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fish",[361,362],"schooling_reef_fish","c_schooling_fish","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FIcons\u002Fsweetlips.svg","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FSpecies\u002Fspecies_sweetlips.jpg",[209],{"January":211,"February":211,"March":211,"April":211,"May":211,"June":211,"July":211,"August":211,"September":211,"October":211,"November":211,"December":211},[],"\u003Cul>\u003Cli>May is a great time to dive the Galapagos Islands. The water’s still warm and you’ve got a reasonable chance to spot a whale shark. It’s also just before peak season, meaning fewer crowds.\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Seasickness medication is recommended if you’re planning a liveaboard trip between June and November.\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>The Galapagos Islands are fantastic for bird watchers, with up to three-quarters of a million seabirds, including blue-footed boobies and albatross, flocking to the islands during the dry season.\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Be sure to bring plenty of reef safe sunscreen, it’s all too easy to forget the sun’s strength when you’re snorkelling in the refreshingly cool water.\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>",[370,371,372,373,374,375,376,377,378,379,380,381],"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FEcuador\u002FGalapagos\u002FGalapagos-Islands-Scuba-Diving.jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FEcuador\u002FGalapagos\u002FGalapagos-Islands-Scuba-Diving-2.jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FEcuador\u002FGalapagos\u002FGalapagos-Islands-Scuba-Diving-3.jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FEcuador\u002FGalapagos\u002FGalapagos-Islands-Scuba-Diving-4.jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FEcuador\u002FGalapagos\u002FGalapagos-Islands-Scuba-Diving-5.jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FEcuador\u002FGalapagos\u002FGalapagos-Islands-Scuba-Diving-6.jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FEcuador\u002FGalapagos\u002FGalapagos-Islands-Scuba-Diving-7.jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FEcuador\u002FGalapagos\u002FGalapagos-Islands-Scuba-Diving-8.jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FEcuador\u002FGalapagos\u002FGalapagos-Islands-Scuba-Diving-9.jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FEcuador\u002FGalapagos\u002FGalapagos-Islands-Scuba-Diving-10.jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FEcuador\u002FGalapagos\u002FGalapagos-Islands-Scuba-Diving-11.jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FEcuador\u002FGalapagos\u002FGalapagos-Islands-Scuba-Diving-12.jpg",[383],{"type":384,"tabTitle":385,"tabContent":386,"icon":387,"diveType":388,"diveLevel":389,"divingSeason":212,"depth":390,"visibility":391,"temperature":392,"speciesCalendar":209},"tab","Diving in the Galapagos Islands","\u003Cp>At the meeting point of several oceanic currents, the Galapagos Islands boast a unique mix of both tropical and temperate species which thrive among nutrient-rich upwellings from the deep surrounding ocean. In fact, when it comes to biodiversity, this region has few rivals - particularly if you’re looking for big fish. Incredibly, some 30 species of shark call these waters home, alongside mantas, devil rays, and eagle rays. Plus, you can find yellow-bellied sea snakes, sea lions, dolphins, huge sea turtles, and unique marine iguanas. But the conditions that support such biodiversity means that the majority of sites are best suited to advanced divers who are comfortable in deep - and often cold - water, with strong currents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Scuba diving San Cristobal\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>The most easterly of the main islands, San Cristobal is where a lot of liveaboard dive trips begin. Day trips can also be done to many of the island’s dive sites, including Lobos Island, Santa Fe, Five Fingers, Whale Rock, and more. Tijeretas Hill is a great site for beginners, offering superb visibility and plenty of photo opportunities, while Kicker Rock is ideal for those with a little more experience. You can expect to see rays, sharks and sea lions, which congregate around a thin channel carved through the towering rock wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Scuba diving Santa Cruz and Santiago\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Heading northwest, the next two main islands are Santa Cruz and Santiago. Santa Cruz’s Gordon Rocks dive site is undoubtedly among the best in the central islands, featuring strong surge, ripping current, and impressive schools of hammerheads. Cousin’s Rock, on Santiago Island, is also a favourite for its wealth of smaller creatures. The walls, slopes and steps here are covered in black coral bushes, sea fans, red sponges, and small hard corals which shelter hawkfish, nudibranchs, frogfish, and Galapagos sea horses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Diving Isabela Island\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>The majority of Isabela’s diving is located around its northern coast, including Punta Albemarle and Cape Marshall - often dubbed the ray capital of the Galapagos. Punta Vicente Roca, on the northeastern tip, is an incredible cold-water site renowned for encounters with mola mola, penguins and sea lions, as well as marine iguanas and red-lipped batfish. Further north you’ll find Roca Redonda - famous for its streams of natural gas bubbles. Descend quickly and pull yourself along the rocks in search of Galapagos sharks, silky sharks and schools of hammerheads, as well as an abundance of nudibranchs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch3>Darwin and Wolf Islands diving\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>It can take up to 14 hours of