Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands represent a pinnacle of diving, a unique volcanic archipelago where major oceanic currents converge, creating a crucible of marine biodiversity. This convergence fuels a nutrient-rich environment that supports an unparalleled abundance of large pelagic species and fascinating endemic creatures found nowhere else on Earth. Divers are drawn here for the legendary schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks, close encounters with marine iguanas, playful sea lions, and the sheer raw, untamed nature of the underwater world. It's a destination that exists in a class of its own, offering truly primeval diving experiences.

Diving conditions in the Galapagos are as challenging as they are rewarding, characterized by strong currents, down-currents, and significant temperature variations with frequent thermoclines. It is primarily a destination for experienced, advanced divers comfortable with drift diving in demanding situations. The sheer spectacle of life, from giant whale sharks and mola mola to Galapagos penguins and sharks, makes every challenging dive an unforgettable adventure. A trip here is a journey to witness evolution in action and experience one of the planet's last truly wild marine ecosystems.

Top Sites

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the most popular dive site in Galapagos Islands, Ecuador?
Darwin's Arch is unequivocally the most famous dive site in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. It's a global icon for divers, renowned for attracting massive schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks, often numbering in the hundreds. Whale sharks, Galapagos sharks, and eagle rays are also common. Its remote location means it's only accessible via liveaboard, making it an exclusive and highly sought-after 'theatre' of pelagic action.
What are the good and less popular dive sites in Galapagos Islands, Ecuador?
Well-known sites include Wolf Island for more hammerhead and shark action, and Cousins Rock for sea lions and macro life. For a fantastic but less-crowded experience, Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island is a must-visit. It's a colder water site famous for frequent Mola Mola (sunfish) sightings, Galapagos penguins, marine iguanas feeding, and unique creatures like the red-lipped batfish.
What water temperature is it like throughout the year diving in Galapagos Islands, Ecuador?
Water temperatures in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, vary significantly. During the warm season (December-May), temperatures range from 24-28°C (75-82°F). In the cool, dry season (June-November), temperatures drop to 19-23°C (66-73°F). However, be prepared for thermoclines year-round, which can cause temperatures to plummet suddenly by several degrees on a single dive, especially at depth.
When is the best time to visit Galapagos Islands, Ecuador?
The best time to dive in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, depends on your wildlife priorities. Visit from June to November for the prime whale shark season at Darwin and Wolf islands; this is the cooler, nutrient-rich season. For warmer water, better visibility, and a higher chance of seeing manta rays and schooling hammerheads, plan your trip between December and May.
What's the visibility like during the dive season in Galapagos Islands, Ecuador?
Visibility in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, is highly variable. During the warmer months (December-May), it is generally at its best, averaging 15-30 meters (50-100 ft). In the cooler, plankton-rich season (June-November), visibility often decreases to 10-20 meters (30-65 ft). While lower, this plankton bloom is precisely what attracts the massive whale sharks to the area.
Are there any seasonal migrations or special events (e.g., manta rays, whale sharks) in Galapagos Islands, Ecuador?
Yes, the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, host spectacular seasonal events. The most famous is the aggregation of pregnant female whale sharks around Darwin and Wolf islands from June to November. Giant manta rays are more commonly sighted during the warmer season from December to May. Schooling hammerheads are present year-round but can be seen in larger numbers during the warm season.
What marine life can I expect to see in Galapagos Islands, Ecuador?
Expect a stunning array of life in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. The highlights include massive schools of scalloped hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, silky sharks, and whale sharks. You can also see the unique marine iguana, Galapagos penguin, playful sea lions, sea turtles, mola mola, eagle rays, manta rays, and vast schools of tuna and jacks. The biodiversity is simply staggering.
What thickness wetsuit should I wear in Galapagos Islands, Ecuador?
Due to cold water and sharp thermoclines, a 7mm wetsuit is highly recommended for diving in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, year-round. Many divers also opt for a hood and gloves for additional warmth and comfort, especially during the cooler season from June to November. Some may even add a hooded vest. A 5mm is generally considered insufficient for most divers.
How do I get to Galapagos Islands, Ecuador?
To reach the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, you must first fly into mainland Ecuador, arriving at either Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE). From there, you will take a domestic flight to one of two airports in the Galapagos: Seymour Airport on Baltra Island (GPS) or San Cristobal Airport (SCY). Most liveaboards and tours depart from these two islands.
Should I book a liveaboard or stay on shore in Galapagos Islands, Ecuador?
A liveaboard is essential to experience the world-famous dive sites of Darwin and Wolf in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, as they are too remote for day trips. If you are a serious diver focused on seeing large pelagic life, a liveaboard is the only option. Shore-based diving from islands like Santa Cruz offers good, but less dramatic, local diving suitable for more casual divers or those on a mixed land-and-sea tour.
All Dive Sites in Galapagos Islands (17)
Bahia De TijeretasBahia GardnerBajo De Cerro MundoBarrancoBartolomcousin RocksCaamao La LoberiaCaragua ShipwreckCuevas De Los CoralesDaphneFloreanaGordon RocksLeon Dormido Kicker RockMosqueraNorth Seymour IslandPared De TijeretasPunta PittRoca Ballena