Galapagos Darwin Island

Galapagos Darwin Island: A Diver's Paradise

Darwin Island, located in the far northwest of the Galapagos archipelago, is considered one of the best dive sites in the world. Its remote location and strong currents attract an incredible array of marine life, making it a truly unforgettable experience for advanced divers.

Dive Details

Depth, Visibility, and Temperature

• Typical depth range: 15-40 meters (50-130 feet)
• Average visibility: 10-30 meters (30-100 feet), varying with currents and plankton blooms
• Water temperature (seasonal):
  • June-November (Cooler Season): 18-24°C (64-75°F)
  • December-May (Warmer Season): 24-30°C (75-86°F)
• Difficulty level: Advanced. Strong currents are common, and experience with drift diving is highly recommended.

Marine Life

Darwin Island is renowned for its incredible biodiversity and large pelagic species. Divers can expect to encounter:

• Hammerhead sharks (often in large schools)
• Whale sharks (especially during the warmer months)
• Galapagos sharks
• Silky sharks
• Dolphins
• Turtles
• Eagle rays
• Large schools of jacks and tuna
• Moray eels
• A variety of colorful reef fish

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Darwin Island for diving depends on your priorities:

• June to November (Cooler Season): Best for seeing large schools of hammerhead sharks. Cooler water temperatures require thicker wetsuits.
• December to May (Warmer Season): Best for whale shark encounters. Warmer water and generally calmer seas, though visibility can sometimes be affected by plankton blooms.

What Makes It Special

Darwin Island's isolation and powerful currents create a unique ecosystem that supports an extraordinary concentration of marine life. The iconic "Darwin's Arch" (though the arch collapsed in 2021, the dive site remains) serves as a focal point for marine activity, providing unparalleled opportunities for encounters with large pelagic species. It is a truly pristine and untouched underwater environment.

Practical Tips

Before diving Darwin Island, keep these considerations in mind:

• Experience: This dive site is only suitable for experienced divers comfortable in strong currents.
• Liveaboards: Darwin Island is only accessible by liveaboard dive vessels, typically requiring a 7-night itinerary.
• Gear: Bring appropriate exposure protection (wetsuit, hood, gloves) depending on the season. A reef hook can be helpful for observing marine life in strong currents.
• Respect the environment: Do not touch or disturb any marine life. Practice responsible diving habits to help preserve this incredible ecosystem.
• Altitude sickness: Be aware of altitude sickness issues when first arriving in the Galapagos. Acclimatize before diving.