Learn to Dive in the Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Islands’ Highlights
Most scuba divers around the world have the Galapagos Islands on their dive bucket list.
Located off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands were made famous by Charles Darwin and his life’s work on the origin of species. Wolf and Darwin Island have some of the best diving in the region with a chance to see pelagic life.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and protected national park, means that the Galapagos Islands make a safe home for marine life. Over 28 species of shark, sea lions, iguanas, sea snakes, sea turtles, mola molas, and penguins can be found here. There are over 400 species of fish and 50 of them are endemic to the Galapagos. Each dive will be full of marine life that you may not encounter in other parts of the world.
To get the most out of diving in the Galapagos, book a liveaboard. The best dive sites are often remote and only accessible via liveaboard. Those with limited time will also enjoy the fact that you wake up in your new location rather than wasting daylight hours making the excursion to a new dive site. Diving in the Galapagos can be challenging and some sites are reserved for experienced divers. The conditions can be tough due to cold water, strong currents and poor visibility.
When is the best time to go diving in the Galapagos Islands?
You can dive all year-round. Although, diving in the Galapagos Islands is usually split into two seasons. The Whale Shark season is during the colder months. It runs from June to November and is the perfect time to spot penguins and mola molas.
Manta ray season is during the warmer months from December to May. This is also the best time to spot schools of hammerheads.
Water Temperature: Between June and November water temperature is between 16°C and 24°C. The cold-upwellings bring in nutrients to the islands which is why such large marine life congregate here. Between December and May the water tends to be warmer from 21°C to 30°C.
Currents: None to extreme
Visibility: From December to May between 10 and 30 meters. Between June and November, between 5 and 20 meters.
The Galapagos Islands’ best dive sites
El Arco, Darwin Island
One of the most famous dive sites in the region. You will have the opportunity to dive with hundreds of hammerheads, rays and whale sharks. This site can only be accessed by liveaboard and is considered one of the best dive sites in the world.
Shark Point, Wolf Island
Wolf Island is another famous island in the Galapagos that is only reachable by liveaboard. Made popular by the chance to spot several different species of sharks in a single dive. Strong currents in the area mean this dive site is reserved for experienced divers. During whale shark season, they are known to congregate there eating plankton.
Bartholomew Point, Bartholomew Island
A beautiful dive site where you will be able to encounter turtles, sea lions, rays, sharks and rays. The main attraction of this site is the opportunity to dive with penguins as they dart around you in search of food. It’s absolutely mesmerizing to see these playful penguins in the waves.
About the country
97% of The Galapagos Islands, off the coast of Ecuador, are a national park. This helps both the land and the sea in this region to be protected. It is geographically located in between 3 ocean currents and strong upwellings means the water is filled with nutrients and leads to the greatest biodiversity of marine life anywhere in the world.
About 20% of marine life is endemic to the Galapagos Islands and cannot be found in other parts of the world. Due to a lack of natural predators, animals in the Galapagos both on land and in the water are extremely friendly towards human beings.
The Galapagos Islands are just as amazing above water. Most liveaboard providers often arrange land excursions too. Due to their isolation and unique conditions, the Galapagos Islands are home to many endemic species. More than 79% of mammals and 91% of reptiles can only be found on the Galapagos Islands. In terms of wildlife, you can spot penguins, marine iguanas, Galapagos giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies and so much more.
Recreational Courses in the Galapagos Islands
Dive Centers in the Galapagos Islands
Getting to the Galapagos Islands
There are two international airports in Ecuador: Mariscal sucre International Airport in Quito and Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil. Most liveaboards depart from San Christobal and Isla Baltra. Domestic flights are usually available daily. Arrive early for your liveaboard to acclimatize and get the most out of your diving holiday.
Other important information
- Capital: Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
- Official Language: Spanish
- Other Languages: Kichwa and Shuar
- Demonym: Ecuadorian
- Currency: United States Dollar (US$)
- Calling code: +593
- Driving Side: right
- Population: Above 17,700,000
- Pressure: Pounds/square inch (psi)
- First Stage: INT/Yoke
