Name: PADI - Open Water Course
Location: Galapagos Islands

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PADI - Open water
The OWC is the first of the open water dive courses designed to give you, the inexperienced person the skills and knowledge you need to start a hobby and passion under the water.

The course runs for 3 days and covers theory, skills and fun diving, to end with an international scuba diving certificate you can use anywhere around the world to a depth of 18 meters.

Theory with PADI e-learning, to be completed before arrival to Galapagos

Day 1 - pool session approx 3 hours
Day 2 - 2 dives in Open water (7am - 3pm)
Day 3 - 2 dives in Open water (7am - 3pm)



Galapagos Islands

PADI - Open Water Course

Academy Bay Diving

Equipment

Theory

Flights unless organised with Academy Bay Diving

Flights

National park entrance fee ($100 payable on arrival)

Entrance Fee

Tourist card ($20 payable in airport in Quito or Guayaquil)

TCT Card

Extra Meals

ADV Course

Academy Bay Diving is a family owned and run business dedicated to providing our customers with an amazing and safe dive experience in the Wonderful Galapagos Marine Reserve.

Choose this pricing level if you are booking the Open water complete with e-learning
The price is per person

Open water course - PADI

Referral - Diving only

Daily Dive tour

PADI - Open water
The OWC is the first of the open water dive courses designed to give you, the inexperienced person the skills and knowledge you need to start a hobby and passion under the water.
 
The course runs for 3 days and covers theory, skills and fun diving, to end with an international scuba diving certificate you can use anywhere around the world to a depth of 18 meters.
 
Theory with PADI e-learning, to be completed before arrival to Galapagos
 
Day 1 - pool session approx 3 hours
Day 2 - 2 dives in Open water (7am - 3pm)
Day 3 - 2 dives in Open water (7am - 3pm)

About this trip

acabamos de regresar de Galápagos conde realizamos seis increíbles días de buceos... por lejos los mejores en 20 años. Tanto por los hermosos lugares y fauna de la isla y alrededores, por sus equipos de primera calidad y sobre todo por sus guías y todo el personal del centro. Es increíble como aman su isla y como transmiten todo lo que saben de su fauna e historia. 
gracias Alex, Jimmy y Santiago

I had a few days of diving, Altough the wether wasn't the best, the company was very good. Nice people, very good english. Just a very nice expirence and nice dive's! Thanks again!


Tour Bartolome + 8 Day Diving

wonderful experience, great organization y dives at top level.
thanks for all 

Paquete de BUCEO Galapagos

I had i great time. Diving was very good. Nice spots and equipment was good. Good space on the boat with not to many people on the trip. Academy Bay Diving arranged a very good packed for me with different things to do the week I was on the Galapagos. Very helpful people at the Academy bay diving. Can absolute recommend them for booking a stay on the Galapagos.   

Shark Encounters

My husband and I came for our honeymoon and we had a phenomenal time! Huge thank you to Alice for answering all our questions and making for us the perfect itinerary!

Discover Galapagos – 3 Islands

Truly service oriented operation. They had everything arranged before we arrived and made sure that all we had to do was relax, dive and have fun. I'd definitely dive with them again! You should too!!! 

Daily Dive Tours - last minute

Everything was well organized and detailed, making really simple for me just to enjoy the trip.
The scuba diving was amazing, Israel is a great guide instructor. He knows how to balance safety and professionalism with a fun adventure 

Shark Encounters - extended

Great diving experience- very professional team, nice dive boat and good equipment. Fantastic having towels provided and a nice hot lunch! They were even able to assist us with arranging a private tour of a tortoise ranch after our dive, as travelling on a cruise ship we had only one day in Puerto Ayora and wanted to make sure we didn’t have to completely miss the tortoises to be able to dive. Fantastic dive outfit. 

Daily Dive Tours

An amazing trip. Leo, the instructor, was very professional and friendly, he worked hard for us to be able to find all the marine life we could. Highly recommended.

arguably the best diving experience we’ve had to date. From the quality of the shop to the dive masters on board with us, nothing but positive things to share. This shop really is first class quality and sets such a high expectation for the competition. 10/10 would dive with them again and would recommend to anyone looking to dive in the Galapagos! 

