GALAPAGOS TIPS FOR YOUR GALAPAGOS DIVING TOUR
Darwin called Galapagos the coldest place on the equator probably referring to its waters – the Cold Humboldt Current is responsible for this. You will indeed soon find out that Galapagos holds cold and, on some locations, strong currents.But the good news is this also makes it high in nutrients hosting a unique scenery of marine life, home to magnificent manta rays, Hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, penguins, sea lions, and on some parts, whales, whale sharks and dolphins. Check out this useful Galapagos diving tips so you get the most out of your experience…
Make sure you bring …
Diving license (as you will not be allowed to dive if you don’t)
Passport valid for 6 months
Diving insurance
Water temperatures…
Central and southern islands are usually colder – 21º to 27º C
West of Isabela (Tortuga Bay & Cuatro Hermanos) – 16° to 23°C
Thermoclines are often in Galapagos waters
May to December – cold season / December to May – warm season
Visibility …
Good all year long
It may vary between 5 and 25 meters, mostly 12 to 18 meters
Tends to drop a little during the rainy months of February to April.
Beware that…
Cold temperatures can increase breathing rate – check your air supply constantly.
Don’t touch or disturb the animals or plants, you can be bitten or stung.
Don’t collect anything from the oceans, only remove the rubbish.
Don’t go outside of the diving or snorkeling area specified by your guide.
Diving guides (National Park Marine Reserve certified) will determine appropriate sites for you
Other info…
Galapagos main diving locations concentrate in the Northern and the South-central islands.
South central islands give you the chance to enjoy sea and land better. Currents are less strong and diving is easier. This will be the ones reachable with a land tour
Northern islands such as Worlf and Darwin are more suitable for intermediate to experienced divers due to the strong currents. They also hold the best diving sites and are only reachable by cruises.
