Elizabeth Bay - Galápagos Islands

Elizabeth Bay, on Isabela Island, offers a very different kind of dive. We're talking shallow, sheltered waters, often with a silty bottom and not always the clearest visibility, but that’s precisely its charm. It’s a nursery, really, where you can drift among mangroves and spot white-tip reef sharks resting, golden rays gliding by, and juvenile green turtles feeding. Best for photographers or those who appreciate quiet, intimate wildlife encounters over big pelagic action.

Location
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, South America
Coordinates
-0.604666, -91.086784
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Humedales del Sur de Isabela

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 Elizabeth Bay

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

Recommended Packing List for Elizabeth Bay

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