Scuba Diving the Galapagos Islands

Scuba in the Galapagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands are one of the world’s top scuba diving destinations hosting what is known as the “best dive site on earth”, famous for its abundance of marine life, powerful currents, and unique underwater encounters. Diving in the Galapagos was quite possibly one of the best diving experiences of my life! Hoards of hammerhead sharks, incredible landscapes and stunning marine biodiversity. This guide covers everything you need to know to plan an incredible dive trip to the Galapagos Islands.

Why Dive in the Galápagos Islands?

• Mega marine life: Just think, Hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, manta rays, sea lions, and marine iguanas are just some to note.
• Unique species: Only place where you can dive with marine iguanas and see Galápagos penguins underwater while scuba diving.
• Biodiversity: Part of the Pacific’s “Shark Highway” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Best Time to Dive

Season	Temperature	Marine Life Highlights
Warm Season (Dec – May)	24-28°C (75-82°F)	Manta rays, hammerheads, whale sharks (Jan–March)
Cool Season (June – Nov)	18-24°C (64-75°F)	Best shark action, large schools of fish, mola molas

• December – May: Warmer waters, calmer seas, better visibility.
• June – November: Cooler, nutrient-rich waters attract more sharks and big pelagics.

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Top Dive Sites

1. Darwin’s Arch (Darwin Island) – Advanced Diving (due to currents an depth)

• Best for: Whale sharks (June–Nov) and massive hammerhead schools, i saw a group numbering in the hundreds! I also saw a Tiger Shark.
• Conditions: Strong currents, open ocean

2. Wolf Island – Advanced

• Best for: Large shark populations, dolphins, eagle rays, Huge groups of Hammerheads
• Conditions: Strong currents, deep walls

3. Gordon Rocks – Intermediate to Advanced

• Best for: Hammerheads, sea lions, large rays and unique lava formations
• Conditions: Strong surge, depth changes

4. Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island) – Intermediate

• Best for: Mola molas, sea horses, marine iguanas and the famous red lipped batfish
• Conditions: Cold thermoclines, moderate currents

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Liveaboard vs. Land-Based Diving

Liveaboard Diving (Best for Advanced Divers)

✅ Access to remote sites (Darwin & Wolf)
✅ More dives per day (3–4 dives daily)
✅ Best for big pelagic encounters

Land-Based Diving (For All Levels)

✅ More flexibility, can mix with land tours
✅ Lower cost than liveaboards
✅ Easier for beginners

My Live Aboard Company

Calipso Galapagos Diving

Diving with Calipso was an incredible experience. I highly recommend them and the boat was super retro, but very comfortable. Our guide, Sebastion was very knowledgable, funny and made the dives amazing!

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Required Certifications & Experience

• Intermediate to Advanced divers recommended
• Minimum: Open Water (for easy dives), Advanced Open Water + 50 dives (for Wolf/Darwin)
• Drift diving & deep diving experience required

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Gear & Safety Tips

• 7mm wetsuit + hood (cool season) / 5mm wetsuit (warm season)
• Gloves & boots (for cooler dives)
• Dive computer (required for liveaboards)
• Surface marker buoy (SMB) (strong currents)

Tip: Be ready for cold thermoclines, strong currents, and deep dives.

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Other Activities in the Galápagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands, a volcanic archipelago off the coast of Ecuador, is one of the most unique and biodiverse destinations in the world. Famous for its incredible biodiversity, pristine landscapes, and historical significance in Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, the islands offer an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and eco-travelers. The best way to visit them is with a live aboard, land based tour! I chose to go with Letty, we visited several islands which I will cover in a sperate guide.

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Final Thoughts

Diving in the Galápagos is an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers and wildlife lovers. Whether you choose a liveaboard or land-based diving, you’ll be surrounded by incredible marine life in one of the world’s most untouched underwater environments.