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Galapagos Snorkeling Trips

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Galapagos Seaman Journey
from $194,927
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Private Charter - Islands Circumnavigation Aboard Seaman Journey

15 Day Itinerary aboard Seaman Journey
  • See diverse wildlife and birds
  • Snorkel with sea lions
  • Hike along Pahoehoe lava flows
  • Relax on volcanic black sand beach
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 15-day Islands Circumnavigation private cruise to Santa Cruz, Fernandina, Isabela, Santiago, Rabida, Bartolome, Genovesa, San Cristobal, Espanola, Floreana, and more! This comprehensive voyage on the Seaman Journey highlights the best of the Galapagos archipelago and treats travelers to amazing scenery and wildlife viewing.
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Beluga Cabin
from $167,000
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Private Charter - Islands Circumnavigation Aboard Beluga

15 Day Itinerary aboard Beluga
  • Ride a dinghy to Black Turtle Cove
  • Snorkel around Devil's Crown
  • Visit a tortoise breeding center
  • Explore El Junco Lagoon
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Take an extensive trip to the Galapagos Islands aboard the Beluga. Experience Cerro Brujo, Dragon Hill and Chinese Hat on this 15-day tour.
Cruise Details
0
Cruise the Galapagos on the Tip Top IV Ship
from $166,831
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Private Charter - Islands Circumnavigation Aboard Tip Top IV

15 Day Itinerary aboard Tip Top IV
  • Snorkel & swim in North Seymour
  • Observe marine turtle on Espumilla
  • Hike to the Pitt Point
  • Visit Sullivan Bay volcanic land
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Experience in the magic Galapagos Islands aboard Tip Top IV! Enjoy 15 days of travel in unique destinations. Observe the endemic wildlife in North Seymour, Darwin Bay (Genovesa), Vicente Roca Point (Isabela), Urbina Bay and others.
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Cachalote Explorer
from $147,000
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Private Charter - Islands Circumnavigation I aboard Cachalote Explorer

15 Day Itinerary aboard Cachalote Explorer
  • Take a boat ride in Dragon Hill
  • Visit the blowhole
  • Hike on Bartolome Island
  • Learn about Galapagos tortoises
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Circumnavigate the Galapagos Islands and experience unique flora and fauna. Take advantage of the opportunities to learn, snorkel, relax and explore on this 15-day private cruise aboard the Cachalote Explorer.
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Cachalote Explorer
from $147,000
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Private Charter - Islands Circumnavigation II aboard Cachalote Explorer

15 Day Itinerary aboard Cachalote Explorer
  • Ride a boat to Black Turtle Cove
  • Visit El Junco Lagoon
  • Explore the Sierra Negra
  • Observe iguanas feeding
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Board the Cachalote Explorer for an extensive private tour of the Galapagos Islands. Spend your time at places like Cerro Brujo, Devil's Crown and the Charles Darwin Research Center on this 15-day adventure!
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Sea lions on beach in Rabida
from $149,190
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Private Charter - West & Central Islands + Genovesa Aboard M/C Galapagos Endemic

8 Day Itinerary aboard M/C Endemic
  • Walk volcanic lava fields
  • Climb Prince Philip’s Steps
  • Explore Rabida's beach and lagoon
  • Stop at Tupiza Center for tortoises
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on an 8-day Galapagos cruise aboard the M/C Endemic. Visit key locations like Santa Cruz, Isabela, Genovesa, and Fernandina. Hike volcanic terrain, snorkel with sea life, and spot rare birds and tortoises. This 8-day itinerary includes guided activities, landings, and wildlife viewing across diverse ecosystems.
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Sea lion on a pristine beach
from $149,190
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Private Charter - Central Islands Cruise Aboard M/C Elite

8 Day Itinerary aboard M/C Elite
  • Relax at Gardner Bay
  • Observe blue-footed boobies
  • Visit D. Rodriguez Breeding Center
  • Take a panga ride to Champion Islet
Starts / Ends
San Cristobal Airport / Isla Lobos
Activity Level
Variable
Embark the M/C Elite on this fascinating 8-day private Central Galapagos cruise. Discover the islands of San Cristobal, Española, Floreana, Santa Cruz, Santiago, and Genovesa. There is an endless list of activities to make this an unforgettable trip including snorkeling, roaming volcanic landscapes, and observing the native wildlife.
Cruise Details
0
from $149,190
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Private Charter - Western & Eastern Islands Aboard M/C Elite

