Learn to scuba dive in one of the most fascinating underwater locations
on Earth! You will get your PADI Open Water Diving Certification in just
4 days, all while doing your practice dives at some spectacular sites.
When you are not diving or studying, you can relax, swim, and snorkel
on a number of San Cristobals gorgeous and conveniently located
beaches. In the evenings, you will retire to the first-class waterfront
hotel, Casa Opuntia.
Difficulty: Moderate (required normal health
& fitness and asthma-free lungs)
Activities: Scuba Diving, Class Room Learning, Beach Lounging
2010 Price per person in US$: $1080
in double occupancy. $241 single supplement
INCLUDED: Quality accommodations in
a waterfront hotel (Casa Opuntia); all meals as described; professional
English-speaking dive instructor, professional English-speaking divemaster
guide, all diving equipment (complete wetsuit, regulator with octopus,
BCD, mask, snorkel, fins, booties, gloves, hood, tanks and weight belt);
4-day PADI Open Water Diving Certification Course; PADI Open Water dive
manual book and log; dive and land and sea transportation.
NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare to/from Galápagos; Galápagos National Park Entrance
Fee; Galapagos Transit card; meals not mentioned above; hotel & restaurant
beverages, tips, or gratuities; guide tips; and personal expenses.
***NOTE*** Upon registration for our diving tours, please inform
us honestly of your dive experience. The Galapagos offers great levels
for all dive levels, beginner to advanced. If we have accurate knowledge
of your dive comfort level, we may be able to cater the dive itinerary
to better meet your needs.
***NOTE*** This itinerary is subject to change without notice due
to seasonal changes, lastminute weather conditions, and adjustments of
Galápagos National Park policy.
IMPORTANT FACTS:
SEASON: All year. Dec May: sunny, warm, calm seas, better visibility,
a bit less marine life July Oct: cloudy, cooler, often choppy seas,
worse visibility, more marine life June and November: transitional periods
WATER TEMPERATURE: The waters of the Galapagos Islands are a unique mixture
of warm and cold water, ranging between 61ºF and 75ºF (16
24ºC).
VISIBILITY: usually ranges between 16 and 85 feet (5 - 25 m), but most
often is between 40 and 60 feet (12 - 18 m)
AVERAGE AIR TEMPERTATURES: December to May: 80ºF to 90ºF / 25ºC
to 30ºC. June to September: 60ºF to 70ºF / 15ºC to
20ºC. October to December: 70ºF to 80ºF / 15ºC to
25ºC.
SUGGESTED ITEMS TO PACK: hiking shoes, water sandals, rain jacket, water
bottle, sunblock, hat, and mosquito repellent
Casa Opuntia Hotel is the finest accommodation
on San Cristobal Island. The hotel overlooks the newly rebuilt boardwalk
and is only a few meters away from Playa de Oro Beach. Casa Opuntia s
Restaurant features some of San Cristobal s best sea food dishes to be
enjoyed surrounded by endemic gardens and perfect ocean views. Casa Opuntia
has 10 rooms, a swimming pool, and a bar that are always ready to welcome
our guests.
Hotel Services & Facilities: Private
Outdoor Pool, Opuntia Waterfront Gourmet Restaurant, Wireless Internet,
Air Conditioned Rooms, Full Service Bar, Beach Towels, Laundry Service,
All Non-Smoking Rooms