sailing to reach Darwin and Wolf Islands, but it’s worth every minute, as these remote islands deliver some of the best scuba diving in Galapagos. From the boulder-strewn site known as Landslide to the many swim-throughs found at The Caves, Wolf Island is nothing short of spectacular. But it’s Shark Bay that many divers come to see. You’ll likely be ambushed by playful sea lions as you descend in search of yellowfin tuna, pelican barracuda, and jacks, as well as Galapagos sharks, silky sharks, and schools of hammerheads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Remote Darwin Island is located in the far northwest of the Galapagos Island chain. Surface conditions can be rough and currents challenging, but the cool touch of the Humboldt current is less prevalent, making this site feel more like a tropical dive than most others. In a sense, there’s really only one dive site here, known as Darwin Arch, but it can be explored in a variety of ways. Only, one thing is sure to stay the same - a high probability of hammerhead sharks that gather in their hundreds.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FIcons\u002Fdiving.svg","Big animals, walls and pinnacles, strong currents","Advanced","5 - 40m+","5 - 25m+","18 - 30C",[394,398,401,404,407],{"type":395,"tabTitle":396,"tabContent":397},"richtext","About the Galapagos Islands","\u003Cp>Located almost 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are known the world over as the inspiration behind Charles Darwin’s The Origin of Species - a ground-breaking book which paved the way for our current understanding of evolution and the natural world. Despite lying directly on the equator, the Galapagos Islands aren’t your typical tropical getaways. Stark, rocky and exposed, this volcanic island chain could easily be from another planet. And yet surprising, a scattering of towns can be found amongst the rugged wilderness, accommodating a small population of local people alongside tourists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Comprising thirteen main islands, five smaller islands, and numerous tiny islets, the Galapagos Islands are a national park and the first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thanks to its remote location, this unique archipelago has nurtured a long list of endemic species - many of which evolved in complete isolation to their cousins on neighbouring islands. Plus, with such effective geographical and governmental protection, many of these animals have evolved without an inherent fear of humans.\u003C\u002Fp>",{"type":395,"tabTitle":399,"tabContent":400},"Galapagos liveaboards","\u003Cp>While several of the islands are inhabited and boast some tourist infrastructure, if you're a diver, a trip to the Galapagos Islands means a trip to Wolf and Darwin Islands. And the only way to do that is \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fs\u002Fliveaboards\u002Fecuador\u002Fgalapagos\u002Fgalapagos-islands\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">onboard a Galapagos dive liveaboard\u003C\u002Fa>. There plenty of exceptional liveaboard operators that offer itineraries around the islands, delivering bucket-list-worthy trips exploring the best Galapagos Islands diving. And what’s more, many of these itineraries offer unmissable highlights on landsuch as a trek up to Bartolome lookout and discovering the Galapagos’ famous tortoises on Santa Cruz. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The high demand for spaces onboard dive liveaboards means that trips get booked well in advance. ZuBlu's expert travel team can help you find the ideal liveaboard and plan the trip of a lifetime.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Ready to book your liveaboard in the Galapagos? Learn everything you need to know about \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fdestination\u002Fecuador\u002Fgalapagos\u002Fgalapagos-islands\u002Fliveaboards-in-galapagos-islands\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">booking a liveaboard in the Galapagos Islands here\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>",{"type":395,"tabTitle":402,"tabContent":403},"How to get to the Galapagos Islands","\u003Cp>To explore the Galapagos Islands, you’ll first need to get yourself to mainland Ecuador, then grab a domestic flight from either Quito or Guayaquil international airports to the islands of Baltra or San Cristobal. There are around three daily flights, taking approximately three hours. If you’re staying on one of the other inhabited islands, there are two airlines - Emetebe and Fly Galapagos - offering inter-island flights between San Cristobal, Baltra and Isabela. Otherwise, you can use a speedboat or ferry - or a combination of the two - to reach your destination. If you’ve organised a liveaboard trip, you’ll likely be collected from the airport and shuttled to the vessel.\u003Cbr \u002F>\u003C\u002Fp>",{"type":395,"tabTitle":405,"tabContent":406},"Galapagos Islands diving season","\u003Cp>You can enjoy year-round diving in the Galapagos Islands, so the best time to visit really comes down to personal preference. The islands experience two seasons, each offering slightly different climates, water temperatures, and marine life. \u003Cbr \u002F>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Wet season\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>The wet season runs from January to May and is often referred to as manta season. As well as being the wettest time of year, it’s also the warmest, with the intense tropical sun only interrupted by brief afternoon showers. With the southeast winds weakening, warm, calmer waters drift from the Panama Basin. Sea temperatures tend to fluctuate between 20-25°C but can reach 28-30°C in some places, with inevitable thermoclines at depth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the name suggests, manta rays are common at this time, particularly off the