8 Day Itinerary aboard M/C Elite
  • Snorkel & Kayak across Tintoreras
  • Discover Sierra Negra volcano
  • Bird watching at North Seymour
  • Visit the beautiful Junco Lagoon
Starts / Ends
San Cristobal Airport / San Cristobal Interpretation Center
Activities
Kayaking, Hiking, Snorkeling, Wildlife Viewing, Whale Watching, Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Activity Level
Variable
Join the M/C Elite on a spectacular 8-day Eastern and Western Galapagos private cruise. Explore isolated islands and remote visitor points to see unique wildlife. Observe blue-footed boobies and frigate birds in North Seymour, spot Galapagos hawks and flightless cormorants in Urbina Bay, and see marine iguanas feeding underwater in Fernandina.
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The Ocean Spray
from $123,790
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Private Charter - Islands Circumnavigation - East Aboard Ocean Spray

8 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Spray
  • Explore Witch Hill
  • Swim with reef fish
  • Visit Cormorant Point
  • Snorkel in clear water
Starts / Ends
San Cristobal Airport / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Witness Kicker Rock, Pitt Point and Post Office Bay aboard the Ocean Spray. This 8-day private cruise allows you to circumnavigate the East Galapagos Islands and discover highlights of the region, from stunning volcanic landscapes to vibrant wildlife.
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Crusing the Galapagos islands
from $111,790
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Private Charter - Luxury West & Central Galapagos Cruise Aboard M/C Galapagos Endemic

6 Day Itinerary aboard M/C Endemic
  • Marine turtle sightings
  • Visit Rabida Island
  • Look for penguins at Tagus Cove
  • Hike & swim at Santigo Island
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
A 6-day private cruise on board the M/C Endemic takes you through Western and Central Galapagos. Wildlife observation possibilities abound while traversing the islands, snorkeling in the crystal clear waters, or relaxing on the pristine shoreline. Sail through Baltra, Santiago, Isabela, Fernandina, and Rabida, among other places.
Cruise Details
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Cruising in the Galapagos
from $111,790
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Private Charter - North & Central Islands + Floreana Aboard M/C Galapagos Endemic

6 Day Itinerary aboard M/C Endemic
  • Climb Prince Philip’s Steps
  • Discover North Seymour Island
  • Admire Red and Blue-footed Boobies
  • Swim & snorkel across clear waters
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Discover the North and Central Galapagos Islands' natural beauty and wildlife on a 6-day cruise aboard the M/C Endemic. Sail across some of the most emblematic islands of Baltra, Bartholomew, Floreana, North Seymour, Santa Cruz, and Genovesa. Enjoy snorkeling, boating, bird-watching, and island exploration with a native national park guide.
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Tip Top II
from $95,767
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Private Charter - Eastern Islands Aboard Tip Top II

8 Day Itinerary aboard Tip Top II
  • Discover Bachas Beach
  • Admire Galapagos wildlife
  • Walk through a cactus forest
  • Visit the Interpretation Center
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Black Turtle Cove
Activity Level
Variable
Travel to Baltra, Genovesa, Santa Fe, San Cristobal, Floreana and more on this 8-day private tour of the. Board the Tip Top II for a vacation full of unique wildlife, snorkeling, and sightseeing!
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Tip Top II
from $95,767
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Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard Tip Top II

8 Day Itinerary aboard Tip Top II
  • Visit Mosquera Islet
  • Observe birds on El Barroco
  • Explore Rabida Island
  • Swim & Snorkel at Chinese Hat
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Enjoy the Galapagos Islands aboard Tip Top II in 8 days, explore the magical landscapes with unique wildlife like sea lions, brown pelicans, blue-footed boobies and sally light-foot crabs. There is an endless list of activities to do on the different islands.
Cruise Details
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On our way for another excursion
from $92,390
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Private Charter - Southern Islands Aboard M/C Galapagos Endemic

