Dive Sites in Galápagos
43 dive sites37 liveaboard-only sites

Dive Sites in Galápagos

Diving in the Galápagos means non-stop shark action and big pelagics in blue water — from Darwin's Arch to Wolf Island. Every dive site in the Galápagos with depth, current, certification level and best season, plus the liveaboard itineraries that actually dive them.

Diving in Galápagos

The Galápagos is one of the world's great liveaboard destinations, with 43 mapped dive sites covering reefs, walls, drifts, channels and wrecks.

Every site below shows depth range, certification level, current, access and the best season, so you can judge at a glance whether it fits your experience. Start with the full site list, then explore dive sites by type, the nearest decompression chambers and the marine life you can expect in Galápagos.

All 43 dive sites in Galápagos

All 43 dive sites in Galápagos

Depth range, certification level, dive type, access and current at a glance.

Open any site for its full profile, best season and the liveaboards that dive it in Galápagos.

43 dive sites

El Arenal, located near Darwin Island in the northern Galapagos Archipelago, is considered one of the world's premier dive sites.

Suitable for
Intermediate
Current
Strong
Access
Liveaboard only
Depth
3–18 m
Theme
Reef

Caleta Iguana, located on Isabela Island in the Galápagos, is a notable dive site primarily recognized for its unique resident population of Galápagos penguins.

Suitable for
Beginner
Current
Mild
Access
Liveaboard only
Depth
3–52 m
Theme
Reef

Gordon Rocks

Galápagos

Gordon Rocks, located off the northeast coast of Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos, stands as a premier dive site globally, primarily celebrated for its abundant hammerhead shark encounters.

Suitable for
Advanced
Current
Ripping
Access
Liveaboard only
Depth
6–65 m
Theme
Pinnacle / Wall

Wolf Island

Galápagos

Wolf Island, also known as Wenman, stands as one of the premier dive destinations globally, located more than 100 miles northwest of Isabela Island in the Galápagos archipelago.

Suitable for
Advanced
Current
Strong
Access
Liveaboard only
Depth
10–40 m
Theme
Wall

Dive sites by type

Wrecks, walls, drifts, caves and pinnacles in this area.
Wall diving18 dive sites
Wall diving
Reef diving16 dive sites
Reef diving
Drift diving15 dive sites
Drift diving
Pinnacle diving6 dive sites
Pinnacle diving
Channel diving2 dive sites
Channel diving
Seamount diving1 dive sites
Seamount diving
Cave diving1 dive sites
Cave diving

Decompression chambers in Galápagos

Verified hyperbaric facilities that cover the diving areas of in Galápagos. Always confirm availability locally before a trip and dive with valid insurance.

LocationFacilityRelevant for
Puerto Ayora, Santa CruzSSS Recompression Chamber GalápagosAll Galápagos dive sites, including Wolf and Darwin

Marine life you can see in Galápagos

The species most often logged on the Galápagos's dive sites.
30 dive sites
Galapagos Shark
30 dive sites
Scalloped Hammerhead
29 dive sites
Green Turtle
27 dive sites
Galápagos Sea Lion
27 dive sites
Moray Eel
26 dive sites
Whale Shark
26 dive sites
Eagle Ray
24 dive sites
Whitetip Reef Shark
18 dive sites
Reef Manta Ray
17 dive sites
Oceanic Manta Ray
16 dive sites
Marine Iguana
15 dive sites
Mola Mola

Liveaboards diving in Galápagos

Liveaboard diving in Galápagos means more dive sites per trip: these vessels run real, bookable departures with cabins for solo divers, buddy teams and small groups. Compare boat size, cabin layout, dive deck and nitrox, then check the cheapest price per day before you book. Every the Galápagos dive safari below is confirmed with live availability and current operator pricing.

Galapagos Sky liveaboard diving in Galápagos – view trips, cabins and prices

Galapagos Sky

Galápagos

$937
Galapagos Master liveaboard diving in Galápagos – view trips, cabins and prices

Galapagos Master

Galápagos

$893

Conditions & practicalities

Diving in Galápagos: seasons, conditions and logistics

43 dive sites in Galápagos — here is what the season data says about the best months, water temperature, visibility and currents, plus how divers usually get there and which fees to budget for.

Best months
Jun–Nov
Water temperature
18–25 °C
Visibility
15–25 m
Currents
No data yet
Getting there
Most divers fly into the nearest international airport and continue by transfer or domestic flight to the departure port; liveaboards usually leave the evening before day one.
Permits & fees
Marine park fees, port taxes and nitrox are rarely included in the trip price — budget a few hundred dollars extra and check the visa rules before booking.

FAQ

Diving in Galápagos FAQ

When is the best time to dive in Galápagos?
The peak diving season in Galápagos is generally June to November (whale sharks, cooler water), January to May (warmer, calmer), with the best visibility, marine life activity and weather conditions. See our month-by-month best-time-to-dive guides for full details.
Do I need a liveaboard to dive in Galápagos?
A liveaboard gives you access to remote dive sites in Galápagos that day boats cannot reach, plus 3–5 dives per day in maximum comfort. For the best dives in Galápagos, a liveaboard is the recommended choice.
What certification do I need to dive in Galápagos?
Most Galápagos liveaboards require Open Water as a minimum, with Advanced Open Water and 30+ logged dives recommended for currents and deeper sites. Some expert routes require Tech or 100+ dives.
How much does a Galápagos liveaboard cost?
Liveaboard prices in Galápagos typically range from €1,500 to €6,000+ per week depending on vessel category, route length and season. Browse the boats below for live pricing.
Do I need a visa for Galápagos?
Visa requirements vary by your nationality. Always check the latest entry rules with the destination's official government source before booking flights.
Is diving in Galápagos safe for beginners?
Many Galápagos sites are beginner-friendly, but some routes feature strong currents or deep walls suited only to experienced divers. Check each vessel's recommended experience level.
Plan your trip

Ready to dive in Galápagos?

Explore the the Galápagos destination guide or search liveaboards that visit these sites.