I was wondering if anyone can give me a synopsis of water and surface conditions and what can be seen at that time that can't be seen at other times and viceversa
Thank you
Thank you
Galapagos Early March
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OnTheSpot
Contributor
Here is what we say about the Galapagos dive season
Diving Season There are 2 seasons in the Galapagos Islands: Wet and Dry. They fade into each other so there is no strict dividing line but they can be generally characterised as follows:
January to June is wet season with sunny spells either side of the brief but impressive showers which can occur daily. This period has warmer water temperatures generally fluctuating between 20 - 28°C during this time. At this time of year you might get away with diving many sites in little more than a shortie and gloves (for holding on to rocks). However, some sites have specific currents that keep the temperature low such as Punta Vincente Roca where no human could comfortably dive in a shortie.
Dry season, more or less from July to December, sees less rain but is also cooler above and below the waters. Water temperatures in dry season are usually 16 - 23°C. This is when there is a strong chance of multiple whale shark encounters and is often referred to as 'Peak Season'. However, the colder water temperatures and choppier seas might make it a little uncomfortable for divers of a certain disposition.
The wisest course of action is to come prepared with exposure suits for a range of temperatures. Marine conditions are variable and it is better to be over-prepared than under-prepared when scuba diving here in Ecuador.
Often whale shark season is emphasised as the best time to come (June to November). However, many of those in the know contend that January to May, with warm water and sunny skies, offer the most pleasant all round Galapagos diving experience. This period seems to produce better sightings of creatures other than the whale shark, including a greater chance of manta ray encounters and the best hammerhead shark action.
Diving Season There are 2 seasons in the Galapagos Islands: Wet and Dry. They fade into each other so there is no strict dividing line but they can be generally characterised as follows:
January to June is wet season with sunny spells either side of the brief but impressive showers which can occur daily. This period has warmer water temperatures generally fluctuating between 20 - 28°C during this time. At this time of year you might get away with diving many sites in little more than a shortie and gloves (for holding on to rocks). However, some sites have specific currents that keep the temperature low such as Punta Vincente Roca where no human could comfortably dive in a shortie.
Dry season, more or less from July to December, sees less rain but is also cooler above and below the waters. Water temperatures in dry season are usually 16 - 23°C. This is when there is a strong chance of multiple whale shark encounters and is often referred to as 'Peak Season'. However, the colder water temperatures and choppier seas might make it a little uncomfortable for divers of a certain disposition.
The wisest course of action is to come prepared with exposure suits for a range of temperatures. Marine conditions are variable and it is better to be over-prepared than under-prepared when scuba diving here in Ecuador.
Often whale shark season is emphasised as the best time to come (June to November). However, many of those in the know contend that January to May, with warm water and sunny skies, offer the most pleasant all round Galapagos diving experience. This period seems to produce better sightings of creatures other than the whale shark, including a greater chance of manta ray encounters and the best hammerhead shark action.
DiveTheGalapagos
Contributor
I would beg to disagree with the gentlemen from Phuket. There are no Galapagos sites at any time of the year appropriate for a shortie as the temps given are merely surface temps and do not take into account the thermoclines that can be around 15-17 C at most sites except Darwin. The only time I've ever known sites to be warm enough for a shortie are during El Nino years. I would wholeheartedly agree that the water and weather are considerably warmer between Jan and May.
March is a tricky time to come as there are no whale sharks in the north and the hammerhead population is diminished due to migration to Cocos and Malpelo before returning around early-mid April. Mantas are year round along the eastern coast of Isabela...a resident population most suspect...however, visibility can be tremendously diminished upon occasion at Cabo Marshal, the best place for mantas.
March is a tricky time to come as there are no whale sharks in the north and the hammerhead population is diminished due to migration to Cocos and Malpelo before returning around early-mid April. Mantas are year round along the eastern coast of Isabela...a resident population most suspect...however, visibility can be tremendously diminished upon occasion at Cabo Marshal, the best place for mantas.
OP
That was useful. Based on that a second option would be mid may
What's your view re wet suit and sea life?
What's your view re wet suit and sea life?
OnTheSpot
Contributor
I used a shortie in January in Galapagos. But as stressed earlier, and apparent to any intelligent reader: "The wisest course of action is to come prepared with exposure suits for a range of temperatures."
I am not 'from Phuket' by the way, and one's geographical whereabouts does not affect one's knowledge or experience, as you imply Mr "Usually' in Ecuador
I am not 'from Phuket' by the way, and one's geographical whereabouts does not affect one's knowledge or experience, as you imply Mr "Usually' in Ecuador
Jungho Kim
Contributor
I was there in the 3rd week of April during the wet season. The water temp was quite warm (low 70s to low 80s). Although there were some thermoclines, I was fine in my full 5mm and 3mm hood; I didn't use my hood on half the dives. I will be heading back the 3rd week of July this year (during the dry season) when the probability of Whale Shark sightings are higher. The water conditions are said to be much cooler and rougher during this period. I plan to bring my full 7mm with a 5/3mm hooded vest.
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