 Ecuador is a Mecca for scuba divers. The Galapagos is always in the Top 10 Places to Dive before you Die, but lesser known is the amazing diving available on the mainland coast of Ecuador. A perfect combination between the Pacific Coast and The Galapagos, it is a match made in diver's heaven!
 Red Mangrove Galapagos Dive Center is proud to be a Padi Dive Resort, and our mainland diving packages reflect the safety and service standards you expect from a Padi Dive Resort. Padi is the world leader in diver education and safety. You can rest assured that clients participating in Red Mangrove's all-inclusive diving packages will enjoy the highest international safety standards.
Below you will find options that will immerse you in the lush landscapes, great regional food, relaxation, entertainment, health healing, tropical and subtropical  forests, white sand pristine beaches, humpback whales, picturesque fishing villages, hundreds of bird species living in a unique subtropical forest, and protected natural reserves.
Come enjoy with us the beauty of this incredible part of our country!
Arrival to Ecuador
Your Ruta Del Sol adventure begins with your arrival at Guayaquil or Quito International airport, where you will be picked up and whisked to your hotel (Hampton Inn Guayaquil or Sheraton in Quito) for an overnight stay.
The following morning, after breakfast (breakfast buffet included), you will transfer to Montañita. If you are traveling from Guayaquil, it will be a 2-hour drive; if you are coming from Quito, you will first have a 30-minute flight to Manta or Guayaquil, then the 2-hour drive down (or up) the Ruta Del Sol.
Day 1: Ride to Red Mangrove Samai Lodge and first dive (two tanks)
 AM
Pick up at Hotel or airport of Guayaquil or Manta to Red Mangrove Samai Lodge.
For you to begin feeling the flavor of this region, we will take you on a 2-hour drive through picturesque fishing villages, along white sand beaches, and through amazing landscapes.
Check in at Red Mangrove Samai Lodge.
Equipment fitting and then a first dive (2 tanks) at Salango Island; short drive from Montañita just south of Puerto Lopez on the way.
The cold season (May-November) is marked by sightings of large species like ocean sun fish and giant manta rays, which come close to shore for cleaning stations. During the warmer season (December - April), is very common to see sea turtles (green and hawksbill) and tropical reef fish, and of course the whale migrations from late May/early June to September.
PM
Late Lunch in Puerto Lopez before returning to Montañita to relax for the rest of the afternoon or explore town.
After taking some time to relax or explore Montañita you will return to the hotel to freshen up and get yourselves ready for dinner.
Dinner our Samai lodge with a wonderful panoramic view and an delicious menu.
Day 2: Isla de La Plata (2nd Dive - two tanks)
AM
Breakfast at Red Mangrove Samai Lodge.
We begin with a short drive up the coast to Puerto Lopez where we board the dive boat for our 2 dives at Isla De La Plata (Silver Island) is famous for its striking similarity to islands in the Galapagos with much of the same species of birds. A large number of blue footed boobies reside there; frigate birds, red-footed boobies and pelicans are frequently recorded, as are a variety of Gulls, Terns and Petrels. Albatross can be seen from April to October. The underwater life is just as diverse with Manta Rays, Whales, Dolphins, Eagle Rays, Sharks, stunning arrays of tropical fish and occasionally big pelagic such as Tuna, Whale Sharks, Mola-Mola (Sun Fish) and pristine coral reefs offering an incredible dive experience.
Between June and September, humpback whales reach the coasts of Ecuador in their annual migration from Antartica to mate and raise their calfs. Whale watching is an activity that is great complement to scuba diving and if you are really lucky, while diving you may see them and listen to their underwater symphony.
Lunch at local restaurant in Puerto López. Drive back to Montañita.
PM
 Free afternoon to enjoy the beach at Montañita.
At evening, we will go for dinner to a local restaurant, to enjoy a diverse menu including Steaks, seafood, pizza, burgers and local recopies to enjoy.
After dinner you will be able to enjoy the famous Montañita night life listed as the best place to party in Ecuador with a dizzying array of night clubs and bars for every taste.
Day 3: Monta?ita Diving and Surfing Lessons (3rd Dive - two tanks)
AM
 Breakfast at Red Mangrove Samai Lodge.
Depending on water conditions option between diving sites around Montañita or the platforms off of Salango or Los Ahorcados Islet.
PM
 Surfing Lessons with artisanal balsa handmade surfboard that will let you really feel those Pacific waves.
By 7:00 pm farewell dinner at Red Mangrove Samai Lodge, that has a wonderful panoramic view and an extensive gourmet menu.
Day 4: End of Services or the beginning of your next adventure: Galapagos, the other regions of Ecuador or Peru
AM
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to Guayaquil for your flight out.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Dive sites may changed based on what is on the itinerary due to weather conditions, currents, visibility, or the captains call due to the opportunity to see something out of the ordinary. There are many equally beautiful dive sites at each island and the captain will pick what is suitable for all on board.
 All dives are 2 tank dives.-
Red Mangrove Dive Center will provide all equipment as part of your package except dive computers which can be rented.
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The number of dives can vary due to change of weather and/or conditions or the captains to ensure the safety of everyone on board. There are no refunds for missed dives. 
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The National Park of Ecuador is constantly changing the rules and regulations, the dive sites available today may not be available tomorrow so please keep in mind that your sites may change due to changes in rules and regulations that are out of our control.
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As a certified diver it is your duty to make the final call if you are ok to dive or not. You must let your captain or DiveMaster know if there is a problem or if you do not wish to make the dive.
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Please respect the environment, The Galapagos Islands are a treasure not only for Ecuador but for mankind. It is most important that you follow the rules of the National Park so we can preserve this treasure for future generations.
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