5 Day Itinerary aboard M/C Endemic
  • Enjoy Kicker Rock's wildlife
  • Visit the Fausto L. Breeding Center
  • Swim & Kayak at San Cristobal
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Sail through the Southeastern Galapagos Islands on a 5-day private cruise. Embark the M/C Endemic in Baltra making your way through Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Española, Santa Fe, and South Plaza. Overflowing with wildlife, volcanic wonders, and breathtaking landscapes, this is the perfect vacation choice.
Cruise Details
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M/C Galapagos Elite
from $92,390
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Private Charter - Northern Islands Cruise Aboard M/C Elite

5 Day Itinerary aboard M/C Elite
  • Snorkel across Darwin Bay
  • Discover the beautiful Kicker Rock
  • Visit Charles Darwin R. Station
Starts / Ends
Baltra / San Cristobal
Activity Level
Variable
Board the M/C Elite for a 5-day private Galapagos Northern Galapagos cruise. Visit Santa Cruz, Genovesa, Rabida, and San Cristobal to experience the volcanic islands' beauty and natural charm. Witness an abundance of unique wildlife, including tortoises, iguanas, several bird species, and sea lions.
Cruise Details
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Cruise the Galapagos on the Tip Top IV Ship
from $87,826
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Private Charter - Eastern Islands Aboard Tip Top IV

8 Day Itinerary aboard Tip Top IV
  • Visit Charles Darwin Center
  • Sail around Kicker Rock
  • Explores Rabida its landscapes
  • Sunbathe in Las Bachas Beach
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Discover the Galapagos Islands aboard Tip Top IV during this 8-day private cruise, where you'll enjoy the snorkeling in South Plaza, a panga ride in Turtle Cove, the Hill at Pitt Point and excursions on Chinese Hat, Sullivan Bay, and Santa Fe.
Cruise Details
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Floreana Island
from $87,826
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Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard Tip Top IV

Santa Cruz Island to Mosquera - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Tip Top IV
  • Black Turtle Cove exploration
  • Champion Islet snorkeling adventure
  • Spot Tagus Cove penguin
  • Join Espinoza Point wildlife walk
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
This Galapagos private cruise aboard the Tip Top IV takes you beyond the highlights of the Western Islands with 8 days of exciting activity! Enjoy the company of friendly sea lions while snorkeling and make friends with the gentle giant tortoises in Isabela and Santa Cruz.
Cruise Details
0
Cachalote Explorer
from $79,000
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Private Charter - Eastern Islands Aboard Cachalote Explorer

8 Day Itinerary aboard Cachalote Explorer
  • Observe the Galapagos tortoise
  • Ride a boat to Black Turtle Cove
  • Climb up Prince Phillip's Steps
  • Snorkel around Devil's Crown
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Sail across the Eastern Galapagos Islands on the16-passenger Cachalote Explorer. Spend time learning about the history of the island and watch as seabirds soar and sea lions play on this 8-day private tour.
Cruise Details
0
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Best Spots for Snorkeling in the Galapagos

Snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands is a highlight of any Galapagos tour. From volcanic formations to lava tunnels, the islands offer some of the world’s most unique marine ecosystems. Whether you're an active solo traveler or part of a Galapagos cruise, these top Galapagos Islands snorkeling spots are not to be missed:

 

1. Devil’s Crown (Isla Española)

This submerged volcanic crater offers some of the best snorkeling in Galapagos. Known for its strong currents and exceptional biodiversity, it's a must on any Galapagos cruise itinerary. Spot reef sharks, rays, and sea turtles.

2. Kicker Rock (Isla San Cristobal)

Towering rock walls rise from the ocean, creating a dramatic backdrop and a haven for marine life. Clear waters make this a top pick for Galapagos snorkeling with sharks, rays, and turtles.

3. Gardner Bay (Isla Española)

Calm, turquoise waters make this bay ideal for beginners. Swim alongside curious sea lions and tropical fish just off the soft white-sand beach.

4. North Seymour Island

Accessible via Galapagos cruise or day trip, North Seymour offers incredible wildlife both above and below water. Expect reef sharks, rays, and dense fish schools.

5. Floreana Island (Devil’s Crown & Champion Islet)

Champion Islet and Devil’s Crown near Floreana are famous for their crystal-clear waters and vibrant reef life. These sites are often featured on naturalist-led Galapagos snorkeling tours.

