Galapagos Underwater Photography: Top Dive Spots - Galapagos Elements Tour Operator

Galapagos Under the Sea: Photographic Paradises You Can't Miss

Landscape photography is one of the most popular activities in the Galapagos Islands. Wildlife abounds in every part of the archipelago, not to mention the stunning landscapes that make up this natural setting. Images of Sierra Negra, Tortuga Bay, and the Sleeping Lion have traveled the world; even more so of the animals that live harmoniously and naturally in their surroundings.

But perhaps the most interesting type of photography can be underwater photography. Images capturing the mysteries of the Pacific Ocean surrounding the islands are always fascinating. The adventure of diving into crystal-clear waters, swimming alongside rare species, and capturing the best photographs of reefs and tropical fish is truly thrilling. So here are a couple of fantastic places to start your photography.

The Sleeping Lion:

Very close to San Cristóbal Island lies one of the most beautiful places in all of the Galapagos. It’s nicknamed the Sleeping Lion because of the shape of the rocky structure that rises out of the ocean. The water here is clear and fairly deep. Visitors often snorkel and dive here, sharing the water channel formed between the two rocks with countless tropical species: colorful fish, manta rays, and blue-tip and white-tip sharks.

Wolf Island and Darwin Island:

These are two of the most remote islands in the entire archipelago and a wildlife photographer’s dream. Uninhabited by humans, they are uninhabited, so at this point you’ll only find fur seals, swallow-tailed gulls, frigate birds, boobies, and iguanas.

It’s also an ideal place to capture photographs of all species of sharks: hammerhead sharks, whitetip sharks, blacktip sharks, Galapagos sharks, and, most especially, whale sharks, especially from June to November.

Corporal Marshall:

A volcanic rock formation that descends to the seafloor is home to several schools of tropical fish, including rays, sunfish, sea turtles, sea lions, and the unique black-striped salema. Cape Marshall will be your favorite spot if you want to photograph the Galapagos’ marine diversity; hammerhead sharks are also present during certain seasons.

Punta Vicente Roca:

North of Isabela Island lies this small islet, a paradise for marine wildlife. Landing is not permitted here, but it is possible to take a few trips in a panga or small boat.

Green turtles, seahorses, toadfish, and many other marine species abound at this point.

Darwin's Arc:

Darwin’s Arch is one of the most coveted spots in the Galapagos Islands. The view from this place is impressive; its rock formations jut out of the sea and create an ideal spot for photographs above the surface. However, you should know that in 2021, the arch collapsed due to natural deterioration, and although the scenery has changed, it remains a magical place where the most amazing fish coexist. Among the most photographed marine creatures in Darwin’s Arch are whale sharks.

Round Rock:

Near Isabela Island, this site offers the opportunity to photograph schools of humphead wrasse, sharks, and occasionally, unique natural phenomena such as gas bubbles rising from the ocean floor due to underwater volcanic activity.

So if you want to visit the Galapagos and take some fantastic underwater photos, here are a couple of tips that might help.

1. Your safety comes first

This is definitely the most important factor, even more so when you’re going into nature. Capturing underwater photos requires certain skills, such as good swimming and freediving.

Even if you stay in shallow areas where you can snorkel, it’s important to follow your guide’s instructions to ensure your safety is not at risk.

In addition, knowing the environment where you will dive is also especially important, the climatic conditions of the area, the temperatures of the water and, of course, the behavior of the species you will encounter. Of course, we know that behavior in the freedom of nature cannot be absolutely determined, but recognizing when species are in a state of stress or fear is truly useful in the water.

2. Bring the necessary equipment for marine photography

You should know that all cameras can be submerged as long as they are protected with appropriate housings to prevent water from entering, so you should know your camera well and purchase the equipment that suits it.

You’ll also need fins to move better in the water, and a snorkel mask that doesn’t fog up. A wetsuit is optional depending on where you’ll be taking photos.

If this is a recurring activity in your life, it’s best to purchase a GoPro or other more recent devices that are water resistant to considerable depths.

3. Have support

It’s always a good idea to have someone waiting for you at the surface, especially if you’re diving in very deep waters, in case anything complicated arises and you need help quickly.

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