Galapagos Shark Diving
Galapagos Shark Diving
5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Full view
About
Dive with the Whale Shark Experts of the research project, the Galapagos Whale Shark Project! A different kind of dive adventure - Dive with a Purpose! Enjoy the silence and adventure of Galapagos' unique under water world while supporting research and conservation of whale sharks.
Santa Cruz, Ecuador
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5.0
72 reviews
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paubern1
Bogota, Colombia81 contributions
Jan 2021 • Solo
I Discovered Jenny through the FB group “Girls that Scuba”. Since day 1 she was the BEST. So patient, thoughtful, looking for my interests regarding visiting Galapagos, presented several options all with great itinerary and prices. Helped me with All the info regarding COVID requirements, even filling the forms, getting a hotel, a cab! ALL ! Anytime I asked her something she sent me all information right away! Responds quickly and got me good deals. The best! I highly recommend using her services if you are traveling to Galapagos. She will be there with you to guide and advise. Very grateful for her 1A services! She also helped me with the diving insurance! The live aboard she got me was awesome , great dive master, even the group of people was amazing and very homogenous. Food delicious and healthy. Paula (Colombia).
Written 4 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Paula, thank you so very much for your kind words! I am so happy you enjoyed the islands of Galapagos and that you loved your experience. I am very glad I was able to help and advise you. Hope to meet you one day in person! Sending love and hugs to Colombia! :)
Written 16 February 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mostlydiving
Jackson, TN3 contributions
Sept 2020
Galapagos has been on my diving bucket list for many years and I went there with extremely high expectations. I was not disappointed. Galapagos Shark Diving is a small organization but don’t let that fool you. They are probably the best I’ve ever experienced at planning and managing a trip. From start to finish this was perfect down to the smallest detail...and in a time when covid made travel more complicated. They even arranged the required covid testing after arriving in Quito and before we were allowed to travel to Galapagos. The communication was outstanding, beginning from the original booking and even after the trip. Hats off to Jenny Waack and Jonathan Green, who are two of the nicest, most humble people you will ever meet. Their wealth of knowledge and experience, especially in the Galapagos but even beyond that, are truly impressive.
And the diving…wow! Hammerheads, White Tips, Galapagos Sharks, Sea Lions, Turtles, Eagle Rays, Cow Rays, Manta Rays, Marine Iguanas, massive schools of Barracuda and Horse-eyed Jacks…and of course, Whale Sharks….8 different sightings in 2 days, with at least 4 of those sightings unique individuals. I missed Mola Molas and Penguins, but did see the Galapagos Bullhead Shark, Red-lipped Batfish & Torpedo Ray.
And the Whale Sharks…what a humbling and intense experience to be within 10 ft. of these gentle giants. I don’t think my adrenaline or heart rate could go any higher. A big part of why we had such a great experience can be attributed to Jenny, Jonathan and the two divemasters, Christian and Bryon. Their experience and knowledge of Galapagos and the Whale Shark habits contributed immensely to our success. From the pre-dive planning and dive briefings all the way through the dives, they were on top of all the details.
And the crew was amazing. I’ve never seen such a hard working group, always ready to help with your gear, assisting in and out of the pangas, cooking and serving meals,etc. I never once saw any crew member slack off or avoid work that needed to be done. They seemed to embrace their role. The boat itself, the Pinguino Explorer, is not a luxury boat but it is clean, safe, comfortable and more than adequate.
I would highly recommend this excursion to anyone interested in a first class experience. You won’t find anything better than Galapagos Shark Diving and the Pinguino Explorer and its crew. This is an intimate experience that you won’t find on many of the other liveaboards working in Galapagos.
And the diving…wow! Hammerheads, White Tips, Galapagos Sharks, Sea Lions, Turtles, Eagle Rays, Cow Rays, Manta Rays, Marine Iguanas, massive schools of Barracuda and Horse-eyed Jacks…and of course, Whale Sharks….8 different sightings in 2 days, with at least 4 of those sightings unique individuals. I missed Mola Molas and Penguins, but did see the Galapagos Bullhead Shark, Red-lipped Batfish & Torpedo Ray.