6. Isabela Island (Los Tuneles)

Snorkeling in the Galapagos here means swimming through ancient lava tunnels and arches where penguins, seahorses, and sea turtles thrive. A favorite on many Galapagos land tours.

7. Bartolomé Island

Renowned for its stunning views and rich marine life, this site offers excellent visibility and the chance to snorkel with Galápagos penguins.

8. Santa Fe Island

Peaceful and less crowded, Santa Fe is great for travelers seeking a relaxed, uncrowded Galapagos snorkeling experience. Swim with sea lions, rays, and colorful reef fish.

What to Expect from Your Galapagos Snorkeling Adventure

Whether you're on a Galapagos cruise or a land-based tour, Galapagos Islands snorkeling offers unmatched access to wildlife and pristine ecosystems:

  • Marine Life Encounters: Spot playful sea lions, sea turtles, eagle rays, colorful fish and even reef sharks or penguins.
  • Snorkeling Gear Provided: Wetsuits, fins, and masks are included on most Galapagos cruises and guided tours for maximum comfort.
  • Safety First: Trained naturalist guides provide a safe and educational experience, pointing out wildlife and assessing water conditions.
  • Itinerary Overview: Tours begin with transportation from your lodge or vessel to key Galapagos snorkeling sites. Enjoy guided time in the water and scenic return trips—seamlessly organized.

Why Book a Galapagos Snorkeling Tour with Adventure Life?

When you book Galapagos snorkeling tours with Adventure Life, you’re not just snorkeling, you’re joining a curated experience designed for comfort, education, and sustainability.

  • Expert Knowledge: Our local naturalist guides enrich your experience with insights into marine biology and conservation.
  • Tailored Experiences: Whether you’re a first-time snorkeler or seasoned diver, we match you with the right tour or Galapagos cruise.
  • Eco-Conscious Travel: We follow strict sustainability practices to protect marine habitats and support local conservation efforts.
  • Unmatched Access: Explore remote Galapagos snorkeling spots that are off-limits to independent travelers, available only through licensed operators.

FAQs: Galapagos Islands snorkeling

Does the Galapagos have good snorkeling?

Yes! The Galapagos Islands are one of the world’s top snorkeling destinations. Clear waters, volcanic coastlines, and protected marine reserves make it easy to swim alongside sea turtles, rays, reef sharks, penguins, sea lions, and fishes. Whether you're on a Galapagos cruise or a land-based tour, snorkeling in the Galapagos is a highlight of any adventure.

What are the best months to snorkel in the Galapagos?

Galapagos Islands snorkeling is great year-round, but the best months depend on your preferences:

  • Warm season (Dec–May): Calmer seas, warmer water, and excellent visibility, ideal for snorkeling.
  • Cool season (June–Nov): Waters are cooler, but marine life activity increases. Wetsuits are recommended during this time.
Which Galapagos Island has the best snorkeling?

Several islands offer world-class snorkeling, and the best often depends on the wildlife you want to see:

  • Devil’s Crown (Española): Top site for marine diversity.
  • Kicker Rock (San Cristóbal): Swim with sharks and rays in deep water.
  • Los Tuneles (Isabela): Shallow lava tunnels with turtles, seahorses, and penguins. Adventure Life’s itineraries include access to these top spots as part of both land and Galapagos snorkeling cruises.
Do I need a wetsuit to snorkel in the Galapagos?

It depends on the season and your comfort level:

  • Dec–May: Water temperatures are warmer (~75–82°F), and a wetsuit is optional.
  • June–Nov: Cooler waters (~65–75°F); a wetsuit is strongly recommended.

Most Galapagos snorkeling tours with Adventure Life include wetsuits and all necessary gear.

Is it safe to snorkel with sharks in the Galapagos?

Yes. Snorkeling in the Galapagos with reef sharks, including white-tipped and Galapagos sharks, is a common and safe experience. These species are non-aggressive and typically uninterested in humans. All Galapagos Islands snorkeling excursions are led by licensed naturalist guides who ensure your safety and comfort in the water.

Are Galapagos snorkeling tours with Adventure Life suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. Adventure Life offers Galapagos tours and cruises that cater to all experience levels. Beginners are welcomed with guided instruction, calm-water locations, and gear provided. Itineraries are designed to build confidence while offering close encounters with marine wildlife in safe, controlled settings.

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