Hammerhead Shark Galápagos Islands November – Encounter Guide & Best Sites

Transition season. Hammerheads still present but water warms. Whale sharks more common than peak hammerhead months.

Encounter overview

Diving or snorkelling with hammerhead sharks in Galápagos Islands during November is high season, with an encounter probability of approximately 70% under normal conditions. Schooling hammerhead sharks are one of diving’s most prized spectacles – dozens to hundreds of animals wheeling in slow formation, their alien silhouettes unmistakeable from any depth.

Best sites

• Wolf Island
• Darwin Island
• Cape Marshall

What to expect

Scalloped hammerheads school by day at seamounts and pinnacles, dispersing at night to hunt. Cold, nutrient-rich upwellings are the trigger – the sharks aggregate where baitfish are thick. Schools are shy; approach slowly and avoid bubbles.

Water conditions in November

Water temperature in Galápagos Islands typically ranges 18-27°C (highly seasonal). Visibility at Wolf Island in November is generally good; check local liveaboard or dive operator reports the week of your trip for specific conditions. Liveaboard pelagic, strong current is the primary dive style in Galápagos Islands.

Practical tips

Stay below the school – looking up into blue water keeps you less visible. Avoid flash photography. Cold thermoclines signal you are in the right zone. Early morning dives yield the most sharks before recreational traffic starts.

Getting there

Fly into Baltra (GPS) or San Cristóbal (SCY). Hammerheads at wolf and darwin, whale sharks, marine iguanas, sea lions, galápagos sharks. Ecuador is visa-free for most nationalities; $100 national park fee. Currency: US Dollar (USD).

Is November a good time to visit Galápagos Islands for hammerhead shark?

Yes – November is high season for hammerhead sharks in Galápagos Islands. Encounter probability is around 70% on a dedicated trip. Best sites include Wolf Island, Darwin Island, Cape Marshall. Check availability at Wolf Island as spaces fill quickly in peak months.