Paradise is filled with sharks, and you’ll love them
According to UNESCO, the Galapagos Islands are known as the unique ‘living museum and showcase of evolution’
According to UNESCO, the Galapagos Islands are known as the unique ‘living museum and showcase of evolution’. Its Marine Reserve is one of the richest on the planet: turtles, penguins, sharks and more inhabit this biodiverse hotspot, making it a World Heritage Site.
Among the flora and fauna that embellish these islands, one species has become an important attraction for those who want to encounter it beneath the sea.
Sharks.
Sharks have amassed a bad reputation around the world, however, in the Galapagos Islands, its presence promoted the creation of a Marine Reserve to protect the almost 30 kinds of sharks that haunt their waters (along with thousands of other species). The variety ranging from hammerheads to the white tip reef sharks, inhabit the northern Galapagos Islands: Wolf and Darwin. This area has become ‘the home to the world’s largest shark biomass’.
Among the most important sharks are the scalloped hammerheads, whale sharks, tiger sharks, whitetip and blacktip reef sharks. The scalloped hammerheads are abundant in Wolf and Darwin islands, mainly in January, while the whale sharks are often in that area, they usually return to Darwin Island after their migration, so their sightings aren’t as usual as the others.
The ones you’ll never miss will be the white tip reef sharks, present at all times. You’ll see them around Floreana, Fernandina, Bartolomé, Santa Cruz, Española while snorkeling or diving. (Check out our Galapagos Legend and Corals itineraries, most cruise by one of these shark spots).
The presence of such a large amount of shark species, speaks well of the islands’ ecosystem since a healthy marine environment can be measured by their high or low numbers. The archipelago is ‘one of the few places in the world where shark populations are in a good state of conservation’.
Swimming with them has become a unique experience for all our guests. Keep in mind that while swimming we pose no threat to these well fed animals who are unique, impressive and beautiful. This is your opportunity to swim with the most famous animals in the world. Start by requesting a quote here or check our availability here.
