Are there sharks in the Galapagos?
At least 33 species of shark have been recorded in the waters around the Galápagos Islands, including the recently discovered Galápagos ghostshark. One of the most common shark species seen in the Islands is the Galápagos shark, but confusingly this species is found throughout the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
Are there shark attacks in the Galapagos Islands?
Shark attacks are almost unheard of in Galapagos. According to the website sharkattackdata.com, there have been 7 unprovoked shark attacks in Galapagos since 1954. Given that there are approximately 200,000 visitors per year now in Galapagos, the odds of being bitten by a shark are negligible.
How many Galapagos sharks are there?
Almost 30 species of sharks haunt the waters of the Galapagos Islands, with some of the most prominent names being scalloped hammerheads, whale sharks, horn sharks, whitetip and blacktip reef sharks, tiger sharks, Port Jackson sharks, and Galapagos sharks.
Is it safe to swim with Galapagos sharks?
Not only do the Galapagos islands boast the highest shark biomass on the planet, but it’s also a safe place to share the water with them. Galapagos tours include great opportunities to get up close to marine species, including sharks. So get your fins and snorkel at the ready, and dive right in!
Do I need a wetsuit to snorkel in the Galapagos?
The very short answer: It is not ultimately necessary to wear a wetsuit when swimming or snorkeling in Galapagos, but for the most enjoyable experience we stongly recommend you use one. The longer answer: Snorkeling is one of the top activities that passengers look for during a Galapagos Cruise, and rightfully so!
Is it safe to snorkel in the Galapagos?
Overall, the Galapagos Islands are a safe place to snorkel. Be sure to keep at least one eye and ear on your guides’ instructions when you’re in the water!
Are there great white sharks in Galapagos?
The Galapagos Islands are home to one of the largest proliferations of schooling hammerhead sharks at Wolf and Darwin Islands. Mixed with these hammerheads are Galapagos sharks. Whale sharks are also present in the Galapagos Islands, but it’s not certain there are great white sharks as well.
Why do Galapagos sharks live still on the ocean floor?
The juveniles tend to remain in shallow water to avoid predation by the adults. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed this species as least concern, but it has a slow reproductive rate and there is heavy fishing pressure across its range.
What eats Galapagos?
Predators and prey Around the Galapagos Islands, remains of marine mammals such as sea lions and marine reptiles such as iguanas have also been discovered to be prey items. Galapagos sharks have few natural enemies.
Where are Galapagos sharks found?
Galapagos sharks are considered to be a circumtropical species with strong preferences for warm, clear waters near reef systems or oceanic islands and generally over continental shelf areas. Although Galapagos sharks are found worldwide, they are most commonly concentrated in tropical regions of the world’s oceans.
Is snorkeling in Galapagos safe?
How dangerous is a Galapagos shark?
Galapagos shark. Galapagos sharks are bold and have behaved aggressively towards humans, and are thus regarded as dangerous. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed this species as near threatened, as it has a slow reproductive rate and there is heavy fishing pressure across its range.
What does Galapagos shark eat?
Galapagos sharks consume crustaceans, mollusks, and fishes, but they have been known to eat or attack marine reptiles, sea lions, seals, and trash. Studies of stomach contents of Galapagos sharks reveal that fish constitute a significant percentage of the food they consume.
Are Galapagos sharks dangerous?
Inquisitive and persistent, the Galapagos shark is regarded as dangerous to humans and diving unprotected is not advisable in areas where they are abundant. They are known to approach close to swimmers, showing interest in swim fins or hands, and are drawn in large numbers by fishing activities.
What animals live on the Galapagos Islands?
The islands are home to a wide array of wildlife including the famous Galapagos tortoises, turtles , seals, penguins and iguana . Other animals include: Galapagos Albatross. Blue-Footed Booby. Naza-Booby. Red-Footed Booby. Flightless Cormorant . American Flamingo .