Where the cold Peruvian Current from the south meets the warm north-east Equatorial Current from the north, 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, can be found the "Enchanted Isles" of the Galapagos. Stark volcanic scenery and a hot, dry and inhospitable climate have allowed for the development of some of the world's most bizarre and unique creatures; giant and lumbering tortoises that can reach 120 years in age, prehistoric and dinosaur-like marine iguanas that bask in the hot sun and Darwin's famous finches, each having developed independently from a common species according to their habitat. The Galapagos are also home to the most northerly species of penguin, and seals and sea lions can also be found sunning themselves on the black sandy beaches, or frolicking in the cool, clear waters. The iguanas munch away at the algae that grows in profusion on the rocky shore, while garishly coloured Sally Lightfoot crabs cling precariously to rocks as waves wash over their heads, only to scuttle to a new rock as the waters subside.

Beneath these relentless waves the Galapagos are totally unique; because two contrasting ocean currents meet at the islands, it is possible to find a broad range of marine environments in close proximity to one another. Therefore, penguins, seals and sea lions, usually creatures associated with cold or temperate areas, can be found near rich and diverse coral reefs. Nowhere else is it possible to dive with angelfish, moorish idols and butterfly fish one day, search for dozing turtles on rock ledges the next and observe and admire the grace and agility of penguins and seals as they chase schools of silvery bait fish the next.

The waters of the Galapagos are particularly rich in microscopic food, and in consequence support an enormous variety and quantity of fish life. Huge schools of fish such as snapper breed in the waters, and can be seen shimmering in the sunlight as they swoop and swirl when attacked by one of the many marine mammals that feed upon them. Another predator often seen in the Galapagos, especially along one of the deep drop-offs that surround many of the islands, is the hammerhead shark. Although usually seen in solitary, here they can sometimes be observed in huge schools, appearing out of the gloom, nosing into the current, their strange heads sweeping from side to side. At certain times of the year migrating whales pass the islands; sperm whales and killer whales predominate, but often leaping humpbacks put on a dramatic display for us diminutive humans.

From July to November it is whale shark season, and there is nowhere in the world finer than the northern Wolf & Darwin Islands to see these gigantic fish. Often 4 or 5 can be seen feeding in the plankton rich waters and it's not unusual to spot 15 or so in a few days.

The only way to see the Galapagos Islands properly is by liveaboard and we are pleased to offer 7, all of which offer trips to the Wolf & Darwin Islands, where the best diving is to be found. All are excellent vessels, and if you have a limited window to travel then any one of them will meet your requirements for quality and service. Due to strict controls by the Park authorities all the liveaboards are stricted to where they can go and what you ca do. Land tours are now severely limited and we would suggest that you consider another "naturalist" (not to be confused with naturist!) cruise to reallly get to enjoy what is on offer ashore.