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Meet the ancient giant tortoises of the Galapagos

Galapagos Snorkeling Trips

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Beluga ship in the Galapagos
from $90,000
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Private Charter - Eastern Islands Aboard Beluga

8 Day Itinerary aboard Beluga
  • Admire incredible wildlife
  • See unique bird species
  • Explore with your private group
  • Explore volcanic landscapes
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Genovesa
Activity Level
Variable
Enjoy this 8-day cruise through the eastern islands of the Galapagos covering some of the most beautiful islands including San Cristobal, South Plaza, Santa Cruz, and Genovesa.
Cruise Details
0
Wildlife in the Galapagos
from $4,532
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Finch Bay Eco-Hotel

5 Day Itinerary
  • View Giant Tortoises
  • Snorkel along shallow reefs
  • Choose from a menu of activities
Starts / Ends
Baltra / North Seymour
Activity Level
Relaxed
Set the pace of your Galapagos adventure with a 5-day stay at the Finch Bay Eco-Hotel. Spend your time exploring the natural beauty and wildlife of the islands or relax in the comfort of your seaside hotel. Additional excursions can also be arranged if you wish.
Tour Details
0
Kayaks await in Alaska
from $10,588
Savings
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Islands Circumnavigation

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
Activity Level
Variable
Adventure 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.
Cruise Details
0
Sea lion and scuba diver
from $4,598
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North and West Islands - Diving Itinerary

Santa Cruz to North Seymour - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Danubio Azul
  • Dive at Darwin’s Arch
  • Walk North Seymour trails
  • Discover Cousin’s Rock
  • Snorkel at Vicente Roca Point
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activities
Scuba Diving
Activity Level
Variable
Dive into the world-renowned waters of the Galapagos on this 8-day cruise aboard Danubio Azul. This liveaboard expedition explores remote diving sites including Darwin’s Arch, Wolf Island, and Cape Marshall. Discover some of the planet’s richest marine ecosystems on this unforgettable adventure.
Cruise Details
0
See Blue-footed Boobies on your trip to the Galapagos
from $6,728
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Finch Bay EcoHotel

10 Day Itinerary
  • View Giant Tortoises
  • Snorkel along shallow reefs
  • Hike to view sea lions & lizards
  • Choose from a menu of activities
Activity Level
Relaxed
Set the pace of your Galapagos adventure with a 10-day stay at the Finch Bay Eco-Hotel. Spend your time exploring the natural beauty and wildlife of the islands or relax in the comfort of your seaside hotel. Additional excursions can also be arranged if you wish.
Tour Details
0
See giant tortoises in the Galapagos
from $8,004
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Wildlife Odyssey

Amazon & Galapagos - 15 Day Itinerary
  • Observe macaws at a clay lick
  • Visit a 130-ft. observation tower
  • Take in the vast array of wildlife
  • Snorkel through clear waters
Activities
Hacienda Visits, Horseback Riding, Fishing
Activity Level
Relaxed
Discover three natural wonders of the world in one amazing trip: the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon Rainforest, and the Andes Mountains of Ecuador. Starting in Quito, fly to Sacha Lodge, deep in the Amazon, followed by the indigenous markets of Otavalo, staying at historic Hacienda Pinsaqui, culminating in the Wildlife Odyssey on an 8-day Galapagos cruise.
Tour Details
0
Beautiful Galapagos landscape
from $10,280
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Islands Circumnavigation

15 Day Itinerary aboard Samba
  • See sea lions on Mosquera
  • Explore in the Mangrove forest
  • Enjoy a volcanic Olivine beach
  • Take incredible photos of landscape
Activities
Small Ship Sailing
Activity Level
Variable
Enjoy 15 days of relaxing and fun aboard Samba yacht! Visit Santa Cruz, Floreana, Española, San Cristobal, Santa Fe, Santiago, Bartholomew, Rabida and North Seymour. Discover the magnificent wildlife and the incredible landscapes on Galapagos Islands .
Cruise Details
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Floreana Island
from $2,691
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Southeast Islands

5 Day Itinerary aboard Galapagos Legend
  • Visit San Cristobal Interpretation
  • Explore Gardner Bay White Beach
  • See Punta Suarez Albatross colony
Starts / Ends
San Cristobal Airport / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Explore the south-eastern islands of San Cristobal, Española, Floreana, and Santa Cruz on this 5-day Galapagos cruise aboard Galapagos Legend. Visit interpretation centers, see albatross, flamingos, sea lions, and giant tortoises. Experience a mix of wildlife encounters and natural highlights across diverse Galapagos landscapes in one expedition.
Cruise Details
0
Kayaking Tagus Cove
from $5,140
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Northwest Islands

8 Day Itinerary aboard Samba
  • See sea lions on Mosquera
  • Observe the nesting of boobies
  • Explore in the Mangrove forest
  • Hiking and observe the twin craters
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Explore 8 days of relaxing and fun aboard Samba yacht! Visit Genovesa, Isabela, Marchena, Fernandina, Floreana, Santa Cruz. Discover wildlife and the incredible landscapes of the Galapagos Islands!
Cruise Details
0
Traditional boat on the Rio Negro, Amazon
from $8,335
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Best of Ecuador: Islands to the Highlands

