Scuba Iguana
Scuba Iguana
4.5
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Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
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Travellers' Choice
2024
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4.5
456 reviews
Excellent
360
Very good
53
Average
21
Poor
13
Terrible
9
Erica S
5 contributions
Dec 2021
This will be a long review, but TL;DR - Scuba Iguana is great as a travel agency to plan your trip to the Galapagos as well as being a great dive shop. Highly recommend!
My husband and I were in the midst of trying to find tour packages that included both diving and land excursions for the Galapagos Islands. We found many options that were boat-based that only did one or the other, however. In dismay, we searched around online for dive centers who may assist us in getting the perfect mix of both land and dive adventures. That's when we stumbled upon Scuba Iguana.
After an initial inquiry, Lisa provided us with a sample itinerary that included all of our asks. She was accommodating and very prompt in her communication when we asked her to extend our stay or change a few things. She was knowledgeable and courteous. Lisa had helped arrange every detail of our stay including pickup/drop-off from the airport, ferrying between islands, tour guides and associated transport, and many more small details that made the trip seamless!
We were blown away by the trip that Lisa helped to arrange, which included hiking on Isabela, snorkeling, day trips to Espanola Island, Bartolome Island, North Seymour Island, and of course diving.
We thoroughly enjoyed our diving with Scuba Iguana. Our trip had a total of 7 dives, of which 4 were with Scuba iguana on the island of Santa Cruz (the remainder of the dives were based off other islands so Lisa helped to arrange those as well with their partner dive shops). We dove Punta Carrion, Gordon Rocks, Mosquera, and North Seymour channel. Hammerheads, plenty of rays, sea turtles, nudibranchs, reef fish, garden eels and many more! The team provided snacks between dives and provided a very delicious lunch as well. The entire dive team was professional, friendly, helpful and knowledgeable with a focus on our safety and enjoyment.
I highly recommend Scuba Iguana for your dive adventures as well as for their services as a travel agency! Thank you so much, Lisa, for an amazing time on the Galapagos.
My husband and I were in the midst of trying to find tour packages that included both diving and land excursions for the Galapagos Islands. We found many options that were boat-based that only did one or the other, however. In dismay, we searched around online for dive centers who may assist us in getting the perfect mix of both land and dive adventures. That's when we stumbled upon Scuba Iguana.
After an initial inquiry, Lisa provided us with a sample itinerary that included all of our asks. She was accommodating and very prompt in her communication when we asked her to extend our stay or change a few things. She was knowledgeable and courteous. Lisa had helped arrange every detail of our stay including pickup/drop-off from the airport, ferrying between islands, tour guides and associated transport, and many more small details that made the trip seamless!
We were blown away by the trip that Lisa helped to arrange, which included hiking on Isabela, snorkeling, day trips to Espanola Island, Bartolome Island, North Seymour Island, and of course diving.
We thoroughly enjoyed our diving with Scuba Iguana. Our trip had a total of 7 dives, of which 4 were with Scuba iguana on the island of Santa Cruz (the remainder of the dives were based off other islands so Lisa helped to arrange those as well with their partner dive shops). We dove Punta Carrion, Gordon Rocks, Mosquera, and North Seymour channel. Hammerheads, plenty of rays, sea turtles, nudibranchs, reef fish, garden eels and many more! The team provided snacks between dives and provided a very delicious lunch as well. The entire dive team was professional, friendly, helpful and knowledgeable with a focus on our safety and enjoyment.
I highly recommend Scuba Iguana for your dive adventures as well as for their services as a travel agency! Thank you so much, Lisa, for an amazing time on the Galapagos.
Written 11 January 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.
KidDocDMC
Birmingham, MI619 contributions
Mar 2022
Sabine at Scuba Iguana arranged most of our activities for our recent trip the Galapagos. She set up our airport transfer, including a tour of the tortoise reserve in the highlands, all of our diving and a day trip on a yacht (the Santa Fe). The prices at Scuba Iguana are definitely on the high side for the diving world, but comparable to others in the Galapagos.
The shop itself isn't much to look at. It is mostly equipment (which seemed to be in good shape) and people helping divers check in and out). The team arranged for us to either meet a cab in town at the church or get picked up at our dock on a daily basis (depending on where their boat was located). If it was a cab, then we were in for a 40 min drive across the island to get to the Itabaca Canal, where we had to jostle with other travelers and day trippers in order to get out to the boat. It was nice the two days they were able to pick us up in the harbor in Puerto Ayora.
