Galápagos is a world-class destination for scuba divers because of the abundance of sharks, sea lions, fur seals, marine turtles, rays, mantas, marine iguanas, and reef fishes.
The best time to dive in the Galápagos is any month of the year, and there are two distinct seasons, each boasting a different set of marine life. The warm season, from December to May, is best for schooling hammerheads and most other sharks. These months also feature easier conditions and better visibility. On the other hand, the cold season, from July to December, is best for whale sharks, penguins and mola mola.
1. Darwin’s Arch
On the far outer north western reaches of the archipelago, Darwin Island and its famous dive site, Darwin’s Arch, are the highlight of any liveaboard tour in the Galápagos. Here you will see vast schools of hammerheads, eagle rays, Galápagos sharks, mackerel, manta rays, dolphins and sea turtles. You might even spot a whale shark, especially between June and October, if you’re lucky.
Manta rays, sea turtles, dolphins, eagle rays and the occasional whale shark wow divers with their presence. Very few boats are allowed to stop at Darwin meaning you will likely only have to share the site with research boats there to tag and study the large pelagics. The real showstopper are the huge number of sharks brought in by the strong current. You’re likely see schools of hammerheads, silky sharks, blacktip sharks and Galápagos sharks.
- Recommended diving level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Marine sightings: Hammerheads, Galápagos Sharks, Silky Sharks, Blacktip Sharks and Whale Sharks
2. Shark Point
Sister to Darwin Island, Wolf Island is also only accessible by liveaboard. There are quite a few world-class dive sites at this remote location, but one that stands out as the most popular is Shark Point. It is here divers can fulfil their diving dreams of diving alongside huge whale sharks. These graceful creatures gather in the area from May to November.
It’s also possible to spot large groups of hammerhead sharks and endemic Galápagos sharks. Owing to limited visibility, strong current and occasional harsh surges, Shark Point is recommended for experienced divers only.
- Recommended diving level: Advanced
- Marine sightings: Whale Sharks
3. Gordon Rocks
One of the best dive sites in the central islands, Gordon Rocks is the eroded crater of a submerged cone on the northeast side of Santa Cruz Island. While any number of big marine animals can be found in the area, most people dive Gordon Rocks for one thing: hammerheads.
Strong currents bring dozens of these predators into a relatively confined area, making this a great place to get up close and personal with the sharks. Locally, Gordon Rocks is also referred to as the washing machine due to its currents and structure, so be careful when diving in the area.
- Recommended diving level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Marine sightings: Hammerhead Sharks
4. Camaño Islet
Situated off the coast of Santa Cruz Island, Camaño Islet is a great option for beginners who also want to enjoy the underwater wonders of the Galápagos.
Expect to see groupers, batfish, sea lions and seahorses. Lucky divers might even spot Galápagos marine iguana searching for food under the surface. The dive profile at Camaño Islet typically maxes out at 10 – 15 m (33 – 50 ft) with great visibility, making it a comfortable and easy dive.
- Recommended diving level: Beginner
- Marine sightings: Seahorses, Sea Lions, Batfish and Grouper
5. Punta Vicente Roca
Punta Vicente Roca is a sloping wall with several small caves off of Isabela Island. This site reaches a max depth of 27 m (88 ft) with better conditions found in the cold water below 12 m (40 ft).
While the wall is covered in invertebrates ranging from frogfish to seahorses, the real attraction are the sunfish. Mola mola are often seen along the outside of the wall where these huge fish come to be cleaned. On your safety stop, look out for diving penguins and playful sea lions. Every minute is an adventure at Punta Vicente Roca.
- Recommended diving level: Intermediate
- Marine sightings: Mola Mola
6. North Seymour Ocean Side
There’s so much to see at North Seymour, you might want to stick around for more than one dive. The gradual rocky slope that extends from Seymour Island’s north eastern shore provides habitat yellowtail grunts, bluestriped snapper and salemas. You might also spot groups of eagle rays, marble rays, manta rays, stingrays, jacks, hammerheads and, on a good dive, marlins.
Don’t forget to also look up every once in a while at the blue-footed boobies diving below surface in search of a meal.
- Recommended diving level: Beginner
- Marine sightings: Eagle Rays and Blue-Footed Boobies
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