coast of Isabela Island. Hammerhead schools tend to be larger during the warm season and it’s also a great time to spot other species. At this time, you can also witness the interesting mating behaviour of marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch4>Dry season\u003C\u002Fh4>\n\u003Cp>The dry season, also known as whale shark season, runs from June to December when the giants of the ocean come to feed in the plankton-rich waters surrounding Wolf and Darwin Islands. And it’s not just whale sharks - melon-headed, pilot and humpback whales can also be seen as they migrate to the coast of Ecuador between August and September. Plus, this is also the best time to find tiger sharks patrolling these waters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While this season might see less rain, it is also cooler, both above and below the waves and has slightly reduced visibility. Water temperatures can reach lows of 19°C and surface conditions can be more choppy.\u003C\u002Fp>",{"type":395,"tabTitle":408,"tabContent":409},"Conservation of the Galapagos","\u003Cp>The Galapagos National Park was established in 1959 and is Ecuador’s oldest park. In 1998, a Marine Protected Area (MPA) was established, which protects all the waters within 45 miles of the islands’ coasts. Both the national park and MPA are intended to protect the area’s unique biodiversity and ensure the sustainable use of natural resources. While some agriculture and fishing are allowed, the Galapagos Islands’ most important economic activity is tourism, with more than 100,000 people visiting every year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Research is one of the key missions within the Galapagos, with marine biologists carefully monitoring human interactions and species populations. To ensure that tourists observe regulations, the reserve uses satellite-based geographic information system technology to monitor activities. When visiting the protected areas, there are also some extra rules to follow, including not bringing any food, not smoking, and checking your shoes for seeds before transferring to another island.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u003Cul>\u003Cli>Encounter up to 30 different species of shark during one incredible trip!\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Once-in-a-lifetime visits to a flamingo lagoon, the Charles Darwin Research Station, and more\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Discover an array of endemic species, from penguins and fur seals to marine iguanas\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>",[412,415],{"type":413,"linkUrl":414},"specialOffersLink","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fspecial-offers",{"type":416,"bannerId":417,"banner":418},"downloadGuide","galapagos-mini-guide",{"bannerId":417,"bannerTitle":419,"zohoLinkId":420,"bannerBodyText":421,"bannerCTAText":422,"bannerCTALink":423,"bannerBackground":424,"downloadGuideText":425,"downloadGuideUrl":426},"Galapagos mini guide","4308641000066223125","\u003Cp>Embark on an adventure of a lifetime in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, and dive some of the most biodiverse waters on earth. Download ZuBlu’s free guide to the Galapagos Islands and start planning your trip today.\u003C\u002Fp>","Read now","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Farticles\u002Fgalapagos-mini-guide","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FGuides\u002FMini-Guide-Guide-Cover-Mockup-Galapagos.png","Free Galapagos diving guide","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Farticles\u002Fzublu-insights\u002Ffree-guide-to-diving-in-the-galapagos-islands",[428,456,488,517],{"type":160,"id":429,"url":430,"slug":431,"title":432,"code":433,"subtitle":434,"tagline":68,"overviewHighlight":27,"overviewText":27,"shortHighlight":435,"introduction":27,"banner":436,"cardPortrait":437,"status":169,"parent":438},"34961","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fdestination\u002Fcosta-rica\u002Fpuntarenas\u002Fcocos-island","cocos-island","Cocos Island","CST_COC","Embark on the ultimate scuba diving adventure at Cocos Island, where experienced divers can encounter schooling hammerheads, manta rays, whale sharks and more in this remote underwater paradise.","\u003Cul>\u003Cli>Incredible year-round diving with pelagics, marine mammals and more\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Dive with some of the biggest hammerhead schools on the planet\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Experience an isolated diving frontier, reserved exclusively for adventurous liveaboard divers\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Take a guided tour of the island and learn about its impressive biological significance\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FCosta-Rica\u002FCocos-Island\u002FCocos-Island-Scuba-Diving-Costa-Rica-banner.jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FCosta-Rica\u002FCocos-Island\u002FCocos-Island-Scuba-Diving-Costa-Rica-portrait.jpg",[439,445],{"type":172,"id":440,"url":441,"slug":442,"title":443,"code":444,"subtitle":68,"tagline":27,"overviewHighlight":27,"overviewText":27,"shortHighlight":27,"introduction":68,"banner":68,"cardPortrait":68,"status":183},"34960","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fdestination\u002Fcosta-rica\u002Fpuntarenas","puntarenas","Puntarenas","CST_PUN",{"type":185,"id":446,"url":447,"slug":448,"title":449,"code":450,"subtitle":68,"tagline":451,"overviewHighlight":452,"overviewText":453,"shortHighlight":27,"introduction":68,"banner":454,"cardPortrait":455,"status":169},"34959","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fdestination\u002Fcosta-rica","costa-rica","Costa Rica","CR","Discover exceptional biodiversity and unique dive experiences in this sustainable travel destination - with adrenaline-charged pelagic encounters, migrating cetaceans, and