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Scuba diving the Galapagos Archipelago is a breath-taking adventure filled with an impressive display of aquatic life and marine geomorphological structures. Belonging to the Republic of Ecuador and situated off the north-western coast of South America, the Galapagos is a cluster of volcanic islands declared as a World Heritage Site. It has historical significance as the place that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.
What to expect when diving Galapagos?
Galapagos Islands are one of the most remote, unspoiled dive spots in the world. Its unique ecosystem was studied by a biologist, Charles Darwin, in the 1800s and became the foundation of his theory of evolution by natural selection as outlined in his book, On the Origin of Species. The islands have remained largely untouched as a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site.
By preserving the islands’ biodiversity, Galapagos has ensured the sustainability of natural resources through careful monitoring of agriculture and fishing by the local population. Tourism, however, is the region’s primary economic activity. Through conservation, the Galapagos Islands have created a perfect balance that meets the tourism industry demands while maintaining an unsullied habitat.
The incomparable geographical landscape consists of submerged volcanoes, underwater cliffs, reefs, lagoons, and wetlands. There are 21 islands that were formed through thousands of years of volcanic eruptions; those eruptions continue today, as the islands sit on top of a hotspot where the Earth’s crust melts below the sea by a mantle plume.
Fauna and Flora
The protected Galapagos Marine Reserve covers 51,352 square miles, which is one of the largest, most biologically diverse areas in the world with over 2,900 endemic species. Galapagos diving and land tours allow extensive viewing of the many species of mammals, reptiles, and birds. These include dolphins, whales, sharks, sea turtles, marine iguanas, albatross, penguins, and much more.
Some unfriendly creatures can also be found around the islands, such as the Galapagos Black Widow spider, Darwin’s Goliath Centipede (which can inflict a painful bite), and the Galapagos Scorpions.
Sitting along the Equator creates an ideal environment for rich biodiversity. The cold and warm ocean currents that stir up the seabed’s nutrient-rich water result in a food chain that attracts and nourishes marine life, from the tiniest of plants to the biggest sea mammals, such as the whale shark.
Visitor Attractions
Explore this ancient archipelago through Galapagos scuba diving trips or land-based vacations that generally start in Baltra (South Seymour) where the main airport is located. It is the central point for visitors to begin their adventure in exploring the many islands and islets. Only some islands offer tourist accommodation while others are only accessible by boat.
Each island on Explorer Ventures’ itinerary offers exciting highlights for every visitor:
- Santa Cruz Island, home to the El Chato Tortoise Reserve, the Charles Darwin Station, Los Gemelos craters, and Scalesia forest. Be sure to also visit one of the “ranches” in the highlands h to see the giant turtles and lava tunnels.
- Espinoza Point on Fernandina Island is a volcanically active area with the highest population of marine iguanas and sea lions and is a great place to view the flightless cormorant, Galapagos penguin, hawks, crabs, and the Galapagos snake.
- Santiago is uninhabited and was the first island discovered by Columbus. For those with a keen interest in geology and history, visit Buccaneers Cove, which was a safe haven for sailors, whalers, and pirates. It’s also a great place to snorkel and discover the many rock formations in and around the cove.
Highlights reachable by self-planned day trip or naturalist cruise:
- Renowned for its red rocks and sand from iron oxide, Rabida Island is perfect for flamingo and pelican viewing and has a saltwater lagoon to swim alongside bottlenose and spinner dolphins.
- On the south side of Genovesa Island, visit the Prince Philip’s Steps and Darwin Bay, a bird watcher’s paradise. Formed out of a crater that is partially submerged, these areas attract many birds that include the big frigates, petrels, and blue-footed boobies.
- Brujo Hill on San Cristóbal Island has a white coral beach for swimming and skin diving. It is particularly famous for being the first coast that Charles Darwin set foot on in 1835. It is also home to two unique Galapagos species, the Chatham mockingbird, and the San Cristóbal lava lizard.
