Diving Holidays In The Galapagos Islands

Going on a scuba diving trip to the Galapagos Islands is a dream for many people who love diving. The good news is, because of its location near the equator and its warm tropical climate, any time is a good time for a Galapagos scuba diving vacation. When you choose to go depends on what you want to see. If you want to see schools of hammerhead sharks and Galapagos sharks, which the Galapagos Islands are famous for, you need to go to the remote Wolf and Darwin Islands. These islands can only be reached by a Galapagos liveaboard.

If you don't want to stay on a liveaboard, there are still good options for diving from the land. You can stay on one island or do some island hopping. If you have more time or are travelling with someone who doesn't dive, it's a good idea to spend a few extra days on the main islands like Santa Cruz, Isabella, and Floreana. That way, you can also experience the amazing wildlife of the Galapagos Islands.

The Galapagos diving seasons are split into two: December to May (wet) and June to November (dry). Each season has its own highlights. The latter part of the year, especially from July to October, is considered the best time because there's a good chance to see the magnificent whale shark. However, it can be cooler during these months, and the seas might be a bit rough. You should wear a 5mm to 7mm wetsuit, and if you get cold easily, a dry suit might be more comfortable.

The dry season (June to November) is cooler but less rainy. It's the best time to see whale sharks and the busiest time for Galapagos scuba diving. The dry season is also a good time to visit the Machu Picchu ruins in Peru in the Andes Mountains.

On the other hand, the wet season (December to May) has calmer waters and warmer temperatures (20-25°C or 68-77°F), and is known as "manta season." It's a great time to see hammerhead sharks and manta rays. Even though it's called the rainy season, there are usually only short but heavy rains each day. Divers often find they can enjoy the excitement of Galapagos dive sites with a short wetsuit during this time.