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Itinerary guide
Diving Darwin and Wolf islands
Darwin and Wolf are two small, remote islands in the far north of the Galapagos, about 350 km (215 miles) from San Cristóbal. They're famous for schooling hammerheads, Galapagos sharks and, in season, whale sharks, and the only way to dive them is on a liveaboard.
- 8–25 m
- typical dive depths (25–80 ft)
- Medium–strong
- currents and surge
- 5–25+ m
- visibility (16–80+ ft)
- 3–4 days
- usually spent at the two islands
Darwin Island
The Arch, now the Pillars
Darwin's best-known landmark, a natural rock arch, lost its top to erosion on May 17, 2021. Two stone pillars remain, now often called the Pillars of Evolution, and the diving around their base is as good as ever.
Most dives start on a rocky slope at 18–24 m (60–80 ft), where divers hold on to the rocks and watch hammerheads pass in the current. Between July and December this is where whale sharks are most often seen. A plateau on top of the wall gives some shelter, with reef fish, lobsters and sharks passing below.
The island itself is closed to visitors. All the action is underwater.
Best for
Hammerhead schools, Galapagos and silky sharks, whale sharks (July–December), dolphins.
Wolf Island
Wolf's main dive sites
Wolf is usually the first stop after the overnight crossing from the central islands.
Shark Bay
Sea lions in the shallows, then hammerheads around 25 m (80 ft), plus silky and Galapagos sharks and eagle rays.
The Landslide
A slope of boulders on the eastern wall with moray eels, hammerheads, eagle rays, tuna and sea turtles. Often dived when the current eases.
The Caves
Swim-throughs and a cave, then a drift along the wall with Galapagos and whitetip reef sharks, eagle rays, dolphins and big schools of fish.
Is it right for you?
The minimum certification is Open Water, but Darwin and Wolf are demanding dives. Expect currents and surge, cool thermoclines, and entries from small boats called pangas, often descending quickly to stay together as a group.
Recent diving experience and some practice in currents make these trips far more enjoyable. Nitrox is strongly recommended for longer bottom times. Not sure? Tell us your experience and Samira will suggest the right boat and season.
A typical week
- Day 1Board and check-out dive
In the central islands. - Day 2Overnight crossing north
Arrive at Wolf. - Days 3–5Wolf and Darwin
Three to four days of diving at the two islands. - Days 6–7Return south
Dives in the central or western islands on the way back. - Day 8Disembark
Routes vary by boat. Tiburon Explorer returns through the western islands, and the 10-night specials add a fifth day at Wolf and Darwin.