About 150 miles from the central Galapagos sits Wolf Island, a small, uninhabited island, accessible only by liveaboard boats. Countless birds call the high cliffs home and sea lions play on the wave-worn rocks below. But beneath that treacherous shoreline, the true beauty of Wolf Island reveals itself.
After rolling off of the panga, divers will descend into one of the world’s premier dive locations, and certainly one of the two best that Galapagos has to offer. Schooling hammerheads by the hundreds, Galapagos sharks, silkies, eagle and mobula rays, bluefin tuna, turtles, and thousands of reef fish populate the undersea world at Wolf Island.
Due to currents and occasional surges, diving at Wolf Island isn’t recommended for beginners. Barnacle-covered rocks are your only means of preventing yourself from drifting too quickly past the action, so bring a good pair of gloves. As you watch the show unfold, keep an ear out for the clicks and whistles of dolphins that are inevitably going to pass by. You may not always see them underwater, but they will generally make their presence known to you by sound. On rare occasions, the lucky diver may catch sight of humpbacks while relaxing with an after-dive beverage.
Wolf Island (and Darwin Island, which is always included in the itinerary) is not the easiest Galapagos dive site to reach, but it’s well worth the extra time and effort to have one of the best diving experiences of your life. Plan ahead and splurge on a liveaboard, and enjoy diving you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Currents: Generally 1 to 3 knots, but occasionally more than 3 knots
What to Wear: 5 mm to 7 mm wetsuit, with gloves and hood
Travel Info: $100 cash The Galapagos National Park entry fee is $100 in cash, and there’s a $25 to $40 departure tax.
