Suba Diving in the Galapagos Islands
Life in the underwater world around the Galapagos Islands is abundant and full of unusual species and incredible variety. Even when compared to other world-class top notch diving destinations, the Galapagos Islands stand out in diversity and plentitude of life forms. There are over four hundred species of fish, over thirty types of corals, and six hundred species of mollusks. The underwater terrain is variegated and complex, with underwater ridges, lava rocks, and caves. The current can be strong in some areas and at some times, so diving in the Galapagos Islands is serious business, and you should always dive with someone else, for example a trained guide who is licensed by the Galapagos National Park and the Ecuadorian Merchant Marine. Diving with a trained and licensed guide will make your scuba excursion safer, and will take some of the worry out of your trip. There will be more time for enjoying the amazing underwater world of the Galapagos Islands.Water Conditions of the Galapagos Islands
Water Temperature
Even though the Galapagos Islands are located on the globe near the Equator, the water temperatures are slightly colder than lots of diving destinations around the world. It's considered a cold-water environment because of the colder water brought in by currents. Of course from December to May the water temperature is warmer than the rest of the year. The northern islands of the Galapagos will also have warmer water temperatures than the southern islands. In any case, whatever time of year you plan on scuba diving in the Galapagos islands, you may want to consider a wetsuit. If the El Nino cycle is underway, water temperatures will be cooler, so definitely wear a 5mm wetsuit during this time.Visibility and Currents
As in other dive sites around the world, the water will be clearer when the water temperature is colder, but the conditions will be rougher. That is, the seas will be choppier during the colder season. When seas are calmer and water temperatures are warmer, there is more sea life in the water, especially plankton, so visibility will be less. Currents are consistently pretty strong, so take precautions and remember: never dive alone.  |
Precautions to be Aware of While Scuba Diving in the Galapagos
There are many caves in the waters around the Galapagos Islands. As with all underwater caves, it's best not to enter them, especially if you are new to scuba or new to the dive site. The cave may have more to it than you expect, like tunnels you could get lost in, or which can be dangerous because of currents.If you leave sharks alone, you will probably not face any unusual danger from them. There are actually schools of sharks that roam around the islands, but fortunately they will not stay around long, probably checking you out then vanishing. Sharks are curious but shy so if you don't provoke them you are reasonably safe. But, every once in a while there is a shark bite event which reminds us all that when you are scuba diving, you are really inviting yourself into someone else's back yard. Therefore you should act polite and respectful. And just a tiny bit of healthy fear will keep you on your toes as well.
The yellow-bellied sea snake Pelamis platurus in the Galapagos Islands appears in the Galapagos Islands during the warm season when waters are warmer. If you see one in the water, stay away because it is actually venemous. There are also stingrays on the sandy bottom of the ocean floor in shallow waters. Like any other dive site, stingrays should probably be avoided. There are also scorpionfishes and crowned sea urchins, as well as flower sea urchin. All these creatures can inflict pain and numbness, so avoid them, too. The flower sea urchin is especially dangerous, since it will cause high fever with its venom.