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Diving in the Galapagos is unique to the islands because they are located in the confluence of seven different oceanic currents. Galapagos is a superb place for diving and is considered one of the seven top spots in the world for this activity. Additionally, the Galapagos Islands have a high-level of ecosystem protection, so the variety and abundance of Galapagos fish and marine mammal species is astounding. It is easy to see a diverse number of marine animals and corral underwater. It is best to visit the islands from February to March because this is the beginning of the diving season and it is will not be as busy as the following months. There are two seasons in the Galapagos Islands and the water temperature at the sea surface ranges between 22oC to 26oC (71.6oF-78.8oF) during the Hot Season that is from December through April. During the Dry Season from May to November the water temperature at sea surface ranges from 18° C to 22° C (64.4oF-71.6oF)
Flight prices range from $416 from Quito and $345 from Guayaquil during the peak season, to $360 from Quito and $320 from Guayaquil during the low-season. There is also a $100 park entrance fee that you have to pay in cash upon arrival at the airport.
While scuba diving in the Galapagos is considered one of the best places for diving in the world, it is not an ideal place to learn to scuba dive because of the islands' strong currents, low visibility and cold water. However, there are still training courses available throughout the islands. A good location to get scuba certification is at Academy Bay, which is the harbor of Santa Cruz Island, the tourist and cultural hub of the islands.
The town of Puerto Ayora, the capital of Santa Cruz Island, is the best place to find diving agencies. Day trips range from $80 to $120 in price. Be sure the agency you choose is affiliated and that you are properly insured. There is also a hyperbaric recompression chamber in Puerto Ayora and there is a $35 fee that visiting divers must pay to use it.
Galapagos is a superb place for diving and is considered one of the seven top spots in the world for this activity...
Most dive centers use the same general framework for day dive trips. Generally, day scuba diving packages include two submerges at one dive site as well as full equipment which includes; 6mm wet suit, mask and snorkel, hood, gloves, boots, fins, weight belt, regulator and BCD(buoyancy compensator device).
The most common sites for diving from Puerto Ayora are Gordon Rocks, Cousin’s Rock, North Seymour, Daphne Minor, and Academy Bay among others.
Northern Islands
It takes 12 hours to get to Wolf Island from Santa Cruz Island. Along with king angelfish, there are many different types of reef fish. Depths range from 40 feet to 75 feet below the surface here. The best place to encounter hammerheads is in the diving area called the Landslide. It is easy to find hawkfish, sea turtles and guineafowl puffer fish here. There are many white-tip reef sharks in the caverns around the island.