And the Whale Sharks…what a humbling and intense experience to be within 10 ft. of these gentle giants. I don’t think my adrenaline or heart rate could go any higher. A big part of why we had such a great experience can be attributed to Jenny, Jonathan and the two divemasters, Christian and Bryon. Their experience and knowledge of Galapagos and the Whale Shark habits contributed immensely to our success. From the pre-dive planning and dive briefings all the way through the dives, they were on top of all the details.
And the crew was amazing. I’ve never seen such a hard working group, always ready to help with your gear, assisting in and out of the pangas, cooking and serving meals,etc. I never once saw any crew member slack off or avoid work that needed to be done. They seemed to embrace their role. The boat itself, the Pinguino Explorer, is not a luxury boat but it is clean, safe, comfortable and more than adequate.
I would highly recommend this excursion to anyone interested in a first class experience. You won’t find anything better than Galapagos Shark Diving and the Pinguino Explorer and its crew. This is an intimate experience that you won’t find on many of the other liveaboards working in Galapagos.
Written 12 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Gene,
Thank you so much for your amazing feedback. Thank you for taking the time to give follower travellers a incredible good overview and impression. We really appriate your effort. Thank you so much for your kind words which feel so good! We can't wait to travel and dive with you soon again. All the best Jenny
Written 14 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
nathi89443
Geneva, Switzerland33 contributions
Dec 2020
Jenny helped me organize my 8 days diving cruise, and it was absolutely amazing, I wholeheartedly recommend Galapagos Shark Diving as agency. The liveaboard (Aqua) as such was of course great, but Jenny's support throughout the organization and the trip was outstanding. She was very responsive and available whenever i had a question (both via whatsapp and email), she gave excellent pieces of advice, I could feel she's a passionate diver herself.
Also to be mentioned, thanks to her I was able to transfer the full amount (including whatever normally has to be paid on the boat, like Nitrox, equipment rental etc...) in advance, which enabled me to carry significantly less cash.
Don't hesitate any longer, Jenny is the right person to make your diving trip memorable.
Also to be mentioned, thanks to her I was able to transfer the full amount (including whatever normally has to be paid on the boat, like Nitrox, equipment rental etc...) in advance, which enabled me to carry significantly less cash.
Don't hesitate any longer, Jenny is the right person to make your diving trip memorable.
Written 5 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Nathalie, thank you so much for your great review! I am so happy you enjoyed the beauty of the Galapagos Islands and had a fantastic trip! I am very honoured you traveled with us and I was able to assist and help you with questions you had. Thank you for traveling with us! Maybe until next time. All the very best Jenny
Written 16 February 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mostlydiving
Jackson, TN3 contributions
Sept 2022
I’ve just returned from my 3rd year in a row of diving the Galapagos Islands with Galapagos Shark Diving . Why 3 years in a row? Because the diving is incredible and they are a major part of why that is. From the pre-dive planning and dive briefings all the way through the dives, you could tell they were on top of all the details. Of course, it helps to have a great location, but they are better than any other Galapagos operator at maximizing that experience. I have dived all over the world and on many liveaboards, so I can say this without reservation or hesitation.
Jenny and Jonathan have been traveling and diving these waters for a very long time. Their experience and knowledge is amazing and it has a huge impact on the quality of the trip. They are constantly working to insure that you have the best possible overall experience. They are always available to help and give advice and always with a smile and enthusiasm. Their energy is contagious.
My trips in 2020 and 2021 were the 8-day itinerary so this year I opted for the Special 15-day itinerary. Wow! This trip was beyond my wildest expectations. Not only did it allow a lot more diving, especially at Darwin and Wolf Islands, but it also included 6 different land tours at the most iconic locations. In addition we had panga tours, snorkeling and informative evening presentations mixed in.
