Most divers consider the Galapagos Islands, the best diving experience of their careers. Diving in the Galapagos Islands is to become one more species on the underwater blue ecosystem.
The massive amounts of sharks that swim on the Galapagos waters, the feeding frenzies to be witnessed in several locations, the playful sea lions and the diverse volcanic formations, make this location a unique diving experience.
This is an optional activity for certified divers, which you can enjoy during our cruise tour. The diving experience is the most rewarding complementary activity for those who know the secret of the underwater world.
The archipelago could be divided into four regions: The Northern part, where the water is usually warmer than the rest of the islands due to the influence of the closer Panama Flow. The Southern region, that stays cold during nine months of the year. The Eastern part, which also follows the cold/hot pattern of the year, and the Western region, that has the local influence of a sub-surface cold water current, the Cromwell Current.
Situated at the confluence of several ocean currents, the Galapagos Islands support a staggering array of marine life, with many species found nowhere else on earth. Scuba diving in Galapagos offers mesmerizing encounters with manta rays, whale sharks, scalloped hammerheads and great schools of snapper, with fascinating drop-offs and a boulder-strewn seafloor to discover. Witness rainbow basslet, bloody frogfish, rock mover wrasse and Pacific seahorse, together with eagle rays, wahoo, and yellowfish tuna. Diving is conducted year-round, the presence of trong currents make it more suited to those with adequate experience. The Galapagos Islands have a subtropical climate regulated by the cold Humboldt Current and the warm El Niño current.
Average Air Temperatures
| December to May | June to September | October to December |
|
from the low 80° to low 90° |
from the low 60° to the high 70° |
from 70° to 80° |
|
(with possibilities of rain) |
(mist in the mornings) |
(dry season) |
Average Water Temperatures
| December to April | May to November |
|
23°C (74°F) to 26°C (78°F) |
20°C (68°F) and 22°C (72°F) |
The Humboldt Current brings colder waters to the Islands in the rainy/misty season that lasts from July to December. During the warm season (January to June), the southeast trade winds become weaker and the water from the Panama Basin remains warm. During this season, the climate is tropical with some occasional rains. Depending on the year, the El Niño current can bring much warmer waters, causing increased water temperature and rainfall.
Average visibility is 8 to 10 m. (25 to 35 ft.). On days with good visibility, it can reach approximately 18 m. (60 ft.)
| Hot/Wet season | Cold/Dry season |
| This period has warmer water temperatures generally fluctuating in between 68 to 77°F (20-25°C). January through April can even push up the temperatures as far as 81 or 82°F (27-28°C). At this time, a 4 mm wetsuit would be enough for almost all locations. However specific currents keep the temperature low in some locations. | Water temperatures are usually 66 to 73°F (19-23°C). This season is often referred to as ‘Peak Holiday Season’. |