more.","\u003Cul>\u003Cli>Dive with some of the world's biggest hammerhead schools at Cocos Island\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Come face to face with bull sharks, whale sharks, manta rays and more\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Support Costa Rica’s ongoing commitment to environmental protection and sustainable travel\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Drop in on world-renowned surf breaks such as the Salsa Brava\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Hike volcanoes, trek through the rainforest and soak in geothermal pools\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>","\u003Cp>Costa Rica is a vibrant tropical nation located in Central America, renowned for its extraordinary natural landscapes. Despite its small size, the country has become a global leader and pioneered trends including demilitarisation and farm-to-table restaurants, to renewable energy. And, incredibly, some 25% of Costa Rica’s entire landmass has been protected - a significant effort from a country that plays host to 5% of the world’s biodiversity. And it’s not just the wildlife that benefits. A recent study found that Costa Ricans live longer, healthier lives than those in most other countries - but then with its palm-lined beaches, warm tropical climate, and laid-back blend of Latin and Caribbean cultures, it should come as no surprise that life in Costa Rica is good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cbr \u002F>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Christopher Columbus named this land Costa Rica - meaning ‘rich coast’ - he had no way of knowing how accurate a description it was. Today, Costa Rica’s exceptional marine life and magnificent underwater landscapes of caves and canyons are revered the world-over. While sun-soaked reefs line the country's eastern coast, they are generally better-suited to snorkelling. For the country’s serious diving, you’ll want to head west, where powerful pacific currents draw in a variety of pelagics. Plus, with several regions still more or less unmapped, world-class dive sites are still being discovered, providing an extra dose of excitement and anticipation. Whether you’re looking to snorkel over vibrant corals in warm Caribbean waters, or voyage to remote outposts in search of hammerheads schooling by the hundreds, Costa Rica is guaranteed to impress. \u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FCosta-Rica\u002FCocos-Island-Scuba-Diving-Costa-Rica-banner.jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FCosta-Rica\u002FCocos-Island-Scuba-Diving-Costa-Rica-portrait.jpg",{"type":160,"id":457,"url":458,"slug":459,"title":460,"code":461,"subtitle":462,"tagline":68,"overviewHighlight":27,"overviewText":27,"shortHighlight":463,"introduction":464,"banner":465,"cardPortrait":466,"status":169,"parent":467},"34447","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fdestination\u002Fmexico\u002Fbaja-california\u002Fsocorro-and-revillagigedo-islands","socorro-and-revillagigedo-islands","Socorro and Revillagigedo Islands","MEX_SOC","Socorro and the Revillagigedo Archipelago offer frontier scuba diving with powerful currents, giant oceanic mantas, dolphins and up to ten species of sharks.","\u003Cul>\u003Cli>Incredible \"cool water\" diving with current-swept lava flows and walls\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Big fish action - encounters with sharks, mantas, whale sharks, and dolphins\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Professional liveaboard operations with a limited number of divers at each site\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Surprisingly high biomass with swirling bait balls, massive shoals of tuna, and more\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>","Socorro diving is all about the big stuff. Experienced scuba divers can expect to encounter whale sharks, mantas, dolphins, and massive schools of tuna, plus multiple reef and pelagic shark species. And, thanks to years of marine park protection and its isolated geographic location, the diving here remains unspoilt - much like Mexico's Pacific coast 20 or more years ago. You can only dive Socorro by liveaboard, and voyages out to the islands mean cold conditions and long boat rides. But, we promise it's all worthwhile - a trip to Socorro is truly the trip of a lifetime!","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FMexico\u002FBaja-California\u002FSocorro-and-Revillagigedo\u002FSocorro-Islands-Revillagigedo-banner.jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FMexico\u002FBaja-California\u002FSocorro-and-Revillagigedo\u002FSocorro-Islands-Revillagigedo-portrait.jpg",[468,479],{"type":172,"id":469,"url":470,"slug":471,"title":472,"code":473,"subtitle":27,"tagline":474,"overviewHighlight":475,"overviewText":476,"shortHighlight":27,"introduction":27,"banner":477,"cardPortrait":478,"status":169},"34446","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fdestination\u002Fmexico\u002Fbaja-california","baja-california","Baja California","MEX_BAJ","Baja diving is dynamic and diverse, with unique and dramatic landscapes, powerful currents, and close encounters with some of the planet's most impressive marine wildlife.","\u003Cul>\u003Cli>Fascinating underwater topography with craggy reefs and volcanic formations\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Chance interactions with rare wildlife like dolphins, rays, and whale sharks\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Dynamic dive sites including sea lion rookeries packed with playful pups\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Up-close encounters with up to ten species of sharks\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Migratory humpback whales breaching, spying, and splashing on the surface\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>","\u003Cp>Spanning thousands of kilometres from north to south, Baja California is a massive and diverse diving destination - with each region boasting its own incredible underwater attractions. But, the peninsula’s striking underwater world isn’t its only attraction. This region’s unique desert environment is just as stunning above water as it is below - with volcanic and barren landscapes set against a backdrop of dazzling turquoise and fascinating formations like Cabo's Lands End Arch!