Diving and Snorkeling Hotspots

The Galapagos Islands rank among the world's premier underwater destinations, where you can swim alongside hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, and playful sea lions. The archipelago's unique location at the meeting point of multiple ocean currents creates rich feeding grounds that attract whale sharks, dolphins, and massive schools of fish year-round.

 

Diving with Hammerhead Sharks at Wolf Island

Wolf Island sits in the remote northern reaches of the Galapagos archipelago and offers some of the most thrilling shark encounters on Earth. You'll need to join a liveaboard expedition to reach this site, as it's too far for day trips.

 

The strong currents here bring in large groups of hammerhead sharks that swim in coordinated schools. You can also spot Galapagos sharks, silky sharks, and whale sharks between June and November. The currents can be challenging, so this site works best for advanced divers with solid experience.

 

Sea turtles, dolphins, and eagle rays frequently pass through the area. You should bring an underwater camera because the visibility is typically excellent and the marine life concentrations are remarkable.

 

Snorkeling at Gordon Rocks and Los Tuneles

Gordon Rocks forms an eroded volcanic crater northeast of Santa Cruz Island. This site lets you snorkel or dive among dozens of hammerhead sharks that gather in the currents. The confined underwater space brings you close to these predators in their natural habitat. Strong currents mean you need intermediate to advanced skills for diving here.

 

Los Tuneles near Isabela Island features lava formations that created natural tunnels and arches underwater. The calm, clear waters make it perfect for snorkeling with basic snorkeling gear. You'll swim through the tunnels alongside sea turtles, white-tipped reef sharks, and colorful tropical fish. The shallow depths and protected location make this spot accessible for beginners.

 

Exploring Underwater at Devil's Crown

Devil's Crown is a partially submerged volcanic cone off Floreana Island that creates a circular reef formation. The site works well for both snorkeling and diving at various skill levels.

 

You can see sea turtles gliding past coral-covered walls while colorful fish dart between the rocks. Eagle rays cruise through the deeper waters, and sea lions often join snorkelers for playful interactions.

 

The circular shape creates different depth zones. Beginners can stay in the shallow interior while experienced divers explore the outer walls where larger species appear. You'll find the best visibility during the warm season from December through May.