🇪🇨Snorkeling, Freediving, and Scuba in Ecuador

Quick Facts

  • Best season: Year-round (varies by region)
  • Typical visibility: 10-30m depending on location
  • Entry types: Shore diving, Boat diving
  • Highlights: Explore Ecuador's underwater world

Welcome to the ultimate guide for snorkeling, freediving, and scuba diving in Ecuador. With 6 documented dive spots across 9 regions, Ecuador offers diverse underwater experiences for all skill levels. From vibrant coral reefs to mysterious wrecks, from shallow snorkeling bays to deep freediving drops, discover what makes Ecuador a must-visit destination for underwater enthusiasts. Our community-driven platform provides real-time conditions, detailed spot information, and local insights to help you plan your perfect diving adventure.

6
Dive Spots
9
Regions

Regions in Ecuador (9)

Dive Spots in Ecuador (6)

Cabo Douglas Qn9Z

Cabo Douglas Qn9Z is a drift dive site located off Fernandina Island in the Galapagos. You can see marine life such as Galapagos marine iguanas, penguins, sea turtles, yellow boxfish, parrotfish, amberjacks, and groupers. The dive reaches a maximum depth of 22 meters (72 feet) and features various corals, sponges, and gorgonians. Strong currents make it suitable for experienced divers only.

-0.3159, -91.7097

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Cape Marshall 71P8

Cape Marshall is a wall dive site located off the northeastern coast of Isabela Island, Galapagos. It features a drift dive along the wall with depths ranging from 25 meters to a maximum of 40 meters. Marine life includes giant manta rays and sea lions, with optimal diving conditions from January to May when water temperatures are higher.

-0.0213, -91.1927

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Cousins Rock Gzmz

Cousins Rock features a prominent rock formation above water, populated by sea lions, penguins, and various seabirds. Underwater, the rock walls host diverse marine life, including rays, green sea turtles, nudibranchs, and Galapagos seahorses, with opportunities to see hammerhead and Galapagos sharks in the surrounding waters. The dive site typically reaches depths of 20 to 30 meters.

-0.2354, -90.5735

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Darwins Arch Roey

Darwin's Arch dive site off Darwin Island features depths ranging from 9 to over 40 meters, with visibility between 10 to 20 meters. Divers can expect to see large schools of fish, especially at a nearby site called The Theatre, where the depth is around 15 meters. The current can be moderate to very strong, making this a suitable site for experienced divers only.

1.6711, -91.9920

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Gordon Rocks Lxr7

Gordon Rocks is a dive site located in the Galapagos Islands, featuring an eroded volcanic crater with three pinnacles and a central pinnacle. Depth ranges from 5 to 40 meters, providing opportunities to see black coral gardens, various shark species, and other marine life.

-0.5668, -90.1434

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Punta Vicente Roca 5Qyq

Punta Vicente Roca is located off the west coast of Isabela Island, featuring depths suitable for various levels of divers. Expect to see marine life such as Galapagos flightless cormorants, penguins, marine iguanas, and common species like wrasses, sunfish, and reef sharks. This site is accessible by boat, approximately 200 kilometers from the nearest inhabited area.

-0.0531, -91.5586

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is snorkeling good in Ecuador for beginners?
Ecuador offers various snorkeling spots suitable for different skill levels. Many locations feature calm, shallow waters perfect for beginners, while others provide more challenging conditions for experienced snorkelers. Check individual spot descriptions for difficulty ratings.
Where can I find easy shore entry freedives in Ecuador?
Ecuador has numerous shore-accessible freediving spots. Look for beaches, coves, and rocky points marked with "shore entry" in our dive map. Popular areas often feature gradual slopes and clear water, ideal for freediving practice.
What months have the calmest water and best visibility in Ecuador?
Water conditions in Ecuador vary by region and season. Generally, check local weather patterns and avoid monsoon or storm seasons. Our spot descriptions include seasonal visibility information to help you plan your trip.
Do I need a guide for diving in Ecuador?
Guide requirements in Ecuador depend on the specific location and your experience level. Some marine parks require guided dives, while many spots allow independent diving. Always check local regulations and consider hiring guides for unfamiliar or challenging sites.
What safety considerations should I know about when diving in Ecuador?
Key safety considerations for Ecuador include understanding local currents, boat traffic, and marine life. Always dive within your limits, check weather conditions, use proper signaling devices, and respect local regulations. Some areas may have specific hazards noted in spot descriptions.
What marine life can I expect to see in Ecuador?
Ecuador's waters host diverse marine ecosystems. Depending on the region and season, you might encounter tropical fish, coral reefs, larger pelagics, or unique endemic species. Check individual spot descriptions for specific marine life highlights.