Scuba diving in Galapagos, Ecuador is possible year-round although June through December is just exceptional. The Galapagos Islands have high endemism. This is due to the fact that the islands were never connected to the mainland and all the sea currents that pass through with upwelling make the waters extremely rich attracting a huge marine life and many sharks.

The Galapagos Islands are a volcanic archipelago 960 km. west of Ecuador. The Galapagos are the world´s second largest marine reserve, and one of the Seven Underwater Wonders of the World. There is still a lot of volcanic activity in the islands, especially Isabella. Famous for their endemism and the studies by Charles Darwin during his voyages on The Beagle which helped shape Darwin´s ideas of evolution and natural selection.

The water temperature in the Galapagos is cold. The Humboldt currents come from the south with deep upwelling, water temperatures can be 50°F (10°C).

You can be scuba diving with huge schools of hammerhead sharks and Galapagos penguins, endemic species from the islands.

To be able to dive all the islands and the different dive spots, it is better to do so from a live-aboard. However, island hopping is also possible from Santa Cruz, taking the ferry to other islands or arranging day dive trips with the dive operators.

Wolf Island has spectacular dive sites although it is easier to get by on a live aboard.

The reserve requires extra permits to dive, but it is worth the effort, sites such as the Landslide Wall have great visibility and a wall that drops down to 165 ft. It´s been said to be the best place to find hammerhead sharks. Black-tip sharks and white reef sharks are very common too.

The Pinnacles is a dive site for advanced divers only, it´s a great drift dive with very strong current. It also has a small cave where you can see a lot of whitetip reef sharks.

Darwin Island has very good dive sites too; Darwin´s Arch is by far the most popular. From late June to October you can see whale sharks migrating, silky sharks and Galapagos sharks also visit this area. Darwin´s Arch is famous for the encounters with big pelagic. Santa Cruz Island delivers outstanding diving with good visibility and big fish encounters. The famous Seymour Channel will be go-to dive site there.

Accommodations and dive operators are available in the islands of San Cristobal and Isabella too.

Most dive sites are in the Isabella and Fernandina islands. Here, you can usually dive with Galapagos penguins, and spot sea lions, usually seen with their pups. P

unta Vicente is an amazing dive site where, in shallow part, you may snorkel with sunfish, penguins and sea lions. Red lipped catfish can be spotted here too.

In Roca Redonda, sea lions and hammerhead sharks are just everywhere.
Points of interest in the Galápagos Islands are the Charles Darwin Station in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island. A hike of the Twin Tunnels and Lava Tunnels in the high area of the island is impressive.

Hike Selva Negra in Isabella Island. Bird watching tours are found all around the islands. Visit the Galapaguera Sanctuary in San Cristóbal to see the Galapagos tortoises.

COUNTRIES IN SOUTH AMERICA
Argentina / Brazil / Ecuador & Galapagos Islands

DIVE OPERATORS IN GALAPAGOS
Galapagos Travellers / Galapagos Sky