Galapagos Diving

One of the top dive sites in the world offering unique and spectacular underwater wildlife.

Galapagos diving with the experts

Galapagos is one of the top dive sites in the world. Famed for the wealth of sharks that patrol her waters, it offers unique and spectacular underwater wildlife. Hammerheads are the first and foremost attraction with schools in vast numbers gathering around the submerged pinnacles of Wolf and Darwin. White tips and Galapagos sharks are common too.

For those who like their fish even bigger, Whalesharks are often seen in the blue, along with Eagle, Manta and Mobula Rays. Sea Lions are incredibly playful, fast and sleek. The islands also offer the Marine Iguana, the only sea going lizard in the world, along with Penguins and host of smaller fish from Rainbow Runners and Sail Fins to Salema and Snapper (if you can tear your eyes off the larger fish that is!)

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Island-based Dive Trips

Perfect for those who would like to experience Galapagos diving, but don’t want 8-days intensive diving on a liveaboard.

Galapagos Diving
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Liveaboard Dive Trips

Only a handful of yachts have permission to operate liveaboards in Galapagos, and we work only with the very best.

Why book your Galapagos Diving Trips with Think Galapagos?

We listen to you. We take the time to understand what you want your Galapagos trip of a lifetime to be. We then we use our decades of experience and unrivalled network of local contacts and team of top guides to make it happen.

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Guest Reviews

Every single day was brilliant!
Corrina Matt
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It was simply fantastic, every single day was brilliant! All was superbly planned and happened as planned... It has been a magical experience all round.
One of the most exciting holidays
Margaret Tindale
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Ecuador and Galapagos was for me one of the most exciting holidays I have ever experienced. Travelling with Think Galapagos made the holiday even more special.
A seamless memorable trip
Bill and Lillian Lubyk
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The team are passionate about what they do, and have the knowledge and contacts to create the type of journey that fits your travel style. A seamless, memorable trip, even at such short notice.
Absolutely fantastic holiday
Garry and Gillian Hawkins
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An absolutely fantastic holiday! The Amazon was brilliant, and Galapagos was just magical. This has been an absolute holiday of a lifetime for us and we would recommend you to anyone.
Like living in a nature documentary
Dr Kayleigh Wyles
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It felt like we were living in a nature documentary, seeing so many unusual and unique species, but also able to observe their natural behaviour. The staff were very friendly and accommodating, were great in offering vegetarian alternatives for me.
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When is the best time to dive in Galapagos?

Located on the equator, the Galapagos Islands have a surprisingly cool, sub-tropical climate. The larger islands with volcanic peaks have a variety of climatic zones. The coastal areas are arid and covered with plants adapted to desert conditions. The highland areas receive moisture almost all year round, which support lush vegetation.

Temperatures are determined almost entirely by ocean currents, which are influenced by the trade winds. There are two seasons, both of which have some precipitation. The Galapagos get an average of ten inches of rain per year, so it is never considered “rainy”. During the months of December to May, the cooling currents subside, temperatures rise and the climate is warm and sunny with occasional showers. In June, the trend begins toward cooler temperatures with moderate breezes, which continue through November. This period is often referred to as the “garua” (pronounced gah-ru-ah) season, which means mist in Spanish.

In summary both seasons are equally as good for diving in the Galapagos but as a rough guide here is an outline of the differences:

June – November: The water is cooler, 16-24C
Whale shark sightings are greater.
December – May: The water is warmer, clearer 21-30C
Larger schools of hammerhead sharks, manta rays and eagle rays.

