Galapagos Scuba Diving Holidays

Around 5 million years ago, 600 miles directly west of Ecuador, terrific volcanic eruptions created the now stunning archipelago called the Galapagos Islands. As well as being at the top of the list for many passionate divers, it is also world famous for being where Charles Darwin conducted his studies over evolution and natural selection. The islands were perfect for his studies due to the incredible variety of species of animals that live on and around the Galapagos Islands, which is now the main reason why the vast amount of divers and bird watchers flock to the Galapagos Islands year round. They really are home to absolutely masses of the most interesting marine life the diving world has to offer.

The Galapagos Islands have become the cross roads for 7 major ocean currents, which often contribute to making this a challenging diving spot, nevertheless incredibly interesting. Especially with each island owning its own, unique mini eco system, there really is and endless amount of things to learn about these fascinating islands.

All those years ago, the volcanic eruptions not only made a home for humans and wild life, but in replacement to coral, rocks are homes for many small colourful fish are found amongst the holes in the lava formations.

Within the variety of large marine life are 12 species of shark and a whopping 16 species of whale!  Including the Humpback Whales, and also the sperm and blue. All along with groups of dolphins which are also regularly seen in their vast numbers, sometimes reaching 100 dolphins in one sight, jumping around dive boats.

The only species of penguin that lives in the northern hemisphere and breeds in the tropics can be found in the Galapagos Islands by following the cold Humboldt Current. With the highest number of penguins in one spot recorded on Isabela.

Some of the highlights from the calendar:

January + February: Large numbers of Pacific Green Turtles begin mating, and the eggs hatch in April.

July: Whales and Dolphins are regularly seen off the coast of Isabella, and Whale Sharks are seen near the Darwin and Wolf Islands in the northern part of the Galapagos.


November: There is still the chance of seeing Whale Sharks in the north. Sea Lion pups are now old enough to be playful with divers, and the mothers are also now relaxed about their young. The Pacific Green mating season also begins in November which carries on until February.

The universal language throughout the Galapagos Islands is Spanish, though English is also spoken in most hotels, and locals can usually speak very basic English.
 

Temperatures in the warm, and in turn ‘wet season’ linger around 30°C with sunny days interrupted by short but heavy cloudbursts of rain. The warm season is between December and May, and the sea is a warm, 20°C to 25°C, and relatively calm.
The cooler season of June until December is drier and the air temperature hovers around a comfortable 22 °C.
To see the biggest marine life the winter is the best time to visit as the cooler waters attract the biggest marine life, mainly Hammer Heads, Silky Sharks, and White Tips, all in their masses

Once you are on the Galapagos Islands, ‘Island Hopping’ is a really fun, easy, and cheap thing to do. Ferries leave throughout the day transporting you from one island to the other, with busses to transport you whilst on land.

The diving in the Galapagos Islands can be challenging with currents and surges occurring on every dive, combined with thermoclines which can make the water