Experience the Wonders of Scuba Diving in the Galapagos Islands
Close your eyes for a second and imagine you’re scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands. You’re surrounded by crystal-clear waters that allow you to see everything perfectly. You admire some colored fish swimming around you. Further on, a turtle floats very calmly and, suddenly, you see a sea lion approaching you at full speed.
Then, you spot a hammerhead shark a few meters away. Your blood runs cold. However, you’re not scared because you know that animals in the Galapagos are very friendly. But, you don’t approach it because you must respect their space.
Open your eyes. Keep reading if you were able to imagine yourself on an amazing Galapagos diving experience. In this blog, you’ll find the information you need in order to plan your dreamed Galapagos diving trip!
Start your diving adventure now!
Why is the Galapagos Islands the best place to scuba dive?
Are you wondering why scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands is on every adventurer’s bucket list? Diving in Galapagos is a truly incredible experience. For instance, in a few days, you’ll be able to explore one of the world’s most unique and pristine marine environments! Moreover, if you want to dive in the Galapagos, you’ll be able to:
- Spot endemic species that cannot be found anywhere else on Earth.
- Experience a year-round destination for all ages.
- Discover marine life even if you’re not an experienced diver.
Diving with sea turtles.
Did you know that Galapagos has about 30 diving sites to offer? Therefore, when you jump into the ocean, you’re up for an amazing experience. Even though seeing wildlife is never 100% sure, you may be able to see colorful tropical fish, marine iguanas, sea turtles, sharks, sea lions, and dolphins, among others.
Is diving in the Galapagos Islands worth it?
Diving in the Galapagos Islands is 100% worth it! Divers enjoy Galapagos because of the wide variety of marine life. Thanks to the convergence of five different ocean currents, the Archipelago attracts over 3,000 marine species.
Its incredible biodiversity makes Galapagos a diving hotspot. Even so, the Galapagos are home to many endemic species that cannot be found anywhere else. For instance, adventurers from around the world choose the Galapagos in order to swim alongside the magnificent whale shark. This experience is thrilling! Experience divers may be able to swim right next to these amazing animals. However, it’s important to respect their space by booking tours with ethical and environmentally sustainable agencies.
Discover the best Galapagos diving tours
Top 3 reasons why scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands is a once-in-a-lifetime experience
1. Stunning marine life
As an adventurer, you search for experiences where you can admire wildlife without disturbing the amazing animals. Therefore, scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands is the perfect place to learn about wildlife through quiet observation. Also, is a remarkable opportunity to see beautiful animals found only on the islands. For instance, throughout the year you are most likely to spot:
- White-tip, black-tip, and hammerhead shark.
- Seals.
- Dolphins.
- Seahorses.
- Manta rays.
2. The Archipelago is a year-round destination
When you start planning your trip to the Archipelago, you need to decide what you want to see and do on the islands. For instance, are you traveling with friends or family? Or maybe you want to dive as part of your dream beach wedding?
Couple diving in the Galapagos.
Are you wondering what month is the best for diving in the Galapagos? Well, the best thing about the Galapagos Islands is that it’s a year-round destination. Therefore, you can plan a Galapagos diving tour based on your adventurous wishes.
The warm season is from December through May. On the other hand, the cool season goes from June through November. Then, when planning to scuba dive in the Galapagos Islands, you should consider three factors:
- Weather and climate.
- Flora and fauna observation.
- Sea currents.
Hot season (December through May)
During the wet/warm season, the sea is calmer, the water is warmer and there’s better visibility. On average, air and land temperatures are 72-86°F(30°C), while the water temperature goes on 76°F(25°C).
Dry season (June through November)
Advanced divers prefer the dry/cool season because the sea life is vibrant. Moreover, with chillier waters and choppier seas comes whale sharks. Air and land temperatures are 66-79°F/(19-26°C), and water temperatures around 72°F (22°C).
3. Galapagos has dive sites for all levels
Can beginners dive into the Galapagos? Yes! For instance, shallow and calm sites are the perfect option for beginners. While the challenging sites with strong currents are a thrilling adventure for experienced divers. The amazing thing about Galapagos is that even in serene and safe waters, there’s an incredible array of marine life for all types of divers to enjoy.