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cbr \u002F>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Explore the Sea of Cortez, famously nicknamed the 'Aquarium of the world' by Jacques Cousteau, where divers can cruise vibrant rocky reefs, encountering sea lions, sharks, and even hammerheads and schooling mobulas. This region is also home to remote seamounts, well-preserved shipwrecks, and one of the planet's greatest marine protection success stories - Cabo Pulmo. Head a bit further south for unique underwater environments, including Cabo's famous sand falls, dynamic offshore dive sites like the Gordo Banks, and seasonal encounters with migrating humpback whales on the surface.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cbr \u002F>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Up for an even wilder adventure? Baja's remote offshore diving areas can only be visited by liveaboard - letting you enjoy uncrowded dive sites packed with extraordinary marine wildlife. Giant oceanic manta rays, dolphins, and sharks are the stars of the show at Socorro and Revillagigedo - with a chance to spot whale sharks and schooling hammerheads, as well. Further north at Guadalupe, divers can observe Mexico’s famous great white sharks, as they gather for an annual aggregation. \u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FMexico\u002FBaja-California\u002FBaja-California-Diving-Banner.jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FMexico\u002FBaja-California\u002FBaja-California-Diving-Mexico-portrait.jpg",{"type":185,"id":480,"url":55,"slug":481,"title":54,"code":482,"subtitle":68,"tagline":483,"overviewHighlight":484,"overviewText":485,"shortHighlight":27,"introduction":68,"banner":486,"cardPortrait":487,"status":169},"34445","mexico","MX","Beautiful beaches, ancient cultures, and dramatic landscapes blend perfectly with world-class diving in this destination known for its thriving reefs, stunning cenotes, and marine life!","\u003Cul>\u003Cli>Dive the lost world of the Maya in Mexico's cenotes - a massive system of underground freshwater caves and caverns\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Unforgettable encounters with great white sharks at Guadalupe, and encounters with marine megafauna in Revillagigedo and Socorro\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Beautiful beaches and healthy reefs clouded by colourful fish in Cozumel \u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Up-close encounters with whale sharks and mantas on both coasts\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Stunning biodiversity in Jacques Cousteau's aquarium of the world - the Sea of Cortez\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>","\u003Cp>One of the most enticing parts of travelling in Mexico is the country's sheer size. No matter where you've been diving, there's always another adventure just down the coast! On land, there’s plenty more to explore, with an all-you-can-eat buffet of cultures, cuisines, and landscapes, all set to a distinctly Latin rhythm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cbr \u002F>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Mexico diving could be summed up in one word, it would be diversity. This massive country boasts two stunning coasts, each with thousands of kilometres of beaches studded by ancient ruins, mangrove forests, and geological points of interest. This bold and exotic destination is just as varied below the waterline, with an unbelievable variety of oceanic environments and animals. All that diversity gives Mexico a unique appeal, with plenty of fun for avid scuba divers, beach bums, and adventure junkies alike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cbr \u002F>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once you discover all that Mexico has to offer, it's easy to see why so many divers return year after year. The Pacific coast offers adventure on the high seas, with dynamic liveaboard-only destinations where sharks rule, and a chance to dive alongside extraordinary marine life in Jacques Cousteau's playground - the Sea of Cortez. Head to the Caribbean side for beautiful white sand beaches, relaxed reefs, and more close encounters with sharks and even mantas. If you're interested in cave or cavern exploration, cenote diving in Mexico won't disappoint. You'll find endless opportunities to explore these fascinating underground environments with expeditions led by world-class diving operations.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FMexico\u002FMexico-Scuba-Diving-banner.jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FMexico\u002FMexico-Scuba-Diving-portrait.jpg",{"type":160,"id":489,"url":490,"slug":491,"title":492,"code":493,"subtitle":494,"tagline":68,"overviewHighlight":27,"overviewText":27,"shortHighlight":495,"introduction":496,"banner":497,"cardPortrait":498,"status":169,"parent":499},"35591","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fdestination\u002Fcolombia\u002Fvalle-del-cauca\u002Fmalpelo-island","malpelo-island","Malpelo Island","COL_MAL","Dive one of the most pristine and remote underwater wildernesses where some of the ocean’s most powerful pelagics, including hammerhead and silky sharks, gather in a display unlike any other","\u003Cul>\u003Cli>Action-packed adventure diving in a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Witness congregations of hundreds of hammerheads and thousands of silky sharks\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Dive with the fastest marine animal on the planet - the sailfish\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Have the entire park to yourself, with just one liveaboard vessel permitted to enter at a time\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>","Located 500 kilometres from mainland South America in 3,000-metre deep ocean, and fed by powerful currents, Malpelo Island can only be described as the ultimate pelagic diving playground. You can forget about coral-combing and critter-hunting here, this isolated island is all about exhilarating scuba diving with some of the ocean’s most formidable fish. Here, you can encounter scores of eagle rays, hundreds of hammerheads, and up to a thousand silkies before breakfast, and still surface from your last dive of the day in awed by Malpelo’s supreme marine life.