Academy Bay was a totally professional operation. I felt very safe; making arrangements was easy (the staff graciously accommodated my schedule in getting geared up), and I had a very good experience with them. I might also point out, they were less expensive than a similarly reputable competitor and provided videos/photos (which was a really nice touch). Recommend! 

Really excellent diving trip - great crew, saw so much and felt safe. Would totally recommend them.

The hammerheads at Gordon Rocks were amazing!  Leo and Israel were great dive masters,.  Very professional and took great go Pro pics/videos.

I travelled with my son for a five day diving trip and it was just fantastic. The staff is great, very kind and friendly. The organization of the equipment was flawless. Experienced guides that made us feel safe all the time.
I recommend it 100%

The guys at academy  really looked after us for the 8 days diving we done  based from Santa Cruz As we  visited numerous  sites with amazing sea life. the crew on board were very knowledgeable  , informative and super helpful too. There was good vibes on board , and the lunch was tasty too. Very professional and safe operation too. We will be back no doubt  Thanks again from all the Nauti Diver crew in dublin Ireland 🇮🇪 cheers Ziggy 🤙

Libros - pago en linea

I had a great time. The equipment was in good condition and our guides were very motivated. Also this is not mass tourism like for example in Thailand. We were nine people plus two guides and there were no other boats at the same spot.
Also the sea life is amazing there. We saw tons of white tips, black tips, some Galapagos sharks, lots of rays and a sea turtle. On my second dive trip I finally saw the hammer heads and some sea lions as well.
Even if there are only two dives per trip and the costs are about twice the price you pay normally in the rest of the world it is definitely worth it!

Thank you Alena, we are very happy you enjoyed your time in Galapagos!!

We had a great time with academybay diving. The service was uncomplicated and they responded fast to our questions. It was also possible to add on an extra tour. The accomodation in the tourist category was in nice hotels with comfy rooms. Academy Bay diving have really good instructors and crew personal. Thanks for the great time!

Thank you Beniamino.
We are very happy when our customers enjoy their diving with us and in Galpagos!

Amazing diving experience. The diving itself is just mindblowing, but that was expected. The team of Academy Bay went instead beyond expectations. They are excellent and extremely competent, they took care of everything with great detail and made all the trips more special and relaxed. They even managed to make quite easy (thanks to how they organised it and how they prepared us) the more difficult drift dives with strong currents. Highly recommended (especially compared with some other dive centres on the other main islands). 

Thank you Catherine.
We are very glad you enjoye your tours! Thank you for the feedback.

The three trips we booked with Academy Bay Diving were excellent.  Except for a minor glitch regarding meeting time/location on the 2nd day trip (Academy Bay resolved to my satisfaction) ... the guides were excellent as were the crew.  Very knowledgeable and accommodating.  Lunch served on board each boat was some of the best food we had while visiting Galapagos!   Thanks for the wonderful experience!

Land & Snorkel Tours - varios 2024

This is a Tiburon Explorer liveaboard review (NOT Academy Bay Diving):
Considering the huge price of this live aboard, we were really disappointed with the experience. The boat was only two years old so we thought we were paying a high price for high quality. Not so. The boat was very tired. The top deck had been patched many times with glue but still had holes in it. When it rained, water poured into the main salon, onto the floor, sofa, dining table and around all the ceiling lights. It also poured into one of the cabins, onto the bed. The crew did their best, with towels everywhere, but it was a mess. Tiburon is a boat that was made cheaply with the wrong materials and it’s now not fit for purpose.
Safety was not taken seriously by the dive leaders. The briefings were poor, using slides with the wrong information on them. No currents or temperatures were checked at sites prior to briefings. We were told temperature would be 22/23 degrees when it was 27-29 degrees in the water all week. Currents in the water were often completely different to what had been briefed. 
Communication from dive leaders during the dives was poor. Certain divers were running out of air and sharing on octopus regularly, deliberately.  It was hard to catch up with the leaders in order to tell them ‘low on air’ because of the currents.
No checks were made on divers depths vs nitrox percentage. One diver wasn’t nitrox certified but was allowed to dive on nitrox all week without any understanding of the implications. 
Despite saying divers needed 50 dives, they accepted one diver with only 25 dives. Then buddied her up with us, meaning our dives were short as she used so much air. If Explorer is accepting inexperienced divers they should insist that they have a private guide, like other boats do.
No focus on non-decompression limits. Some divers went into deco dives. One diver told the dive leader (Alex) that she was almost at her no-deco limit and he told her to go up, by herself, in strong currents. 
Despite my friend and I paying a huge amount and booking early, the 3 single divers who booked at the last minute with enormous discounts were the ones also given single cabins, with no single supplement paid. We should have been offered these cabins first as we had paid significantly more.
The diving was good, the rest of the crew worked hard and the food was good. But there are much less expensive options and I would not recommend Tiburon Explorer.


