Exploring the Enchanting Galapagos Archipelago
The Galapagos Islands, nestled 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, are a dream destination for ocean enthusiasts. An excess of pelagic life and prehistoric creatures make it a haven for those with a soft spot for the endemic. With the word "endemic" giving you goosebumps, you'll find paradise here among animals such as the Galapagos tortoise, flightless cormorants, and marine iguanas spitting salt, not to mention whale sharks, hammerheads, and even penguins!
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and national park since 1978, the Galapagos have become a must-visit destination for adventurers and underwater photographers in search of unique subjects. The geology of this spectacular area is another highlight, with volcanic islands still actively growing.
Beyond the diver's lair, these islands are a treasure trove of geological wonders, newborns rising from the sea only around 6 million years ago. Today, many of the islands boast active volcanoes. If you're intrigued and eager to take a peek, check out this incredible Galapagos underwater video from a Jan/Feb 2016 Bluewater Photo trip, showcasing hammerheads, Mola mola, penguins, marine iguanas, and much more!
Galapagos Islands Marine Life
Whale Sharks
Whale sharks, Rhincodon typus, migrate to the northern islands of Wolf and Darwin during the northern hemisphere summer months, with growing numbers reported even in the fall. These gentle giants favor the warmer waters of Wolf and Darwin compared to the cooler central islands[1].
Hammerhead Sharks
- The schooling scalloped hammerheads (Sphymidae lewini) converge mainly at Wolf and Darwin Islands, often in numbers up to hundreds[1].
Silky, Galapagos, and White Tip reef sharks
Various shark species inhabit the Galapagos Islands waters, including white tip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), found on most dives sites, with North Seymour being a hotspot for large numbers[1]. Silky sharks (Carcharhinus falciformis) can be seen at Wolf and Darwin, sometimes in schools of over 50, particularly during sunset[1]. The Galapagos shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis) is commonly seen and stands out because of its large size[1]. There's even the possibility of encountering a Tiger shark!
Eagle, Cownose, and Manta Rays
Eagle rays can often be found at Wolf and Darwin, with large shoals frequently hanging off the reef in the current, awaiting your camera[1]. Manta rays are found at Cape Marshall, though visibilities can be low and it's challenging for photography[1]. Sometimes they can also be spotted at N. Seymour. Cownose rays are often found in shoals at Gordon Rocks[1].
Dolphins
Dolphins inhabit both Wolf and Darwin islands and can make excellent photo subjects in the clear waters. You might also have the chance to encounter them while snorkeling[1]. Listen carefully, and you can often hear them while diving[1]. At Wolf Island, you might even witness dolphins hunting on the reef[1].
Sea Turtles
Green turtles are found at many dive sites throughout the islands[1].
Sea Lions & Fur Seals
Sea Lions add excitement to underwater adventures, challenging photographers with their playful antics. They can be found in larger numbers at Cousin's Rock and Isla Lobos. These entertainment-seeking creatures can also be found in clearer water at North Seymour and other sites. Watch out for the dominant male beach masters![1]
Fur Seals may be encountered in the water at Gordon Rocks on the outsides of the rock[1].
Schooling Fish
From tuna to snapper, grunts, barracuda, jack, and creole wrasse, schooling fish abound in Galapagos waters, making for an amazingly diverse underwater experience[1].
Seahorses, Batfish, and Frogfish
Seahorses can be found in the grasses at cousin's rock, while red-lipped batfish are found lurking at the back side of Darwin Island on night dives and other sandy flats[1]. Frogfish can also be found at cousin's rock and Punta Vincente Roca[1].
Moray Eels
The fin-spotted moray (Gymnothorax marmoratus) is a common resident at most dive sites. Always be cautious when putting your hand down on a rock for support[1]. Keep a watchful eye for them underwater!
