Galápagos Islands Diving

photo by Karey Fuhs

The Galápagos are consistently ranked among the best overall dive sites in the world. Because of the combination of cool and warm water ocean currents and a high level of ecosystem protection, the variety and abundance of Galápagos fish and marine mammal species is astounding. Observant divers can expect to see both small reef fish like the endemic gobies and blennies common throughout the islands, and the big draws, like hammerhead, white-tipped and black-tipped reef sharks, Galápagos sharks, green sea turtles, manta and eagle rays, and if you are lucky, a whale shark.

The most frequented dive sites are Gordon Rocks, Daphne Minor, North Seymour (punta and canal), Floreana (Devil’s Crown, Champion, and Enderby), Cousin’s Rock, and Academy Bay, each of which offers a uniquely spectacular experience. There are also some interesting sites on San Cristobal island, such as Kicker Rock and Isla Lobos. Dive shops in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno can take you there.

Although any open-water certified diver is permitted to dive, strong surge, a dramatic thermocline, and varying water conditions make Galapagos best for experienced divers. All of the dive shops will require for safety purposes (and to check your weight) that you complete a check-dive in a shallow, sandy area near your dive site, but it is your responsibility to recognize your own capabilities and dive (or sit on the boat) accordingly. 

It used to be that you could dive and explore island visitor sites on the same cruise, but that is no longer an option. Your best bet is to organize a few daily dive tours from Puerto Ayora either before or after your tour.

If you're a die-hard diver and uninterested in land tours, you'll want to find a live-aboard dive cruise, preferably one that goes to the remote islands of Darwin and Wolf.

Diving

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