Galapagos Sharks

Charles Darwin set sail on The Beagle in the early 19th century, and after a time, he found himself on a series of islands. These masses of land inspired a theory that would shock the world he lived in and would serve as a foundation for all of modern science. The theory was evolution and the islands were the Galapagos.

The Galapagos Islands are about 500 miles off the western coast of South America, lying directly on the equator. Due to a certain type of water current, the deep ocean surrounding these islands is saturated with nutrients. This abundance of food makes the islands home to vast quantities of land and marine animals. It is this concentration of wildlife that made the islands so perfect for Darwin and so exciting for modern researchers and divers.

Among the many varieties of life that inhabit the area on and around the islands are sharks of all varieties. From the hammerhead shark to the white tip shark, there are many opportunities for divers to explore how members of each species differ from their cousins. The Galapagos are also one of the few places in the world where one can catch a glimpse of the elusive whale shark, the largest member of the shark family. These sharks are particularly gentle in nature but quite rare, so the opportunity to observe them in the wild is not one to pass up.

Galapagos Diving Adventures

There are a variety of businesses who offer five to seven day diving adventures to the Galapagos. Due to the climate and current, these trips are only offered to divers who are certified. It is also generally suggested that divers be experienced. Many would agree that, if you only take one diving adventure in your lifetime, the Galapagos Islands are well worth the time and the investment.