Hi,
I just came back from there 10 days ago, and I can tell you there is no reason to take dry suit, water are warm, Darwin Island was water Temp close to 23-24C and south Island 19-21C. I used Mares semi Dry suit 6.5 MM and It was too warm for the North Island I did not used the wood there.
If you can take 3-5 MM suit for the North (Darwin Island) and 7mm (Semi Dry suit) with wood to the south Island.
From my experiences when you “swim” after the Whale-shark you want to be as fast as you can, I don’t think dry suit is the best for this…..
Other problem with the dry suit, that during the time that you dive in Darwin Island (arch) to see the big animals Whale-shark the current can be very strong 2-4k and then you find yourself hide between the rocks, what the DM called “Theater” and there the current is rapping, and the rocks are sharp, you will probably flood your dry suit.
Make sure you bring good gloves (3mm if you take camera) to hold the rocks.
If you want to see some pictures go to: http://www.gadip.com/galapagos
I am diving for 16 years now, I dove all around the world the Red Sea (a lot) I dove the Great Barrier riff, I dove Hawaii (Maui) I dove West Cost, I dove East Cost, I dove Turks and Caicos, I dove New Zealand (Knight Poor Island) and others and I can tell you one things, none of the above come close to Darwin Island, this is the best place in the world to dive.
Have Fun, try to be in good shape as much as you can before you arrive the dives there demanding, and each time you hear the “rattle” sound of the Dive Master, swim as fast as you can to the Blue, after few second you will see Whaleshark as BIG as BUS, it is ones in life time. Have fun.
Gadi
