Advice for diving Galapagos National Park in Ecuador

A bucket list dive destination for every diver - this amazing once-in-a-lifetime diving experience is well worth the logistical planning and extended travel.

Best time to visit is from December to June when the sea is calmer and the boat trip easier. From July to November the sea is choppy, with strong surge, and a brisker wind. Anti-seasickness medication is recommended. From December to June the average water temperature is 70°F-80°F (20°C-26°C) and from July to November it is 65°F - 75°F (18°C- 23°C). On good days the visibility reaches up to 60 feet (18 meters), although on average it is 25-35 feet (8-10 meters).

Gordon Rocks is rated as one of the best central island dive sites. There is a minimum experience requirement of 30 logged dives due to strong currents and surge. Intermediate and advanced divers can explore the rock formation of the eroded crater. Common marine life includes: hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, white tip reef shark, mobula rays, turtles, stingrays, eagle rays, Galapagos eel, barracudas, and a variety of reef fish and invertebrates.

North Seymour is a series of platform reefs with an amazing diversity of marine life. Suitable for all levels of divers, although you need to be aware of the possibility of strong currents. There are cleaning stations with the chance to see Galapagos, white tip reef and hammerhead sharks, mobula rays, turtles, stingrays, eagle rays, Galapagos eels, barracudas, and sea lions.

Daphne Minor is a large exposed flat rock. Divers drift along the top of a sloping wall with a stunning drop-off down to a sandy bottom. There is a small cave where white tip reef sharks slumber, and a pinnacle that attracts many rays, sharks, turtles and barracuda. The black coral walls are home to a variety of invertebrates.

Cousins is located on the east coast of Santiago Island. It is a triangular shaped islet with minimal current. The shelved reef is home to black corals, pacific seahorses, molluscs and invertebrates.

Barracudas, sharks, rays, turtles and sea lions are all commonly sighted here.

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