What are the diving conditions like?

Galapagos is famous for huge schools of hammerheads, but there is more to Galapagos than just its schooling sharks. You will be diving in a protected and healthy marine environment with an abundance of rare species including Galapagos sharks, whale sharks, mantas, mobulas, eagle rays, stingrays, penguins, orcas, dolphins, mola mola, marine iguanas, turtles, sea lions, butterflyfish, tuna, and pufferfish among many others.

Galapagos has two seasons. High season is regarded as July to November when the Humboldt current is at is maximum force, bringing upwellings of nutrients from the cold depths. This is your best opportunity to dive with whale sharks in Darwin and Wolf. In these months, the water is cooler, visibility is lower, currents can be stronger and the seas can be rough at times. The air temperature is cooler and evenings can be fresh.

The chances of seeing whale sharks are slim during the low season months of December through June. Other popular species, such as the scalloped hammerheads and large schools of fish are present year-round however, making the “low” season desirable if whale sharks are not on your must-see list. Temperatures are warmer and visibility is generally better.

Galapagos is a cold-water destination. Regular temperatures in Darwin and Wolf are 21-23°C (70-74°F) but can be warmer in the early months of the year. Thermoclines can dip to 13C (54° F) in the Western Islands of Punta Vincente Roca and Cabo Douglas, which stay cooler year-round.

Due to the advanced nature of diving conditions in the Galapagos, divers should have extensive experience with currents, rough seas, and diving in thicker wetsuits. We strongly recommend a minimum of 60-100 logged dives in varied conditions. Anyone without adequate experience may not be able to make all offered dives, depending on conditions.