The boat is the Pinguino Explorer (renamed to Aqua). It is not a luxury vessel but it is clean, safe and much more than adequate. The crew has been consistently excellent over my 3 years and this year was no exception. They were always eager to help with your gear, assisting in and out of the pangas, cooking and serving meals, cleaning the boat, doing anything for you that made you as comfortable as possible. I never once saw a crew member slack off or avoid work that needed to be done. Everyone raved about the food and they went out of their way to accommodate my special diet. The divemasters, Christian and Jesus, were rock solid.
If you’ve been wanting to dive in the Galapagos, don’t hesitate any further. What you will experience there is beyond anything I could possibly write and I can only say that it is simply incredible diving. I can also guarantee that your experience will be greatly enhanced by Galapagos Shark Diving and the Pinguino Explorer and its crew. You will rave about this trip for a very long time. I know I do.
Jenny and Jonathan have been traveling and diving these waters for a very long time. Their experience and knowledge is amazing and it has a huge impact on the quality of the trip. They are constantly working to insure that you have the best possible overall experience. They are always available to help and give advice and always with a smile and enthusiasm. Their energy is contagious.
My trips in 2020 and 2021 were the 8-day itinerary so this year I opted for the Special 15-day itinerary. Wow! This trip was beyond my wildest expectations. Not only did it allow a lot more diving, especially at Darwin and Wolf Islands, but it also included 6 different land tours at the most iconic locations. In addition we had panga tours, snorkeling and informative evening presentations mixed in.
The boat is the Pinguino Explorer (renamed to Aqua). It is not a luxury vessel but it is clean, safe and much more than adequate. The crew has been consistently excellent over my 3 years and this year was no exception. They were always eager to help with your gear, assisting in and out of the pangas, cooking and serving meals, cleaning the boat, doing anything for you that made you as comfortable as possible. I never once saw a crew member slack off or avoid work that needed to be done. Everyone raved about the food and they went out of their way to accommodate my special diet. The divemasters, Christian and Jesus, were rock solid.
If you’ve been wanting to dive in the Galapagos, don’t hesitate any further. What you will experience there is beyond anything I could possibly write and I can only say that it is simply incredible diving. I can also guarantee that your experience will be greatly enhanced by Galapagos Shark Diving and the Pinguino Explorer and its crew. You will rave about this trip for a very long time. I know I do.
Written 29 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much Gene for your kind words! This amazing feedback means a lot to us! I do have to thank you for all the support in conservation and the kindness and incredible positive spirit you bring with you every time you come on board. It is a pleasure to dive and travel with you and it makes me incredibly happy that you enjoyed the trip, the diving and land visits so much! Thank you so much for taking the time and giving us such a lovely feedback !!!
We are sending you both a big hug! See you soon
Jenny & Jonathan
Written 15 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CryptoYankee
Cuenca, Ecuador1 contribution
Aug 2020
This isn't a vacation. This is a dream come true. I have been fascinated by the Galapagos since I was a kid. In a week we had 10 whale shark encounters, amost as many manta rays, large flocks of eagle ray, more hammerheads and other sharks than we could count, sea lions, penguins, marine iguanas, GIANT schools of amberjacks and all the colorful fish of the very diverse reefs.
Jonathan Green has been diving those waters for 30 years and has a nose for where to dive for the best results. And as the founder of the Galapagos Whaleshark Project, he is a seasoned conservationist who gave some fascinating talks during the week.
I have been on a few liveaboard boats and this is one of the nicest I have seen. The cabins are comfy, there are lots of places to lounge both inside and out. There are HOT SHOWERS in the staging area, so you can rinse off as soon as you get back.
The crew is professional, friendly, helpful and capable - always anticipating our needs, like how we might want a cup of cocoa and some hot buns after returning from our dives. Speaking of food...GREAT! I ate every crumb of everything they served.
I cannot recommend Galapagos Shark Diving enough. Wonderful people, wonderful experiences, wonderful memories.