Marine Iguanas, Penguins, Cormorants
You'll find these unique animals at very specific locations. Keep your underwater camera ready for penguins at Bartolome, where there's an opportunity to snorkel with them! Marine iguanas bathe in the sun and then retreat to the water to feed. They can be spotted at NE Fernandina, although patience is required for shots in the water[1]. Cormorants might surprise you by appearing during dives. Don't forget to grab your camera if one makes an appearance, as these sightings are uncommon![1]
Endemics
Diving the Galapagos Islands provides a fantastic opportunity to encounter numerous endemic species, making it a must-visit destination for dedicated divers[1]. According to Jack Grove, author of The Fishes of the Galapagos Islands, around 44 fish species are found exclusively in the Galapagos[1].
Best Dive Sites in the Galapagos Islands
The Northern Islands - Wolf and Darwin
Wolf and Darwin Islands are located 150 miles north of the central Galapagos Islands. They are uninhabitable due to sheer cliffs, making them off-limits to "safari" boats and accessible only to liveaboard dive boats. It's in these remote, pristine locations that you'll find warm waters (up to 80°F), schooling hammerheads, whale sharks, dolphin, tuna schools, sea turtles, and eagle rays[1].
Darwin Island - "The Arch"
Darwin's Arch is the beloved destination of whale shark enthusiasts during the northern hemisphere's summer and fall months. It's not uncommon to see the world's largest fish on 11 out of 12 dives here[1]. Remember to carry a surface float and reel and let the dive boat follow your float if you get caught up in strong currents during a safety stop[1].
Wolf Island
Known for large schools of hammerheads and occasional whale shark sightings, Wolf Island is another fantastic place for pelagic encounters[1]. You can also find schools of eagle rays and Galapagos sharks here!
Central Islands
Central islands offer a diverse range of diving experiences, with current, temperature, visibility, and coral variations[1].
North Seymour
North Seymour offers ever-changing dive experiences, where things can pop up at any moment for an amazing photo opportunity[1]. Sealions are abundant here, and you might find manta rays, eagle rays, honeycomb morays, and a myriad of interesting critters, including the hieroglyphic hawkfish[1].
Cousin's Rock
Cousin's Rock is known for its seahorses, octopi, and sometimes frogfish[1]. It boasts steep, terraced ledges where creole fish hide from sea lions[1].
Gordon Rocks
Due to its proximity to Puerto Ayora, Gordon Rocks is often the last diving destination of your trip. Despite being close to civilization, it offers diverse marine life, including cownose rays, fur seals, and the occasional surprise sightings[1].
Punta Vicente Roca
The best spot for muck diving, Punta Vicente Roca offers find muck diving opportunities, with nudibranchs, red-lipped batfish, seahorses, and the rare Mola Mola possible sightings[1].
Comparing Galapagos to Cocos Island and Socorro
Geologically, both Cocos Island and Galapagos lie on different tectonic plates, with Cocos Island being younger. Underwater, however, these two destinations share similarities in terms of varied currents, visibility, water temperature, and large pelagics[1]. While Cocos Island offers beautiful trails and waterfalls, Galapagos boasts a diverse terrestrial ecosystem, including sea lions, cormorants, fur seals, boobies, waved albatross, Galapagos tortoises, and more[1].
A Typical Dive in the Galapagos Islands
Expect a mixed bag of experiences during a dive in Galapagos, as conditions and marine life vary greatly[1]. From strong currents and fantastic visibility to cool waters and reduced visibility, the Galapagos offers unpredictable but exciting underwater adventures. Dives may be challenging, with strong currents, swells, and choppy seas. Diving in Galapagos is not recommended for beginners[1].
Galapagos Island Dive Safety
Use of GPS trackers, sound signaling devices, and safety sausages is crucial for safer diving in remote areas such as the Galapagos[1]. Additionally, a reel and surface float are recommended to help the dive boat locate you if you get separated or need to make a safety stop in the blue[1].
Tips for Visiting the Galapagos Islands
Best time to dive the Galapagos islands
The best time to visit Galapagos for whale sharks is from June to November, during the dry season and the whale shark's peak season[1]. Water temperatures during this period range from 16°C to 24°C (60°F to 75°F)[1]. In contrast, December to May represents the off-season, with calmer waters and milder climate conditions but fewer whale shark sightings and increased rainfall[1]. May is a great time to spot manta rays, though[1].
