Galápagos

Two seasons: warm/wet Dec–May brings calmer seas, better visibility, mantas and hammerheads; cool/dry Jun–Nov is rougher but is whale-shark season at Darwin and Wolf (large pregnant females, Jul–Nov). Cold thermoclines year-round — bring exposure protection.

It depends on the site — some are gentle, others are current-swept or deep and better for advanced divers. Every site page states its difficulty and who it suits; always dive within your limits and with a qualified guide.

Many of the signature sites here are reached by liveaboard; it varies by itinerary. Liveaboards cover more ground and reach remote sites, while resorts and day boats offer more flexibility.

Each site page lists the marine life recorded there, layered with nearby scientific species observations and ocean data. Wildlife is seasonal and never guaranteed — timing your trip to the right season improves your odds.