Dive Center Silberstein - Galápagos Islands

Okay, so Dive Center Silberstein. It’s not one of those big, dramatic drift dives the Galápagos is famous for, but we love it for a completely different reason: it’s consistently solid, always delivers. You’re typically diving in a calm, protected bay, usually off Floreana or Santa Cruz, and it’s a brilliant way to ease into the Galápagos current-diving scene or just enjoy a relaxed afternoon. What you get here is pure Galápagos in miniature. We've seen so many schooling jacks that they form these shimmering walls, completely blotting out the sun for a second. The bottom is often sandy, with patches of reef, where you’ll spot those brilliant Pacific leopard flounders, perfectly camouflaged. Keep an eye out for the loostetooth parrotfish nibbling away, and the occasional green spiny lobster peeking from a crevice. It’s also one of our favourite spots for spotting the smaller stuff, like the Galapagos ringtail damselfish flitting around. Don't expect huge pelagics every time, but it’s a site that rewards a slow, observant dive. We'd suggest going in the morning; the light can be magical, really highlighting the colours of the reef. It’s a gentle introduction, perfect for divers wanting a calmer experience, or for those who just appreciate a genuinely good, unpretentious dive.

Location: Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, South America
Coordinates: -0.742703, -90.311080

Best Time to Dive in Galápagos Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Galápagos Islands occur in March, averaging 27.3°C. The coolest conditions are in September at 22.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

January: 25.2°C
February: 27.0°C
March: 27.3°C
April: 26.9°C
May: 25.4°C
June: 24.3°C
July: 23.8°C
August: 23.0°C
September: 22.7°C
October: 23.1°C
November: 23.6°C
December: 23.9°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Galápagos Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Dive Center Silberstein

Marine Life in Galápagos Islands

Home to 141 recorded species including 108 reef fish, 7 whales & dolphins, 7 sharks & rays, 6 seagrass & algae, 5 hard corals, 3 sea cucumbers.

Notable Species

Pronghorn Spiny Lobster (Panulirus penicillatus) - Crabs & Lobsters
Brown Sea Cucumber (Isostichopus fuscus) - Sea Cucumbers
Green Spiny Lobster (Panulirus gracilis) - Crabs & Lobsters
Mangrove (Mycteroperca olfax) - Reef Fish
Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Sea Bass (Epinephelus labriformis) - Reef Fish
Barracuda (Acanthocybium solandri) - Reef Fish
Mexican hogfish (Bodianus diplotaenia) - Reef Fish
Galapagos ringtail damselfish (Stegastes beebei) - Reef Fish
Chameleon wrasse (Halichoeres dispilus) - Reef Fish
King Angelfish (Holacanthus passer) - Reef Fish
Large-banded Blenny (Ophioblennius steindachneri) - Reef Fish
Razor Surgeonfish (Prionurus laticlavius) - Reef Fish
Cortez Rainbow Wrasse (Thalassoma lucasanum) - Reef Fish
Barberfish (Johnrandallia nigrirostris) - Reef Fish
Spinster wrasse (Halichoeres nicholsi) - Reef Fish
Molly Miller (Bathygobius soporator) - Reef Fish
Blacktip Cardinalfish (Apogon atradorsatus) - Reef Fish
Sabertooth Blenny (Plagiotremus azaleus) - Reef Fish
Jack (Seriola rivoliana) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for Dive Center Silberstein

Based on average water temperature of 24.7°C, currents 34 cm/s.

Shorty or Rashguard - warm 25°C water needs minimal exposure protection
Mask - essential for every dive
Fins (stiff blade recommended for strong currents)
BCD - buoyancy compensator
Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories