Galapagos IslandsThe Galapagos Islands hold a tremendous fascination, and are pretty high on the “must-travel-to-one-day” list. These islands offer so much for divers and non-divers alike, and it is for this reason that we are featuring diving in the Galapagos Êthis month. Whether you are interested in diving with schooling hammerheads, wanting to see the endemic Marine Iguanas, or are more interested in the unique flora and fauna topside, the Galapagos Islands will not disappoint, especially for those who are active and enjoy being in the great outdoors.

The Galapagos Islands belong to the South American country of Ecuador. They are a series of volcanic islands that straddle either side of the Equator, approx. 930 km/600 miles off the coast.

Galapagos Islands Interesting Facts

  • The Galapagos Islands became a National Park in 1959, and in 1978 were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1986, the surrounding ocean was declared a biological marine reserve and in 1990 the area became a whale sanctuary. That’s great news for divers! Ê
  • The island group consists of 18 main islands, 3 smaller islands, and 107 islets or rocks. The largest of the islands is Isabela, which was formed by six volcanoes. Five are still active.
  • The remote islands of Wolf & Darwin offer the most pelagic action (hammerheads, whale sharks, mantas, Galapagos Sharks etc), and can only be accessed via liveaboards.
  • Galapagos is Spanish for “Turtle”. The giant tortoises endemic to the Galapagos Islands keep growing for 30 – 40 years to almost 5 feet and weigh around 500 pounds. The most famous resident of the Galapagos-Aggressor-III-BFBXGalapagos Islands was Lonesome George, who was the only surviving giant Pinta Island tortoise left on Earth, and died in 2012 at age 100.
  • Marine Iguanas, endemic to the Galapagos Islands, are the only known lizards in the world that can swim. They can live on both land and in the ocean, diving to depths of up to 30 feet, and they can hold their breath for 45 minutes.
  • Think Penguins are only found in Antarctica? Not quite: the Galapagos Islands are the only place in the Northern Hemisphere where Penguins can breed.
  • Galapagos sea lions are the most common mammal in the islands. They dry themselves off by rolling around in the sand, and can weigh up to 900 pounds! Ê
  • The population of the Galapagos Islands is around 25,000 people and more than 50,000 people visit each year.Hungry for more? Click here to read more about scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands.

What Do We have To Offer?

If this sounds like heaven, and you want to go on an “eat, sleep, dive” vacation, check out the following Galapagos Liveaboards we represent to get the most diving value.

Looking for a Liveaboard vacation but want to add Machu Picchu? Click here for our pre-packaged vacation option we call “Independent Journeys”!

Another great way to experience any destination is on a dive group trip. You dive with like-minded people securing life long friendships at the same time, and everything is pre-arranged for you. Many times trips are hosted by experienced dive instructors, which is an added benefit.  We are here to match you with the best Galapagos Islands vacation for you and your travel partner(s). Give us a call at 1-888-995-3483 so we can start the process!