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[Asher]

Is diving really so much better then snorkelling at Galapagos?

I was planning a dive trip to the islands but have so far been put off by the high prices to Darwin and Wolf.

Many people say that in Galapagos the animals are so close anyway that you can see sharks just snorkelling at no cost - is this really true? I'm hoping to see hammer-heads but is it reallistic to expect to see them just with a snorkel???

[Joseph]

By asking that first question, I assume you haven't done much diving. What you can see snorkeling doesn't come close to what you can see diving. You can dive on day trips from Puerto Ayora for $110-125 per two tank trip. There are some great dive sites accessible from there. Seeing sharks is one thing but seeing hammerheads is another. You are not assured of seeing them diving or snorkeling but you will see a lot of incredible marine life no matter what. You've got to have realistic expectations though. Have fun.

[Gayle]

You will never see hammerheads snorkelling - they swim too deep. You might see white-tip reef sharks or galapagos sharks while snorkelling (particularly around Kicker Rock), but not hammerheads, or whale sharks (most likelihood of seeing these monsters are at Darwin or Wolf), or the bigger manta rays, etc. I saw a school of hammerheads when diving at Gordon Rocks (among other fantastic things), and this was the best dive of my life (and I've dove in lots of places). If you are certified - don't miss out on the diving in Galapagos!!!