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Specialties: Big Animals (Sharks, rays, sea lions, and
penguins), Drift Diving, and Live-aboard Diving. The Galápagos
Islands are one of the world’s largest marine reserves and the
birthplace of Darwin’s “Theory of Evolution.”
The Galápagos
Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean 600 miles west of
Ecuador and situated on the Equator (0 degrees) and 90 degrees
western longitude. The
Galápagos archipelago is comprised of 19 main
islands and several small islands, which are now a protected
National Park of Ecuador.
The
Galápagos Islands were discovered by Tomás
de Berlanga in 1535 and he called the archipelago "Islas
Encantadas" (the Enchanted Islands) and "Islas Galápagos"
(Turtle Islands). The terrain is mostly volcanic mountains and
rocky coastlines. Due to its volcanic structure, climate, and
remoteness, the Galápagos offer a unique and undisturbed habitat
for birds, sea mammals, reptiles and all sorts of vegetation.
In 1841, Charles Darwin used his studies to form his “Theory of
Evolution.” Today, land
tours are led by highly-trained Galápagos naturalist guides.
Divers enjoy
the healthy and abundant marine life including schools of
scalloped hammerhead sharks, white-tip reef sharks and Galápagos
sharks, manta rays, eagle rays, turtles, sea lions, seals,
penguins, schools of tuna, jack and snapper. Whale sharks,
humpback whales and pods of dolphin are frequently sighted.
Moray eels come completely out of their holes and swim freely.
Divers can snorkel with penguins (the only ones that live
outside the Antarctic) and marine iguanas. This does come with
a few challenges and that is why advanced diving skills are
necessary. Diving around the Galápagos
Islands is more difficult due to its currents, ruggedness, and
cool temperatures. Diving from the dinghies has advantages but
can be physically challenging for some. Most dives are drifts
along the cliff faces of off-shore rocks and pinnacles.
However, the opportunity to see the extraordinary marine life
makes it all worthwhile.
Live-aboard
vessels are the only option for visiting these volcanic islands
since there are no hotels on the islands. All travelers must
fly into Ecuador at least one day prior to their live-aboard
departure. On the following day, travelers fly to their
embarkation point in the Galápagos
Islands (San Cristóbal for example) for their live-aboard boat’s
departure. The reason for the overnight on the mainland is
primarily due to connecting flight schedules.
Best
Diving Months: December, January, May and June are the best
months for diving in the Galápagos
Islands. More whale shark sightings are reported during May and
June.
Water
Temperature: Despite being on the equator, the deep currents
in the Galápagos
Islands mean cold water diving with water temperatures averaging
about 70°F
to 80°F
at the surface and 65°F
or below beneath the
thermoclines and at depth.
We recommend a 5 mm to 7 mm wet
suit with hood and booties year round.
Underwater
Visibility: Expect an average of 50 to 75 feet during the
best diving months (December, January, May and June). Strong
currents cause visibility to vary from a few feet to 100+ feet,
sometimes on the same dive.
Visibility
tends to drop during the rainy months of February, March, and
April.
Airport
Info: Quito’s International Airport or Guayaquil’s Simón
Bolívar Airport, both on the Ecuador mainland.
Documents
and Customs Regulations: A passport and onward ticket are
required for stays up to 90 days.
Language:
Spanish is the official language. English is spoken on
live-aboard vessels.
Health:
Pharmaceuticals and toiletries available in major cities, but
expensive. First aid kits are available on live-aboard vessels
but it is always a good idea to have your own first aid kit on
hand.
Climate:
Tropical along coast, becoming cooler inland at higher
elevations; tropical in Amazonian jungle lowlands. In the Galápagos
Islands, from January to June, the weather is warm and wet with
clear skies and occasionally heavy showers. From June to
December, the weather is cooler and drier and the seas can be
choppy.
Government:
A republic
Electrical
Current: 110 volts, 60 cycles AC and compatible with
American appliances.
Current Weather:
Get current weather from Weather.com
Currency:
U.S. Dollar (USD). Get
current exchange rate from XE.com
Current Time: Ecuador
is in the Eastern Time Zone (GMT -5).
Get current time from WorldTimeServer.com
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