Diving in the Galápagos truly ranks as world-class, with the confluence of major currents and seasonal upwellings supporting a rich ecosystem of marine wildlife. In fact, the area surrounding Islas Darwin and Wolf has the densest biomass of sharks in the world. It’s only possible to visit these islands on a liveaboard cruise, as they’re too far from the inhabited islands for day trips. Starring attractions here are schooling hammerhead sharks (peaking in January) and whale sharks (best from June through November).

Land-based travellers can book day trips in Puerto Ayora (on Isla Santa Cruz) to dive at Gordon Rocks, another superb spot known for hammerheads, as well as Galápagos and black-tipped reef sharks, eagle rays, and colourful reef fish. Off the eastern coast of Santa Cruz, this site is best for divers at an intermediate level due to its strong currents.

You can even spot hammerheads as a snorkeller on a day trip from Isla San Cristóbal. Boats bring divers and snorkellers to Kicker Rock – also known as León Dormido, or Sleeping Lion – an eroded tuff cone rearing out of the ocean. You stand a decent chance of seeing individual hammerheads swimming below, and you’ll certainly see other shark species, sea turtles, rays, and schooling pelagic fish as you drift along the steep wall.