The 9 Best Dive Sites in the Galapagos
For those dreaming of swimming alongside some of the most unique sea creatures in the world, there’s no better way than going diving in the Galapagos Islands. An extraordinary cluster of islands scattered across the Pacific Ocean, the turquoise water around the archipelago is a spectacular marine utopia bursting with incredible sea life.
Whether you’re a pro looking to dive in one of the most biodiverse places on earth or a newbie wanting to get in on a slice of the action, you are in for the most unforgettable experience swimming in this wild paradise.
To help you plan the most spectacular adventure possible, we have gathered together some key information on the best dive sites in the Galapagos.
What is the Best Time To Go Diving in the Galapagos Islands?
While there certainly isn’t a bad time to delve into these wondrous waters, you should familiarise yourself with the weather patterns of the seasons to help you choose the best time to visit Galapagos Islands for you.
The wet and warm season extends from December until June and is thought to be the best time to go to the Galapagos for scuba diving. The waters tend to be a touch calmer during this period and the visibility is at its prime.
Plus, both the water and the air temperature are usually a bit higher, making the whole experience that bit more pleasurable. The wet and warm season is also the best time to visit if you’re wanting to see giant manta rays and hammerhead sharks.
Alternatively, the cool and dry season between June and November is the best time for seeing whale sharks. On the downside, the air and water temperatures tend to be a little cooler, waters are a bit rougher and the visibility is a little poorer.
So, as far as the best time to go diving in the Galapagos Islands, it depends on what you’re wanting from your holiday and which Galapagos animals you’re looking to see.
Are you dreaming of seeing whale sharks and don’t mind cooler temperatures or are you partial to a bit of sun and more interested in the hammerheads? No matter when you go, you are sure to have an incredible time and unforgettable adventure.
The 9 Best Dive Sites in the Galapagos
1. Gordon Rocks, Santa Cruz
Easily one of the best places to go diving in the Galapagos, Gordon’s Rock is home to some pretty iconic residents: the Hammerhead Sharks. Swimming alongside these infamous, but friendly, creatures makes for a pretty surreal experience.
Located by one of the best islands in the Galapagos Islands, Santa Cruz, the waters of Gordon Rocks are blessed with exquisite visibility - perfect conditions for getting a clear view of the wildlife.
Beyond the hammerheads, you’ll come across eagle rays, stingrays, mantas, white-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos sharks, rays, and the list goes on. There is also a sea lion community residing nearby who are frequently seen lazing in the area.
The diving site is actually a volcanic crater, meaning that the water is very deep, descending 32 metres at points. Plus, the current is known to get rather strong. For these reasons, the site is better suited to the more experienced of those scuba diving in the Galapagos.
2. Bartholomew Point, Bartholomew Island
If you’re wondering where to see the famous Galapagos penguins, make a beeline for Bartholomew Point. Here you’ll be able to swim with these iconic waddlers who are known to be one of the smallest penguin breeds in the world.
They tend to be found perusing the area in search of food. Sitting off the coast of Bartholomew Island, Bartholomew Point is a must-visit for anyone going Galapagos Islands diving. While the penguins are certainly the star of the show, you are also likely to come across rays, sea turtles, sea lions and a plethora of brightly coloured fish.
In another exciting addition, white-tip reef sharks are also found lurking amongst the rocks in the area. There are also unique lava formations to explore, making the setting alone worthy of investigation. However, the current at Bartholomew Point is also known to vary between moderate and strong so this is probably another one for the more experienced divers.
3. Daphne Minor, Daphne Island
A wonderful diving site located between Santiago and Santa Cruz, Daphne Minor is a fantastic place to explore for those looking to get acquainted with the flourishing sea life in the area.
Ideal for the newbies amongst us, the mellow currents at Daphne Minor lend themselves well to beginner divers. While swimming along the bright colours of the coral reef, you are likely to come across white tip sharks, moray eels, sea turtles and reef fish.
On top of the wildlife, you can investigate caves and remnants of World War Two bombshells and machinery in a fantastic underwater adventure. Daphne Minor is a fantastic place to go Galapagos scuba diving if you’re looking to brush up your diving skills in calm waters while getting up close and personal with remarkable sea creatures.
4. Kicker Rock, San Cristóbal Island
A dramatic setting, the site of Kick Rock is formed by two imposing rock formations which jut out of the turquoise waters. Located west of San Cristobal Island, the unique setting is named in homage to its distinctively shoe-like appearance
While the current is known to be rather docile here, it is recommended to arrive with a little experience up your sleeve. Swim side by side with white tip sharks, sea turtles and rays. You may also come across stingrays, eagle rays, eels and barracuda in this biodiverse diving spot.
