Galapagos, late June or September?

[MissDoo]

Hi all, I'm hoping to finally take the magical trip to Galapagos and I need some advice on when to go. August is not an option for me as it's impossible to get leave from work, is there any difference or benefit between late June/ early July and September - October? The main aim here is those hundreds of schooling hammerheads but whale sharks would be a bonus!!! Are there more hammerheads at one end of the summer than the other? Are there more chances of whalesharks? Is there any difference in temperature, visibility, currents? Or is it all more or less the same?? Advice will be highly appreciated!!!!

 

[MissDoo]

Any advice at all???

 

[Kevster]

Any advice at all???

I was there very early Oct 2008. I think late sept,early oct is peak whale shark season. I think the WS only start to show up early aug. the Ws are amazing, one was huge ,at least 12m. There was lots of hammers but not hundreds!
i would definitely recommend a sep-oct visit. You may get
slightly better weather and maybe warmer water early June.

my trip to the Galapagos was the best dive trip I have been on and I have done a lot of very good trips, so make sure you go!
Darwins arch is just amazing

 

[Dom@DiveAdvice]

Hi Miss Doo - maybe to best answer your question is to explain why that time of year can be so special. From June thru November, the cooler Humboldt current sweeps up from the Antarctic bringing in cold nutrient rich waters which sweep away the warmer Pacific current. With that it brings many of the large marine life closer to the surface and like the mass migration of wildebeest across the Masai Mara, is the peak time to see all sorts of mazing large marine life. It can also bring with it more challenging diving conditions, cold water, strong currents and agitated seas. You may see almost anything at that time, from the huge whalesharks to humpback whales and orcas, though encounters with the latter two are more rare. There are always plenty of hammerheads and Galapagos sharks, though the classic image of hundreds of hammers taken looking up at the surface may often be taken during the other season, when viz and conditions can be better for that. Sep/Oct are absolute peak months but if you are looking at Sep/Oct this year, there are only two trips with space in early September and then the next spaces are from Oct 10 onwards. Don't hesitate to be in touch if you need further input. Best dom

 

[MissDoo]

Thanks for that, I'm looking to book for 2014 so hopefully there will still be availability.

" There are always plenty of hammerheads and Galapagos sharks, though the classic image of hundreds of hammers taken looking up at the surface may often be taken during the other season, when viz and conditions can be better for that. Sep/Oct are absolute peak months"

Dom, are you saying that Sep/Oct is the "other season" NOT the Humboldt current time and that is the best time for hundreds of hammerheads but no large mammals? I'm a bit confused! Please help

Thanks

 

[Dom@DiveAdvice]

Hi Miss Doo - Sorry for the confusion but Sep/Oct is the period of the Humboldt current at its most intense and the peak season for large marine life of all sorts, but with that the water temps are colder and conditions can be more challenging with potential agitated seas and strong currents. The other season from Dec thru May brings with it warmer Pacific currents and calmer seas, making the overall dive experience a little less challenging. There can still be swift currents but I think most would feel more comfortable on the surface with flattish calm seas around one, than heavy swells which can make the pickup more tricky. The viz is a variable at any time of year but the hammerheads may appear more abundant in the Dec-May period simply because you can see more of them. Whether there is actually a difference in their numbers at different times of the year is hard to say. However if you are looking at Sep/Oct 2014, you may not want to leave it too long as the spaces are already disappearing fast. Good luck.

 

[OnTheSpot]

Sep/Oct is a great time to go Missdoo, it's a trip of a lifetime and the whale sharks will blow you away - they're are huge! Most of the places around the world they average 4-6 meters, in the Galapagos they can be twice that size and you'll still definitely see the hammerheads. Yes for sure the water will be a little cooler and the currents stronger but the guides know what they're doing and will protect you as much as possible.The Galapagos is a unique experience and whenever you go the trip will be fantastic, if it's a once in a lifetime trip then try to get the most out of it. It has been mentioned above that you need to start arranging things now, places can be really hard to come by if you leave it too late and your choices of boat will be lessened. If you need some more info click on the Galapagos link in my signature.

 

[MissDoo]

Thanks!! I just booked the Biddy for September next year!!!!!!

 

[OnTheSpot]

I'm sure you mean the Buddy