Diver with sea turtle.
From beginners to experienced divers, Galapagos offers a wide range of scuba diving opportunities. Even so, if you’re not an experienced diver, diving in the Galapagos Islands will be an experience you’ll never forget.
Discover Galapagos’ underwater topography
The underwater landscape of the Galapagos Islands is as unique and diverse as the animals that inhabit it. When scuba diving in the Galapagos, you’ll be able to explore arches, tunnels, and volcanic rocks.
What are the best diving spots in the Galapagos Islands?
If you’re wondering where to dive in the Galapagos, you should check the most popular sites as well as what type of adventure you’re looking for. There are plenty of popular diving sites you can choose from!
1. Darwin’s Arch
Darwin’s Arch is probably the most famous dive site in the Galapagos Islands. Located near the northern tip of Isabela Island, Darwin’s Arch is an incredible underwater formation.
Did you know that Darwin’s Arch was a 15 meters natural rock arch that collapsed into the sea in May 2021 due to natural erosion? Nowadays, it’s a pillar formation that can still be spotted from the southeast of Darwin Island. Moreover, in Darwin’s Arch, you can encounter:
- Hammerhead, silky, and whale sharks.
- Eagle rays.
- Green and hawksbill turtles.
- Barracudas.
- Dolphins.
2. Gordon Rocks
Gordon Rocks is a must for experienced divers. Located off the coast of Santa Cruz Island, it’s a renowned site for intermediate and advanced divers who search for strong currents. It’s popularly known as ‘The Washing Machine’ because of the challenging currents and upwellings. In Gordon Rocks divers can expect to see:
- Pelagic fish.
- Sea turtles.
- Rays.
- Different types of sharks.
- A wide variety of invertebrates.
3. Mosquera
Mosquera is a rocky islet product of volcanic activity. The islet emerges between Seymour and Baltra Island, north of Santa Cruz Island.
Underwater life in Mosquera is majestic. For instance, divers will encounter an 18-meter wall of black coral reef, home to garden eels and pelagic fish. It’s suitable for all levels of diversity thanks to its mild currents. Therefore, in the islet, divers can see:
- Hammerhead and black-tip reef sharks.
- Sea lions.
- Turtles.
- Sting rays.
- Eagle rays.
4. Cousins Rock
Cousins Rock is a triangular-shaped islet located northeast of Santiago Island. It’s the remains of an eroded crater. Therefore, it has stunning rocky shelves.
The islet is a shallow dive site perfect for beginners, with depths of 12 meters (40 feet). Moreover, divers can spot turtles, sea lions, sharks, seahorses, and rays, as well as a shelving reef with endemic black corals. Also, while diving in Cousins Rock, take time to look out for penguins. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to spot them!
In the islet, divers may encounter:
- Sea lions.
- Barracudas.
- Manta and eagle rays.
- Hammerhead and white-tipped reef sharks.
- Red sponges.
5. Floreana
Floreana is one of the oldest islands in the Archipelago. Also, the island offers a variety of dive sites, with unique features and marine life:
- Punta Cormorant
- Enderby
- Champion
Thanks to the great variety of sites, Floreana is suitable for all divers. For instance, the shallow currents are perfect for beginners, and also a great place for experienced divers who want to relax. Therefore, the island is an amazing place to snorkel and dive while watching baby sea lions learn to swim! Also, divers may encounter:
- Galapagos and white-tip reef sharks.
- Green turtles.
- Sting and eagle rays.
- Barracudas.
- A wide variety of invertebrates.
Diver with a Galapagos white-tip shark.
The crystal-clear waters will transport you to an amazing underwater experience. Are you ready to explore marine life in the Galapagos Islands, one of the world’s best diving hotspots?
When planning Galapagos diving tours, you should decide what type of animals you want to see and what climate you prefer. Additionally, weather and ocean conditions can vary. Contact us and one of our Destination Experts will be happy to guide you!
Inspired? Plan your diving tour today!
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