Red Mangrove Galapagos and Ecuador Lodges Offers Exotic Scuba Diving Certification

In 2011, the Red Mangrove Dive Centre recorded more diver certifications than any other operator in the Galapagos Islands as hundreds of enthusiasts took exotic scuba diving holidays at the Red Mangrove Galapagos and Ecuador Lodges.

"In all of Ecuador there were 1,489 diver certifications issued in 2011. Red Mangrove's team of licensed instructors and master divers accounted for 160 of them, making us the largest producer of diver certifications in the Galapagos," said Hernan Rodas, the founder and director of Red Mangrove Galapagos and Ecuador Lodges.

Image by : jsuw, on Flickr

Rodas advises diving enthusiasts to spend time in the classroom and pools at home through local dive shops or leisure centres before they head off to exotic scuba diving holidays in the Galapagos to complete the final stage of the PADI certification. This stage involves open water check-out dives with a qualified instructor.

The director added: "This is when many beginner divers look to warm and exotic waters so they can combine their requirements with an extended vacation.

Image by : Darek Sepiolo

"We have packages with just that in mind, allowing a diver to be certified during the first two days of their stay and then enjoying all the islands have to offer during the rest of the week."

Many divers are accompanied on their travels by non-diving family or friends and Red Mangrove's land-based programmes provide plenty of activities to enjoy while their loved ones are scuba diving in the Galapagos.

The centre has five PADI approved diving instructors who accompany dive masters on recreational excursions with the students as they explore the diving sites located off the Santa Cruz, Floreana and Isabela islands.

There are plenty of scuba diving programmes and PADI certifications to suit all abilities including Open Water Diver / Referral, Advanced, Rescue Diver, Dive Master, Specialty Certifications and Emergency First Responder.

Image by : Darek Sepiolo

Tourists who have never experienced the underwater sport will be able to take part in scuba diving adventures of their own with the PADI Discover Scuba Diving Experience. The programme is available to guests over the age of ten and involves watching a 45-minute video and pool time with an instructor. Students will then go to a specific location for their first open water dive.