The crew on the boat was friendly, fun, safety conscious, and very helpful. They set up all of the equipment and changed it between dives, which is always appreciated. They even took off our equipment at the end of dives and hauled it onto the boat so that we didn't have to climb the ladder with a BC and tank. Lunches were particularly good, featuring chicken dishes made "by a lady in town who wakes up at 4am to get food cooked for the trips."
The downside to the operation is the boat itself. While a back entry over the side isn't awful, it's nicer to be able to do a giant stride. More importantly, there just isn't room on the boat for the equipment. It gets piled up in the stern of the boat and haded to divers right before they enter the water. It leaves us uncomfortably balanced on the edge of the boat, with tanks hanging off. It also limits our ability to so our own and our partner's safety checks. More than once, I saw people land up at depth with equipment that wasn't functioning right (leaky O-rings, free-flowing regs...).
If they had a better dive boat, this would be a top-notch operation. Still, it looked comparable to other dive boats in the Galapagos, so I guess it meets local standards.
The shop itself isn't much to look at. It is mostly equipment (which seemed to be in good shape) and people helping divers check in and out). The team arranged for us to either meet a cab in town at the church or get picked up at our dock on a daily basis (depending on where their boat was located). If it was a cab, then we were in for a 40 min drive across the island to get to the Itabaca Canal, where we had to jostle with other travelers and day trippers in order to get out to the boat. It was nice the two days they were able to pick us up in the harbor in Puerto Ayora.
The crew on the boat was friendly, fun, safety conscious, and very helpful. They set up all of the equipment and changed it between dives, which is always appreciated. They even took off our equipment at the end of dives and hauled it onto the boat so that we didn't have to climb the ladder with a BC and tank. Lunches were particularly good, featuring chicken dishes made "by a lady in town who wakes up at 4am to get food cooked for the trips."
The downside to the operation is the boat itself. While a back entry over the side isn't awful, it's nicer to be able to do a giant stride. More importantly, there just isn't room on the boat for the equipment. It gets piled up in the stern of the boat and haded to divers right before they enter the water. It leaves us uncomfortably balanced on the edge of the boat, with tanks hanging off. It also limits our ability to so our own and our partner's safety checks. More than once, I saw people land up at depth with equipment that wasn't functioning right (leaky O-rings, free-flowing regs...).
If they had a better dive boat, this would be a top-notch operation. Still, it looked comparable to other dive boats in the Galapagos, so I guess it meets local standards.
Written 4 April 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.
Matthew
3 contributions
Jan 2022
My girlfriend and Claudia planned an amazing 5-day adventure including 4 days of diving and 1 day of land excursions. It was a wonderful experience and I highly recommend it to any who is interested in enjoying the wonders of the Galapagos Islands. Scuba Iguana really surprised me with how well they took care of their customers! It was truly a VIP experience from the moment you walked onto their dive boat. The captain and crew went out of their way on several occasions throughout our 4 days of diving to truly make our experience spectacular. Easy in and easy out service with helping with gear and cleaning masks. Making sure everyone stayed hydrated and had plenty of refreshments to eat throughout their outing. I would absolutely return to the Galapagos Islands and dive with them again! So much fun!
Written 30 January 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.
Rongere A
31 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Me and me boyfriend, both advanced with more than 40 dives have dived with Scuba Iguana on the 23rd ofJanuary and are very disappointed as they have put us with a complete beginner instead of the 3 other advanced divers.
We have asked at the shop how they usually split the divers before the dive. The answered: according to the level. However they have put us in a group with 2 other divers open water. In this group, 1 girl has only few dives (I think 3 dives since she was certified). She was felling completely uncomfortable and was really agitated under water. The dive master had to take her by the hand. Fortunately for us the current wasn't strong this day.
I have asked to change group when we went up, they have asked me why. I just answered you have seen it under water, it's not pleasant for us to be with a beginner. They have regrouped all the divers for the second dive and after few minutes, we were naturally separated and we were with the 3 other advanced divers.
I am still giving a bad note as we have dived with so many dive centers around the world. It's the first time that they put us with a complete beginner who ruined 50% of our time under water because we didn't go to the deep blue where all the fished were. I found it really unprofessional and frustrated for us particularly when you have paid more than 200USD. I was so excited to dive in Galapagos as it's one of the best destination in the world. I wasn't expecting this.
