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When is the best time to dive Galapagos?

The best time to dive Galapagos depends on what you want to see.

• Scalloped hammerheads: year round at Darwin and Wolf.
• Whale sharks: July to November in the cool season.
• Mantas and calmest conditions: December to May in the warm season.

Overall best: July to November for whale sharks, cooler and rougher. December to May for calmer, clearer water with hammerheads and mantas. This is a realistic chance, never a guarantee.

You can dive the Galapagos year round, across two seasons. The warm season from December to May brings calmer seas, warmer water and better visibility, with abundant hammerheads and mantas. The cool dry season from June to November brings nutrient rich water and the big draw of whale sharks at Darwin and Wolf, usually from about July to November, along with rougher seas. Water can range from about 18 to 26 C, so thermal protection matters.

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Weather right now in Galapagos

Live air, sea, UV and local time at Puerto Ayora, the main departure port. Actual diving conditions vary by site and season.

What marine life will I see on Galapagos liveaboards?

Expect large schools of hammerheads, whale sharks in season, Galapagos and silky sharks, mantas, eagle rays, mola mola, sea lions, marine iguanas and turtles. Few places deliver big animals in these numbers.

What are the top Galapagos liveaboard routes and dive sites?

Darwin and Wolf are the northern islands for hammerhead schools and whale sharks, reached by liveaboard only. Cabo Marshall and Cousins offer mantas. Central sites are good for sea lions and marine iguanas.

Who do Galapagos liveaboards suit?

The Galapagos is an advanced destination. Cool water, strong currents, surge and deep blue water dives mean operators require Advanced certification and a solid number of logged dives. It is not a place for new divers.

How do I get to a Galapagos liveaboard?

Galapagos liveaboards board at San Cristobal or Baltra in the islands. Fly from mainland Ecuador, from Quito or Guayaquil, to the islands, then join the boat. Most trips include the island transfer, and you will need the Galapagos entry requirements arranged before you travel.

Travel warnings and airspace for Galapagos diving

Galapagos is not on the monitored Middle East corridor watch list, so the airspace warnings tracked there do not apply to this route.

See every destination on the travel warnings and airspace page. If a warning could change your plans, read do you need travel insurance for a liveaboard. This is a summary for divers, always check the official advisory and your airline before you travel.

Visa and entry requirements for Galapagos diving

All visitors need the Transit Control Card (TCT) before arrival, on top of standard Ecuador entry rules.

Start with the Galapagos Transit Control Card, then check the full liveaboard visa requirements checklist for passport validity, transit and operator forms. The exact rule always depends on your own passport and route.

Galapagos liveaboard FAQs

Plan your Galapagos trip

Compare more destinations and read the season guide: Bahamas liveaboards, Raja Ampat liveaboards, the best time to dive the Galapagos, the Galapagos marine life guide. Compare Galapagos liveaboards, cheapest first.

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