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Meet the ancient giant tortoises of the Galapagos

Galapagos Snorkeling Trips

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The Aida Maria
from $53,978
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Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard Aida Maria

8 Day Itinerary aboard Aida Maria
  • Witness giant tortoises
  • Follow a path to a forest of cacti
  • Hike to the Sierra Negra Volcano
  • Explore coastal lagoons
Starts / Ends
San Cristobal Airport / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
This private cruise to the Western Islands of the Galapagos allows you to witness the archipelago's exciting and unique plants, animals, and landscapes. Swim, hike, and explore on this 8-day tour on the Aida Maria.
Cruise Details
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Aida Maria
from $34,986
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Private Charter - Northern Islands Aboard Aida Maria

5 Day Itinerary aboard Aida Maria
  • Take a tour around Darwin Bay
  • Snorkel off the beach of Las Bachas
  • View Daphne Island, a volcanic cone
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Explore the landscapes and wildlife of the northern Galapagos Islands during this 5-day private charter cruise aboard the Aida Maria.
Cruise Details
0
A Marine iguana peaks over a volcanic rock, Galapagos Islands.
from $6,818
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Exploring Galapagos

Ecuador Roundtrip - 10 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Gemini
  • Experience wildlife encounters
  • Visit Genovesa
  • See Galapagos penguins
  • Visit giant tortoises
Starts / Ends
Guayaquil / Guayaquil
Activities
Kayaking, Whale Watching
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on a 10-day cruise through the Galapagos Islands aboard the National Geographic Gemini and visit iconic islands like North Seymour, Isabela, and Fernandina. This expedition offers unique experiences, providing an exploration of the legendary Galapagos wildlife.
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Aida Maria
from $28,988
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Private Charter - Southern Islands Aboard Aida Maria

4 Day Itinerary aboard Aida Maria
  • Snorkel with tropical fish
  • Visit the Charles Darwin Station
  • Take a dingy ride to see sea lions
Starts / Ends
Baltra / San Cristobal Airport
Activity Level
Variable
Experience the native flora and fauna of the Southern Galapagos Islands during this 4-day private cruise. Explore the beautiful beaches, a local market, and a sea turtle nesting site on your cruise aboard the Aida Maria.
Cruise Details
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Beach on Isabela island
from $17,860
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Galapagos Evolution Circumnavigation

15 Day Itinerary aboard Evolution
  • Hike up Prince Phillip's Steps
  • Journey to Chinese Hat
  • Visit Black Turtle Cove
  • View new and old tortoises
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Enjoy the Islands Circumnavigation tour aboard the Evolution. This 15-day voyage offers island trails, lagoons, white sand beaches and volcanic vistas. Snorkel and swim in crystalline waters and view abundant wildlife on this Galapagos adventure.
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Blue-footed Booby lands on North Seymour Island, Galapagos Islands.
from $5,556
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Exploring Galapagos

10 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Endeavour II
  • View endemic wildlife
  • Discover scenic coastlines
  • See varied islands and habitats
  • Experience the Galápagos undersea
Activity Level
Variable
Spend 10 days exploring the legendary Galápagos Islands aboard a classic, 96-guest expedition ship, the Endeavour II. Actively experience the wildlife and wonders of the islands through kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, and hiking.
Cruise Details
0
from $8,425
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Classic Galapagos Safari & Isabela

7 Day Itinerary
  • Discover Santa Cruz Island
  • Snorkel across Floreana
  • Admire unique wildlife
  • Enjoy Isabela's sandy beaches
Starts / Ends
Los Gemelos (Twin Craters) / Las Tintoreras
Activity Level
Moderate
Luxury camping in one of the world's most remarkable archipelagos. The Galapagos Safari Camp tour is perfect for the traveler that prefers his or her tours active and want to stay in a unique location, not just your standard hotel.
Tour Details
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Moreno Point, Isabela Island, Galapagos
from $4,900
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Northern Islands

8 Day Itinerary aboard Nemo III
  • Take a paga ride on Genovesa
  • Snorkel and kayak at Sullivan Bay
  • Visit a blue-footed booby colony
  • Meet Galapagos giant tortoises
Activity Level
Variable
Enjoy an 8-day magical Galapagos Islands cruise aboard Nemo III! Discover the North Islands Genovesa, the coast of Santiago, Isabela and Fernandina. Walk, swim, and snorkel next to frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies, iguanas, penguins, giant tortoises & sea lions.
Cruise Details
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Pinnacle rock in Bartolome
from $4,900
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Southern Islands

8 Day Itinerary aboard Nemo III
  • Meet the wildlife of North Seymour
  • Rest on Suarez Point's cliffs
  • Walk on Cormorant Point's beach
  • Meet Galapagos giant tortoises
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activities
Small Ship Sailing
Activity Level
Variable
Experience this 8-day cruise to the Southern Islands of the Galapagos and enjoy bays and striking beaches of white coral sand, a favorite place for large colonies of sea lions. Visit a variety of the best locations in Santa Cruz, Isabela, Floreana, and Española islands.
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Devil's Crown Galapagos
from $4,490
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Islands Circumnavigation - Naturalist Itinerary

Santa Cruz Roundtrip - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Danubio Azul
  • Snorkel volcanic Devil’s Crown
  • Visit the historic Post Office
  • Encounter Galapagos marine iguanas
  • Watch blue-footed boobies
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activities
Snorkeling, Wildlife Viewing, Hiking
Activity Level
Variable
Explore the Galapagos Islands Northwest and Southern Loop aboard Danubio Azul on this 8-day expedition. Visit volcanic islands like Isabela and Bartolome, and encounter wildlife from giant tortoises to marine iguanas. Enjoy guided excursions to historic sites, pristine beaches, and remote islets.
Cruise Details
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Snorkeling the tropical waters of the Galapagos islands.
from $21,980
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West & East Galapagos

