Darwin Island

The Galapagos are a chain of islands along the equator, just off the west coast of South America. They are a favored spot for many SCUBA divers due to the vast abundance of life under and above the ocean surface. One of the smaller islands is called Darwin and is north of the better known islands. Darwin can only be reached by sea, and there is no place to dock a boat, so visitors are few and far between. It is, however, one of the best and most secluded places to dive with certain species of shark.

The Island that Inspired the Man

Darwin Island is one of the few places in the world where divers can observe whale sharks, the largest shark in the ocean. Whale sharks typically migrate to Darwin during the summer and the fall. During the rest of the year, divers come to swim with the easily recognizable hammerhead shark.

Because Darwin is so far from the nearest inhabitable island, it is only truly accessible to diving tours that have supplies and are self-sufficient. There are many companies that offer special seven to ten day tours to the Galapagos. Trips are only recommended for serious and experienced divers, however, since the water conditions can make diving rather difficult.

If you have a particular interest in the Galapagos, but you are not a certified diver, it may be worth your while to purchase a tour package as an onboard passenger only. Most diving companies have these options for family members of divers. Particularly with the Galapagos, known for the beauty of its landscape and animal inhabitants, the trip may be well worth the cost, even without the dives.