Jonathan Green has been diving those waters for 30 years and has a nose for where to dive for the best results. And as the founder of the Galapagos Whaleshark Project, he is a seasoned conservationist who gave some fascinating talks during the week.
I have been on a few liveaboard boats and this is one of the nicest I have seen. The cabins are comfy, there are lots of places to lounge both inside and out. There are HOT SHOWERS in the staging area, so you can rinse off as soon as you get back.
The crew is professional, friendly, helpful and capable - always anticipating our needs, like how we might want a cup of cocoa and some hot buns after returning from our dives. Speaking of food...GREAT! I ate every crumb of everything they served.
I cannot recommend Galapagos Shark Diving enough. Wonderful people, wonderful experiences, wonderful memories.
Written 15 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so very very much Chris! We are so happy you enjoyed our Galapagos adventure together so much! Thank you for your trust and all the best for you in Ecuador! I hope you find a wonderful home and that we see each other soon - somewhere in this beautiful world! All the best Jenny
Written 18 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tkbemis
Gunnison, CO2 contributions
Sept 2020
What made this trip great was the people. The ship (Pinguino Explorer) could be described as a perfect compromise between affordability and luxury. Everything worked like it was supposed to, there was a unlimited amount of hot water with plenty of pressure. The food was fresh, plentiful, and delicious. The crew worked hard and made sure that everything was provided when expected.
I don’t need to carry on about the diving, it was the Galapagos after all. As far as I’m concerned the Galapagos is right at the top of the list for exciting encounters with creatures, and I have been there 3 times as well a long list of other dive destinations all over the world. Yet this trip was the best of the 3 visits, because not only did we have the expected quality of the local dive guides, but we had the fantastic people who are the team that are the Galapagos Shark Diving. Their knowledge and willingness to share just makes you want to keep asking questions. After every dive we felt satisfied, and then given more knowledge to get us stoked for the next give. Dive with Galapagos Shark Diving and you won’t be disappointed and you will help contribute to research that can help sustain a healthy marine ecosystem.
I don’t need to carry on about the diving, it was the Galapagos after all. As far as I’m concerned the Galapagos is right at the top of the list for exciting encounters with creatures, and I have been there 3 times as well a long list of other dive destinations all over the world. Yet this trip was the best of the 3 visits, because not only did we have the expected quality of the local dive guides, but we had the fantastic people who are the team that are the Galapagos Shark Diving. Their knowledge and willingness to share just makes you want to keep asking questions. After every dive we felt satisfied, and then given more knowledge to get us stoked for the next give. Dive with Galapagos Shark Diving and you won’t be disappointed and you will help contribute to research that can help sustain a healthy marine ecosystem.
Written 15 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Ted for your great feedback! It was a pleasure to travel with you and Kim. It makes us proud that you enjoyed diving with so much. Thank you very much for the trust especially in the current times. We hope to see you two again - somewhere in this beautiful world. Thank you! All the best Jenny
Written 18 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PR0
2 contributions
Dec 2020 • Solo
I first contacted Galapagos Shark Diving based on personal recommendation and the company ethos and have no hesitation in recommending their services.
My dive experience is below the usually required level, but Jenny was able to book me onto a liveabord a couple of weeks before my Galapagos trip and gave me plenty of good advice about how best to prepare with some diving in Ecuador.
Jenny's service and support were superb. She was generous with her time, very organised, genuinely cared about ensuring I had a great trip and made sure I knew exactly what to expect.
Jenny is passionate about diving and the marine world and her enthusiasm is infectious. I can only imagine how fantastic GSD'S own specialist dive trips must be!
My dive experience is below the usually required level, but Jenny was able to book me onto a liveabord a couple of weeks before my Galapagos trip and gave me plenty of good advice about how best to prepare with some diving in Ecuador.
Jenny's service and support were superb. She was generous with her time, very organised, genuinely cared about ensuring I had a great trip and made sure I knew exactly what to expect.