Galapagos Water Temperatures
The Humboldt Current dominates June to December, bringing cooler water temperatures, ranging roughly from 16°C to 24°C (60°F to 75°F)[1]. During the warmer months (December to May), the Panama Current predominates, bringing warmer surface temperatures ranging from 24°C to 29°C (75°F to 84°F)[1]. Wolf and Darwin Islands are consistently warmer, with temperatures reaching up to 80°F (26.5°C)[1].
Galapagos Underwater Visibility
Water visibility in Galapagos varies significantly, but it's always important to expect the unexpected! Depending on which side of which island, at what time, conditions can change dramatically[1]. On average, visibility ranges from 30ft to 100ft, with better visibility reported at Wolf and Darwin Islands[1].
How to get to the Galapagos Island
You can fly to the Galapagos Islands from either Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador's two gateway cities. Continental, American Airlines, Delta, Copa Airlines, Taca, Iberia, LanEcuador, Avianca, and Air Europa offer flights to Ecuador[1]. For those planning to explore the mainland, Quito is recommended. On the other hand, if you only want to reach the islands, Guayaquil is a convenient choice[1]. From there, TAME or AeroGal can take you to either Baltra or San Cristobal, depending on your liveaboard's departure point[1].
Best way to dive the Galapagos - Land or Liveaboard?
Liveaboard diving is the best way to fully explore the Galapagos Islands, providing unparalleled access to remote dive sites, including the northern islands of Wolf and Darwin [1]. There are land-based diving operators available, but they struggle to reach the northern islands due to their distance[1]. With a liveaboard, you can expect around 20 dives during your trip[1].
Book a Liveaboard Trip to the Galapagos
Bluewater Travel is a great resource for booking trips to Galapagos and over 40 other diving destinations[1]. If you need help planning your dream Galapagos diving expedition:
- View available liveaboards in Galapagos
- Contact Bluewater Travel at [email protected] for expert assistance with trip planning.
Sharks Seen While Diving the Galapagos Islands
- Silky sharks
- Galapagos sharks
- Tiger sharks
- Hammerhead sharks
- Manta rays
Galapagos Underwater Photography Tips
- Sea lions are fast movers and can be a challenge to photograph, so fix your focus on them[1]
- A 60mm, 105mm, or 100mm macro lens is essential for capturing tiny critters, like blennies, frogfish, and endemic batfish[1]
- A wide-angle zoom lens with a fast aperture provides flexibility for shooting single sharks, schools, or large animals like whale sharks[1]
- Get close to whale sharks without swimming toward them; instead, swim where they're going to be, position yourself in front, and wait patiently for them to swim past[1]
- Hammerheads are shy, so approach them carefully and avoid releasing bubbles when they get close[1]
- Tips for taking great underwater photos: Essential Gear for Underwater Photography
- Best Camera Settings for Underwater Photography
- 20 Underwater Photography Tips
- In the Galapagos Islands, whale sharks, Rhincodon typus, migrate to the northern islands of Wolf and Darwin during the summer months.
- Schools of scalloped hammerheads (Sphymidae lewini) can be found in numbers up to hundreds at Wolf and Darwin Islands.
- White tip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus) are found on most dive sites, with North Seymour being a hotspot for large numbers.
- Silky sharks (Carcharhinus falciformis) can be seen at Wolf and Darwin, sometimes in schools of over 50, particularly during sunset.
- The Galapagos shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis) is commonly seen and is known for its large size.
- Eagle rays can often be found at Wolf and Darwin, with large shoals frequently hanging off the reef in the current, awaiting your camera.
- Marine iguanas, an endemic species, can be spotted at NE Fernandina, though patience is required for shots in the water.
- During a dive at Darwin's Arch, it's not uncommon to see the world's largest fish, the whale shark, on 11 out of 12 dives.
- At Wolf Island, large schools of hammerheads and occasional whale shark sightings make it a fantastic place for pelagic encounters.
- In Cousin's Rock, you'll find red-lipped batfish lurking at the back side of Darwin Island on night dives and other sandy flats.
- For a diverse underwater experience, Schooling fish such as tuna, snapper, grunts, barracuda, jack, and creole wrasse abound in Galapagos waters.
