Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Hammerhead schools and bucket-list big animal encounters
Difficulty
Advanced
Best Season
June – November (hammerheads)
Water Temp
16–24°C (61–75°F)
Visibility
10–25m (33–80ft)
Why Dive Galápagos Islands?
Hammerhead schools and bucket-list big animal encounters
Liveaboard-only for the best dive sites (Darwin & Wolf). Expensive but life-changing.
Dive Highlights
- Hammerhead shark schools at Darwin & Wolf
- Whale sharks, manta rays, and sea lions
- Marine iguanas and penguins
- World Heritage bucket-list destination
Signature Dive Sites
Darwin's Arch
Wolf Island
Gordon Rocks
North Seymour
Marine Life You Might See
Hammerhead sharksWhale sharksGalápagos sea lionsMarine iguanasManta rays
Photo Gallery
Conditions & Logistics
Certification Level
Advanced Open Water+ (50+ dives recommended)
Typical Conditions
Strong currents, cold water, advanced diving only
Getting There
Fly to Quito or Guayaquil (Ecuador), then to Baltra (GPS). Liveaboard pickups at Santa Cruz.
Travel Tips
- Book liveaboards 8–12 months ahead
- Bring 7mm wetsuit for cold water
- Be prepared for seasickness
- Budget $5,000–$10,000 for trip
Recommended Training
Safety Note
Strong currents, cold water, and remote location require advanced skills and fitness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Galápagos Islands
QWhen is the best time to see hammerhead sharks?
June through November is peak hammerhead season, especially at Darwin and Wolf Islands. The cooler water during this period attracts large schools of scalloped hammerheads.
QDo I need a liveaboard to dive the Galápagos?
For the famous sites like Darwin's Arch and Wolf Island, yes. These remote sites are only accessible by liveaboard. However, you can do day trips from Santa Cruz or San Cristóbal for sites like Gordon Rocks.
QWhat certification level do I need?
Advanced Open Water minimum, with 50+ logged dives strongly recommended. The strong currents and deep profiles require solid buoyancy control and experience.
Ready to Dive Galápagos Islands?
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll connect you with an instructor or operator who can make it happen.
Plan My Trip