Scalloped hammerhead

Sphyrna lewini

In the waterCritically endangered

The scalloped hammerhead is a coastal and pelagic shark known in the Galápagos for forming large daytime schools at Darwin and Wolf. Its numbers have fallen sharply worldwide from overfishing, and the IUCN lists it as critically endangered. The cool, nutrient-rich season draws the biggest aggregations.

Best time to see it

JunJulAugSepOctNov

Largest schools gather in the cool season, roughly June to November, when the Humboldt Current brings cooler nutrient-rich water. The big aggregations are at the far-northern dive-only islands of Darwin and Wolf, reached by liveaboard rather than land-based day tours.

Where to see it

Cabo Marshall
Isabela · Occasional sighting
Darwin
Darwin · Common sighting
León Dormido
San Cristóbal · Likely sighting
Wolf
Wolf · Common sighting

Cruises to see this species

Itinerary C5D/J: Central & Southern Galápagos ExpeditionVisits 4 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
8 days (A)Visits 3 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
5 days (A)Visits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary CVisits 2 Signature sites — see how we score visitor sites
6-day expedition · Galápagos
Diving ItineraryVisits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos
Itinerary B (5 days)Visits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
5-day expedition · Galápagos
The best of Galápagos underwater sanctuaryVisits 1 Signature site — see how we score visitor sites
8-day expedition · Galápagos