Diving in the Galapagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands are perhaps the ultimate diving destination. For many divers, a trip to this extraordinary archipelago is high on their bucket list. But why, exactly? What makes diving in the Galápagos so special, and why do divers travel halfway around the world for a chance to encounter a hammerhead shark, whale shark, or sea lion?
In this blog, we’ll explain what makes the Galápagos so special, what you might encounter underwater, and what to expect on a diving trip to these remote islands.
The Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, about 1,000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador. The archipelago consists of 13 larger islands and dozens of smaller islands and rock formations. The islands are of volcanic origin and are scattered across a vast area of the ocean.
The Galápagos belong to Ecuador, but their remote location makes them feel like a completely different world. The islands are best known for their extraordinary wildlife. Charles Darwin visited the archipelago in 1835, and the unique animals he encountered there played an important role in the development of his theory of evolution.
Even today, nature remains the centerpiece of the Galapagos. Many animals are found nowhere else in the world—such as the giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and Galapagos penguins. Both above and below the water, you’ll find an enormous diversity of marine life.
How do you get to the Galapagos?
The Galápagos Islands are accessible only by plane. Most international flights arrive first in Quito or Guayaquil. From there, you’ll fly on to the Galápagos.
There are two major airports on the archipelago: Baltra Airport (GPS) on the island of Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal Airport (SCY) on San Cristóbal. Which airport you use depends on your itinerary and the route you’re taking.
For a liveaboard trip, you’ll usually travel via Baltra or San Cristóbal to the boat’s port of departure. It’s important to allow enough time in Ecuador for your domestic flight and any transfers. A direct connection to your international flight isn’t always possible.
Information about the Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, about 1,000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador. The archipelago consists of 13 larger islands and dozens of smaller islands and rock formations. The islands are of volcanic origin and are scattered across a vast area of the ocean.
The Galápagos belong to Ecuador, but due to their remote location, they feel like a completely different world. The islands are best known for their unique wildlife. Charles Darwin visited the archipelago in 1835, and the unique species he encountered there played a key role in the development of his theory of evolution.
Even today, nature takes center stage in the Galápagos. Many animals are found nowhere else in the world, such as the giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and Galápagos penguins. Both above and below the water, you’ll find an enormous diversity of marine life.
Why is diving in the Galapagos so special?
There are so many amazing things to see in the Galapagos. Various ocean currents converge around the islands. These currents bring nutrient-rich water to the archipelago, attracting large numbers of marine life.
So you don’t just dive here for colorful coral reefs, but especially for large and unique marine life. Hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, manta rays, stingrays, Galapagos sharks, sea lions, sea turtles, and marine iguanas are all among the creatures you might encounter.
At the same time, the conditions are more challenging than at many tropical diving destinations. Currents, colder water, and variable visibility are all part of diving in the Galapagos. But it is precisely these conditions that make this one of the most spectacular places in the world for divers seeking large marine life.
What can you see while diving?
One of the Galapagos’ biggest attractions is the abundance of marine life. Exactly which animals you’ll encounter depends on the dive site, the season, and, of course, the conditions on that particular day.
Hammerhead Sharks
Hammerhead sharks are perhaps the animals for which the Galápagos are best known. Large schools of hammerhead sharks are regularly spotted, especially around Wolf and Darwin Islands. Sometimes they swim by at a distance, but under the right conditions, they can come surprisingly close.
For many divers, seeing dozens or even hundreds of hammerhead sharks during a single dive is one of the absolute highlights of a Galapagos liveaboard.
Whale Sharks
The whale shark is also high on many divers’ bucket lists. The chances of an encounter around Darwin Island are particularly good between June and November.
The animals spotted here are often large, adult specimens. An encounter with a whale shark is never guaranteed, but the Galápagos are among the best places in the world to seek out these impressive sharks.
Dolphins
Dolphins are among the pelagic marine life you may encounter during a trip to the Galápagos. Sometimes they’re spotted during a boat tour, but with a little luck, you might also encounter them underwater.
A group of dolphins swimming curiously around you is an encounter you won’t soon forget. Because dolphins move freely through the ocean, an encounter can never be predicted or guaranteed. It is precisely this element of surprise that makes such an encounter all the more special.
Sea Lions
You’ll encounter sea lions in various places around the Galápagos. They’re especially fun to watch underwater because they can be curious and playful.
Young sea lions, in particular, may suddenly appear among divers during a dive and swim around you. As a result, an encounter with a sea lion can turn out completely differently than you might have expected.
Marine Iguanas
The marine iguana is one of the most remarkable animals in the Galápagos. These animals are found only in the Galápagos and have adapted to life in the sea.
They swim down to the seafloor to eat algae from the rocks. Seeing a marine iguana foraging underwater is therefore a truly special experience.
Galapagos Penguins
The Galapagos penguin is one of the smallest penguin species in the world and also one of the few penguins that lives north of the equator.
The species depends on the cold, nutrient-rich waters surrounding the islands. Especially around the western islands, there’s a good chance of spotting these fast swimmers while diving.
Mantas
Mantas and mobulas are among the large pelagic animals you may encounter around the Galápagos. An encounter can be particularly impressive when large groups gather in the nutrient-rich waters. In addition to manta rays, various species of mobula rays live around the islands. Sometimes you’ll see them swimming by during a dive, while at other times you’ll see large groups moving above or below you. You’re also sure to encounter other rays here, such as eagle rays.
