Marine Life Finder
Photo: putneymark · CC BY-SA 2.0When & where to dive with marine iguanas
Found nowhere else on Earth, the Galápagos marine iguana grazes algae underwater — a strange, wonderful, only-here encounter.
Galápagos · Fernandina & Isabela
ReliableJFMAMJJASOND
“Grazing algae off the rocks at Fernandina and Isabela — a bizarre, only-here sight.”
Dive it at: Darwin & Wolf · Gordon Rocks
Peak Possible Off-season
Go deeper: Galápagos: Diving with Hammerheads and Marine Iguanas
Common questions
When is the best time to dive with marine iguanas?
The strongest windows are: Galápagos (Dec–May (calmest, clearest water)).
Where is the best place to see marine iguanas?
Galápagos is our top pick — Grazing algae off the rocks at Fernandina and Isabela — a bizarre, only-here sight. We also run trips to .
Are marine iguanas sightings guaranteed?
No. We show honest season-by-season odds and a reliability rating per destination, and plan your trip for the peak window to maximise your chances — but wildlife is never guaranteed.
Other animals to plan around
Whale sharkThe ocean’s biggest fish — and its gentlest giant.
Scalloped hammerheadWalls of a hundred sharks, riding the current.
Manta rayReef mantas and giant oceanics, wingtip to wingtip.
Oceanic whitetipThe bold blue-water shark of the Red Sea autumn.
Sea turtleThe near-certain one — every reef, most of the year.
DolphinWild pods that choose to play with you.
Grey reef sharkSquadrons hanging in the blue current.
Humpback whaleHear their song on the dive.
Thresher sharkThe scythe-tailed dawn hunter of Malapascua.
