15-30m
    Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

    Galapagos fan dive

    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 - Galapagos fan dive offers some of Galápagos Islands's richest drift 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
    CharacterDrift dive · max 15-30m
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    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.

    Typical Galapagos fan dive Dive Profile

    5m10m15mSafety Stop0m15m max~50 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    Drift dive - carry a surface marker buoy (SMB) and stay with your group. Brief the current direction before entry.

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

    Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

    Today05:4217:5012h 8m daylightGolden hour 17:22

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Galapagos fan dive

    Galapagos fan dive Ocean Conditions

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

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    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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