We have dived few days later with another center and it was great!!!!!! They respected all the levels and we had so much fun with our group:)
If you are an experienced diver, check other dive centers before going with them or make sure they not put you with beginner.
We have asked at the shop how they usually split the divers before the dive. The answered: according to the level. However they have put us in a group with 2 other divers open water. In this group, 1 girl has only few dives (I think 3 dives since she was certified). She was felling completely uncomfortable and was really agitated under water. The dive master had to take her by the hand. Fortunately for us the current wasn't strong this day.
I have asked to change group when we went up, they have asked me why. I just answered you have seen it under water, it's not pleasant for us to be with a beginner. They have regrouped all the divers for the second dive and after few minutes, we were naturally separated and we were with the 3 other advanced divers.
I am still giving a bad note as we have dived with so many dive centers around the world. It's the first time that they put us with a complete beginner who ruined 50% of our time under water because we didn't go to the deep blue where all the fished were. I found it really unprofessional and frustrated for us particularly when you have paid more than 200USD. I was so excited to dive in Galapagos as it's one of the best destination in the world. I wasn't expecting this.
We have dived few days later with another center and it was great!!!!!! They respected all the levels and we had so much fun with our group:)
If you are an experienced diver, check other dive centers before going with them or make sure they not put you with beginner.
Written 26 January 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.
Megan M
London, UK18 contributions
Sept 2022 • Solo
I dived with Scuba Iguana for two days in September 2022, one day with Edison and one day with Paolo, and I cannot recommend them enough. Both divemasters, and every member of crew onboard, were brilliant. Really attentive, struck the right balance between safety and fun, helped with all the gear, told us about the areas we were diving in (above and below water), helped us spot dolphins on the way to one of the dive sites, pointed out so much on the dives, and provided a tasty snack after the first dive and lunch after the second. As this was my first dive since covid, I was a bit nervous at the beginning of the first dive and they also handled that beautifully.
On the third day, entirely due to my own bad planning, I dived with a different dive shop in Puerto Ayora, which was good but definitely not the standard of Scuba Iguana. I really can’t recommend them highly enough.
Thanks team for a wonderful two days! I’m still dreaming of all the sharks, turtles, rays and fish. :)
On the third day, entirely due to my own bad planning, I dived with a different dive shop in Puerto Ayora, which was good but definitely not the standard of Scuba Iguana. I really can’t recommend them highly enough.
Thanks team for a wonderful two days! I’m still dreaming of all the sharks, turtles, rays and fish. :)
Written 7 October 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.
bcoy146
Cheyenne, WY56 contributions
Feb 2022
This is the best staff we have ever dealt with in nearly 30 years of diving. The transfer to the boat is about 40 minutes by taxi, which are clean and the drivers friendly. The boat was clean and the crew was so helpful. Although most days there were 10 divers it worked well. The captain, Enrique, and his deckhand ,Pedro, were always on the spot to help with suits, bring us drinks, wrap us with a warm towel and did it all with a smile. Natalia was our dive master most of the time and we are older and she catered to us like were royalty. The woman worked from the time she got on the boat until she got off. She had our gear organized and this crew changed tanks so fast you didn't even realize it had been done. I was concerned about and injured knee and she assisted with removing belts, fins and BC's and this was amazing the days we had some rough seas. My husband has limited vision and she even went out of her way to be certain he saw the hammer head sharks. Paulo was our dive master one day and he always had a smile, helped point out a number of sites we would have missed. I would come to scuba iguana again. Oh did I mention the hot tea and the hot meal on board. My only recommendation is to place the costumers in front of their bin with their fins when they first get on the boat. I found it took some time for everyone to realize where they should be. Thanks to all of you at scuba iguana.
Written 12 February 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.
nickmc
East Sussex, UK71 contributions
Jan 2022
In Jan 2022, after two years of Covid lockdown, we finally managed to return to the Galapagos, where we were relieved to find our favourite dive company, Scuba Iguana, was still in business. We had previously dived with Scuba Iguana in 2017 and 2019 and it was great that they’d survived the pandemic.
Their guides told us how supportive Scuba Iguana had been during Covid, paying their salaries although having very little income with which to do so, due to the lack of visitors. It was lovely to meet up with old friends and hear such good news. Veronica, the office manager at Scuba Iguana, came in for special praise for her supportive approach through difficult times.