To get here, you will need to get yourself onto one of the Galapagos scuba diving tours, peruse our Island Hopping Tour that will bring you to all of the best sites. If you fancy taking a break from diving, Kicker Rock is also a brilliant place to go snorkelling - one of the best things to do in the Galapagos Islands.
5. The Shark Point, Wolf Island
A truly iconic place to go scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands, The Shark Point at Wolf Island is an outstanding place to go hammerhead diving. Lying several miles northwest of San Cristobal Island, this is also a fantastic area for catching sight of whale sharks, Galapagos sharks and white tip sharks.
Due to the great depths and strong currents, this is definitely one for the more advanced scuba divers. During your visit, you will see that Shark Point is also blessed with schools of dolphins, barracudas, red-lipped batfish and moray eels.
What’s more, you’ll be able to gaze over at red-footed boobies and vampire finches resting upon Wolf Island. If you find yourself still looking for more, head over to Landslide and The Caves to find a plethora of other unique marine species.
6. Tortuga Island, Isabela Island
Sitting just off Isabela Island, Tortuga Island is a fantastic place for a Galapagos driving trip. One for the intermediate divers, the waters aren’t too rough but you’ll want a bit of experience under your belt to cope with the deep drift wall.
On the wildlife front, you can expect to come across Galapagos sharks, Galapagos sheep head, mantas, sunfish and stingrays. You also stand a chance at seeing one of the ocean’s most famous inhabitants, the Orca.
While they aren’t knocking about here all the time, they do sometimes pass by and you might just be lucky enough to catch them. Even if you don’t, there will be King Angelfish, Yellowtail Surgeonfish and BlueChin Parrotfish to keep you company.
7. Cape Marshall, Isabela Island
A spectacular geological formation, Cape Marshall is a remarkable dive site situated on a volcanic wall that extends down from Isabela Island. Due to the flourishing population of algae, the area attracts an abundance of interesting marine species.
Along with the typical suspects such as manta rays, sea turtles and schools of fish, you will find playful sea lions tossing and turning in the area. In an exciting turn of events, you might also come across Mobula rays and the Galapagos black-striped Salema - a unique creature that is endemic to the area.
Another one for the scuba diving pros, Cape Marshall tends to experience rather strong currents that will require you to be skilled and confident. Due to its quirky collection of marine life, Cape Marshall is a must-add to itineraries for diving holidays in the Galapagos.
8. Cousin’s Rock
On the eastern coast of Santiago lies Cousin’s Rock, a coral paradise lying amongst the volcanic rock. The rich vegetarian attracts a plethora of incredible fish species that flit in and out of its crevices.
While the current is not overly strong and some areas are calm and sheltered, if this is your first diving rodeo then you might want to visit one of the other, more beginner-friendly sites.
The area is known to be home to a whole load of shark species including hammerheads, reef sharks and the endemic Galapagos shark. Plus, you will also find barracudas, seahorses, frogfishes and much much more in this natural haven
9. North Seymour Ocean Side, Seymour Island
With versatile waters, the North Seymour Ocean lies north of Santa Cruz and comprises two dive sites, making it a fitting destination for varied experience levels. This is particularly ideal if you’re travelling in a group of mixed abilities as everyone will be able to get involved and enjoy the marine life together.
Possibly the most exciting aspect of this diving site is that it is home to a plethora of eels that cover the ocean floor. At first sight, they could be mistaken for seabed vegetation but upon closer inspection, you will find that they are a sea of these slimy creatures.
More of its marine life residents include turtles, reef fish, eagle rays and white tip sharks - a highlight reel of nature’s sea life.
Summary
The Galapagos Islands make wonderful places to go scuba diving. The turquoise waters surrounding the archipelago are blessed with a glorious array of marine life from small multicoloured fish to hammerhead sharks.
If you don’t want diving to take over your whole trip, you could always choose one of the Galapagos diving day trips.
Whatever you’re looking to see, a Galapagos Island diving holiday is certainly set to be a spectacular experience. Even if you’re not the most advanced, there are destinations that you can head to and get in on a slice of the marine life action.
If you’re planning to go to the Galapagos Islands and are looking for a tour provider that will take you to the most incredible parts of the islands in a sustainable way, get in touch with us at Touring Galapagos or click here to find out more about the cruises and holiday packages we offer.