Dive - custom package

Nice diving spots with a lot to see, good to moderate visibility. Very professional staff, good service. If I return to Santa Cruz I will approach them again for diving.

Everyone at Academy Bay did a great job and we really enjoyed our day trips to Bartolome and North Seymour Islands as well as our two days diving!! It was so good to get back underwater after four years and Santa Fe & Floreana were both easy dive sites with lots to see! The dive masters were great at pointing things out and lunches were filling and good. 

We hope to return again one of these days and until then, all the best! Becky and Don Brunk; Bellingham, WA

Land & Snorkel Tours 2024

Great diving at Floreana.  Good emphasis on safety by the crew.  Lunch was good and plentiful.

We have very good scuba-diving in Galapagos，everything to organize well.

Complete Galapagos

I had a great experience with Academy Bay from start to finish. Booking was simple and the staff were super helpful getting things sorted. Instructors Hugo and Christian were excellent, knowledgeable and professional. I would absolutely go with academy bay again if I return!

The crew and organization is superb.  Fine boot with all the amenities you need. Great diving with dive masters taking care of you

We were proably a bit unlucky with this trip. The visibity was not the best and my wet suit a little under what was needed.  I did get cold towards the end of the dive and therefore didn't do the second one.   The lunch at the end of the second dive was  OK .   I have doen more iterestign dives elsewhere but its th eluck of the draw with dives.    

Daily Dive Tours - 2024

This was by far the best trip we did.  The boat is fab and the food great. Both stops were interesting and as described  and  we thoroughly  enjoyed the day. Its not cheap but you get what you pay for! 

Windrose - Santa Fe & Plazas

This was an enjoyable day. A boat that you could move around in and the food was good.   The off beach snorkling  was exactly as described and  the  walking tour to see the birds was very interesting. The tour was exactly as advertised.   There is no shade on the island so its wise to take an umbrella or at least a hot. 

North Seymour Land Tour

We had a brilliant trip. We arranged a custom package based on the two islands dive package which was very easy. All of the organisation was very smooth and we felt well looked after. The dive trips were great; the staff were professional and the food was really nice as well. Would highly recommend both for diving and for the full package.

Dive 2 Islands - Ext Night + Ext Day Tour

From start to finish this was a great trip.  Was picked up at hotel and taken to boat where we began our journey.  We traveled by boat and saw birds and small islands w explanations from naturalist.   Many opportunities to see marine wildlife.  Arrived on Bartoleme and did a short hike to a scenic visit and snorkel.   Great food and service! 

Land & Snorkel Tours - varios 2023

Academy Bay Diving were incredibly helpful from the planning of our trip to suit our interests, all the way to our departure. We had an amazing time in the Galapagos and hope to return as soon as we can!

Born to Dive - Custom

Fabulous day- super professional crew. Did a great job of balancing newer divers and the more experienced. 
Would totally dive with them again! 

Absolutely amazing trip! Basically ruined diving for me due to the incredible experiences diving with sea lions, and so many sharks. 
The dive instructor and lead was great, focus on safety, really accommodating. 

