What is it like diving in Galapagos? What are the diving requirements?

Diving in Galápagos is exciting, wildlife-rich, and more demanding than many warm-water dive destinations. The main reasons are strong currents, changing water temperatures, thermoclines, surge, and rugged underwater terrain. Many dives are done from a panga, the local inflatable dinghy, so entries and exits can feel more active than on a calm reef dive.

For this reason, Galápagos diving cruises are not suitable for beginners. As a rule, you should have an Advanced Open Water qualification or equivalent experience, and at least 50 logged dives. Recent experience in currents is strongly recommended. If you are unsure whether your experience is enough, it is better to ask before booking rather than hope conditions will be easy on the day.

For experienced divers, the reward is exceptional. Galápagos is known for encounters with large marine life such as hammerhead sharks, Galápagos sharks, rays, sea turtles, sea lions, and sometimes whale sharks, depending on route and season. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the combination of remote volcanic islands and nutrient-rich currents makes this one of the world's great advanced diving destinations.

If you are planning a dedicated diving trip, start with our Galápagos diving cruises. You may also want to read about what animals you may see while diving, the best time to dive in Galápagos, and what diving equipment to bring.

Webinar: Diving https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fWEXIpLX9Q&t=769s&ab_channel=Galapatours