Scuba Diving with Hammerhead Sharks in the Galapagos

The Galapagos is a dive destination that tops the bucket list of many scuba divers. With its unique marine life, pristine waters, and ideal diving conditions, it’s an excellent option for any diver looking for an unforgettable underwater getaway. Located over 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, this chain of islands is about as remote as it gets. It’s so remote, in fact, that it’s home to several marine animals that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. In addition to this, it also happens to be one of the best destinations for encounters with hammerhead sharks. Here you can find large groups of hammerheads that can number up to 300 sharks at any given time. Needless to say, the Galapagos Islands is a haven for sharks and shark divers alike! If you are planning a trip to the Galapagos and hope to swim with these majestic predators, then be sure to read on to learn all there is to know about diving with hammerhead sharks in the Galapagos Islands!

 

When to Go 

 

The great thing about diving in the Galapagos Islands is that you can visit pretty much any time of the year and expect to have encounters with hammerhead sharks. There’s a decent-sized population of sharks that live near the islands year-round, so you’re guaranteed to spot a few of them no matter when you go. That being said, there are certain times of the year when more sharks are present. Between the months of December and April, but especially in January, you’re more likely to see large groups of hammerhead sharks as they are known to migrate to the islands during this time for hunting purposes.

 

In regards to the weather, the timeframe from December to June is typically considered by many to be the high season for diving. As the temperatures are warmer, you are likely to find warmer waters, calmer seas, and better visibility. It’s also a great time to spot manta rays, in addition to hammerhead sharks. The rest of the year, from July to November, typically brings in cooler temperatures, stronger currents, and lower visibility. However, it is an ideal time for whale shark sightings.

 

Where to Go 

 

The islands of Darwin and Wolf are generally considered to be the best destinations for hammerhead shark encounters. This area of the Galapagos has the largest shark biomass on the planet; that’s to say, they have more sharks than any other place on Earth – therefore, it’s become a mecca for shark divers, especially those looking to encounter hammerhead sharks. Both islands lie to the north and are quite remote, which means they are only accessible by liveaboard. 

 

Another great island for hammerhead sightings is Gordon Rocks, which also happens to be one of the most popular dive sites in the Galapagos. Located just off of Santa Cruz Island, the dive site is accessible from land and by liveaboard. Here you can expect to find groups of up to 30 hammerhead sharks swimming in the waters around Gordon Rocks. In fact, many of the sharks here are known to ride the currents, circling the island as they wait for prey to appear. This, in turn, allows divers the opportunity for repeated sightings of these incredible predators.

 

What You’ll See 

 

During the summer months, it’s possible to spot groups of up to 300 hammerhead sharks in the waters surrounding the Galapagos Islands. The sharks will move together, casting giant shadows over divers and dive sites as they migrate from island to island. In these groups, it’s possible to spot a wide variety of hammerhead sharks, including scalloped hammerheads, smooth hammerheads, and great hammerheads. 

 

In addition to sharks, you are likely to come across a variety of other marine life when out diving. There will, of course, be numerous fish, both small and large, depending upon where you go, but you’re also likely to encounter a number of large pelagic sea creatures. This includes everything from dolphins to manta rays, sea lions, penguins, sea turtles, and even sea iguanas – which can only be found in the Galapagos Islands. 

 

Best Dive Sites 

 

While there are several dive sites located throughout the Galapagos Islands, only some of them are guaranteed to offer shark sightings. Below are our top four recommended destinations for encounters with hammerhead sharks.

 

Shark Point, Wolf Island 

 

One of the most popular dive sites in the Galapagos, Shark Point is located to the north near Wolf Island. Here you will find a large population of sharks of all kinds – including hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and Galapagos sharks, as well as dolphins. Accessible only by liveaboard, this dive site is limited to more experienced divers due to its strong currents, harsh surges, and limited visibility.

 

Darwin’s Arch, Darwin Island 

 

Located on the farthest reaches of the archipelago, Darwin’s Arch is the most popular dive site near Darwin Island. Accessible only by liveaboard, you can expect to encounter a wide variety of marine life here, including hammerhead sharks, silky sharks, Galapagos sharks, blacktip sharks, and the occasional whale shark. Manta rays, sea turtles, dolphins, and eagle rays are also known to frequent this dive site.

 

Gordon Rocks

 

Accessible by land or via liveaboard, Gordon Rocks is a popular dive site located right in the middle of the Galapagos. The island itself is a volcanic crater surrounded by a sandy bottom that lies 32 meters below the surface. Because of its strong currents, this dive site is typically reserved for more experienced divers. However, that same current brings in a variety of marine life, including hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, eagle rays, and manta rays.

 

Kicker Rock 

 

Situated just off the coast of San Cristobal, Kicker Rock is an excellent option for new and inexperienced divers. The best way to access this dive site is through a land tour of the surrounding islands. Consisting of two rocks that jut out of the ocean, Kicker Rock may not look like much from above, but under the surface, it’s teeming with marine life. Here you can find everything from hammerhead sharks to sea turtles, surgeonfish, angelfish, Galapagos sharks, and marine iguanas. 



References:

 

Peru for Less: ​​https://www.peruforless.com/blog/scuba-diving-galapagos/

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