Dive Site: Camano Islet

Dive site facts: Camano Islet

Depth

70–114 ft

Current

Moderate to very strong

Visibility

15–30 m

Water temperature

19–26°C

Entry

Liveaboard / Tender

Level

Advanced, current experience essential

Dive type

Big animals, drift, pelagic

Region / port

Galápagos Islands

Coordinates

-0.28386, -91.070359

Conditions & Currents

Diving in the Galápagos is defined by powerful, complex, and often unpredictable currents, making it an advanced destination. Currents can exceed 5 knots in hotspot sites, rendering movement against the flow impossible; divers must employ drift techniques or use reef hooks. Surge is also a significant factor, potentially moving divers several feet and crashing them into rocks if buoyancy and body position are not precise and automatic. The interaction of major currents with volcanic topography creates downcurrents or "down-drops," particularly over seamounts, which require reflexive buoyancy control to prevent rapid descent. Upwellings cause sharp thermoclines, with water temperatures dropping from 27°C at the surface to as low as 12-15°C in deeper areas, necessitating appropriate thermal protection. Visibility can range from excellent to reduced depending on the season and plankton bloo

Marine life & sighting chances

Hammerhead sharks

Year-round, larger schools Dec-May · common

Whale sharks

June-November · occasional

Manta rays

March-May · occasional

Galapagos sharks

Year-round · common

Silky sharks

Year-round · occasional

Sea lions

Year-round · common

Green sea turtles

Year-round · common

Moray eels

Year-round · common

White-tip reef sharks

Year-round · common

Galapagos grunts

Year-round · common

Bluestripe snappers

Year-round · common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Galápagos diving often involves negative entries into strong currents, with dive leaders typically assessing the prevailing conditions to determine the best approach. Divers should expect to drift with the current for much of the dive, using reef hooks when observing marine life in stationary positions. The dive profile is often multi-level, starting deeper to seek out pelagics and then gradually ascending along reefs or walls. Given the strong surge and potential for downcurrents, maintaining neutral buoyancy and being prepared for rapid depth changes is crucial. Safety stops are typically performed in the blue, potentially deploying a surface marker buoy (SMB) upon ascent, as currents can carry divers a considerable distance from the initial entry point. Dive times are often limited by air consumption in strenuous conditions and cold water.

Underwater photography

Galápagos diving, with its strong currents and large pelagic subjects, demands careful planning for photography. Wide-angle lenses are essential for capturing schooling hammerheads, manta rays, and whale sharks. Due to often-turbid waters from nutrient-rich currents, close focus wide-angle techniques are beneficial. Strobes are crucial to add color and contrast, especially for deeper subjects or when visibility is reduced. Buoyancy control and efficient movement are paramount; flailing or uncontrolled movements will disturb marine life and compromise shot stability. Keeping a low profile close to rocks can help wildlife approach, but always be aware of potential hazards like scorpionfish. Photographing in strong surge requires anticipation and timing, often using the natural sway to position for shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• North Seymour

  Often a checkout dive site with diverse marine life and land tours.

• Gordon Rocks

  Known for strong currents and hammerhead sharks.

• Cousin's Rock

  Pinnacle dive with abundant reef fish and pelagic encounters.

• Kicker Rock (León Dormido)

  Famous for shark encounters, including hammerheads and Galápagos sharks.

• Isla Tortuga - South Wall

  Wall diving with potential for pelagic sightings.

Getting there & logistics

Access to the Galápagos Islands typically begins with international flights into mainland Ecuador, either Guayaquil (GSP) or Quito (UIO), followed by a domestic flight to Baltra Island (GPS) or San Cristóbal Island (SCY). Most diving at premier sites, including Camano Islet, is conducted via liveaboard vessels, offering trips typically ranging from 7 to 10 nights. Liveaboards depart from and return to Baltra Island, near Santa Cruz, or San Cristóbal. Upon arrival at Baltra, divers transfer directly to their liveaboard. Park entry fees are required for all visitors to the Galápagos National Park, and a transit control card must also be purchased. Itineraries often combine dives at central islands with longer transits to more remote northern sites like Wolf and Darwin.

Safety & environment

Diving in the Galápagos demands a high level of diver preparedness due to strong currents, significant surge, and cold water thermoclines. Divers should hold advanced certifications and possess extensive experience in current diving. It is highly recommended to carry a surface marker buoy (SMB), an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), or a personal locator device for safety in case of separation from the group or boat. Decompression sickness is a risk, so strict adherence to dive plans and slow ascents are critical. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Medical evacuation from remote dive sites can be challenging and time-consuming. Comprehensive dive accident insurance and travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage are essential for all divers visiting the Galápagos.

Who it suits, and who it doesn't

FAQ

Camano Islet FAQ

Liveaboards diving Camano Islet

These liveaboards may visit Camano Islet on selected itineraries, the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Galapagos Aggressor III

Galápagos

16 guests31 m

Tribute

Galápagos

16 guests42 m

Galapagos Sky

Galápagos

16 guests

Galapagos Master

Galápagos

16 guests

Archipel I

Galápagos

16 guests27 m

Humboldt Explorer

Galápagos

16 guests

Evolution

Galápagos

32 guests60 m

Tiburon Explorer

Galápagos

16 guests

Treasure of Galapagos

Galápagos

16 guests32 m

Solaris

Galápagos

16 guests36 m

Calipso

Galápagos

16 guests

Aqua

Galápagos

16 guests26 m