SSI Underwater Navigation in Galapagos — Price, Duration & Booking

Course overview

Take charge of your own direction underwater with the SSI Navigation specialty out of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. You master compass and natural navigation on the current-affected, drift-prone sites around Santa Cruz, where staying oriented is a real skill. You earn the SSI Navigation certification on completion.

What you’ll learn

Navigate confidently with a compass using set patterns
Read natural references such as reef shape, sand ripples and depth
Estimate distance with kick cycles and timing
Plan and execute navigation legs in current
Relocate a chosen point and lead a navigation dive

Prerequisites

Minimum age 10 (Junior)
SSI Open Water Diver or equivalent
Diver medical clearance signed by a physician

What's included · What's not

Included

SSI Navigation digital academics
Navigation dives covering compass and natural methods
Pattern and distance-estimation exercises
Search and relocation practice
SSI digital specialty materials
SSI Navigation certification on completion

Not included

Flights and airport transfers
Accommodation
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Gratuities

The SSI Underwater Navigation pathway

SSI Navigation develops compass and natural-navigation ability and counts toward SSI Specialty and Master Diver recognition. It also reinforces the navigation component within the SSI Advanced Adventurer programme.

Where you'll dive in Galapagos

Navigation dives run from Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz at sites with clear topography and drift, such as North Seymour and Mosquera, where the current makes orientation a genuine and valuable challenge. Skills learned here transfer to any current-affected dive.

Prefer a different certifying agency?PADI Underwater Navigation in Galapagos →

Probability of sightings · month-by-month

What you're likely to see each month, based on historic operator logs.

        High chance
        Moderate
        Low
      

Day-by-day itinerary

Day1

Compass & natural navigation

Navigation theory plus dives at sites like North Seymour and Mosquera, progressing from compass patterns to natural navigation and relocation in mild current.

Verified through iDive

Every partner school in the iDive network is vetted on safety, instructor credentials, equipment standards and student feedback. Talk to a iDive dive pro on WhatsApp for current availability and reviews specific to Galapagos.

Frequently asked questions

How is the SSI course delivered?

SSI uses digital academics followed by navigation dives covering compass technique, natural references and relocation.

Why learn navigation in the Galapagos?

Current and drift here make navigation a real challenge, so the skills you develop are especially strong and transferable.

What certification do I need first?

SSI Open Water Diver or an equivalent entry-level certification.

Does it count toward Advanced Adventurer?

Yes. Navigation is part of the Advanced Adventurer programme, and the specialty develops it further.

When is the best time to dive Galapagos?

Peak season is Jun–Nov — clearest visibility, calmest seas. Shoulder (May, Dec) is still good with fewer crowds.

Do Indians need a visa for Ecuador?

Visa-free. Confirm latest requirements before booking flights.

How long is the flight from India?

24-30 hours · one-way fares around ₹100K-150K.

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