Explore Galápagos
Diving in the Galápagos offers an unparalleled experience, where the interaction between Earth's natural elements creates a biodiverse marine haven. Positioned at the meeting point of three ocean currents, the archipelago is a unique ecosystem that attracts divers worldwide. Here, you'll encounter marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks, and schools of hammerhead sharks, alongside endemic creatures like the marine iguana. These volcanic islands provide a spectacular backdrop, featuring dive environments ranging from deep walls to vibrant reefs and intriguing wrecks. The currents themselves are part of the adventure, enriching the waters with nutrients and making each dive an exhilarating exploration.
The Galápagos are accessible year-round, with the diving experience shifting with the seasons. From December to June, the warmer, calmer waters draw manta rays, while July to December brings cooler seas and the thrilling presence of whale sharks. Dive visibility varies, often ranging from 10 to 21 meters depending on conditions. For many divers, liveaboards are the preferred way to explore the more remote sites like Wolf and Darwin Islands, where the promise of encountering large pelagics is best fulfilled. Whether from a liveaboard or a local dive center on islands like San Cristobal or Santa Cruz, each dive is a step into an underwater world that has inspired researchers and adventurers alike for centuries.
While the diving conditions demand respect and skill, with currents and cooler waters, the reward is an intimate connection with nature's wonders. These islands, a testament to Earth's evolutionary processes, offer a rare glimpse into the world as Charles Darwin saw it, preserved thanks to dedicated conservation efforts. For divers, the Galápagos are more than just a destination; they are a journey into the heart of the planet's rich biodiversity.
Dive Activity
Diving in Galápagos
The Galápagos Islands are a diver's dream, offering a variety of underwater experiences. Notable wreck dives include the "Cheney Wreck," where history meets marine life, providing a habitat for vibrant schools of fish. Popular shore dives, like "Tijeretas Hill," let divers explore shallow waters brimming with sea lions and rays.
Unique underwater experiences abound, such as night dives at "Cousins Rock," revealing the nocturnal habits of the marine world. The Galápagos offers a balance between shore diving and liveaboard options, catering to diverse preferences. With an array of special marine life behaviors, like the synchronized hunting of reef sharks, it promises unforgettable adventures.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Galápagos
The Galápagos Islands boast a diverse array of marine life, making it a prime destination for divers. Among the vibrant coral reefs, common species include the colorful parrotfish and angelfish, easily spotted year-round. Sea turtles are also frequent visitors, with green sea turtles often seen gliding near the islands' coastlines.
Seasonal marine highlights include the thrilling sight of hammerhead sharks, particularly prevalent around Darwin and Wolf Islands from June to November. During these months, divers may also encounter large schools of golden rays. The unique marine iguanas, endemic to the Galápagos, are typically sighted feeding on algae along the rocky shores, offering a truly unique diving experience.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
1.4k Sightings
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132
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128
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141
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110
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146
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104
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139
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117
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95
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74
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120
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135
AdobeStock/G Russel Childress
Great Hammerhead Shark
1.4k Sightings
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133
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136
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147
A
99
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123
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107
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130
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113
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83
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95
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95
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103
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
1.1k Sightings
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103
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103
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148
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97
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82
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62
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97
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82
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64
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65
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95
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90
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
613 Sightings
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49
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48
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61
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37
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68
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41
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62
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55
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56
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37
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48
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51
Alamy-Christian Zappel
Scalloped Hammerhead
520 Sightings
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48
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75
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51
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59
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26
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45
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36
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16
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30
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32
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45
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
309 Sightings
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22
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26
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45
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30
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22
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22
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24
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30
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16
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18
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32
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22
iStock-crisod
Reef Manta Ray
125 Sightings
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4
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4
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5
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0
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6
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10
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8
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8
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
121 Sightings
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16
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20
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19
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5
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4
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6
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7
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5
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5
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8
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12
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14
Alamy/National Geographic Image Collection
Oceanic Whitetip Shark
115 Sightings
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13
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18
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28
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7
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14
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8
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12
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7
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5
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0
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0
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3
Alamy/BIOSPHOTO
Ocean Sunfish
111 Sightings
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13
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10
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10
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9
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5
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0
A
6
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11
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8
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20
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19
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
105 Sightings
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24
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13
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14
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5
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16
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5
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0
A
0
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4
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5
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13
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6
Shutterstock-Ed Jenkins
Hawksbill Turtle
90 Sightings
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8
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5
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12
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0
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9
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14
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11
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6
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8
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13
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4
The best Months to Dive in Galápagos
The Galápagos Islands offer year-round diving opportunities, with conditions varying by season. From June to December, the water temperatures range from 18°C to 23°C/64°F to 73°F due to the cooler Humboldt Current, making a wetsuit essential. Visibility during this period can range from 10 to 15 meters/33 to 49 feet, affected by the nutrient-rich waters which attract a diversity of marine life.
From January to May, water temperatures increase to 24°C to 30°C/75°F to 86°F, with improved visibility ranging from 15 to 30 meters/49 to 98 feet. This warmer season is influenced by the Panama Current, resulting in calmer seas and less wind. While diving is feasible all year, the cooler months might be less favorable for those sensitive to colder waters. However, these conditions also attract unique species, making them appealing for adventurous divers.
