Galapagos fan dive - Galápagos Islands

Galapagos Fan Dive, despite its unassuming name, is a site that quickly becomes a favourite. We love it for its quiet surprises, a contrast to some of the more dramatic, adrenaline-fuelled dives here. The current is usually mild, making it a comfortable drift along a rocky slope adorned with some truly impressive gorgonian fans. These aren't just any fans; they’re enormous, some almost as tall as a person, swaying gently, creating a hypnotic dance. Keep an eye out for the smaller residents tucked within these fans. We’ve spotted Player Scorpionfish perfectly camouflaged, and often a couple of Orangeside Triggerfish pecking around the coral. The real treat here, though, is the sheer density of Barberfish and Indian Scad schooling above the reef. Sometimes they’re so thick they create a shimmering wall, parting as you swim through. We’d suggest going in the late morning, after the initial rush, when the sun angles just right to illuminate the colours of the fans. It’s a dive that rewards slow exploration, perfect for photographers or anyone who appreciates the quieter beauty of the Galápagos.

Location
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, South America
Coordinates
-0.901016, -89.610640

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 Galapagos fan dive

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 Galapagos fan dive

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