Santa Cruz - Baltra - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Aqua Mare
  • Enjoy Daphne Island's view
  • Visit Mosquera Islet
  • Discover Caleta Tagus
  • Explore Punta Moreno's lava rocks
Starts / Ends
Puerto Ayora / Punta Suarez
Activity Level
Variable
From Santa Cruz to Baltra, embark on the ultimate bucket-list East & West Galapagos voyage onboard Aqua Mare. Explore Floreana, Isabela, Santiago, Santa Cruz, Mosquera, Española, and Plaza Sur.
Cruise Details
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Floreana Island
from $117,705
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Private Charter - Southern Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise

4 Day Itinerary aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise
  • Visit Tijeretas Hill bird colony
  • Discover Floreana Island's beaches
  • Snorkel with sea lions
Starts / Ends
San Cristobal Airport / Baltra
Activities
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on a private 4-day Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise to the Eastern Galapagos Islands. Explore San Cristóbal, and visit Tijeretas Hill. Enjoy Gardner Bay and Punta Suárez on Española, then discover unique beaches, flamingos, and marine life at Punta Cormorant on Floreana. Conclude your journey at the Charles Darwin Research Station and fly back home.
Cruise Details
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Wildlife in the Galapagos
from $10,250
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Volcanic Wonders

Northern & Western Route - 8 Day Itinerary aboard M/V Origin, Theory & Evolve
  • Cruise around Kicker Rock
  • Hike up Prince Philip's Steps
  • Observe Galapagos flora and fauna
  • Snorkel or stand up paddle board
Activity Level
Variable
On this comprehensive 8-day tour of the Galapagos Islands aboard the M/V Origin, see unusual wildlife such as marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, penguins, and giant Galapagos tortoises. By zodiac dinghy, trekking, or snorkeling, explore the Galapagos National Park.
Cruise Details
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Green sea turtle swimming
from $7,100
Savings
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Diving Cruise

8 Day Itinerary aboard Galaxy Diver II
  • Dive into renowned El Derrumbe
  • Explore La Banana dive site
  • Discover Shark Bay
  • Witness dolphins, sharks and more
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Santa Cruz
Activities
Scuba Diving
Activity Level
Variable
This 8-day diving cruise aboard Galaxy Diver II explores the awe-inspiring underwater beauty of the Galapagos Islands. Encounter sharks, whales, batfish, rays, turtles, penguins, iguanas, sea lions, and more in this world-class diving adventure.
Cruise Details
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Wildlife in the Galapagos
from $6,735
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Galapagos Family Safari Camp

6 Day Itinerary
  • Snorkel at the Galapagos Islands
  • Visit the beautiful Cerro Mesa
  • Discover Garrapatero Beach
  • Enjoy a unique fishing day
Starts / Ends
Santa Cruz / Charles Darwin Center
Activity Level
Relaxed
This incredible 6-day Galapagos family safari offers a variety of activities and engaging educational experiences for both parents and children including a chance to enjoy the exotic beauty of the Galapagos while supporting a fantastic social and conservation initiative such as fishing.
Tour Details
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Kayaking at Manglecito Eco Lodge in San Cristobal, Galapagos
from $3,124
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Galapagos Camping and Kayaking

4 Day Itinerary
  • Kayak to Manglecito Beach
  • Encounter Galapagos wildlife
  • Hike to Frigate Hill for views
  • Snorkel and explore underwater
Starts / Ends
San Cristobal / Blue Marlin Hotel
Activity Level
Moderate
Embark on a 4-day adventure on San Cristobal Island. Begin your journey with a kayak trip to Manglecito Beach, where you’ll encounter blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas. Explore Cerro Brujo and Kicker Rock, snorkel with sharks and rays, and hike to Frigate Hill. Enjoy well-prepared campsites and local wildlife. This tour combines kayaking, hiking, and snorkeling for a comprehensive Galapagos experience.
Tour Details
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Llama at Machu Picchu ruins
from $7,223
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Islands and Incas

Galapagos & Machu Picchu - 15 Day Itinerary
  • Explore magical Machu Picchu
  • Visit the Inca terraces of Moray
  • Photograph iguanas & sea lions
  • Wonder at volcanic landscapes
Activities
Land & Sea Exploration, Archaeological Site Visits, Local Market Visits
Activity Level
Relaxed
Combine 8 days in the Galapagos with a trip to Peru and Machu Picchu. Explore Cusco, and the Sacred Valley, and spend two days discovering Machu Picchu learning about the ancient ways of the Incas and the traditions of Andean people today. Then fly to the Galapagos Islands for 8 days of wildlife & natural discovery!
Tour Details
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Beach on Isabela island
from $11,600
Up to $750
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Darwin's Discoveries: The Galapagos Islands

Roundtrip Guayaquil - 8 Day Itinerary aboard La Pinta (UC)
  • Set foot on seven islands and islet
  • View marine life
  • See the nesting birds and wildlife
  • Visit Galápagos Islands
Activity Level
Variable
Begin your amazing 8-day expedition at the riverfront Wyndham Guayaquil then spend the rest of your trip sailing across the legendary Galapagos Islands aboard the small ship La Pinta. Visit Baltra, North Seymour, Isabela, Fernandina, and more!
Cruise Details
0
289-306 of 409 Results

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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