Galapagos
Let's Explore the Beautiful Underwater World
Galapagos Destination
Destinations around the world
The Galapagos Islands are a bucket-list destination for travelers, nature enthusiasts, and scuba divers alike. Famous for their unique wildlife and pristine ecosystems, the Galapagos offer an unparalleled experience both above and below the waterline.
Galapagos is one of the most dreamed scuba destinations, unique destination to see big pelagic fish and animated schools of reef fish. Galapagos Islands are well preserved thanks to the authorities that control the number of guests that visit the islands yearly and by closely inspecting that no one introduces new species that could threaten the remote and fragile ecosystem.
Follow Darwin’s exploration of the Galapagos Islands and dive in the unique selection of big pelagic fish that this location offers.
Located 1,000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
This volcanic archipelago consists of 13 major islands and numerous smaller islets, each offering unique landscapes and ecosystems. From giant tortoises to hammerhead sharks, the Galapagos is where nature thrives in its most unspoiled form.
All the islands are part of the national park and biological marine reserve. In all islands there are just few little villages where the hotels and houses are grouped, the rest of the islands are covered by vegetation and it’s only possible to explore few preset paths, always accompanied by an authorized guide.
This is aimed to prevent – or at least reduce – the environmental impact.
The Galapagos Islands are situated in the Pacific Ocean, straddling the equator. The islands are part of Ecuador, and their remote location ensures their unique flora and fauna remain largely undisturbed.
- Main Islands: Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Isabela, and Floreana are the primary hubs for tourism.
- Marine Reserve: The Galapagos Marine Reserve, one of the largest in the world, surrounds the islands, making it a top destination for marine activities.
These marvelous islands lay 920 km west of the Ecuadorian coast, they straddle the equator and are part of the hammerheads triangle, formed between Galapagos, Malpelo and Cocos Island.
The only practical way to reach them is via airplane, either from Guayaquil or Quito; the latter flight will stop in Guayaquil to refill and pick up more passengers.
- Air Travel:
- Flights to the Galapagos depart from Quito or Guayaquil, landing at either Seymour Airport on Baltra Island or San Cristóbal Airport.
Around the island it’s either possible to walk – distances are fairly short – or to move around with a taxi, that are usually quite cheap. If you need to move between islands, your main option is to use what locals call a “Lancia”
- Inter-Island Transport:
- Speedboats and ferries connect the islands, while small aircraft are available for longer distances.
- Guided Tours:
- Most areas are accessible only with licensed guides, ensuring minimal impact on the environment.
Galapagos Islands are an all-year-round destination. It depends on your preference of time of traveling.
- December to May:
- This is the warm and rainy season. Both water and air are warmer, even if in this period quick but intense showers happen almost daily. This is also the time of the year when sun lovers would enjoy their time as best.
- Due to the warmer water there aren’t as many fish as during the rest of the year. This is the time when most of the animals mate. You may enjoy the fascinating mating rituals of many land birds. The unique nature of the Galapagos Islands provides seabirds with a prominent place in the local fauna.
- Also turtles, sea lions and land tortoise mate in this season. Tortoises, after whom the Islands are named, have particularly sensitive mating methods as some giant males are weighing up to 380 Kg and have to be careful not to crush the females.
- February to April:
- This is when the sea is at its calmest and flowers start to blossom, providing the islands with stunning color brushstrokes.
- The water temperature in this season ranges from 22 to 30 °C. A 5mm wetsuit to a semi-dry suit is recommended.
- If you like warm water and sun, this is the best time for you.
- June to November:
- This is the “cold” and dry season. The Humboldt Current brings its cold water, rich of nutriment. This attracts fish and birds. Days are mainly cloudy but rain is very rare. The wind is slightly stronger and sea is rougher.
- The water temperature in this season ranges from 15 to 24 °C. A semi-dry to a dry suit is recommended.
- If you’re a demanding diver that doesn’t fear cold water this is the best time for you.
- For Diving: June to November offers incredible visibility and encounters with hammerheads, whale sharks, and manta rays.
- For Land Activities: December to May brings lush landscapes and calmer seas, ideal for kayaking and wildlife observation.
- Warm Season: 23°C to 28°C (73°F to 82°F).
- Cool Season: 16°C to 24°C (61°F to 75°F).
Scuba Diving in Galapagos
Destinations around the world
Diving is just amazing, whether you like big pelagic or huge schools of fish, this is the destination for you. It’s not the closest destination for many, nor it’s probably the most comfortable trip, but every single dive you do, you’ll be happy you have travelled so far.
- Wolf and Darwin Islands: The ultimate diving hotspots, famous for hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and large schools of fish.
- Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal: Great for beginners, offering calm waters and diverse marine life.
- Isabela Island: Known for volcanic landscapes and unique underwater lava formations.
Many dive sites in Galapagos are fairly easy and moderately protected from currents. Gordon Rocks, Darwin, Wolf and other sites could be, depending on the day, quite challenging though.
Overall, diving in the Galapagos is for intermediate to advanced divers due to strong currents, surge, and cooler water temperatures.
All the dives are drift dives, conducted from the boat. There are many wall dives around the coastline and rocks.
- Currents: Nutrient-rich currents bring abundant marine life but require experience and physical fitness.
- Visibility: Typically ranges from 10 to 30 meters (33 to 98 feet), depending on the season and location.
- Depths: Dives vary from shallow reefs to deep-water pinnacles.
- Drift Diving: Ride the currents and encounter large pelagics.
- Deep Diving: Explore vertical walls and deeper reefs for hammerheads and rays.
- Macro Diving: Discover unique critters like seahorses and frogfish in shallower waters.
- Darwin’s Arch (Darwin Island): The iconic site for whale sharks, hammerheads, and massive schools of fish.
- Wolf Island: Renowned for shark action, including Galapagos sharks and silky sharks.
- Kicker Rock (San Cristóbal): A dramatic underwater wall dive with sea turtles, rays, and sharks.
- Cape Marshall (Isabela Island): Known for manta rays and volcanic formations.
- Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island): A macro diving paradise with unique species like the red-lipped batfish.
The variety and abundance of sea life is impressive. Depending on the location and the period you chose to go, you may come across sea lions, hammerheads, black-tip and white-tip reef sharks, galapagos sharks, manta rays, eagle rays, whale sharks, killer whales, sea iguanas, penguins and sea horses. Just to mention a few.
The Galapagos Islands are home to an incredible array of marine species:
- Sharks: Hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, whale sharks, and silky sharks.
- Rays: Manta rays, eagle rays, and mobulas.
- Turtles: Green sea turtles are commonly spotted.
- Marine Iguanas: The only lizards in the world that feed underwater.
- Fish: Large schools of jacks, barracudas, and tropical reef fish.
- Unique Species: Penguins, fur seals, and playful sea lions.
Most divers explore the Galapagos on liveaboard vessels, which provide access to remote sites like Wolf and Darwin Islands.
- Features: Onboard dive guides, nitrox availability, and comfortable accommodations.
- Day Trips: Offered from Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal for divers staying on land.
What else to do
Destinations around the world
Galapagos is also a great destination for snorkeling, there are many accessible beaches and snorkeling tours around the island. Sea lions and iguanas are laying around everywhere, grab your mask to explore the areas and meet many, many surprises.
A worth mentioning snorkeling excursion in Isabela is called Los Tunneles. Lava rocks formed underwater tunnels that host white-tip sharks, huge turtles, penguins and sea lions.
- Best Spots: Los Tuneles on Isabela Island, Devil’s Crown near Floreana, and Lava Tunnels off Santa Cruz.
- Marine Life: Snorkelers often encounter sea turtles, reef sharks, rays, and playful sea lions.
- Kayaking along the coasts of Santa Cruz and Isabela.
- Paddleboarding in calm bays and lagoons.
- Surfing at beaches like Tortuga Bay and Puerto Chino.
The Galapagos is a perfect destination for couples.
- Underwater Weddings: Exchange vows surrounded by the magical marine life of the Galapagos.
- Private Getaways: Enjoy secluded beaches, luxury eco-lodges, and sunset cruises.
Giant land tortoise, boobies and many more species live the islands;
Have a walk around and don’t forget your camera. You might come upon the most strange, sexy dance of the blue-footed boobies in their mating ritual!
- Wildlife Tours: Visit giant tortoise reserves, sea lion colonies, and birdwatching hotspots.
- Hiking: Explore volcanic craters and lava fields on islands like Isabela and Bartolomé.
- Cultural Visits: Learn about the islands’ history and conservation efforts at the Charles Darwin Research Station.
The Galapagos offers a blend of fresh seafood and Ecuadorian cuisine, with both fine dining and rustic experiences.
- Coastal Delights: Indulge in ceviche, grilled lobster, and fresh fish caught daily.
- Local Favorites: Try empanadas, plantains, and locally grown coffee.
- Unique Experiences: Dine at eco-friendly lodges or under the stars on secluded beaches.
The Galapagos Islands promise an unforgettable journey of discovery, whether you’re diving with hammerheads, snorkeling with sea lions, or exploring volcanic landscapes. Let Élite Diving Agency create the perfect itinerary for your once-in-a-lifetime trip. Contact us today to start planning!