| GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Located directly on the Equator, 600 miles off the West coast of Ecuador, the
Galapagos Islands or "Enchanted Isles" as they are also called, are a
Province of Ecuador. They offer unique encounters with wildlife both above and below
the water. The Islands were inscribed as a World Heritage Site by
UNESCO in 1978.
The waters surrounding the islands become the meeting point
of three distinctive oceanic currents which results in a bizarre mix of warm
and cold water species. Huge schools of Hammerhead, and Galapagos
sharks, Eagle rays, Mantas, enormous schools of pelagic fish, sea lions,
spinner dolphins, and the loved by all Whale sharks frolic in the cold
currents. Topside, giant tortoises, frigate birds, blue-footed
boobies, sea lions, marine iguanas and even penguins fearlessly allow close
observation. Orcas, and other whale species are often spotted from the boat.
Many of these animals are unique to the islands, found no where else in the
world. Most remain unafraid of human visitors, making for incredible
photo opportunities.
Dive sites are usually not located adjacent to the main islands.
The most exciting diving is found around smaller, isolated rock pinnacles
which rise abruptly from the water's surface. The act like a magnet
and attract a wide variety of marine live. All dive sites are accessed
by means of a short ride by inflatable. Vertical walls, ledges,
shelves, submerged boulders, and sand chutes are all part of the underwater
topography.
Unlike Cocos Island (North of Galapagos),
which is accessible only by a 38 hour boat ride, the Galapagos Islands are
only an hour and a half away from the coast by air.
Due to the variability in currents and visibility, the Galapagos is
not recommended for every diver. However, if you are an experienced
Open Water diver, you'll encounter the kind of sensory overload found at few
other dive destinations.
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