Photo Credits Philip Hamiton via Galapagos Sky<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nShark Point is located in Wolf Island, which is the northernmost part of the archipelago. It\u2019s called as such because of the large shark population in the area, including hammerheads, whale sharks, and bull sharks. Dolphins also frequent shark Point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This dive spot is only accessible via liveaboards since Wolf Island is uninhabited. The best time to go here is from May to November, but expect the currents to be strong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Water visibility in Shark Point is shallow, so beginners aren\u2019t allowed to join dives. Also, water temperatures range from 60F to 68F on ideal seasons, not to mention the high currents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite the rigorous requirements, diving at Shark Point is a dream come true. You\u2019ll get up close with the giants of the ocean. It\u2019s not for the faint of heart, but the experience is truly worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Diver level<\/strong>: AdvancedBest time to visit: <\/strong>May to November<\/p>\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udc20Darwin\u2019s Arch<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nPhoto Credits – News.ScubaTravel<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Galapagos Islands played a major role in Charles Darwin\u2019s theory of evolution. With this, the locals named an island after him: the Darwin Island. Within the island\u2019s vicinity is the popular Darwin\u2019s Arch. It\u2019s home to the most stunning population of eagle rays, manta rays, dolphins, and sea turtles. It\u2019s an entire civilization underwater, which is fitting for the man to whom it\u2019s named after.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aside from that, divers go here to witness the sharks as the strong currents occur. You\u2019ll be surrounded by blacktip sharks, silky sharks, hammerhead sharks, and the famous Galapagos sharks in no time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best part about this dive site is it\u2019s only 30 feet deep! But due to the high currents, this is reserved for intermediate to advanced divers with enough logged dives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Take note that this place is called Darwin\u2019s Arch because of the stone formation that looks like an arch, which serves as the marker for the dive spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Diver level:<\/strong> Intermediate to advancedBest time to visit<\/strong>: June to December<\/p>\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udc20Cama\u00f1o Islet<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nPhoto Credits – DIVEIN<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nAre you a beginner diver? If so, you should head to the Cama\u00f1o Islet located off the popular Santa Cruz Island coast. It\u2019s the hiding spot of seahorses, batfishes, and sea lions. While more worthwhile than other dive spots, it\u2019s not short of underwater beauty for you to see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moreover, some divers are lucky enough to see Galapagos marine iguanas hunting for food underwater. Dives here are within 33 to 50 feet, with excellent visibility, so it\u2019s easy to spot these reptiles during their feeding hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the first dive sites, this is reachable only via liveaboards and boats. Water temperatures are below 70F, but the current remains low for the most part of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aside from diving, you can go snorkeling in the Cama\u00f1o Islet. It\u2019s only 2 to 3 kilometers off the coast of Puerto Ayora, where you can find lots of amenities. It\u2019s a friendly choice of a dive spot for those who don\u2019t want to stay too far from the town central.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Diver level:<\/strong> BeginnerBest time to visit:<\/strong> December to May<\/p>\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udc20Punta Vicente Roca<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nPhoto Credits – Yacht Isabela II<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nIf you want to experience cave diving in the Galapagos, you should head to Isabela Island. Here, you\u2019ll find the Punta Vicente Roca. It\u2019s a sloping wall composed of multiple caves that can be as deep as 88 feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The wall is covered with marine life, including frogfishes, sunfishes, and seahorses. It\u2019s an ecosystem reserved only for intermediate and advanced divers. Bullhead Sharks and Port Jackson Sharks also frequent this place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During safety stops, watch out for sea lions and penguins playing in the water. There\u2019s a lot of marine life happening in this dive site that you wouldn\u2019t want to ascend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Snorkeling is also a popular activity here. Just note that landing isn\u2019t allowed in Punta Vicente Roca. However, panga (inflatable dinghies) are allowed for shore excursions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Diver level:<\/strong> Intermediate to advancedBest time to visit:<\/strong> January to May<\/p>\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udc20Kicker Rock<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nPhoto Credits – Galapagos Insiders<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nAnother beginner dive spot in the Galapagos is the Kicker Rock. It\u2019s located near the coast of San Cristobal Island and somehow resembles the shape of a shoe. It\u2019s also called Leon Dormido in Spanish since it looks like a sleeping sea lion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here, you can spot angelfish, large rays, hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, surgeonfish, wrasse, and other marine life. If you\u2019re lucky, you can even see marine iguanas hunting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Snorkeling is also an excellent activity here. The current is mild to moderate and is worthwhile for every snorkeler and diver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many local dive centers offer trips here with stops on neighboring islands. It\u2019s an excellent destination, which is not short of natural wonders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Diver level<\/strong>: BeginnerBest time to visit<\/strong>: December to May<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Tips When Visiting the Galapagos Islands<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nVisiting the naturally historic Galapagos Islands is an exciting experience. But before you go, it\u2019s important to keep these points in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t touch the wildlife<\/strong>. There\u2019s a reason why they are called \u2018wildlife\u2019. The animals are wild and not accustomed to close human encounters. Unless the guides tell you that it\u2019s safe, keep your distance and just observe the surroundings.<\/li>Book early<\/strong>. The Galapagos Islands are popular all over the world, so expect tourists to flock during peak season. It\u2019s best to book your trip at least six months before the actual date. For extremely popular sites, you may need to book a year in advance.<\/li>Prioritize comfy<\/strong>. The Galapagos Islands are all about exploring nature. Whether you\u2019re diving, island hopping, or hiking, always wear comfy clothes.<\/li>Watch out for seasickness<\/strong>. Traveling from island to island within the archipelago can take hours. Make sure that you bring motion sickness medications with you.<\/li>Prepare for limited grid access<\/strong>. Since most of the Galapagos archipelago islands are uninhabited, expect that there would be limited internet service.<\/li>Follow the rules<\/strong>. Take note that your stay in the Galapagos Islands is bound by strict rules under the national park directorate. Always follow your guide and do your research before going.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nQ: Does it rain a lot in the Galapagos?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n A: The Galapagos Islands receive around 2 inches of rain in the highlands. There\u2019s no true low and high season here because this island group is blessed enough to never experience hurricanes. You\u2019ll only experience water temperature dips and drizzles from time to time. Other than that, the weather is very pleasant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: How many days do you need in Galapagos Islands?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n A: If you want to experience the whimsical Galapagos at its best, you should dedicate at least five days of vacation. The longer, the better. Most travelers who have visited the islands spend an average of 8 days exploring around. This will also give you enough time to enjoy multiple dive sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: How many logged dives do you need to dive in the Galapagos?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n A: The answer to this varies, but the average is 25 logged dives for most Galapagos sites. This guarantees that the diver possesses the necessary experience to handle any unexpected changes in the water. It\u2019s also for your safety, especially when planning to visit advanced and intermediate dive spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: How much does it cost to dive in the Galapagos?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n A: Diving in the Galapagos Islands isn\u2019t that expensive. For approximately $160, you\u2019ll get to enjoy a two-tank dive in one of the most popular dive centers in the area. You can also find cheaper packages if you\u2019re traveling on a budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: Can you touch the animals in the Galapagos?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n A: As with other places, you should remain a respectful observer when it comes to Galapagos Island creatures. This is the same with the marine life you\u2019re going to see during your dive. Again, remember the golden rule for travelers: take only photos and leave only memories. Never touch the animals for your safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Final Words<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nThe best month to dive in Galapagos is all-year-round. This archipelago is nestled in a hurricane-safe zone, so adverse weather disturbances are quite rare. Just make sure that you pick the right dive site and know the rules before you go.<\/p>\n