Dive Sites in Ecuador (South America)

Experience the rich variety of Ecuador from high snowy mountain peaks to tropical beaches and the absolutely spectacular world-class diving of the Galapagos Islands.

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Dive Site Overview for Ecuador

Ecuador, on the Pacific Coast of South America, is jam-packed with variety from tropical beaches, mangroves, volcanoes, mountains, rainforests and absolutely spectacular wildlife both on land and under water.

Diving from mainland Ecuador is generally around Machalilla National Park, an excellent place for whale watching, which incorporates Isla de la Plata (known as the Poor Man’s Galapagos) where you can see several animals commonly found in the Galapagos such as blue footed boobies, pelicans, dolphins, sea lions and humpback whales (June – October). At Isla de la Plata you can find the famous spondylous oyster used as a currency during Inca times. The Ecuadorian coast offers excellent marine life including hundreds of tropical species from snappers, angel fish, trigger fish, parrot fish and frog fish to mantas, morays and reef sharks.

The pearl of Ecuador is without doubt the Galapagos Islands located 600 miles off shore (flights from Quito and Guayaquil). The Galapagos Islands were made famous by Darwin in 1835, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, they attract an amazing mixture of wildlife due their remote location and unique mix of warm Pacific currents with cold Antarctic currents. Unlike anywhere else on earth, these animals have no fear of humans taking close range photography so you really can get close up and personal with some of the rarest species on this planet! Almost 25% of marine life here is endemic to the Galapagos. You will see beautiful birds from Galapagos hawks, frigates, boobies and albatross to little Galapagos penguins, seals and sea-lions, giant tortoises and turtles, endemic marine iguanas, huge schools of colourful fish, hammerheads, sharks, dolphins, and whales –expect to be amazed!

Diving in the Galapagos is possible all year round, Park Entrance fee is $100 payable on landing. Seas are warmer and calmer from Nov – June however whale shark migration is from late May – July. There are several dive centres on Santa Cruz and Isabela island offering day trips however to travel up to Wolf or Darwin you need to book a cruise or liveaboard. Be aware that currents can be very strong and some areas are not suitable for inexperienced divers. Despite being on the equator, water temperatures are cold, around 20°C at the surface and get as low as 10°C.