Dive sites
Galápagos
The Galápagos Islands, Ecuador are one of the world’s most extraordinary diving destinations, famous for encounters with hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, marine iguanas, sea lions and large schools of pelagic fish. The diving can be challenging, but the wildlife encounters are exceptional.
Where it is
The Galápagos Islands are an Ecuadorian archipelago located approximately 1,000 km off the coast of mainland Ecuador. The most famous diving areas include Wolf Island and Darwin Island.
Marine life to see
Galápagos is best known for its large pelagic marine life and unique endemic species.
You may encounter:
- Hammerhead sharks
- Whale sharks
- Galápagos sharks
- Silky sharks
- Manta rays
- Eagle rays
- Sea lions
- Marine iguanas
- Sea turtles
- Dolphins
- Tuna
- Giant trevally
- Barracuda
- Penguins
- Large schools of fish
- Moray eels
- Octopus
Hammerhead sharks are one of the biggest attractions, while whale sharks can be encountered around Darwin Island, particularly during the whale shark season.
Macro or landscape?
Wide-angle and big marine life are the clear highlights.
Landscape / Wide Angle
Exceptional for:
- Hammerhead sharks
- Whale sharks
- Large schools of fish
- Manta rays
- Sea lions
- Penguins
- Dolphins
- Dramatic volcanic underwater landscapes
The remote islands of Wolf and Darwin are particularly famous for large shark schools and pelagic encounters.
Macro
Macro life is available but is not the main reason to visit.
You may find:
- Nudibranchs
- Octopus
- Blennies
- Small reef fish
- Crabs and shrimp
Recommendation: Wide-angle is essential for a Galápagos trip. Choose a setup that allows you to capture large animals and fast-moving subjects in challenging conditions.
How many dives you need
Galápagos is best suited to experienced divers. Water can be cold, currents can be strong and conditions can change quickly.
Beginner — Not recommended
The conditions and remote locations make Galápagos unsuitable as a first diving destination.
Intermediate — 50+ logged dives
A reasonable minimum for divers who are confident with current, drift diving, negative entries and changing conditions.
Experienced — 100+ dives
Strongly recommended, especially for liveaboard itineraries visiting Wolf and Darwin Islands.
Advanced Experience — 100+ dives with current diving experience
Ideal for divers who want to confidently handle strong currents, deep dives and challenging conditions while focusing on big-animal encounters.
Tip: If you have not dived for a long time, complete a refresher or Reactivate dive before your Galápagos trip. Make sure you are comfortable with current and cold-water diving before traveling.
On land
Marine Iguanas
See the world’s only marine iguana feeding and swimming around the volcanic islands.
Giant Tortoises
Visit conservation areas and see the famous Galápagos giant tortoises.
Sea Lions & Wildlife
The islands offer exceptional opportunities to see sea lions, birds and other wildlife both on land and around the coast.
Volcanic Landscapes
Explore lava fields, volcanic craters and dramatic island scenery that make the Galápagos completely different from a typical tropical destination.
Why Dive Galápagos?
The Galápagos offers some of the world’s most remarkable big-animal diving. Hammerhead shark schools, whale sharks, sea lions, marine iguanas and other unique wildlife make this destination unlike almost anywhere else.
Best for: Hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, sea lions, pelagic marine life, big-animal encounters, wide-angle photography and experienced divers.
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