During early 2022, a relatively minor La Niña event persisted in Ecuadorian waters, with the sea temperature consequently slightly lower than usual – although in February the water still hit 26 C (79 F).
Whether or not it was a result of the slightly cool water, there was certainly a lot of fabulous fish life around us when we were diving, with all the usual smaller species and very large schools of hammerheads, white tip sharks, Mobula and other rays - including several ‘giant’ oceanic Manta.
Over the course of several weeks and 20 days of diving, Scuba Iguana consistently provided us with professional support from office staff, well-equipped and operated boats, great underwater experiences, and fabulous camaraderie - onboard and subsea delights!
The Company is often put forward as the best run dive operation in the Galapagos, and we can attest to this. Their safety protocols are fabulous, their staff the most knowledgeable, and their commitment to customer satisfaction faultless.
Our trip was perfect and we’ll be back for more Scuba Iguana magic very soon!
If you would like information about visiting and diving Galapagos, feel free to make contact.
Their guides told us how supportive Scuba Iguana had been during Covid, paying their salaries although having very little income with which to do so, due to the lack of visitors. It was lovely to meet up with old friends and hear such good news. Veronica, the office manager at Scuba Iguana, came in for special praise for her supportive approach through difficult times.
During early 2022, a relatively minor La Niña event persisted in Ecuadorian waters, with the sea temperature consequently slightly lower than usual – although in February the water still hit 26 C (79 F).
Whether or not it was a result of the slightly cool water, there was certainly a lot of fabulous fish life around us when we were diving, with all the usual smaller species and very large schools of hammerheads, white tip sharks, Mobula and other rays - including several ‘giant’ oceanic Manta.
Over the course of several weeks and 20 days of diving, Scuba Iguana consistently provided us with professional support from office staff, well-equipped and operated boats, great underwater experiences, and fabulous camaraderie - onboard and subsea delights!
The Company is often put forward as the best run dive operation in the Galapagos, and we can attest to this. Their safety protocols are fabulous, their staff the most knowledgeable, and their commitment to customer satisfaction faultless.
Our trip was perfect and we’ll be back for more Scuba Iguana magic very soon!
If you would like information about visiting and diving Galapagos, feel free to make contact.
Written 23 April 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.
Robin H
Los Angeles, CA10 contributions
Aug 2021
Ronnie and Lisa are seriously a HUGE part of how incredibly rewarding this trip was! Lisa had limitless patience with my questions when planning and organizing the trip and she really was able to fulfill alllllllll of my requests and changes(there were a LOT). Ronnie, our scuba guide was AMAZING! My husband and I are not experienced scuba/snorkel divers and he took so much time helping us feel comfortable without making us feel infantile. He took us to Mosquera and Daphne Minor for some of the best wildlife and I'm so grateful for his help in making it possible for us to share such an adventure in a magical place. Ronnie was absolutely delightful and I highly suggest you request him, he's a Puerto Ayora treasure!
Written 29 August 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.
Cathal
Santiago, Chile2 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
We booked through PADI.com travel, which included pick ups from Baltra airport and returns at the end of our trip. Good service on both directions, everything was paid in advance. Tip: airport wifi is not reliable, ensure you have a contact number and data in ecuador.
Scuba diving: Excellents guides, able to find macro and micro life from Hammerhead sharks to Galapagos Nudibraches and seahorses, reliably. We dived for 5 days straight and they made us feel like part of their diving family. really good breifings and reliable equipment, also they cared for all the gear we brough ourselves. Couldn't ask for a better experience on the Galapagos.
Lunches and snacks on board we're very enjoyable and normally something local.
Scuba diving: Excellents guides, able to find macro and micro life from Hammerhead sharks to Galapagos Nudibraches and seahorses, reliably. We dived for 5 days straight and they made us feel like part of their diving family. really good breifings and reliable equipment, also they cared for all the gear we brough ourselves. Couldn't ask for a better experience on the Galapagos.
Lunches and snacks on board we're very enjoyable and normally something local.
Written 2 August 2023
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.
Nushi
East Sussex, UK7 contributions
Jan 2022
Our three weeks with Scuba Iguana in early 2022 was fabulous, with all the usual smaller species of fish, very large schools of hammerheads, white tip sharks, Mobula and other rays, including several ‘giant’ oceanic Manta, sea-lions, marine iguanas, turtles, and more!
