Galapagos is one of the great places in the world for
diving.
It remains relatively unknown among diving aficionados unlike many other
extraordinary dive sites, however, it is not the coral reefs that are the main
attraction, but rather the unique mixture of marine animals (one in four species
are endemic to the islands) and their fearlessness of intruders into their
watery world.
The islands feature about 30 dive sites, a combination of which can be accessed on one to two week charters. A wide range of diving opportunities are available. These include introductory courses for beginners, 8 to 15 day dive tours for experienced divers, and dive trips combined with on shore visits led by naturalist guides. The best time of the year for diving is November to April, when the seas are comparatively calm and the water temperature is warm.
Diving in Galapagos Islands provides excellent opportunities of seeing an extense variety of underwater wildlife, sharks and rays, turtles, penguins, sea lions, moray eels and great number of fish of many kinds.
Excellent diving in the Galapagos includes the renowned
northern islands of Wolf and Darwin, famous for their schools of
hammerhead
sharks, giant manta rays and whale
sharks.
Galapagos is not the place to learn to dive. Diving is often straight-forward but strong currents, low visibility, large animals and cold water. Better qualified divers are more likely to enjoy the underwater experience.
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All diving should be coordinated by a diving guide. The guide
is licensed by the Galapagos National Park Service and the naval authorities to
lead underwater excursions. (A guide should come automatically with a boat or
diving trip). |