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FColombia\u002FMalpelo\u002FMalpelo-Island-Colombia-Diving-Banner.jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FColombia\u002FMalpelo\u002FMalpelo-Island-Colombia-Diving-Portrait.jpg",[500,506],{"type":172,"id":501,"url":502,"slug":503,"title":504,"code":505,"subtitle":68,"tagline":27,"overviewHighlight":27,"overviewText":27,"shortHighlight":27,"introduction":68,"banner":68,"cardPortrait":68,"status":183},"35590","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fdestination\u002Fcolombia\u002Fvalle-del-cauca","valle-del-cauca","Valle del Cauca","COL_VAL",{"type":185,"id":507,"url":508,"slug":509,"title":510,"code":511,"subtitle":68,"tagline":512,"overviewHighlight":513,"overviewText":514,"shortHighlight":27,"introduction":68,"banner":515,"cardPortrait":516,"status":169},"35589","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fdestination\u002Fcolombia","colombia","Colombia","CO","Scuba diving in Colombia is as lively as the country itself, offering a dream line-up of powerful pelagics - including hammerheads and other shark species schooling by the hundreds, if not thousands.","\u003Cul>\u003Cli>Explore remote, frontier destinations without a single other dive boat insight\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Dive among huge schools of some of the ocean’s most exciting shark species\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Witness the lighting speed of the fastest marine animal in the world - the sailfish\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Discover some of the best diving in Colombia - if not the world - within the infamous ‘Hammerhead Triangle’\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>","\u003Cp>Situated at the northwest tip of South America where the coastline is split by Panama, Colombia has both Carribean and Pacific shores. Bursting with colourful Latin culture, the country has become a favourite of travellers after an authentic and uncommercialised experience. Fresh coffee, friendly communities, colonial architecture, and vibrant street carnivals are just a few of Colombia’s simple pleasures - not to mention national parks, mountain ranges, ancient ruins, and beaches that have to be seen to be believed. Rising from its turbulent past, this enchanting country somehow seems brighter, bolder, and more beautiful than ever, and is guaranteed to blow you away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Cbr \u002F>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When it comes to diving, Colombia is best-known for the exciting underwater adventures at remote Malpelo Island. The desolate rocky outcrop is the easternmost point of the famed ‘Hammerhead Triangle’, a constellation of islands delivering reliable encounters with huge hammerhead schools. But the island is a hotspot for more than just hammerheads. Lying 500-kilometres from the mainland, and surrounded by open ocean reaching depths of over 3,000-metres, this isolated island is a playground for pelagics, from swift sailfish to the magnificent whale shark and thousands of schooling silky sharks.\u003C\u002Fp>","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FColombia\u002FMalpelo-Island-Colombia-Diving-Colombia-Banner.jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FColombia\u002FMalpelo-Island-Colombia-Diving-Colombia-Portrait.jpg",{"type":160,"id":518,"url":519,"slug":520,"title":521,"code":522,"subtitle":523,"tagline":68,"overviewHighlight":27,"overviewText":27,"shortHighlight":524,"introduction":525,"banner":526,"cardPortrait":527,"status":169,"parent":528},"34783","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fdestination\u002Fmexico\u002Fbaja-california\u002Fguadalupe-island","guadalupe-island","Guadalupe Island","MEX_GUD","Guadalupe is a haven for shark enthusiasts and underwater photographers, with crystal clear water and great white encounters that are nothing short of spectacular!","\u003Cul>\u003Cli>Close encounters with over 300 individually identified great white sharks\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Surface and submersible caged experiences, with a focus on safety\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Incredible visibility, topping out at over 40 metres\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>Remote, liveaboard-only setting with just a handful of boats on the water\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>","Update Jan 2024 - Guadalupe Island has been closed to tourism and other activities by order of the Mexican authorities. Guadalupe Island shark diving is some of the best on the planet. This volcanic island, over 200 kilometres off Mexico's Pacific coast, was once home to massive fishing, fur, and logging operations. Today, it's one of the best places in the world to observe great white sharks - with over 300 identified individuals making the annual migration to visit these remote waters. Guadalupe can only be visited by liveaboard during a short, four-month season, so you can expect an off-the-beaten-path atmosphere that caters to the adventurous.