Jenny is passionate about diving and the marine world and her enthusiasm is infectious. I can only imagine how fantastic GSD'S own specialist dive trips must be!
Written 11 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Paula, thank you so very much for your kind words! I am so happy you enjoyed the Galapagos so much and where able to see and experience the beauty underwater as well as above the surface. The islands are magical and I am happy to share that experience. We hope we might see you on one of our other expedition or somewhere else - maybe even the UK ;) Thank you so much for traveling with us! I wish you all the very best. Jenny
Written 16 February 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RevRef
Stockton, CA43 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
Diving in the Galapagos Islands has been at the top of my "bucket list" for nearly 20 years. An opportunity arose for me to join three other divers from the Monterey Bay Aquarium where I am a volunteer diver since 1998. Galapagos Shark Diving (actually Galapagos Whale Shark Project) was selected as our tour operator by one of my colleagues and I concurred without any hesitation. Our observations (types of sharks and numbers) were added to a much larger data base which will be used to help formulate national and international fishing policies providing protection and encouraging the conservation of several species. Galapagos Shark diving is operated by Jenny Waach and Jonathan Green. We were blessed to have both of them on this particular diving expedition. They are both exceptional divers and underwater photographers. Jonathan is nationally (Ecuador) certified conservation guide for the Galapagos and is a wealth of information of life on land and underwater. Jenny is the "heart and soul" of this organization. She is an excellent communicator and administrator. She made sure are personal and professional needs were taken care with a very positive manner and attitude. The M/V Aqua was chartered for our particular expedition and is primarily used by Galapagos Shark Diving. There were 14 divers plus crew on our expedition. The Captain (Henry) and his crew were among the best I have seen around the world. Our safety on board and underwater was paramount throughout our 15 day trip. The freshly cooked meals were outstanding. I felt we were eating at a 4 or 5 star restaurant. The meals are served "family style." Most liveaboard opportunities for the Galapagos are 7-8 day trips with diving limited to 5 days. Galapagos Shark Diving offers 15 day excursions usually four times a year at a price which is slightly higher or nearly the same as some other 8 day opportunities. Diving with Nitrox is highly recommended due to the multiple dives per day and the fact of diving 14 out of 15 days of the tour. All the divers on our trip used Nitrox. Diving takes place from inflatable zodiacs called "pangas." There were usually 3-4 dives a day and, depending on the conditions, one or two night dives if approved by the National Park Service. You might ask, "Would you go with this company and operator again?" ABSOLUTELY! This is a "once in a lifetime" experience for any serious diver and those who are concerned for protecting our planet and life above and below the water.
Written 3 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bartvanraak
Amsterdam, The Netherlands2 contributions
Aug 2020
From my perspective Galapagos Shark Diving is the most professional and experienced diving company in the archipelago at the moment. The experienced dive guides, the ship, the crew and especially the founders are all amazing. For me this was one of the best trips in my life.
Written 28 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Bart,
Thank you so much for your feedback! It was amazing to travel with you and we hope to meet you soon again on your travel. All the best Jenny
Written 14 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chocolat61
Zurich, Switzerland9 contributions
Nov 2021 • Solo
GSD organizes dive trips themselves and you can book through them. So I booked a trip a bit out of season in November, but experienced an abundance of sharks - especially pregnant whale sharks - just breathtaking. You need to be able to deal with currents and surge, but you are rewarded greatly. The trip was well organized and will be a lasting memory.
Written 26 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind words. We are very happy we were able to assist you and created a lasting memory for you. Hope to see you soon around - maybe in Cocos next. :)
All the very best Jenny
Written 16 February 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Can you see sharks if you are snorkeling and not diving? I’m coming in December with a 9-year old and a 10-year old and none of us have any scuba diving experience but the kids are obsessed with sharks and sea life.
Written 23 September 2023
Can you see sharks if you are snorkeling and not diving? I’m coming in December with a 9-year old and a 10-year old and none of us have any scuba diving experience but the kids are obsessed with sharks and sea life.
Written 23 September 2023
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