WhenToDive
Shark · 🦈

Galápagos Shark

Carcharhinus galapagensis

Despite the name, Galápagos sharks are circumtropical — they are found at oceanic islands around the world, from the Galápagos to Cocos, Malpelo, Hawaii, Lord Howe, and the Revillagigedos. They are the dominant resident reef shark at many of these sites, schooling in groups of a dozen or more around seamounts and current-swept points. Physically they resemble a generic grey reef shark but are noticeably larger, reaching over three metres.

Despite the name, Galápagos sharks are circumtropical — they are found at oceanic islands around the world, from the Galápagos to Cocos, Malpelo, Hawaii, Lord Howe, and the Revillagigedos. They are the dominant resident reef shark at many of these sites, schooling in groups of a dozen or more around seamounts and current-swept points. Physically they resemble a generic grey reef shark but are noticeably larger, reaching over three metres.

The year at a glance

Global aggregated reliability — at any given month, how reliably can you find this species somewhere in the world?

Score 1–5 · global aggregated reliability Rare Moderate Reliable

Where to see them in April

Sorted by April reliability and species status.

  1. 01

    Socorro (Revillagigedos)

    Mexico · eastern pacific · peak
    5/5
  2. 02

    Cocos Island

    Costa Rica · eastern pacific · peak
    4/5
  3. 03

    Galápagos

    Ecuador · eastern pacific · peak
    4/5
  4. 04

    Tubbataha Reef

    Philippines · southeast asia · present
    5/5

Full season breakdown

Peak Present Rare

Destination
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Notes
Cocos Island
Peak season
Galápagos
Resident reef shark throughout the archipelago
Socorro (Revillagigedos)
Peak season
Tubbataha Reef
Present