North Seymour delivers reef and drift diving across a compact group of sites, from the channel passage of Seymour Channel to the pinnacles and black coral walls of Daphne. The California Sea Lion is a constant companion, while Whitetip Reef Shark and Spotted Eagle Ray are observed across virtually every site. Conditions favour intermediate divers, though Seymour Channel suits beginners. All access is by boat, and the best-months data is evenly spread across the year.
Monthly water temperature across North Seymour's sites, from satellite sea-surface data corrected for depth. The band shows the site-to-site spread.
Water temperature dips to its coolest from late in the year through to early spring, then rises through the warmer months of February to April. Drift diving is a defining feature here, so current strength should factor into dive planning. Visibility varies considerably depending on season and site, ranging from limited to very clear conditions.
3 operators
6 more sites to explore
Water temperature around North Seymour ranges from about 20°C in August to 24°C in February, based on satellite sea-temperature data for its dive sites.
In the warm season (about 24°C) a 3mm full suit is comfortable in North Seymour; in the coldest months (about 20°C) step up to a 5mm suit.
Fin maps 10 sites in North Seymour (10 scuba diving sites and 4 snorkelling spots, with some suited to both).
North Seymour has a strong record of observation-backed sightings across its sites. Whitetip Reef Shark and Mexican Hogfish are seen across nearly all sites, while California Sea Lion, Jewel Moray, King Angelfish and Spotted Eagle Ray are very commonly encountered. Green Sea Turtle and Longnose Hawkfish appear regularly, and the nudibranch Tambja Mullineri has also been recorded here.
Most sites in North Seymour are rated for intermediate divers, reflecting the drift conditions and variable depths. Seymour Channel is the exception, listed as beginner-friendly, offering a combination of reef, wall and drift diving at accessible depths. Beginners would benefit from some previous drift diving experience before attempting the other sites.
All dive and snorkel sites in North Seymour are boat-access only. There are no shore-entry options across the site mix. Operators including Macarron Scuba Diver Diving Center and Galapagos Travellers run trips to these sites, alongside day boat trip operators.
North Seymour Island offers a varied landscape of platform reefs, rocky bottoms and small caves, and is one of the few sites suitable for both diving and snorkelling. Seymour Channel adds wall diving to the reef and drift mix. Daphne stands apart with its pinnacles, black coral walls and deeper reach, making it the most varied site topographically.
