Landslide

Known locally as El Derrumbe, this Wolf Island drift dive sends divers down a boulder-strewn slope where hammerhead sharks approach within arm’s reach.

Overview

Landslide sits on the southeastern flank of Wolf Island, named for its dramatic underwater topography: a broad, steeply descending slope covered in rocks and boulders, as if an entire cliff face had tumbled into the sea. Strong currents sweep along the slope, carrying nutrients that attract massive pelagic aggregations. The technique here is to find a secure hold among the boulders, wedge in, and wait — scalloped hammerhead sharks regularly pass so close that divers have reported near-touch encounters. This is one of the premier hammerhead experiences in the entire Galápagos system.

Site Information

• Location: Wolf Island (Isla Wolf), southeastern coast, Galápagos Islands
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Drift dive
• Difficulty Level: Advanced
• Maximum Depth: 37 meters
• Typical Visibility: 10–20 meters
• Current: Moderate to heavy, always present
• Water Temperature: 23–24°C
• Best Time: June to November for hammerhead schools; whale sharks more common July–November

Marine Life

Scalloped hammerhead sharks are the main attraction, often appearing in schools along the slope. Spotted eagle rays have been reported in large numbers. Galápagos sharks and silky sharks patrol the deeper sections. Whale sharks appear seasonally but not on every dive. Green sea turtles, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, bluefin trevally, African pompano, and amarillo snappers are regular visitors. On the slope itself, fine-spotted moray eels, guineafowl puffers, giant hawkfish, golden groupers, and flag cabrilla inhabit the boulder crevices. Sea lions cruise through opportunistically.

Dive Profile

Divers make negative entries from the panga directly into the current. The slope begins at approximately 9–10 meters and descends to 37 meters. The typical strategy is to descend along the rubble field, find a sheltered position among the boulders, and hold — active swimming against the current is counterproductive and disturbs the sharks. The dive is current-assisted, drifting along the slope as conditions allow. Plan gas reserves carefully for safety stops in open water.

Entry and Exit

Access is by panga (zodiac tender) from the liveaboard vessel. Wolf Island is approximately 14 hours northwest of San Cristóbal — accessible only on liveaboard itineraries. Negative entries are standard. Deploy an SMB during your safety stop for panga pickup.

Tips

• Negative entry skills are essential — practice before the trip if needed
• Nitrox is strongly recommended to extend bottom time at depth
• Carry a satellite beacon or signaling device; Wolf Island conditions can separate divers
• Wedge into boulders and stay still for the best hammerhead encounters — movement drives them away
• Multiple dives at this site are typical on liveaboard itineraries; each dive can be different

Safety

Strong currents are always present and can intensify without warning. Downcurrents have been reported. Negative entries are mandatory. This site requires solid buoyancy control, drift diving experience, and comfort in open-ocean conditions. Always carry an SMB and audible surface signaling device. Dive with your buddy and follow divemaster instructions for group management.

Sources: Galapatours – El Derrumbe / Landslide, Happy Gringo – Darwin & Wolf Islands, Dive The World – Darwin & Wolf Island, Starfish.ch – Northern Galapagos Dive Sites. GPS coordinates contributed by ScubaBoard user Dan. Last updated 2026-05-30.