Exceptional Scuba Diving Experiences in the Galapagos Islands

Exploring the Galapagos Islands: A Diver's Paradise

The Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its unique wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, offers an unparalleled scuba diving experience. Located approximately 500 nautical miles off the coast of Ecuador, these volcanic islands are a must-visit destination for both advanced and casual divers.

Diving in the Galapagos

Scuba diving the Galapagos Islands is best experienced via liveaboard, as it allows divers to access the best dive spots in a single visit. Most trips last 8 days and 7 nights, offering 21 - 22 dives. These expeditions often include several land excursions, providing a comprehensive experience of the islands' unique ecosystems.

Seasonal Diving

The Galapagos Islands offer two main diving seasons: the warm season (December to May) and the dry/cool season (June to November).

During the warm season (December to May), water temperatures range from 70-86°F (21-30°C) with visibility between 40-100 feet (12-33 meters). This period is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and more comfortable diving conditions. It is also a great time to spot animals like whale sharks and humpback whales, especially during November to March.

In contrast, the dry (cool) season (June to November) brings cooler, nutrient-rich waters (around 70-74°F / 21-23°C), driven by the Humboldt and Cromwell currents. This season attracts large marine life like hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and other pelagic species, particularly around remote dive sites like Wolf and Darwin Islands. Visibility may vary, but marine life activity is often higher. The seas can be choppier, making it suitable for advanced divers prepared for stronger currents.

Preparing for Your Trip

Travelers can fly internationally into Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito or José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil, both in Ecuador. It is recommended to fly into either city 1-2 days before the liveaboard transfer, as most departures are in the morning.

English is the most spoken foreign language amongst tourist providers and professionals in the Galapagos, making communication easy for English-speaking travelers. However, the predominant and official language of Ecuador is Spanish.

For those seeking assistance with travel-related questions or concerns, Bluewater Travel's team is available to help. They can also help plan everything from A to Z and their trip leaders will ensure a smooth vacation.

Diving Highlights

Some of the best dives in Galapagos are located at Roca Redonda, Isabela Island, known for Galapagos sharks, schools of hammerheads, and barracudas. Cape Douglas, Fernandina Island is home to penguins, fur seals, sea lions, and marine iguanas. Camaño Islet, Santa Cruz Island is known for batfish, seahorses, groupers, sharks, and sea lions. El Arenal, Darwin Island is famous for big-eye jacks, hammerhead, blacktip, and whale sharks, while El Arco, Darwin Island is known for schooling hammerheads, whale sharks, and spotted eagle rays.

The Galapagos Photo Workshop

For those interested in capturing the beauty of the Galapagos underwater world, Bluewater Travel offers guided trips and photo trips to the Galapagos every year, with daily photo workshops by photo pros provided at no extra cost. The next Galapagos Photo Workshop is scheduled for May 2026.

Practical Information

The currency in Ecuador is the US Dollar, and electricity in Galapagos is 120 V 60 Hz. The main airport code in Galapagos is GPS, and most liveaboard trips depart from either San Cristobal (SCY) or Isla Baltra (GPS).

For those planning to dive in the Galapagos, it's recommended to download a full scuba gear guide to Galapagos, with Bluewater Travel guests receiving 10% OFF.

The Galapagos Islands are one of the top destinations for seeing large marine life native to warm and cold water climates, making it a must-visit for any serious diver. Whether you're an advanced diver seeking exhilarating encounters with hammerhead sharks and whale sharks or a casual diver looking for warmer water and calmer conditions, the Galapagos has something for everyone.

Scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands is best experienced via a liveaboard, allowing divers to access various prime dive spots during an 8-day trip with numerous dives.
The warm season (December to May) offers comfortable diving conditions, with water temperatures between 70-86°F (21-30°C) and visibility between 40-100 feet (12-33 meters), making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and spotting animals like whale sharks and humpback whales.
In the dry/cool season (June to November), nutrient-rich waters driven by the Humboldt and Cromwell currents attract large marine life like hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and pelagic species at remote dive sites like Wolf and Darwin Islands, although the visibility may vary.
Travelers can fly into either Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito or José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil, Ecuador, before their liveaboard transfer.
Bluewater Travel's team can help plan every aspect of a Galapagos trip, including answering travel-related questions and ensuring a smooth vacation. They also offer guided and photo trips to the Galapagos, with daily workshops by professional photographers.
The Galapagos Islands are a top destination for serious divers, featuring large marine life native to both warm and cold water climates, whether you're an advanced diver seeking thrilling encounters or a casual diver looking for warmer water and calmer conditions.