Dive Site: Cabo Marshall

About Cabo Marshall

Cabo Marshall, also known as Cape Marshall, is a renowned dive site located off the northeastern coast of Isabela Island in the Galápagos, often referred to by divers as "Manta City" due to its frequent sightings of giant manta rays. This site is celebrated for its rich biodiversity and consistent pelagic action, making it a highlight for advanced divers exploring the Galápagos. The topography here features a compelling mix of steep walls and vibrant reef sections, descending to depths of up to 40 meters, which provides a diverse habitat for marine life. The nutrient-rich waters, driven by strong ocean currents, attract a remarkable array of large marine species. Beyond the iconic giant manta rays, divers frequently encounter large schools of hammerhead sharks, barracuda, and playful sea lions. While visibility can vary between 6 and 20 meters, the sheer quantity and variety of marine animals ensure a consistently spectacular diving experience throughout the year. Diving at Cabo Marshall typically involves a drift dive along the coast, propelled by the site's moderate to heavy currents. This technique allows divers to effortlessly observe the dynamic underwater environment and its inhabitants. The site's conditions, while demanding, are precisely what contribute to its reputation as a world-class destination for encountering significant pelagic life. Liveaboard itineraries often incorporate Cabo Marshall for its guaranteed big animal encounters, distinguishing it as a must-visit location for experienced divers seeking the unique thrill of Galápagos diving. The combination of its geological features, consistent currents, and abundant marine life solidifies Cabo Marshall’s status as a premier dive site in the archipelago.

Dive site facts: Cabo Marshall

Depth

5–40 m

Current

Moderate to heavy

Visibility

6–20 m

Water temperature

18–26 °C

Entry

Tender / Negative entry

Level

Advanced, current experience required

Dive type

Wall, reef, drift, pelagic

Region / port

Isabela Island, Galápagos

Coordinates

-0.295, -91.375

Conditions & Currents

Cabo Marshall consistently experiences moderate to heavy currents, making it primarily a drift diving site. Divers typically enter the water and allow the current to carry them along the wall and reef, with little to no surge. Due to the strength of the currents, experienced divers are best suited for this site, often utilizing negative entry techniques.

Marine life & sighting chances

Giant manta ray

Warm season (Dec-May) · common

Hammerhead shark

Warm season (Dec-May) in larger schools due to mating · common

Sea lion

common

Barracuda

common

Galapagos shark

occasional

White tip reef shark

occasional

Green sea turtle

occasional

Eagle ray

occasional

Marine iguana

occasional

Mola mola

Cool season (Jun-Nov) · rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Cabo Marshall is typically a drift dive along the wall and reef of Isabela's northeastern coast. Divers usually perform a negative entry due to the moderate to heavy currents, quickly descending to the target depth to avoid being swept away from the wall. The dive progresses with the current, allowing divers to observe the abundant pelagic life that congregates along the nutrient-rich currents. You can expect to maintain depths anywhere between 15 to 30 meters, following the contours of the wall and occasionally venturing closer to the reef. The dive plan is flexible, adapting to the current's direction and strength. Turn points are not fixed, as the dive is a continuous drift. Safety stops are conducted in the blue, usually at shallower depths, while continuing to drift, with tender boats positioned to pick up divers at the surface.

Underwater photography

Cabo Marshall is an exceptional site for wide-angle photography, focusing on the abundant pelagic life attracted by the strong currents. A fisheye or wide-angle rectilinear lens is essential for capturing giant manta rays, schools of hammerhead sharks, and barracuda. While strobes can enhance colors, be mindful of backscatter in varying visibility conditions. Buoyancy control is paramount due to the strong currents; maintaining a stable position helps in composing shots and avoids disturbing marine life. Patience is key for capturing marine iguana interactions or sea lions playing in the water. For smaller subjects, a macro lens may be used if you can find shelter from the current, but the primary draw here is the big animal action.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Punta Vicente Roca

  Known for cold water species and mola mola sightings.

• Punta Albemarle

  Remote site for marine iguanas and flightless cormorants.

• Punta Moreno

  Punta Moreno, located on the west coast of Isabela Island, offers a distinctive Galápagos diving experience characterized by its unique…

• Tagus Cove

  Tagus Cove, nestled on the western coast of Isabela Island, is a captivating dive and snorkel destination known for its dramatic volcanic…

Getting there & logistics

Access to Cabo Marshall is primarily via liveaboard trips originating from San Cristóbal Island or Santa Cruz Island (Puerto Ayora), with flights into either San Cristóbal (SCY) or Baltra (GPS) airports. International flights arrive at Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE), followed by domestic connections. Most Galápagos liveaboard itineraries are 7 to 10 nights, offering comprehensive coverage of the archipelago's best dive sites. A Galápagos National Park entrance fee and a transit control card are mandatory for all visitors. Cabo Marshall is typically combined with other western and northern sites, forming a pelagic-focused itinerary due to its remote location and the demanding dive conditions.

Safety & environment

Diving in Galápagos, including Cabo Marshall, requires a high level of experience due to strong currents and variable conditions. Divers should possess advanced open water certification and experience with drift diving. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Evacuation from remote sites like Cabo Marshall can be lengthy and complex, often involving tender boats and inter-island transport. Comprehensive dive insurance, including coverage for medical emergencies and evacuation, is highly recommended. Always follow your dive guide's instructions, maintain proper buoyancy, and carry a surface marker buoy (SMB) for safety and surface visibility. Be aware of thermoclines and potential cold water, even near the equator.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Cabo Marshall FAQ

Liveaboards diving Cabo Marshall

These liveaboards may visit Cabo Marshall on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Galapagos Aggressor III

Galápagos

16 guests30.5 m

$913/day

Galapagos Sky

Galápagos

16 guests

$937/day

Galapagos Master

Galápagos

16 guests

$669/day

Humboldt Explorer

Galápagos

16 guests

$612/day

Tiburon Explorer

Galápagos

16 guests

$924/day

Calipso

Galápagos

16 guests

$819/day