Best Scuba Diving

Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos is more than a dive trip, it is a pilgrimage to earth's sanctuary for endemic species, a Mecca for divers who worship biodiversity. It's not cheap but for those of us who prefer diving as far away from overcrowded and overdeveloped resort destinations as possible, the price of an all-inclusive liveaboard tour of the Galapagos Islands is well worth it.

Volcanic in origin, these islands comprise the tops of still-active volcanoes that rise from the ocean floor 2200 meters below. Situated where the cold Humboldt and several other major ocean currents converge, the Galapagos nurtures one of the richest and most diverse marine ecosystems in the world.

When to Go

The best time to visit the Galagagos is from December through June when the warm Panama Current brings calmer seas and warmer weather. From June to December, cold currents from the south lowers the water temperature to 20C (68F).

Facts about the Galapagos Islands

Area: 45,000 sq km

Land Area: 7,882 sq km

13 major islands, 8 smaller islands, 40 islets

Population: 20,000+

Estimated Population in 2015: 40,000+

1959: 97.5% of land area designated as a national park

1978: UNEXSO recognizes archipelago as World Heritage Site

1986: surrounding ocean designated as a marine reserve

2001: World Heritage Site expanded to include marine reserve

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO :: SCUBA DIVING IN THE GALAPAGOS

Completely isolated from other land masses, the terrestrial ecosystem is especially fragile and native species have no natural defenses against introduced species. A recent population surge caused serious environmental problems, however, Ecuador enacted new laws in 1998 that have halted immigration.

From November 13-17, 2000, severe disputes over lobster fishing quotas erupted into violence and lobster fishers threatened to kill park wardens at the Galapagos National Park. Hostile fishers set National Park offices on fire, stole baby tortoises and destroyed telephone communications equipment cutting off contact with the outside world. Tourists were also threatened and prevented from boarding vessels bound for park areas. Park vehicles and other equipment was stolen and destroyed. Local police refused to step in and make arrests.

The Association of Park Wardens of the Galapagos National Park sent a letter to Ecuador's president charging that local police, politicians and judges have colluded with the fishing industry to violate laws aimed at protecting the park and its natural resources. The wardens demanded that a state of emergency be declared and that local police, politicians and judges be forced to take immediate action or be removed. Meanwhile, the fishers have ignored quotas and laws forbidding environmentally destructive fishing methods such as sharkfinning.

There are other threats. Early in 2001, an oil tanker loaded with bunker fuel for tourist vessels grounded on a reef and 1.1 million liters of diesel fuel spilled into the ocean. The archipelago avoided an environmental disaster when winds and currents pushed a huge oil slick out to sea, however, recent scientific studies found that extremely minute amounts of fuel oil killed over 60% of marine iguanas in contaminated areas.

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