Shark Bay - Galápagos Islands
The team at Shark Bay are our go-to for liveaboard prep or a solid day trip when we’re based on Santa Cruz. They really shine with their PADI courses, handling everything from Open Water to Rescue Diver with a patient, professional crew. We love their smaller boat trips to sites like North Seymour and Gordon Rocks; it feels less like a cattle car and more like a focused dive day. What makes them special, beyond the friendly faces, is their dedication to briefing. They don't just point at a map; they talk currents, surge, what to look for, and how to approach the more skittish critters. On a recent trip to Gordon Rocks, their briefing on negative entry was spot-on, crucial when you’re dropping into a proper current for hammerheads. Our favourite part? The post-dive debriefs with hot coffee and biscuits. It’s a small touch, but it makes a difference after a couple of challenging dives. They're definitely for divers who appreciate thoroughness and a comfortable, unhurried pace. Book early, especially for peak season.
- Location
- Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, South America
- Coordinates
- -0.745989, -90.312090
- Phone
- +593 99 689 2201
- [email protected]
- Website
- https://shark-bay.com
- Certification Agencies
- PADI
- Courses
- yes
- Equipment Rental
- yes
Dive Sites Near Shark Bay
Shark Bay provides access to 15 dive sites in Galápagos Islands.
- Albany Rock
- Bainbridge Rocks
- Barranco Cave - 23-34m (cave)
- Bartolome and Cousins Rock - 30-40m
- Beagle Rocks - 12-60+m
- Cabo Marshall
- Café Scuba
- Cape Douglas
- Cape Marshall
- Carawa Shipwreck (wreck)
- Champion
- Champion Islet
- Champion Rock
- Channel (drift)
- Coamaño
Other Dive Centres in Galápagos Islands
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
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 Marine Life
- 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
Recommended Packing List for Galápagos Islands
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