Schooling hammerheads in the Galapagos Islands

Experience epic schools of sharks and other large pelagics in the world-class region of the Galapagos.

Explore the depths of the Galapagos Islands with Explorer Ventures and witness the extraordinary sight of hundreds of hammerhead sharks schooling together. Our liveaboard scuba diving experiences offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe this magnificent event. Join us on our vessels, the Tiburon Explorer and Humboldt Explorer, for an unforgettable adventure.

Why do hammerheads aggregate in the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos Islands are a hotspot for hammerhead sharks due to the abundance of food and favorable water conditions. The convergence of ocean currents creates nutrient-rich waters that attract various marine life, including schooling hammerheads. The islands also provide a safe haven for these sharks to reproduce and raise their young.

When to see schooling hammerheads in Galapagos

The best time to witness schooling hammerheads in the Galapagos Islands is from June to November. During this time, the waters are cooler, and there is a higher concentration of sharks and large marine life. However, hammerheads can be seen year-round in the Galapagos.

About scuba diving in the Galapagos

Scuba diving in the Galapagos is a unique and awe-inspiring experience for more experienced divers. The islands are home to an abundance of marine life, including sea lions, turtles, manta rays, iguanas, and various species of sharks. As well as land-based endemic life including giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, cormorants and penguins. The rich waters and diverse landscapes make the Galapagos a top destination for divers around the world.

Diver Note: Due to conditions, this itinerary is best for experienced divers with a minimum of 60 logged dives (more than 100 logged dives are highly recommended) and experience diving in currents.

Diving on Darwin Island and Wolf Island

The remote islands of Darwin Island and Wolf Island are considered two of the top diving sites in the Galapagos Islands – praised around the world. These outlying locations offer some of the best opportunities to see schooling hammerheads, as well as other species of sharks, whale sharks, dolphins, mantas, and more. The currents can be strong, making these dives suitable for experienced divers.

About Tiburon Explorer liveaboard

The Tiburon Explorer is a luxury liveaboard vessel that offers scuba diving trips in the Galapagos Islands. The vessel accommodates up to 16 guests in nine air-conditioned cabins, each with a large private bathroom and ocean view. Tiburon Explorer features spacious lounges, a sun deck with hot tub, and modern dive deck with all amenities, providing guests with optimal comfort and relaxation. On Tiburon Explorer’s 7-night itinerary, the vessel spends three days at Wolf and Darwin, then one day each at Cabo Douglas and Punta Vicente Roca where you may encounter endemic marine iguanas and shy molas.

About Humboldt Explorer liveaboard

The Humboldt Explorer is the second liveaboard vessel that offers scuba diving trips to the Galapagos Islands. Completely renovated in 2023, it features contemporary lounges, an upgraded dive deck, and eight air-conditioned cabins, each with a private bathroom. Humboldt Explorer is spacious, modern, and highly functional for ultimate comfort cruising between the remote Galapagos islands. On Humboldt Explorer’s 7-night itinerary, the vessel spends four days at Darwin and Wolf Island ensuring maximum opportunities for you to see sharks. For those who want to have the best diving experience of this area, we also offer a few 10-night trips onboard Humboldt Explorer, which include 5 days in Wolf & Darwin and 1 day in Western Isabela (Cabo Douglas and Punta Vicente Roca).