- Also, on San Cristóbal Island is the Kicker Rock Islet formed from a volcanic cone. A great spot for professional divers, its depth reaches up to 100 meters with vertical walls that draw in different sharks like the Hammerhead, Grey Reef, and White Tip breeds. Other fish frequent the area such as barracuda and octopus.
- Española Island, a day tour from San Cristobal, features Gardner Bay, a white coral beach filled with sea lions, local and migratory birds, and is known as a primary nesting location for green sea turtles.
Galapagos Diving Holidays
Scuba enthusiasts looking for spectacular spots will get the best experience through a liveaboard trip that visits the more isolated areas. Liveaboard diving reviews show that Darwin and Wolf are ideal for the adventurous, skilled diver who can handle challenging conditions while getting the opportunity to see an abundance of Eagle Rays, Hammerheads, and Galapagos Sharks.
For beginner divers, Academy Bay in Puerto Ayora, and North Seymour and Mosquera islands are best suited. And for intermediate divers, San Cristóbal and several sites around Santiago island will offer a thrilling experience to view the incredible geological formations, and the chance to swim with a vast range of fish species.
When is the best time to dive Galapagos?
Visiting the Galapagos Islands on a diving liveaboard tour is a holiday like no other, going off the beaten track to explore a remote paradise. While diving in the region is feasible all year, there are certain months that provide optimal conditions. The Galapagos climate is subtropical with variations influenced by the ocean currents.
The best time to book a Galapagos Islands scuba diving liveaboard holiday depends on which temperatures are preferable, and which dive spots will be visited. Water temperatures are colder from September to November, with June and September being the most popular for divers. The air temperature is also cooler from June through December with the hot humid months running from January to May.
Generally, visibility can be up to 20 meters (70 foot) but can extend to 30 meters (100 feet) on the best days, depending mostly on the season and extent of plankton present in the water.
January to May
During the first part of the year, the weather is warm and wet with an average water temperature of about 24-28°C (75-82°F). This offers comfortable, calm conditions with a warm current, and frequent afternoon rain showers.
June to December
Between June and December, the average water temperature is around 17-22° C (62-68°F) with the Humboldt Current bringing cool, dry, and cloudy conditions. Being the best time to see Whale Sharks, it is busier than other months. The Northern Islands of Darwin and Wolf range from 21-24 C at this time of year.
September to November
The lowest surface temperatures occur from September and average between 18-24°C (64-75°F) and is a more moderate climate compared to the hot, humid temperatures during the rainy season from mid-December to early-June.
| Season | Avg. temp., °C/°F |
|---|---|
| January – May | 24-28 / 75-82 |
| June – December | 17-22 / 62-68 |
| September – November | 18-24 / 64-75 |
Key Takeaways for Scuba Diving Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands are one of the best-preserved ecosystems and the Ecuadorian government runs a tight ship protecting the World Heritage site. While the national park management seeks to minimize the human impact on its ecosystems, visitors are expected to be responsible for their personal safety and to respect the region’s environment and rules.
Although it is a very safe destination with very little crime, always be discreet when displaying and carrying valuables.
Wildlife Watch
Get familiar with the restrictions in place for the area you are visiting. There are limitations on the number of boats, divers, and walking groups, and regulations on area access are in place to protect breeding grounds and vegetation species.
Scuba Diving Safety
If joining a Galapagos diving liveaboard cruise, divers are expected to have an advanced open water dive certification as most dive spots are designated for the intermediate and skilled aquanauts. There are strong currents and surface waves, and guaranteed encounters with marine life.
Note that only two decompression chambers are in Galapagos, one in Puerto Ayora and one at the Guayaquil naval base.
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are needed unless visiting the Amazon.
Currency
Galapagos uses US dollars and most towns have VISA/Mastercard credit facilities and ATMs to withdraw cash. Remember to notify your local bank before departing on an international holiday.
Be Prepared
When packing, be sure to include sun protection, seasickness tablets, and other basic medication, and sufficient clothing for both warm and cold temperatures. Travel insurance is recommended as medical facilities are limited and in the case of any serious accidents or illness, evacuation to the mainland in Ecuador may be required.
