Island, lunch, return to base.
Day 3: Breakfast, 2 dives at Gordon Rocks, lunch, return to base.
Day 4: Breakfast, 2 dives at Seymour, lunch, return to base.
Day 5: Breakfast, hotel checkout, departure.

4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
Day 1: Hotel check in, in the afternoon one check out dive in Academy Bay, return to base.
Day 2: Breakfast, 2 dives at Seymour Island, lunch, return to hotel.
Day 3: Breakfast, 2 dives at Gordon Rocks, lunch, return to hotel.
Day 4: Breakfast, hotel checkout, departure.

• The packages include: accommodation, breakfast at hotel, lunch (except at Academy Bay) complete scuba gear, dive boat, divemaster guides, dives.
• Itineraries can change depending on meteorological conditions, level, experience of divers and previous reservations.

LAND BASED DIVE PACKAGES TARIFFS 2007

8DAYS/7NIGHTS 5DAYS/4NIGHTS 4DAYS/3NIGHTS HOTEL CLASS SINGLE DOUBLE SINGLE DOUBLE SINGLE DOUBLE Red Mangrove First $2450 $1750 $1460 $1070 $1080 $790 Red Mangrove Tourist $2150 $1610 $1290 $985 $960 $730 Sol y Mar First $2013 $1495 $1195 $896 $890 $665 Red Booby Tourist $1390 $1160 $890 $730 $660 $540 Lobo de Mar Tourist $1360 $1170 $815 $709 $605 $530 Fernandina Tourist $1250 $1150 $760 $705 $560 $520 Hostal Mainao Tourist $1290 $1160 $780 $705 $580 $520 Estrella de Mar Economy $1090 $1005 $670 $690 $490 $412 JUST DIVING $745 $465 $340 Note: • Prices are per person and can change with an itinerary change. • A supplement of US $70 is charged to single passengers.

PADI SCUBA TRAINING COURSES
OPEN WATER DIVER COURSE
Become a certified diver (maximum depth of 18m/60feet) in 4-5 days.
The course includes theory, confined water training, swim test, 4 open water dives and certification.

ADVANCED OPEN WATER DIVER COURSE
Improve your diving techniques and get certified to dive to 30m/100 feet in 2-3 days.

The course includes the mandatory deep and navigational dive with 3 of the following techniques: peak buoyancy, multilevel, current, and underwater naturalist.

EMERGENCY FIRST RESPONSE
It is a prerequisite for the rescue diver course. Learn basic first aid, rescue breathing and CPR in 2 days.

RESCUE DIVER COURSE
Improve your diving knowledge, confidence and responsiveness in diving emergency situations.

LAND BASED DIVE PACKAGES TARIFFS 2007

8DAYS/7NIGHTS 5DAYS/4NIGHTS 4DAYS/3NIGHTS HOTEL CLASS SINGLE DOUBLE SINGLE DOUBLE SINGLE DOUBLE Red Mangrove First $2213 $1590 $1321 $965 $982 $715 Red Mangrove Tourist $1954 $1464 $1173 $893 $871 $661 Sol y Mar First $1830 $1358 $1085 $815 $805 $603 Red Booby Tourist $1263 $1046 $809 $661 $598 $487 Lobo de Mar Tourist $1228 $1060 $741 $645 $547 $475 Fernandina Tourist $1130 $1046 $685 $637 $505 $469 Hostal Mainao Tourist $1165 $1053 $705 $641 $520 $472 Estrella de Mar Economy $990 $913 $605 $627 $445 $412 JUST DIVING $745 $465 $340 Note: • Prices are per person and can change with an itinerary change. • A supplement of US $70 is charged to single passengers.

PADI SCUBA TRAINING COURSES
OPEN WATER DIVER COURSE
Become a certified diver (maximum depth of 18m/60feet) in 4-5 days.
The course includes theory, confined water training, swim test, 4 open water dives and certification.

ADVANCED OPEN WATER DIVER COURSE
Improve your diving techniques and get certified to dive to 30m/100 feet in 2-3 days.
The course includes the mandatory deep and navigational dive with 3 of the following techniques: peak buoyancy, multilevel, current, and underwater naturalist.

EMERGENCY FIRST RESPONSE
It is a prerequisite for the rescue diver course. Learn basic first aid, rescue breathing and CPR in 2 days.

RESCUE DIVER COURSE
Improve your diving knowledge, confidence and responsiveness in diving emergency situations.
Spend 3 days simulating surface and underwater rescue diving scenarios. Course includes certification.

DIVEMASTER COURSE
***Complete your prerequisite dives with us.
Improve your diving knowledge, expertise and become a dive professional over a period of one month.
The course theory includes: physics, chemistry, physiology, equipment and environment of diving. Participate in courses and perfect your dive skills.
Course does not include the PADI membership fees.

REFRESHER COURSE
Get back into the diving world after a long period not practising the sport or before diving in a new environment. Practice basic skills and enjoy a fun dive.

COURSE 1 student 2 students 3 students 4+ students Introductory or Refresh course $240 $180 $150 $120 Referral $480 $420 $360 $300 Open Water Diver Course $600 $420 $360 $336 Advanced Diver Course $540 $420 $360 $300 Rescue Diver Course $600 $540 $480 $420 Emergency First Response $144 $120 $108 $96 Dive Master Course $840 $780 $660 $500 Note: • Prices are per person.

CARACTERISITICS OF OUR DIVING SERVICES
• We offer a detailed briefing prior to each dive and a checkout dive to all new passengers in a calm environment. Guides are locals, trained in our dive center and have a minimum of 3 years experience. We provide a guide for groups of 4-5 passengers depending on their training level.

For introductory dives the maximum depth is 12meters/40feet and it is required that a guide accompany one introductory diver at a time.

• The depths and bottom time are planned and established according to PADI’s norms and depend on the divers’ level of experience. The maximum depth of the dives varies between 15mt (50 feet) and 30mt (100 feet), the maximum bottom time is of one tour and the minimum surface interval is one tour.

• Each diver will have to present his/her dive certification (PADI, NAUI, SSI, ACUC, DIVA, CMAS, FEDAS, YMCA, DEWA, ETC...) and logbook. Also, the divers will have to sign the release of responsibility and expressed assumption of risk. For minors; their parents or legal guardians will have to sign (minimum age to dive is 12 years old).

• To practice recreational dive activities the diver must be in good health and not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Passengers who declare health problems will need a doctor’s authorization permitting them to dive.

• Our daily dive tours included 2 dives (except introductory y night dive), two dives, dive boat, divemaster guides, diving gear (complete wetsuit, regulator with octopus, BCD, mask, snorkel, fins, booties, gloves, scuba tuba, tanks and weight belt), lunch (Does not include lunch in Academy Bay).

• Our dive boat complies with the Ecuadorian Marine security prerequisites and norms. Additionally, our first aid kit includes 2 oxygen tanks (one hour’s duration). We are affiliated to the hyperbaric chamber; our passengers are covered 80% specifically for dive accidents.

RESERVATIONS
The reservation must include the passengers’ information through our application form that has to be completely filled out by each passenger.

To secure a space we would appreciate for reservations to be made with at least 3 weeks notice.