This was a nice snorkel trip.  I found our guide treated us as if we were not supposed to be on the trip.  Serious ageism. For that reason it was not very enjoyable.  We are only 50 but the rest of the group was younger.  He insisted I wear a life jacket when I am a very good swimmer but didn’t make anyone else wear one. 
The price was very expensive compared to others we talked to for the same trip 

Snorkel tour - Pinzon 2023

I had a lovely time.  The team at Academy were fantastic.  Safe and highly professional.  We had a mix of experience in the group and they were able to split it by experience.  This allowed the more experienced divers to maximise the dive. 

The instructor was really good pointing out wildlife.  
 
The craic in the boat was great.  I was with the Maimi Uni students which made me feel young!

Thank you to all the team.  I will definitely be back to do all the other dive sites.

The trip was a great experience.  I would recommend this trip to anyone who loves scuba diving but doesn't want to do a live aboard.
Academy Bay Diving is a top notch dive operation.

Dive 2 Islands - 2023

Overall great experience. The staff very responsive and made all the logistics super easy. From a tour experience I think it gives you a good overview of the islands as getting you on the best local dive spots.  Would recommend to a friend. 

Our recent 4-day/5-night dive package with Academy Bay in the Galapagos Islands in 2023 was an absolutely unforgettable experience. From the stunning underwater encounters to the warm hospitality and mouthwatering homecooked meals, every moment of this adventure exceeded our expectations.

Our diving itinerary included some of the most iconic dive sites in the Galapagos, and each location was a treasure trove of marine life and underwater wonders. We explored Mosquera, Daphne, Gordon Rocks, Baltra, Floreana, and Seymour Islands, each offering a unique and breathtaking glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the Galapagos marine ecosystem. From playful sea lions to graceful manta rays and even the elusive hammerhead sharks, every dive was a thrilling and awe-inspiring adventure.

The team at Academy Bay Diving was not only professional and safety-conscious but also incredibly knowledgeable about the marine life and ecosystems of the Galapagos. Our dive guides made sure we had a deep appreciation for the fragile and unique underwater world we were exploring, emphasizing the importance of responsible diving and conservation efforts. It was clear that they were passionate about preserving this natural wonder for future generations.

Back on the boat, we were treated to some of the most delicious homecooked meals. The variety and quality of the food were outstanding. From freshly caught seafood to local specialties, every meal was a culinary delight that left us eagerly anticipating the next one. Dining with fellow divers and sharing stories of our underwater adventures made the experience even more enjoyable.

The accommodations provided by Academy Bay were comfortable and well-maintained, offering a cozy retreat after a day of diving. We stayed at Hotel Coloma and it is a true gem in a good location. The breakfast was great, plentiful and freshly made every morning. The front desk lady was very helpful. She helped us reserve taxis and other activities during our stay. She genuinly cared and helped make our stay even stress free.

In summary, our dive package with Academy Bay in the Galapagos Islands was a dream come true for any diving enthusiast. The incredible marine life, the professionalism of the dive team, and the outstanding homecooked meals all contributed to an extraordinary experience. If you're looking to explore the wonders of the Galapagos underwater world, we highly recommend Academy Bay Diving. They not only provide an exceptional diving experience but also foster a deep connection to the unique and fragile ecosystem of the Galapagos. This was a trip of a lifetime, and we are immensely grateful for the memories created during these five unforgettable days.

Basic Dive Package - 4 Days / 5 Nights - 2023

Academy Bay set up my family for success for all 5 of us gaining our Advanced Open Water Certification while in Galapagos. We had amazing dives during the certification and as recreational as well - 7 dives in all with Academy Bay. We felt VERY safe, safer than some of the other companies we dove with during our time in Galapagos.  It was an amazing experience to gain our AOW while also having the most amazing dives of our lives, seeing every animal you can imagine during our dives. Angel Cobeña was our dive instructor and he MADE our experience THE BEST. He made sure my teens were safe while also being a fantastic and engaging instructor. We have a friend for life in Angel. He ensured that we have the best experience but also learned and remained safe the entire time. That is a feat when instructing a 14 yo, 15 yo, and 18 yo along with 2 adults that hadn't dove in over a year. He also made sure we knew how to approach the dives to ensure we saw the most animals, to hold our bubbles, and not scare off the hammerheads and others. Because of his instruction, we saw more wildlife than any other groups we encountered during our trip. The captain was also fantastic. We encountered a HUGE pod of Dolphins and the captain and dive crew changed our dive plans and had us all safely scuba with the dolphins! An experience of a lifetime! The snacks and lunches provided were yummy. We didn't have to lift a finger, the crew took very good care of us. It was very well organized as well. We always knew what was happening and what to expect next. I highly recommend Academy Bay!