My partner and I have dived with Scuba Iguana on several occasions over the last 6 years and we’ve always found them to be very strong in regard to safety, efficient operation, marine biology and customer service, it’s no wonder that many consider them the finest dive operation in the Galapagos.
We like diving in the islands at the start of the year, because the water temperature is rising but the sea life has not yet retreated, as it can do during the warming phase. If 23C is your thing, consider January, if you prefer it a little warmer February can attain 26C.
Can’t wait to get back to Puerto Ayora and dive with Scuba Iguana again!
PS - If you have any questions about diving with Scuba Iguana, feel free to contact me : - )
My partner and I have dived with Scuba Iguana on several occasions over the last 6 years and we’ve always found them to be very strong in regard to safety, efficient operation, marine biology and customer service, it’s no wonder that many consider them the finest dive operation in the Galapagos.
We like diving in the islands at the start of the year, because the water temperature is rising but the sea life has not yet retreated, as it can do during the warming phase. If 23C is your thing, consider January, if you prefer it a little warmer February can attain 26C.
Can’t wait to get back to Puerto Ayora and dive with Scuba Iguana again!
PS - If you have any questions about diving with Scuba Iguana, feel free to contact me : - )
Written 23 April 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.
Can you take a day dive to Darwin or Wolf to see Hammerhead sharks? We do not want to book a full board boat experience.
Written 6 April 2018
As Nadege says, its not possible. The distances are too far, and the National Park controls itineraries so that if you really want to go to Darwin and Wolf, you must buy a tour with one of the live-aboard boats.
Our operation is Scuba Iguana, running day boats only. One of our itinerary sites is Gordon Rocks, famous for schools of hammerheads and a lot of other pelagic animals. Seymour also is known for shark dives.
Written 7 April 2018
hola estimados. soy buzo Open Water PADI. El viernes 16 de marzo llegaré al hostal capitán Max, a las 12.00 y el domingo 18 de marzo volaré a Guayaquil. mí intención es bucear en Galápagos viernes y sábado. me pueden enviar más información?
Written 7 March 2018
Hola sergio, tuve una buena experiencia con scuba iguana, en Santa Cruz.
Me llamo la atención su profesionalismo
No común en sudamericana
Llegue a esta agencia a través de nature galapagos
Yo hice dos inmersiones en daphne, pero lo cambian de acuerdo a la época del año
La fauna es muy diversa, el agua suele ser fría, te proveen trajes de 5mm
Suerte!
Written 7 March 2018
hola, hay algun lugar donde den cursos de buceo que te habiliten para hacerlo en leon dormido.? saludos.
Written 15 November 2016
Hello Macarena, Scuba Iguana si' ofrece cursos de buceo PADI que te califican para bucear en todo el mundo, pero nuestra base esta' en Isla Santa Cruz. León Dormido esta' cerca al Puerto Baquerizo Moreno en Isla San Cristobal. Tal vez mejor buscar una escuela de buceo allí
Written 15 November 2016
In Galapagos it was the only one, and would go again with them
Written 12 April 2016
hola, gracias por compartir tu experiecia.. estoy por viajar y quiero elegir una buena agencia de buceo para hacerla certificacion open water diver. me podrias informar el costo y cuanto te salio el CD?? gracias!!
Written 25 March 2016
Hola Mailen, Soy Jack de Scuba Iguana. El curso open water es $600 en temporada baja, e incluye todo. Libros, buceo, certificacion. El CD...supongo que te refieres al CD de photos/video que hacen los guias en los buceos. Cobran $25. De hecho hay operadores que cobran menos que nosotros. Nuestro enfoque es mejor calidad y cumplimiento.
Written 26 March 2016
Hi we would like to book a room for February 2nd for four guests? We will be coming from Dhodko, Kutch and planning to stay one night. Do you also have free WiFi? Thank you. -Reena
Written 28 November 2015
Dear Reena,
Thank you for your interest.
I´m the owner of Casa de Mathias. If you want only accommodation please do it true trip advisor, looking for Casa de Mathias apartment, vocational rentals.
Normally we accept lodging from 2 nights and up. We have WIFI for free.
Regards
María
Written 2 December 2015
What is the going rate for day dive trips in December? Is there a difference in price if you book in advance versus on site when you arrive?
Thank you in advance for answering.
Written 27 October 2015
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