Explore Santa Cruz
Found in the centre of the Ecuadorian Galapagos Islands is Santa Cruz. The second largest island, it is the most densely populated with a bustling capital - Puerto Ayora.
This is the hub of the archipelago and enjoys the biggest terrestrial diving industry, with many dive centres and dive resorts found here, most of which offer diving courses and day trips. Liveaboards are by far the most popular way to dive in the Galapagos and lots leave from Santa Cruz to explore both local and remote sites.
The diving in the Galapagos is known as some of the best in the world, for good reason. Beneath these waves you can witness spectacular volcanic topography, thrilling drift dives, unique marine species and much more.
Dive Activity
Diving in Santa Cruz
Diving around Santa Cruz is diverse. Whilst some dive sites are recommended for more experienced divers due to the depth, current and unpredictability, there are plenty for more beginner divers too.
Liveaboard diving is one of the best ways to dive Santa Cruz as you can explore the many dive sites at your leisure. Be sure to check with the individual liveaboards to see if they have minimum dive or qualification requirements.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Santa Cruz
The marine life in Santa Cruz is representative of the Galapagos as a whole, demonstrating spectacular diversity. Sharks and rays are always a favourite. You can see eagle rays, manta rays and mobula rays, sometimes in huge numbers. Alongside reef sharks and Galapagos sharks, you might get to see the Holy Grail of every divers bucket list - schooling hammerheads.
Turtles, dolphins and schools of fish like barracuda and snapper are all frequent visitors to these rich waters, as well as big game fish like marlin and tuna. Galapagos sea lions are famous for their friendly natures while the majestic mola mola (or sunfish) sometimes grace Gordons Rock.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
AdobeStock/G Russel Childress
781 Sightings
J
71
F
46
M
49
A
54
M
79
J
70
J
79
A
79
S
64
O
62
N
60
D
68
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
758 Sightings
J
74
F
43
M
62
A
65
M
90
J
61
J
74
A
62
S
60
O
41
N
58
D
68
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 25
iStock/Juliosanjuan
Eagle Ray
568 Sightings
J
63
F
35
M
53
A
52
M
46
J
35
J
56
A
40
S
47
O
35
N
52
D
54
Alamy-Christian Zappel
Scalloped Hammerhead
206 Sightings
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29
F
11
M
25
A
17
M
24
J
12
J
18
A
16
S
10
O
16
N
16
D
12
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 7
iStock-Michael Zeigler
Sea Lion
173 Sightings
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20
F
13
M
14
A
8
M
24
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12
J
14
A
11
S
13
O
10
N
16
D
18
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
129 Sightings
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10
F
12
M
16
A
14
M
8
J
12
J
8
A
10
S
5
O
8
N
14
D
12
Alamy/BIOSPHOTO
Ocean Sunfish
110 Sightings
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13
F
9
M
10
A
0
M
9
J
5
J
0
A
6
S
11
O
8
N
20
D
19
iStock-crisod
Reef Manta Ray
63 Sightings
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12
F
9
M
14
A
0
M
4
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
6
O
10
N
8
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse
52 Sightings
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7
F
6
M
9
A
0
M
0
J
6
J
7
A
0
S
5
O
0
N
5
D
7
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 80
iStock/Extreme-Photographer
Stingrays
259 Sightings
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39
F
20
M
16
A
21
M
19
J
19
J
19
A
23
S
24
O
11
N
22
D
26
The best Months to Dive in Santa Cruz
Diving in Santa Cruz is possible year round. From January to June is the warm season. The sea is at its warmest (around 26°C) and calmest. This is the best time of year to see manta rays around Santa Cruz and you also have better chances of seeing hammerheads.
From June to December, cold currents flow from the north and bringing cooler water. This chills the water to around 21°C but also brings essential nutrients, which in turn attracts marine species like whale sharks.
