Everything You Need to Know About Diving in the Galapagos

You want to know more about diving in the Galapagos Islands? Here you will discover all there is to know about diving around San Cristobal, the most beautiful island in the archipelago, if you ask us. The island’s waters host diverse marine life, from sea lions and turtles to hammerhead sharks, and feature Kicker Rock, a bucket list dive site that transforms the island into a diver’s paradise.

But before you gear up for your potential diving adventure, let’s delve into everything you need to know about diving in the Galapagos.

Diverse Marine Life

In and around San Cristobal you will encounter an abundance of marine life. From playful sea lions and graceful rays to majestic hammerhead sharks and curious turtles, the nutrient-rich waters create a vibrant underwater ecosystem.

Best Diving Spots in Galapagos:

Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido)

Kicker Rock towering up from the sea at San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands.

Dive around this iconic site, encountering hammerhead sharks, sea lions, various types of rays, including manta rays, and even whale sharks for the lucky ones.

Punta Pitt

Explore the northeastern tip, where sea lions, reef sharks, and schools of colorful fish inhabit the submerged volcanic landscape.

Roca Ballena

Dive alongside schools of barracudas, surgeonfish, and the occasional hammerhead shark in this hidden gem.

Explore more dive sites

Diving Conditions

Be prepared for varying diving conditions in the Galapagos. Water temperatures can range from 18 to 27 degrees Celsius (65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit), with visibility that can exceed 30 meters. Strong currents can add excitement to your dives. Overall we advise you to wear a 5mm wetsuit for protection against the cold. Luckily for you our dive center has everything you need for a comfortable dive.

Conservation and Responsible Diving

We take pride in the island’s natural wonders and we are not the only once seeing the Galapagos Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. That is why we support responsible diving to make sure we preserve our island’s natural beauty for future generations.

As a Galapagos-owned and operated dive center, we commit to sustainable practices and support local conservation initiatives. This way our dive masters and instructors ensure safety for both divers and marine life.

Dive Certification and Experience Levels

Although most dive sites in San Cristobal are suited for novice divers, some others require advanced certification. We recommend you to reach out to ensure we plan the right dive for your experience. For those who want we offer various PADI courses for all levels, allowing beginners to get certified and experienced divers to advance their skills.

Learn more about our courses

Best Time to go Diving in Galapagos

Exceptional diving opportunities exist year-round in the Galapagos Islands. San Cristobal invites divers with diverse marine life, ensuring an unforgettable experience anytime. Unique marine phenomena, like an increase in hammerhead sharks and manta rays from June to November, add to the enchanting underwater world, making every dive extraordinary.

Contact us with any questions. We’re here to help.