13 Day Itinerary
  • See wildlife and landscapes
  • Hike to Sierra Negra Volcano
  • See Los Gemelos volcanic sinkholes
  • Visit the Charles Darwin Station
  • Take canoe excursions
  • Walk along a suspended bridge
  • Spot a unique and elusive bear
  • Visit Otavalo Market
Starts / Ends
Quito / Quito
Activities
Rainforest Exploration, Biking, Wilderness Lodge Exploration, Village Visits
Activity Level
Relaxed
Discover Ecuador in 13 days, from the Galápagos Islands to the Amazon and Andes. Explore Isla Isabela and Santa Cruz, spot wildlife at Sacha Lodge, and dive into Andean culture in Ibarra. Enjoy island activities, wildlife encounters, and stunning landscapes.
Tour Details
0
The ancient stone structures of Machu Picchu
from $9,884
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Peru and Galapagos Escape

11 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Islander II
  • Soak in the scenery & Inca culture
  • Encounter wildlife in the Galápagos
  • Tour Machu Picchu
  • Ride the Inca Rail to Machu Picchu
Starts / Ends
Lima / Guayaquil
Activity Level
Variable
See the best of the Galapagos and Machu Picchu in 11 action-packed days. Travel to the Galapagos for a 4-day vacation that includes walks, hikes, kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling. The National Geographic Islander II takes you to the Galápagos and Peru in half the time.
Cruise Details
0
Santa Fe land iguana
from $2,019
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Central & East Islands

4 Day Itinerary aboard Galapagos Legend
  • Snorkel in crystal clear waters
  • Tour the tortoise breeding center
  • Enjoy on board family activities
Starts / Ends
Baltra / San Cristobal Airport
Activity Level
Variable
Board the 100 passenger Galapagos Legend for a unique 4-day cruise exploring the central and eastern islands of the Galapagos archipelago. Get ready to snorkel, hike and encounter wildlife such as sea lions, marine iguanas, and giant tortoises many which are unique to the Galapagos, not found anywhere else in this world
Cruise Details
0
Panoramic view of Qorikancha during Inti Raymi, showcasing Inca stonework and the Santo Domingo convent in Cusco
from $14,997
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Galapagos by Catamaran, Machu Picchu and Peru's Land of the Inca

16 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Delfina
  • Observe rare island wildlife
  • Kayak pristine coastlines
  • Explore volcanic landscapes
  • Visit historic Lima landmarks
  • Tour Sacred Valley sites
Starts / Ends
Ecuador / Lima
Activities
Snorkeling, Local Market Visits, Wildlife Viewing, Kayaking, Hiking, Land & Sea Exploration, Urban Exploration, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Archaeological Site Visits
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 16-day Galápagos cruise to Machu Picchu, combining wildlife encounters and legendary Inca landmarks. Cruise aboard National Geographic Delfina, visit iconic islands, and discover Peru’s Sacred Valley, Cusco, and ancient Machu Picchu.
Cruise Details
0
Sundeck on the Archipell I
from $37,200
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Private Charter - Northern Islands

4 Day Itinerary aboard Archipel I
  • Snorkel in wildlife-rich waters
  • Observe a large frigate bird colony
  • Climb Bartholomew's stairs
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Explore the best of the northern islands on this 4-day private Galapagos cruise. Discover North Seymour's frigate bird and blue-footed boobie colonies, the stunning volcano islet of Bartolomé, the tortoise breeding site at Espumilla Beach, and the Charles Darwin Research Station in Santa Cruz. Immerse yourself in the wonders of these islands.
Cruise Details
0
Green sea turtle swimming
from $5,155
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Galapagos Northern Islands

8 Day Itinerary aboard Corals
  • Visit the Charles Darwin Station
  • Explore Dragon Hill´s wildlife
  • Snorkel & swim at Bartolome Island
  • Explore a volcanic black sand beach
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on this 8-day adventure through the Northern Islands of the Galapagos and experience the best of the archipelago by kayaking in crystal clear waters, snorkeling surrounded by turtles and sea lions, and hiking trails in the most amazing locations.
Cruise Details
0
Overlook at Pitt Point
from $4,145
Savings
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Southern Islands

4 Day Itinerary aboard Galapagos Horizon
  • View young and old tortoises
  • Hike through San Cristobal
  • Snorkel and swim with sea lions
Starts / Ends
San Cristobal / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Board the brand new Galapagos Horizon on this spectacular 4-day sailing expedition and discover the breathtaking beauty of the incredible Galapagos Islands. Admire the clear waters, making it easy to find sea turtles, sea lions, stingrays and perhaps even white-tipped sharks.
Cruise Details
0
Sea lions on beach in Rabida
from $2,426
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Galapagos Central Islands

4 Day Itinerary aboard Corals
  • Visit the Charles Darwin Station
  • Explore Dragon Hill´s wildlife
  • Snorkel & swim at Bartolome Island
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Discover the Galapagos' North Central islands on this four-day cruise and pay a visit to the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, which is home to the Galapagos giant tortoise and was once home to the renowned Lonesome George. Stroll through pathways flanked by indigenous land iguanas, mockingbirds, Darwin's finches, or snorkel in clear waters.
Cruise Details
0
Blue-footed Boobie seen during Galapagos cruise
from $2,325
From 1534
EXPLORE

Northern Islands

4 Day Itinerary aboard Archipel I
  • Observe a large frigate bird colony
  • Snorkel in wildlife-rich waters
  • Climb Bartholomew's stairs
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
This itinerary allows your to experience the best of the northern islands in only 4 days. During this trip indulge yourself in the beauty of this unique archipelago, relax on a white coral sand beach, do some exploratory snorkeling, and walk over volcanic landscapes.
Cruise Details
0
325-342 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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