North Seymour - Galápagos Islands

North Seymour is a gentle drift dive, often a good warm-up for a longer Galápagos trip. We drop in near the island, usually finding ourselves carried along a rocky reef that slopes down to a sandy bottom around 18 metres. It’s a pleasant ride, and you'll typically spot white and blacktip reef sharks cruising past, along with the occasional green sea turtle munching on algae. Keep an eye out for schools of spotted eagle rays gliding by in formation; we’ve had some cracking encounters with them here. Barracuda, snapper, and octopi are also common, tucked into the rock crevices. It's a relaxed dive, suitable for most experience levels, especially if you're keen to get comfortable with drift diving.

Location
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, South America
Coordinates
-0.391667, -90.283330
Maximum Depth
8-18m

Marine Protected Area: Galápagos

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 North Seymour

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 North Seymour

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth at North Seymour?
The typical diving depth at North Seymour ranges from 8 to 18 meters. Divers will first encounter a rock reef at 8 meters, which then transitions to a sandy bottom at depths between 16 and 18 meters. This makes it suitable for a range of experience levels.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see at North Seymour?
Divers at North Seymour can expect to encounter a rich variety of marine life. The site is known for abundant white and blacktip reef sharks, green sea turtles, barracuda, and snapper. Keep an eye out for octopi and impressive schools of spotted eagle rays as well.
How challenging is diving at North Seymour for different experience levels?
North Seymour is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive site, yet it is considered good for both beginners and experienced divers. Its reputation for drift diving means that while accessible, divers should be prepared for potential currents. For more details on diving in the Galápagos Islands, explore our regional guide.
When is the best time of year to dive at North Seymour for optimal conditions and marine life?
Based on the provided data, specific information regarding the best time of year to dive at North Seymour for optimal conditions and marine life is not available. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at North Seymour?
The provided information does not specify particular scuba diving certifications required to dive at North Seymour. Generally, an Open Water Diver certification is a common prerequisite for most dive sites, but it's always best to confirm with your dive operator before planning your trip.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like when diving North Seymour?
North Seymour is well-known for its drift diving opportunities, indicating that divers should expect and be prepared for currents. While specific details on water temperature or visibility are not provided, the presence of drift diving suggests dynamic water conditions. For more information on dive conditions in Ecuador, visit our country guide.