PADI Advanced course + Dive Tours - custom

I had a fabulous time. Diving was one of the items to cross in my bucket list and I am extremely happy of completing my OWC with Academy Bay Diving. Besides the fantastic facilities (boat, diving gear), the personnel was extremely knowledgeable, supportive and professional. Kudos to my instructors Caro (swimming pool) and Angel (open water) for the terrific job. You rock!!!!
My thanks are extended to the crew of the boat (Daniel 1, Daniel 2, Byron, Joao) for their friendly approach and for sharing their love to Galapagos. 
Thanks to Alice and the entire team for making this an unforgettable experience. 

Adios and hope to see you somewhere underwater. 
Cristhian 

Best dive company on Santa Cruz! A great day diving with a fun, experienced and safety focussed team.  Pick Academy and you will be in great hands.

I had a great time diving! The staff were super knowledgeable and friendly. Leo did a refresh with me and made me feel very safe as I relearned how to dive. Great food for lunch. The boat was good. Overall, it was a great experience and I would dive again with Academy Bay.

This is an amazing dive shop. While the boat is small and the head is mechanical, it is still a 5-star experience. The full service of every crew member goes above and beyond what is commonly expected. Everything from your fins and tank is put on you. The homecooked meal on board is prepared according to your individual dietary restrictions and is extremely tasty. Should you desire to get the video footage from the dive, you may bring a flash drive and receive a copy free of charge. The guides speak English and Spanish and are warm and friendly. A different spot is visited every day of the week. In short an amazing experience. 

Excellent four dives in two days
The team is very professional , very secured dives and good material

Daily Dive Tours - custom

The dive was organised very well, I always felt safe with the instructors, the food on-board was really tasty and the group sizes for the dive was perfect with no more than 3 people per dive-master. I particularly liked that we got footage from the day afterwards.

Right from the start, contacting Academy Bay Diving I found the service to be very professional.

We booked two day tours, one to Bartolome and the other to North Seymour.

Both tours went off without a hitch, and I have to say, both were out of this world, seeing animals and bird life, and the opportunity to snorkel and see some amazing marine life, was absolutely brilliant.

If you’re looking at doing some day tours whilst you’re in the Galápagos, I’d definitely recommend bookings through Academy Bay Diving. You will be sure to be happy that you chose them! 

We had 3 amazing dive days with Academy. We were lucky, that the visibility was awesome. The food was delicious and we got to know many nice people. Especially the briefing by Oscar was really good and exact and Byron was a really nice guide!
Thank you!

We are very sorry to hear about your experience. We will definitely we taking this up with the tour operator.
It's not ok for the guides to behave that way with the marine life.
It's also not ok to lose passengers.
Thank you for your feedback.

The snorkeling itself at pinzon island was amazing. 
The company that Academy Bay Divers asked to oparete the trip was terrible and the guide we recived was not ok. He bugged the animals and dove to wake up and scare the sharks so that they will leave the cave and all of that only to take a few pictures of the people who paid him extra for a picture with the animals.
More so, there were 2 people that got lost for a solide 15 minutes and the guide didnt even noticed. 
I would recommand the tour but with a different company.

Land & Snorkel Tours - varios 2023 - last minute

I had a very good time with the team. Very professional, willing to search for the best spots and the most variable amount of fishes possible, relaxing atmosphere inside the boat, good vibes, safe trip. Thanks for allowing me to have this memorable experience, ever. 
I’ll be back!
Neander

PADI - Open Water Course

PADI - Open Water Course

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