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FMexico\u002FBaja-California\u002FGuadalupe-Island\u002FGuadalupe-Island-Mexico-Diving-Shark-banner.jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FMexico\u002FBaja-California\u002FGuadalupe-Island\u002FGuadalupe-Island-Mexico-Diving-Shark-portrait.jpg",[529,530],{"type":172,"id":469,"url":470,"slug":471,"title":472,"code":473,"subtitle":27,"tagline":474,"overviewHighlight":475,"overviewText":476,"shortHighlight":27,"introduction":27,"banner":477,"cardPortrait":478,"status":169},{"type":185,"id":480,"url":55,"slug":481,"title":54,"code":482,"subtitle":68,"tagline":483,"overviewHighlight":484,"overviewText":485,"shortHighlight":27,"introduction":68,"banner":486,"cardPortrait":487,"status":169},[],[533,550,561,574],{"id":534,"title":535,"slug":536,"url":537,"entryType":538,"introduction":539,"supplier_thumbnail":540,"destination":541,"packageStartingPrice":542,"rating":543,"reviewImage":544,"reviewLink":545,"reviewName":27,"totalReview":546,"odysseyReview":547},"34414","Calipso","calipso","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fliveaboard\u002Fecuador\u002Fcalipso","liveaboard","This exceptional family-run liveaboard was born from a deep connection with the Galapagos and a passion for its continued conservation. Completely renovated in 2019, Calipso Galapagos liveaboard now comes with a stylish, contemporary look and warm, welcoming feel - the perfect atmosphere to complement each adventurous voyage. Dine on delicious all-you-can-eat buffets, soak up some sun in the Jacuzzi, and add-on extra enriching excursions as you embark on the adventure-diving holiday of your dreams - in total comfort.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FLiveaboards\u002FCalipso\u002FCalipso-Galapagos-Liveaboard-thumb.jpg",{"title":48,"slug":162},925,"5.0","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.tripadvisor.com\u002Fimg\u002Fcdsi\u002Fimg2\u002Fratings\u002Ftraveler\u002F5.0-68783-5.svg","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.tripadvisor.com\u002FAttraction_Review-g297533-d21234313-Reviews-Calipso_Dive_Galapagos-Puerto_Ayora_Santa_Cruz_Galapagos_Islands.html?m=68783","29",{"rating":548,"count":549},5,3,{"id":551,"title":552,"slug":553,"url":554,"entryType":538,"introduction":555,"supplier_thumbnail":556,"destination":557,"packageStartingPrice":558,"rating":559,"reviewImage":27,"reviewLink":27,"reviewName":27,"totalReview":560,"odysseyReview":-1},"34420","Galapagos Sky","galapagos-sky","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fliveaboard\u002Fecuador\u002Fgalapagos-sky","Galapagos Sky liveaboard is a modern, comfortable motor yacht, with nearly 20 years of cruising experience in the Galapagos Islands. This vessel offers adventurous and luxurious voyages focusing on guest comfort, outstanding service, and of course, unforgettable scuba diving. You'll enjoy eight incredible days at sea, with stops at the most famous sites known for encounters with whale sharks, hammerheads, and endemic species like marine iguanas and penguins. And, each trip includes shore excursions to visit rare birds, tortoises, and historical sites made famous by Charles Darwin. Back on board, even the most discerning of divers will love this boat that offers free wine with dinner, hot towels after diving, and free nitrox for qualified guests.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FLiveaboards\u002FGalapagos-Sky\u002FGalapagos-Sky-Liveaboard-Thumb.jpg",{"title":48,"slug":162},937,"0.0","0",{"id":562,"title":563,"slug":564,"url":565,"entryType":538,"introduction":566,"supplier_thumbnail":567,"destination":568,"packageStartingPrice":569,"rating":570,"reviewImage":571,"reviewLink":572,"reviewName":27,"totalReview":573,"odysseyReview":-1},"34501","Galapagos Master","galapagos-master","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fliveaboard\u002Fecuador\u002Fgalapagos-master","Galapagos Master liveaboard is a modern, stylish motor yacht, recently refurbished for liveaboard diving in the Galapagos Islands. This boat offers adventurous and luxurious voyages with a focus on wildlife and the island’s unique sites - above and below water. Encounter whale sharks, hammerheads, penguins and marine iguanas; then take the adventure topside where rare birds, tortoises, and other land species await. The Galapagos Master's classic itineraries mix exceptional service from the crew, modern facilities for divers with top of the line rental equipment, nitrox, and individual gear amenities, and near-guaranteed encounters with some of the world's most exciting oceanic species.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FLiveaboards\u002FGalapagos-Master\u002FGalapagos-Master-Liveaboard-thumb.jpg",{"title":48,"slug":162},893,"4.5","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.tripadvisor.com\u002Fimg\u002Fcdsi\u002Fimg2\u002Fratings\u002Ftraveler\u002F4.5-68783-5.svg","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.tripadvisor.com\u002FAttraction_Review-g297530-d21329854-Reviews-Galapagos_Master_Master_Liveaboards-San_Cristobal_Galapagos_Islands.html?m=68783","15",{"id":575,"title":576,"slug":577,"url":578,"entryType":538,"introduction":579,"supplier_thumbnail":580,"destination":581,"packageStartingPrice":582,"rating":570,"reviewImage":571,"reviewLink":583,"reviewName":27,"totalReview":584,"odysseyReview":585},"34688","Tiburon Explorer","tiburon-explorer","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fliveaboard\u002Fecuador\u002Ftiburon-explorer","Part of the world’s first Green Fins approved liveaboard fleet, Tiburon Explorer liveaboard allows intrepid and discerning divers to discover the unique ecosystems of the Galapagos in total peace of mind. This brand new vessel oozes elegance and comes ready-for-action with a host of convenient dive amenities and comforting little luxuries. Enjoy easy, eco-friendly diving from the efficiently-designed