Scuba Diving in Ecuador

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Sea Lion in Ecuador

Ecuador, a country in South America, borders the Pacific Ocean on the west, providing 1390 miles (2237 km) of coastline. It is part of the Tumbes-Choco-Magdalena region, a biodiversity hotspot and one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth!

Marine Species You Can Only Find In Ecuador

The famous Galapagos Islands is the most popular place to scuba dive in Ecuador. These volcanic islands sit about six hundred miles off the coast and offer numerous habitat zones, including coral reefs, highland forests, shrublands, and dunes.

The isolation of these islands, in combination with the various habitat zones, has resulted in incredible biodiversity. More than 80% of the birds, 30% of the plants, 97% of the land mammals, and 20% of the marine species are endemic, meaning they can’t be found anywhere else on earth.

Here are a few of the marine species you can find only in this part of the world:

  • Bicolor False Moray
  • Cable’s Goby
  • Shortfin Sand Stargazer
  • Galapagos Blue-Banded Goby
  • Scalyfin Grunt
  • Galapagos Mullet
  • Ecuador Skate
  • Galapagos Ridgefin Eel
  • Narrow-Headed Puffer
  • Darwin’s Sanddab

The Galapagos is also home to the only marine iguana in the world. These iguanas are the only sea-faring lizards in the world and eat seaweed., algae, and occasionally, crustaceans and grasshoppers.

The Galapagos Sea Lion and Galapagos Fur Seals are great examples of the few mammals that can be found in this region of the world. Lucky divers may get to see these playful creatures put on a spectacular underwater show!

Blue water and the shore of a Galapagos Island

Diving the Coastal Mainland of Ecuador vs The Galapagos Islands

When people think about traveling to Ecuador to dive, their minds typically go right to the Galapagos Islands. However, the coastal mainlands offer ample opportunity for underwater exploration.

Here are the top dive spots located off the coast of Ecuador.

Isla de la Plata

Called the “Poor Man’s Galapagos” because of the incredible biodiversity found here, this diving area sits in Machalilla National Park and has the largest coral reef along Ecuador’s coast. This is another spot to see visiting Giant Manta Rays. From June to September, humpback whales can be spotted! When not in the water, visitors have the opportunity to see the blue-footed boobie.

Bajo Cope

Located about an hour from the shore, this dive site is best visited from July to October during the Giant Manta Ray migration! In addition to these gentle giants, divers will see stunning coral formations, turtles, groupers, and octopuses.

Islote El Pelado

This is a great place to take your speciality courses! Access to currents, shipwrecks, and species that are perfect for macro photography brings divers seeking to learn new skills.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling and Diving in Ecuador

Here are the answers to the questions many divers have before traveling to Ecuador for the first time.

What is the Currency in Ecuador?

The official currency in Ecuador is the U.S. Dollar. In addition to this, the country does issue its centavo coins. Be sure to bring small bills ($1, $5, $10) – you may find shops that are unable to make change for large bills.

Is Altitude Sickness a Concern?

Yes. Travelers who travel to parts of the country, like the capital city Quito, should be concerned about altitude sickness. Quito sits 9350 ft above sea level, making it the second-highest capital city in the world. When traveling from low-altitude areas, be sure to take things slow and stay hydrated.

Are The Galapagos a Good Choice For Beginner Divers?

No. Beginner divers should stick to the coastal mainland of Ecuador. The waters of the Galapagos are cold and the currents are strong. This type of diving is best tackled by experienced divers.

Safety When Traveling

Please keep in mind that while our team is excited to share information regarding scuba diving in Ecuador, we are in no way endorsing any specific location. All travelers should do extensive research before booking a trip, reviewing topics such as:

  • The local laws and regulations regarding scuba diving
  • The weather conditions and water conditions at the dive site
  • The availability of medical care in the area

We recommend reviewing travel advisories regarding each destination before any booking.

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