Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

    Cowley Islet

    Best months: Mar–May

    Why dive here

    With 131+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, humpback whales, seals & sea lions, sea turtles and sperm whales - Cowley Islet offers some of Galápagos Islands's richest diving. Water ranges 23-28°C, warmest February, March, April.

    Best timeMar–May
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeDolphins, Humpback Whales, Seals & Sea Lions, Sea Turtles and Sperm Whales · 131+ species recorded
    Water23-28°C · warmest February, March, April
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    Cowley Islet, sitting off the eastern coast of Isabela, often feels like a warm-up act for the bigger Galápagos sites, but that's not to say it disappoints. We usually find ourselves drifting along, keeping an eye out for patrolling reef sharks and the inevitable playful sea lions zipping past. It's a reliable spot for green turtles, often spotted grazing calmly, and if you’re lucky, a manta ray might glide by in the blue. Keep your eyes peeled for penguins too; they’re a quirky bonus here, a reminder of the islands' unique blend of climates. It’s a pretty chill dive, making it a good fit if you’re easing into the rhythm of Galápagos currents.

    Safety Notes

    Strong currents typical this month (avg 36 cm/s). Good buoyancy control essential.

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Cowley Islet

    Cowley Islet Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Cowley Islet, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-0.32, -90.55) (15km away)

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    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    23°C

    74°F · Range: 20.2–26°C

    Current Speed

    36.24 cm/s

    Direction: SW (230.6°)

    Chlorophyll-a

    0.886 mg/m³

    Moderate productivity

    Salinity

    33.88 PSU

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)

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