Nicolas Tchikovani - Diving Destinations: The Worlds Greatest Destinations to Dive: Underwater Destinations

Rare marine life and large species in big numbers

Located 560 miles off the west coast of Ecuador, the isolated volcanic cluster of the Galapagos Islands offers an abundance of unique biodiversity, quite unlike anywhere else in the world. Both above and below the waves, nature enthusiasts will spot rare endemic species such as the marine iguanas, while divers can marvel at the wide variety of large pelagics that pass through the islands waters in huge numbers. Its no surprise the island chain National Park and its surrounding Marine Reserve have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are two dive areas in the Galapagos that really stand out for us as first-class. Firstly, around Wolf and Darwin Islands you can dive with the world-famous schools of scalloped hammerheads, alongside Galapagos and silky sharks, turtles, mantas, and regular appearances from whale sharks. In contrast, at Punta Vicente Roca, arguably the best cold-water dive site in the world, watch the mysterious Mola mola visiting cleaning stations amongst a huge variety of smaller fauna such as the red-lipped batfish, frogfishes, barracuda, seahorses, and large schools of salemas, which offer wonderful opportunities for underwater photographers.

The Galapagos Islands provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience and photograph species found nowhere else.

Practical info

Diving Season: Diving is year-round, however, the season is split between the warmer manta season (December - May) and cooler whale shark season (June - November).

Skill Level: Diving the Galapagos is for advanced divers and those with a tolerance for cold water (a 5 or 7mm wetsuit is essential). There are often currents, down-currents, thermoclines, and choppy surface conditions, and negative descents are commonplace.

Water Temperature: Warm Season 70-86F (21-30C), Cold Season 60-75F (16-24C).

Getting There: Fly internationally to Ecuadors Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito or Jos Joaqun de Olmedo International Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil. Transfer from Guayaquil on to San Cristobal (SCY) or Isla Baltra (GPS) where most liveaboards depart.

Where to Stay: Due to the remoteness of many of the dive sites, visiting on a liveaboard is definitely the best option. Trips are normally 8 days, 7 nights, and the best way to reach all the top spots, however, there are some special 11 day/10 night trips for those wanting to spend extra days at Wolf and Darwin Islands.

Non-Diving Activities: Most liveaboards will include at least one land-based excursion with a licensed Galapagos naturalist. Expect to see giant tortoises, land iguanas, and a variety of seabirds such as the famous blue-footed boobies, great frigatebird, and flightless cormorants. Wildlife is as fascinating on land as it is underwater.