Galapagos-wet suit in December?

[Brian2828]

I leave next week for the Galapagos and am hearing that the water is unusually warm this year (tour operator told me to expect around 80F). If that's right, I'll bring a 3mm, but I really thought I'd need at least a 5 for the Galapagos. Any recommendations? Recent dive reports?

Thanks

 

[Altamira]

Just returned from the Galapagos last week, and although diving was not available on our cruise (just snorkeled), the water temperature was about 74 degrees on most of the western islands. The water was not 80 degrees at any of the western or southern islands. We did not go up to Wolf or Darwin islands. I was very comfortable in a full lycra skin and a 3mm farmer john type shorty during the hour long snorkel excursions. However, I only got to snorkel twice a day on one day, so I imagine if I was diving 2-4 times a day, I would have needed a lot more wetsuit. At my age, I tend to get chilly easier and earlier, so I generally opt for more mm rather than less. I have never been too warm while diving, but sure have been too cold on occasion.

 

[G83]

I was in the Galapagos diving last week on a liveaboard, and the lowest temp I recorded was 76, at/below the thermocline. Above the thermocline the water did indeed hit 80 and above at the islands I did dives at (Santa Cruz, Isabela, Ferandina, Wolf, Darwin). The lowest water temp at the surface we had was 79.
I would take at least a 5 if youre doing multiple dives a day (I went with a 7, I wasn't expecting it to be quite THAT warm though, but I was perfectly comfortable, not too hot with a 7).
So yeah, El nino hit hard this year, but the Galapagos still put on an amazing show for us. Enjoy!

 

[Worldwide Dive and Sail]

Hi Brian, I am trying to reply to your message but I am having some problems. This is the answer I have from the Galapagos today: 27C at Wolf and Darwin. 23C at Punta Vicente Roca with thermoclines as low as 20C.