Ecuador is a scuba divers paradise packed with species found nowhere else on Earth. The area features heavy current and nutrient rich waters that attract major pelagic action.
Where can you scuba dive in Ecuador?
The best diving on mainland Ecuador is around Isla de la Plata, a small island that is two hours from Puerto Lopez by boat. Known as “poor man’s Galapagos,“ marine life on Isla de la Plata offers a sampling of what divers find out in the Galapagos.
Can beginners dive in the Galapagos?
The Galapagos offers diving to suit all levels but it’s important to note that many of the most spectacular sites are off limits for beginners. You will, of course, need your PADI Open Water certificate or equivalent qualification as a minimum to dive here.
Is scuba diving good in Galapagos islands?
Diving is great year-round in the Galapagos. The wet/warm season, between December to June, is considered by many the best time to scuba dive Galapagos. This is because there is calmer, warmer water and better visibility. This is also the season to see manta rays and hammerhead sharks.
Is Ecuador good for scuba diving? – Related Questions
What is the deadliest dive site in the world?
The Blue Hole is popular for freediving because of the depth directly accessible from shore and the lack of current. The dive site is reputed to have the most diver fatalities in the world with estimates of between 130 and 200 fatalities in recent years.
What is the best month to go to the Galapagos?
But that said, our experts generally agree that the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is from December to May. Why? These months coincide with the warm season and ocean conditions are clear, warm excellent for snorkeling and diving.
How hard is diving in the Galapagos?
A: Galapagos diving conditions can be challenging. Currents are moderate to strong and may require you to grab hold of rocks below the surface so you don’t drift away. Surges may create difficulties during your safety stops. The average visibility is 10 – 21m (30 – 70ft), but can be less.
Which Island has the best scuba diving?
- Cozumel & Riviera Maya, Mexico. Excellent Drift Diving, Beautiful Corals & Diverse Marine Life!
- Jardines de la Reina, Cuba. WORLD-CLASS SHARK DIVING, SALTWATER CROCODILES & PRISTINE REEFS.
- Cayman Islands.
- Bahamas.
- Roatan, Honduras.
- Turneffe Atoll, Belize.
- Silver Bank, Dominican Republic.
- Turks and Caicos.
How rough are the waters around the Galapagos Islands?
The Galapagos seas are generally calm, but during bad weather, and when the boat is traveling against the current, it can get rough. Seas can be a bit rougher July through December, especially in September and October, because of the Humboldt Current.
How much does scuba diving cost in the Galapagos?
The approximate cost of a liveaboard diving tour is between $600 and $700 per day. These tours usually last an average of 8 days. On the other hand, land-based SCUBA diving day tours (coupled with an Expedition Hotel) cost, on average, between $400 to $600 per day, with itineraries that extend up to 5 or 8 days.
Should I bring a wetsuit to the Galapagos?
The very short answer: It is not ultimately necessary to wear a wetsuit when swimming or snorkeling in Galapagos, but for the most enjoyable experience we stongly recommend you use one. The longer answer: Snorkeling is one of the top activities that passengers look for during a Galapagos Cruise, and rightfully so!
What is the best time to go diving in the Galapagos?
In summary, the best time to dive in the Galapagos is between June and October because you can see the big wildlife, whale sharks, and big schools of hammerheads.
Where is the cheapest place to dive?
- 1 – Thailand. In the last decades, Thailand has acquired the reputation of the place to go if you are looking to start scuba diving on a budget.
- 2 – The Philippines.
- 3 – Indonesia.
- 4 – Egypt.
- 5 – Honduras.
- 6 – Belize.
- 7 – Mexico.
- 8 – Spain.
Where is the scuba diving capital of the world?
Key Largo, Florida is known as the scuba diving capital of the world. This is because there is a very large amount of dive sites easily accessible to divers. The Florida Keys is located along the 3rd largest barrier reef in the world.
Where is the clearest water for scuba diving?
8 of the World’s Clearest Waters for Scuba Diving
- Linapacan Island – Philippines.
- The Cayman Islands – Caribbean.
- Pensacola – Gulf of Mexico.
- The Maldives – Indian Ocean.
- Yucatan Peninsula – Mexico.
- Hawaii – Pacific Ocean.
- Lake Baikal – Russia.
- Tobermory – Lake Huron.
Why is it not recommended to scuba dive?
Diving compressed gases (ie, scuba diving) can lead to two very serious medical conditions: Decompression Sickness (DCS), otherwise known as “the Bends,” and Pulmonary Over-Inflation Syndrome (POIS).
Is it OK to pee while scuba diving?
Be Safe!
In our previous blog article we have explained that it is perfectly normal to have the urge to pee while diving. It’s the body’s natural reaction to the underwater environment, conditions and also to the fact that you needed to stay hydrated prior to the dive.
At what age should you stop scuba diving?
After all, according to certifying agencies like PADI, SSI or other scuba diving organizations, there is only one scuba diving age restriction. You can begin to dive when you are 8 years old, and there is no maximum age. That’s right!
What is the number one rule of scuba diving?
1. Breathe continuously while on scuba. Never hold your breath. There is no way, you would have missed that one.