Please see the table below for air and sea temperatures. These are surface water temperatures and van vary depending on depth and dive site.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Daily High
ºC (ºF)
29 (85)
29 (85)
31 (87)
31 (87)
27 (81)
26 (79)
25 (77)
24 (76)
24 (76)
25 (77)
26 (78)
26 (78)
Daily Low
ºC (ºF)
22 (71.6)
24 (76)
24 (76)
24 (76)
22 (71.6)
21 (69.8)
20 (68)
19 (66.2)
19 (66.2)
20 (68)
21 (69.8)
22 (71.6)
Sea Temp
ºC (ºF)
24 (75.2)
25 (77)
25 (77)
25 (77)
24 (75.2)
23 (73.4)
22 (71.6)
21 (69.8)
22 (71.6)
22 (71.6)
23 (73.4)
23 (73.4)
Rainfall
mm (inch)
68.6 (2.7)
91.4 (3.6)
94 (3.7)
71.1 (2.8)
33 (1.3)
22.9 (0.90)
15.2 (0.60)
5.1 (0.20)
5.1 (0.20)
5.1 (0.20)
7.6 (0.30)
30.5 (1.20)

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Galapagos Diving Travel Guide

If you are an adventurous diver and crucially you have experience diving in currents, then a liveaboard is the best option for you. For 8 days, the liveaboard yacht become your home from home and you remain at sea for the duration of your tour, enabling you to access the best and most remote dive sites like Wolf and Darwin – accessible only from liveaboards. In order to join a liveaboard yacht in Galapagos, you require at least an Advanced Open Water certification.

How do I get to Galapagos?

In order to get to Galapagos, you need to fly into mainland Ecuador, either to Guayaquil on the Pacific Coast of Ecuador (which has the benefit of being at sea level) or into Quito, Ecuador’s capital city nestled at 2800 meters in the Andes (this is the best option if you wish to explore some of mainland Ecuador too). As all the Galapagos flights leave in the morning you need at least an overnight in mainland Ecuador, and before joining a cruise we recommend 24 hours in case of delays with your international flights. Think Galapagos can organise all these logistics for you, including your flights out to Galapagos with our expert team of guides and handpicked hotels in mainland Ecuador.

What do I need to go diving in the Galapagos?

Firstly, you must have a proof of diving and travel insurance due to the nature of this trip.

Luggage weight allowance is also key to bear in mind. The allowance on your international flight will vary depending on the airline. The allowance on your flight from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos is very strictly monitored. Each passenger is allowed one checked bag of 23kg (50 pounds) and one carry on bag up to 8kg (17 pounds approx). Charges will be made for any excess weight. It is recommended to take soft luggage as cabin space on your yacht is limited.

In your hand luggage you should pack any medications, regulator, mask and swimsuit in case of any unexpected luggage delay.

Do I need my own diving equipment?
You need to bring your own computer and safety equipment – your yacht will provide you with specific information regarding this. For your own comfort you may wish to bring your own wetsuit although your yacht will have suits, as well as other equipment available for you to hire, we can help you organise this in advance if you wish.
What thickness wetsuit should I wear?
It is important that you are comfortable and water temperatures can be cool (please see our water temperatures indicated on the various visitor sites as they can vary from site to site and depending on the time of year). Typically a 7mm thickness is recommended.
How much diving experience do I need?

Whilst spectacular, Galapagos diving isn’t easy diving mainly due to the currents – many sites are for experienced divers only and we will need to ensure you have sufficient experience for your own safety. Experience in diving in similar conditions with ocean currents is more important than purely the number of dives logged, and really depends on the sites you are visiting. Some shore-based diving tours are suitable for beginners and we will be able to help give advice on this.

Are night dives permitted?
No, night dives are strictly forbidden in the Galapagos National Park.
Can I dive on my own?
No. All the dives will be guided by an instructor/naturalist guide and due to Galapagos National Park regulations, you must dive with your guide at all times. They are highly knowledgeable about the islands and marine life, help ensure your safety and offer any advice.
How will we dive?

Most dives are not from the main vessel but will be from a tender (or panga). You will roll backwards into the water. After your dive you will be assisted back out of the water.

There is no set depth limit in the National Park, however, you must dive at all times with a Galapagos National Park dive guide who will make sure that you enjoy only the very best diving experience.

Decompression dives or technical diving?

Due to the remoteness of the Galapagos Islands, local diving regulations and insurance requirements do not allow decompression or technical dives.

Re-breather diving is considered technical diving in Galapagos and is not allowed due to local diving regulations.

The nearest recompression chamber is located in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz island.

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Read more about Galapagos trips in our expert blog posts.