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 Diving conditions at the Galapagos are regarded as medium to difficult due to the currents, depth and shape of the dive spots, temperatures and fauna. If you want to get your PADI certificate, there's no better place than the Galapagos. Even if you swim in the waters near the islands, you will have a chance to swim with sea lions, watch mantas, look out for flounders, colorful fish, and perhaps even move with the hungry nibbles of a Blue Footed Booby, diving for its mid-morning snack.
The surface temperature of the sea varies from 18ºC to 30ºC. The coldest months are September to November, and February to April the warmest. There are thermoclines, between 10 to 30 meters depth (30 to 100 feet) and the temperature can drop from one to five degrees Celsius. If you will need wet suits and appropriate gear for the temperatures, Galapagos Islands scuba diving shops will supply you with that.
The currents are from medium to strong, medium currents are between 1-3 knots (between 1 and 4 miles/hour or between 2 and 6 Km./hour), while strong currents are more than 3 knots (more than 4 miles/hour or 6 Km./hour).
If you are caught in an unexpected current on the surface, Galapagos diving can be difficult. From July through December the Humboldt current coming from the southeast is present. From January to June the Panamá current from the northeast arrives in the Galápagos.
Visibility here couldn't be better! It is about 100 feet or 30 meters. Expect a visibility from 50 to 80 feet or 15 to 25 meters in most of the sites. There are green waters in some areas and in some seasons due to the richness of phytoplankton.
Galapagos Marine Life
Educate yourself about the wild life on Galapagos Islands. Find out about the variety of the species and possible tours.
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