Galapagos Services

Galapagos Nautidiving

Eastern Pacific

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The Galapagos Islands are located on the Equator, 600 miles off the west coast and part of Ecuador. Visitors will experience unique encounters with prolific wildlife both topside and underwater. The waters surrounding the islands become the meeting point of three distinctive oceanic currents which result in a bizarre mix of warm and cold water species. Sharks, sea lions and turtles can be seen on nearly every dive. Topside, you'll see flamingos, penguins, giant tortoises, sea lions, blue footed boobies, iguanas, and a whole lot more. Many of these animals are unique to the islands, found no where else in the world. Most remain unafraid of human visitors; making for incredible photo opportunities.

Dive sites are usually not located adjacent to the main islands. The most exciting diving is found around smaller, isolated rock pinnacles which rise abruptly from the water's surface. These rock croppings act like a magnet to attract a wide variety of marine life. All dive sites are accessed by means of a short ride by inflatable boat. Vertical walls, ledges, shelves, submerged boulders, and sand chutes are all part of the underwater topography. Hammerheads, Galapagos, and reef sharks are sighted daily. Dolphin, Orcas, and other whale species are often spotted from the boat. In shallow areas, divers can delight in the playful antics of the sea lions.

MARINE RESERVE

After several attempts to protect the surrounding waters, in March 13, 1996, the Galapagos Marine Reserve was declared with 70.000 square Km. and 1.400 Km of coast.

In 1990 shark fishing was prohibited
In 1992 the Galapagos was declared a "Whale's Sanctuary".
In 1985 United Nations declared the Galapagos a "Reserve of the Biosphere"
In 1989 CEDAM Intl. Declared the Galapagos islands "One of the seven underwater wonders of the world"
In 2001 The islands were declared "Natural Heritage"

DIVING CONDITIONS AT THE GALAPAGOS

Galapagos Islands scuba diving isn´t necessarily for real beginner divers. We recommend it for mid-level to advanced divers, especially for certain areas. Dive shops will advise you on the conditions at that time and can suggest less strenuous itineraries for beginners. Diving conditions at the Galapagos are considered medium to hard due to the currents, depth and shape of the dive sites, temperatures and fauna. However, for those of you who want to get your PADI certificate, there's no better place than the Galapagos. Even in the waters near the islands, will give you the chance to swim with sea lions, watch mantas, look out for flounders, colorful fish, and perhaps even dodge the hungry nibbles of a Blue Footed Booby, diving for its mid-morning snack.

GALAPAGOS TEMPERATURES The range of surface temperature of the sea is from 18ºC to 30ºC. September to November are the coldest months, and February to April the warmest. Thermoclines are present, between 10 to 30 meters depth ( 30 to 100 feet) and the temperature can drop from one to five degrees Celsius. Galapagos Islands scuba diving shops will supply divers with wet suits and appropriate gear for the temperatures.

CURRENTS You will probably dive in the Galápagos in medium to strong currents. We understand medium currents to be between one and three knots (between 1 and 4 miles/hour or between 2 and 6 Km./hour), and strong currents are more than three knots (more than 4 miles/hour or 6 Km./hour).
Galapagos diving can be tricky if you are caught in an unexpected current on the surface. Just relax, get positive bouyancy and call the boat. If you are in a group, get close together. In the garúa season (from July to December) the Humboldt current coming from the southeast is present. In the warm season ( from January to June) the Panamá current from the northeast arrives in the Galápagos.

GALAPAGOS VISIBILITY couldn't be better! 100 feet or 30 meters often is present in the Galápagos waters. You shall expect a visibility from 50 to 80 feet or 15 to 25 meters in most of the places. In some areas and in some seasons due to the richness of phytoplankton, green waters are present. This planktonic algae is the first step in the trophic chain and is necessary to sustain all marine life at the islands.

Dive Services/Accommodations

Galapagos Nautidiving Av. Charles Darwin Puerto Ayora Galapagos Ecuador Tel.: 593 52 527 004 Fax.: 593 52 527 004 E-Mail: info@nautidiving.com Web: http://www.nautidiving.com Nautidiving is a dynamic and flexible company that guarantees superior customer service and a safe, enjoyable diving experience. Nautidiving is the premier dive center for scuba instruction in the Galapagos. We offer land based and liveaboard vacations, PADI courses, and cruises to Darwin and Wolf.