In some parts of the Galapagos, the waters feature very strong currents and sea swells. You need to bring evidence you can handle them safely. Pack your open-water certification card, if you have one, and a letter or certificate from your doctor clearing you to dive. The Galapagos Islands require diving-specific health insurance, which you need to purchase before arriving. Diver's Alert Network (DAN) is a diving insurance provider.
Galapagos divers must be over 16 years of age unless they are certified; if certified, children as young as 10 may dive. If you think there might be any question of your child's age, bring photo identification that shows her birth date. Additionally, if you are a solo parent diving with your minor child, bring a notarized letter from the other parent giving permission for the child to dive.
Dive shops abound in Ecuador, and you can rent certain diving gear, but advance booking is required to get the correct size. However, Galapagos divers are encouraged to bring their own gear. Every diver is different, but your dive watch, wet suit, fins and a depth-measuring device -- Galapagos divers may dive a maximum of 100 feet -- are strongly recommended. Your wet suit should be at least 7 mm thick. You also should bring a valve adapter for DIN valves, which are used in place of standard-issue yoke valves for their far greater strength, durability and reliability. You can leave your weights and weight belt at home to minimize baggage, but keep in mind that Galapagos water is about 6 percent saltier than the average ocean water, so your buoyancy will differ. If you are most comfortable diving with a weight-integrated belt, you should pack it.
Protect yourself from the sun while on board the boat. Pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a long-sleeved shirt, and use them when you're not diving. A scarf to protect your neck, and lip balm with SPF are good ideas. If you're prone to seasickness, pack the remedy that works for you, such as a pressure wristband or motion-sickness pills. A small, bland snack such as saltine crackers can help alleviate nausea. Pack a small towel to dry your hair and feet when you finish diving.
Galapagos diving tours recommend you bring an underwater camera to capture the wonder of the sea world; after all, you'll want to prove you actually were swimming with hammerhead sharks. Bring extra batteries if you're on a liveaboard vessel, which generally operates multiday trips. If you need to bring money or electronics on board, pack them in a sealed waterproof bag. You also might pack binoculars to catch a glimpse of whale sharks swimming at the surface, or sea lions sunning themselves.