dive deck, capture the perfect shot with practical photography facilities, and then relax with a complimentary drink in the open-air Jacuzzi - what more could you ask for?","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FLiveaboards\u002FTiburon-Explorer\u002FTiburon-Explorer-Galapagos-Liveaboard-thumb.jpg",{"title":48,"slug":162},912,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.tripadvisor.com\u002FAttraction_Review-g147395-d621281-Reviews-Explorer_Ventures-Turks_and_Caicos.html?m=68783","61",{"rating":548,"count":586},2,[],{"seomaticMeta":589,"seomaticHelper":609,"seomaticSiteMeta":613,"seomaticSocial":619,"seomaticIdentity":623,"seomaticCreator":629,"seomaticTemplatePath":27,"seomaticMainEntityOfPage":631},{"seoTitle":590,"seoDescription":591,"seoKeywords":592,"seoImage":167,"robots":27,"canonicalUrl":49,"twitter":593,"og":597,"breadcrumbs":607},"Scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands","Discover the prolific marine life of the Galapagos Islands, where scuba divers can encounter hammerheads, marine iguanas, and whale sharks","scuba, diving, asia, destinations, travel",{"card":594,"site":595,"creator":27,"title":590,"description":591,"image":596,"url":49},"summary","@zubludiving","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FPhilippines\u002FVisayas\u002FMoalboal\u002FMoalboal_Sampaguita-turtle.jpg",{"type":598,"locale":599,"url":49,"title":590,"description":591,"image":596,"image:type":600,"image:width":601,"image:height":602,"site_name":108,"see_also":603},"website","en_us","image\u002Fjpeg","2000","1331",[12,604,605,606],"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.facebook.com\u002Fzubludiving","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.instagram.com\u002Fzublu_diving","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.pinterest.com\u002Fzubludiving",{"Book your next scuba diving holiday":608},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com",{"twitterUrl":12,"facebookUrl":604,"googlePlusUrl":27,"linkedInUrl":27,"youtubeUrl":27,"youtubeChannelUrl":27,"instagramUrl":605,"pinterestUrl":606,"githubUrl":27,"vimeoUrl":27,"wikipediaUrl":27,"ownerGoogleSiteVerification":27,"ownerBingSiteVerification":27,"ownerGoogleAnalyticsUID":27,"ownerGoogleTagManagerID":27,"googleAnalyticsSendPageview":610,"googleAnalyticsAdvertising":560,"googleAnalyticsEcommerce":560,"googleAnalyticsEEcommerce":560,"googleAnalyticsLinkAttribution":560,"googleAnalyticsLinker":560,"googleAnalyticsAnonymizeIp":560,"ownerCopyrightNotice":611,"ownerAddressString":27,"ownerAddressHtml":27,"ownerMapUrl":27,"creatorCopyrightNotice":612,"creatorAddressString":27,"creatorAddressHtml":27,"creatorMapUrl":27},"1","Copyright ©2026 ZuBlu.","Copyright ©2026 .",{"locale":599,"siteSeoName":108,"siteSeoTitle":147,"siteSeoTitleSeparator":614,"siteSeoTitlePlacement":615,"siteDevModeTitle":616,"siteSeoDescription":617,"siteSeoKeywords":592,"siteRobots":27,"siteLinksSearchTargets":618,"siteLinksQueryInput":27,"siteSeoImage":596},"|","after","[devMode]","ZuBlu is the leading dive travel company to search, compare and book scuba diving travel worldwide. 600+ resorts and liveaboards to choose from.",[],{"locale":599,"twitterHandle":620,"facebookHandle":620,"facebookProfileId":621,"facebookAppId":27,"linkedInHandle":27,"googlePlusHandle":27,"youtubeHandle":27,"youtubeChannelHandle":27,"instagramHandle":622,"pinterestHandle":620,"githubHandle":27,"vimeoHandle":27,"wikipediaUrl":27},"zubludiving","1843817699193883","zublu_diving",{"type":624,"name":108,"url":608,"sameAs":625,"location":626},"Corporation",[12,604,605,606],{"type":627,"name":108,"url":608,"sameAs":628},"Place",[12,604,605,606],{"type":630},"Organization",{"url":49,"mainEntityOfPage":49},"https:\u002F\u002Fres.cloudinary.com\u002Fzublu\u002Fimage\u002Ffetch\u002Ff_webp,w_1200,q_auto\u002Fhttps:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FEcuador\u002FGalapagos\u002FGalapagos-Islands-Scuba-Diving-Banner.jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fres.cloudinary.com\u002Fzublu\u002Fimage\u002Ffetch\u002Ff_webp,w_600,h_360,c_scale,q_50\u002Fhttps:\u002F\u002Fwww.zubludiving.com\u002Fimages\u002FEcuador\u002FGalapagos\u002FGalapagos-Islands-Scuba-Diving-Banner.jpg",{"id":635,"name":48,"code":163,"url":49,"has_resorts":25,"has_liveaboards":25,"has_ecoventures":25,"has_yachts":25,"resorts_count":636,"liveaboards_count":636,"ecoventures_count":636,"yachts_count":636,"faqs":637},77,0,[638,642,646,650,654],{"id":639,"question":640,"answer":641},46,"\u003Cdiv>What diving certification is needed for the Galapagos?\u003C\u002Fdiv>","\u003Cdiv>Most liveaboards require Advanced Open Water certification and 50+ logged dives. Strong currents, surge on the surface and blue water diving mean this destination is best for experienced divers.\u003C\u002Fdiv>",{"id":643,"question":644,"answer":645},47,"\u003Cdiv>Can beginners dive in the Galapagos?\u003C\u002Fdiv>","\u003Cdiv>Yes – certain land-based sites are suitable for beginners. Gordon Rocks and Kicker Rock are popular with intermediate divers. Training courses are available at some dive centres.\u003C\u002Fdiv>",{"id":647,"question":648,"answer":649},48,"\u003Cdiv>When can I see hammerhead sharks?\u003C\u002Fdiv>","\u003Cdiv>Hammerhead sharks are seen year-round at Wolf and Darwin Islands, with the largest schools from June to November.\u003C\u002Fdiv>",{"id":651,"question":652,"answer":653},49,"\u003Cdiv>When is the best time to see whale sharks?\u003C\u002Fdiv>","\u003Cdiv>Between June and November, especially at Darwin Island.\u003C\u002Fdiv>",{"id":655,"question":656,"answer":657},50,"\u003Cdiv>How cold is the water in the Galapagos?\u003C\u002Fdiv>","\u003Cul>\u003Cli>June to November: 18–24°C (5mm+ wetsuit recommended)\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>December to May: 23–27°C (3–5mm wetsuit)\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cdiv>\u003Cbr>\u003C\u002Fdiv>",1781168506905]