Turtles
Turtles are another common sight underwater. Green sea turtles, in particular, are found around the Galápagos. You may come across them as they swim calmly along the seafloor or search for food among the rocks. Because the islands offer a variety of habitats, you’ll have the chance to encounter these animals at multiple locations during your diving trip.
Darwin Island and Wolf Island
For many divers, Darwin Island and Wolf Island are the absolute highlight of a trip to the Galapagos. These two remote islands are located in the northern part of the archipelago and are known for their abundant pelagic marine life.
At Wolf Island, you have the chance to see, among other things, large schools of hammerhead sharks, rays, sea turtles, and other large fish. Darwin Island is best known for its large number of sharks and the chance to spot whale sharks.
The remote location is a key factor here. You can’t simply take a day trip to Darwin or Wolf from a hotel on Santa Cruz. To visit these dive sites, you’ll need to travel on a liveaboard. That’s exactly why many divers choose a liveaboard instead of day trips from one of the islands.
Diving from the Islands
Not every diving trip to the Galápagos has to be entirely focused on a liveaboard. Day trips are also organized from various inhabited islands.
For example, you can visit various dive sites from Santa Cruz or San Cristobal. This is a great option if you want to combine diving with exploring the islands and the above-water nature.
However, the dive sites you’ll visit from the islands are different from the remote areas in the north. If you specifically want to go to Darwin and Wolf Island and see as much of the famous large marine life as possible, then a liveaboard is the best choice.
The great thing about this approach is that you get to see much more of the islands themselves. There are countless sights to see, and after diving, you’ll have plenty of time to visit them. We’ve put together a separate trip for this purpose. You’ll stay on different islands and get a variety of impressions of the archipelago, both underwater and above water.
Diving in the Galapagos: What Can You Expect?
Diving in the Galapagos is nothing like a relaxing diving vacation in the tropics. Conditions can be challenging and require sufficient diving experience. You may encounter strong currents, drift dives, thermoclines, and sometimes limited visibility. Water temperatures can also vary significantly by location and season. They can even vary greatly from day to day or from dive to dive. That’s why it’s quite difficult to give good advice on which wetsuit is most suitable. On some dives, you’ll really need a 7mm wetsuit to be comfortable, while on other dives, a 3mm wetsuit would be perfectly fine. Be sure to bring a cap so your head can retain heat.
The underwater world consists mainly of volcanic rock formations. You’ll dive along rock walls, pinnacles, and slopes, often positioning yourself strategically at certain spots to observe the passing marine life.
Good control of your buoyancy and experience with currents are therefore important. The Galapagos are best suited for experienced and confident divers.
Many liveaboards also require a minimum number of logged dives. The exact requirements vary by boat and route, but use approximately 50 logged dives as a guideline.
Water Temperature and Visibility
The water temperature around the Galápagos is strongly influenced by various ocean currents. As a result, the water can be quite cold in some areas.
Depending on the season and location, the temperature ranges from about 15 to 25 °C. Adequate thermal protection is especially important during the cooler season.
Visibility also varies. The nutrient-rich waters that support so much marine life do not automatically mean you can always see dozens of meters ahead. Visibility can sometimes be limited.
That might not sound ideal, but when it comes to diving in the Galápagos, clear water isn’t the most important thing. After all, you’re here for what’s actually in that water.
Frequently asked questions about diving on the Galapagos
Is diving in the Galápagos suitable for beginners?
The Galápagos are generally not a destination for beginner divers. Currents, thermoclines, colder water, and sometimes rough conditions make some dives challenging. Experience with current diving is therefore important.
How much diving experience do you need for a Galapagos liveaboard?
This varies by liveaboard. Many boats require about 50 logged dives and experience with currents. The exact requirements may vary by boat and route. But since you’ll be diving in currents, it’s helpful to have some experience with them. This will really enhance your diving experience and allow you to enjoy everything you encounter underwater even more.
When are you most likely to see whale sharks?
The period from June through November is a good time to see whale sharks, especially around Darwin Island. Of course, seeing a whale shark is always a matter of luck and can never be guaranteed.
Can you dive from the islands?
Yes. Day trips are organized from Santa Cruz and San Cristobal, among other places. However, if you want to go to Darwin and Wolf Island, you’ll need a liveaboard. These locations are too far from the islands to visit on a day trip.
Is the water cold in the Galapagos?
Not always, but that can be the case during the cooler season. The temperature varies by location and season and can be around 15 °C. A well-fitting wetsuit and adequate thermal protection are therefore important.
Can you see hammerhead sharks in the Galapagos?
Yes. Hammerhead sharks are among the most famous animals in the Galápagos. Large schools are frequently spotted, especially around Wolf and Darwin Islands.
Can you see marine iguanas underwater?
Yes. Marine iguanas are endemic to the Galápagos and regularly enter the water to eat algae off the rocks. An underwater encounter with a marine iguana is one of the most extraordinary experiences while diving on the islands.
What’s the best way to explore the Galápagos as a diver?
If diving is the main purpose of your trip, we recommend a liveaboard. This will allow you to reach remote dive sites such as Darwin and Wolf Island and dive at these locations for several days.
If you’d like to combine diving with exploring the islands and the natural world above water, an island-hopping trip that includes diving is a great alternative.
Is a diving trip to the Galápagos right for me?
Are you an experienced diver who dreams of seeing large schools of hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, sea lions, and other large marine life? Then the Galápagos is definitely a destination to add to your list.
The diving conditions aren’t always easy, but it’s precisely that nutrient-rich, sometimes rugged underwater landscape that makes for encounters you’ll experience in few other places in the world.
Want to go diving in the Galápagos Islands, too?
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