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Meet the ancient giant tortoises of the Galapagos

Galapagos Snorkeling Trips

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Image of a giant tortoise.
from $83,540
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Private Charter - Western Islands

7 Day Itinerary aboard Seaman Journey
  • Observe colonies of marine iguanas
  • Explore the diverse marine life
  • Visit lava tubes and lava flows
  • View historical inscriptions
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activities
Hiking
Activity Level
Variable
Journey to the western islands of the Galapagos on this 7-day cruise on the Seaman Journey. Discover the diverse landscapes and unique wildlife of Baltra, Santa Cruz, Fernandina, Isabela, and Santiago Islands.
Cruise Details
0
Colorful South Plaza Island
from $55,693
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Private Charter - Northern Islands

5 Day Itinerary aboard Seaman Journey
  • Hike along lava flow Pahohoe
  • Snorkel with sea lions
  • Relax on volcanic black sand beach
  • Marvel at Bartolome Island
Starts / Ends
Baltra / San Cristobal Airport
Activity Level
Variable
Journey to the Northern Islands of the Galapagos on this 5-day cruise aboard the Seaman Journey. Discover the wonders of the Galapagos Islands, from volcanic landscapes to vibrant wildlife.
Cruise Details
0
Floreana Island
from $55,693
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Private Charter - Southern Islands

5 Day Itinerary aboard Seaman Journey
  • Snorkel at Champion Islet
  • Visit Cormorant Point’s flamingos
  • See diverse wildlife and birds
  • Hike Punta Pitt’s landscapes
  • Relax on Gardner Bay
Starts / Ends
San Cristobal / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 5-day private charter cruise aboard the Seaman Journey to explore the Southern Islands of the Galapagos. Discover stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife in this extraordinary archipelago.
Cruise Details
0
Blue-footed booby mating dance
from $47,513
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Private Charter - Southern Islands Aboard Anahi

4 Day Itinerary aboard Anahi
  • Explore the Interpretation Center
  • Observe Frigate birds
  • Discover Punta Suárez's wildlife
Starts / Ends
San Cristobal Airport / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 4-day private Southern Galapagos Islands cruise aboard Anahi. Explore San Cristobal's Interpretation Center and 'La Colina de las Fragatas'. Encounter diverse wildlife at Punta Suárez and Bahía Gardner. Visit Punta Cormorant's flamingo lagoon and snorkel at Devil's Crown. Discover Bahía "Post Office" and Asilo de la Paz.
Cruise Details
0
lounging in the harbor - Santa Cruz
from $3,145
Savings
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Southern Islands

4 Day Itinerary aboard Grand Majestic
  • Visit historic Floreana Island
  • Admire unique Galapagos wildlife
  • Kayak along Gardener Bay
Activity Level
Variable
Have you dreamed of sailing and exploring the Galapagos Islands at the same time? Join the Majestic on this exceptional 4-day expedition. Discover Cormorant Point, with more than 50 volcanic cones rising in an 80-mile area. Gardener Bay offers great opportunities for enjoying some beach time in the Galapagos.
Cruise Details
0
Plenty of wildlife and birdwatching in the Galapagos Islands
from $178,101
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Private Charter - Islands Circumnavigation II Aboard Anahi

15 Day Itinerary aboard Anahi
  • Explore Isabela's lava tunnels
  • Ascend Sierra Negra
  • Discover unique wetland birds
  • Swim around Pinnacle Rock
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Experience a 15-day private Galapagos Islands circumnavigation cruise on Anahi. Explore Isabela's Las Tintoreras and Sierra Negra Volcano, snorkel with diverse marine life, visit Rábida's red rocks, and discover wildlife at North Seymour and Bachas Beach. Conclude with visits to Charles Darwin Research Station and Fausto Llerena Center.
Cruise Details
0
Sleepy sea lion on a log
from $142,485
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Private Charter - Islands Circumnavigation I Aboard Anahi

12 Day Itinerary aboard Anahi
  • Walk through Las Tintoreras
  • Observe unique wetland birds
  • Visit Punta Espinoza
  • Snorkel at Punta Vicente Roca
Starts / Ends
Baltra / San Cristobal Airport
Activity Level
Variable
Circumnavigate the Galapagos Islands on this 12-day private cruise, experiencing the best that the archipelago has to offer. Explore South Plaza, San Cristobal, Isabela, Genovesa, Santa Fe, and more! Abundant wildlife viewing opportunities await as you traverse the islands, snorkel in the clear waters, or enjoy a relaxing swim off the pristine shores.
Cruise Details
0
Pinnacle rock on Bartolome
from $94,994
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Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard Anahi

8 Day Itinerary aboard Anahi
  • Discover Isabela and Las Tintoreras
  • Ascend Sierra Negra Volcano
  • Visit Elizabeth Bay
  • Observe sea lions in the lagoon
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a private 8-day cruise aboard the Anahi in the Western Galapagos. Explore lush highlands, and visit Isabela Island's Las Tintoreras, Sierra Negra Volcano, and Tagus Cove. Discover diverse wildlife at Punta Espinoza, Puerto Egas, Rábida Island, and Bartolomé Island. Conclude with a visit to North Seymour to observe Baltra's land iguanas.
Cruise Details
0
Flamingo wading in the water
from $94,994
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Private Charter - Northeast and Southern Islands Aboard Anahi

8 Day Itinerary aboard Anahi
  • Sail around Kicker Rock
  • Explore Genovesa's landscapes
  • View lava lizards at Pitt Point
  • Sunbathe in Las Bachas Beach
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Visit the Northeast and Southern Galapagos Islands aboard the Anahi during this 8-day private cruise. Enjoy snorkeling in South Plaza, a panga ride in Turtle Cove, exploring the Hill at Pitt Point, and participating in excursions to Post Office Bay, Darwin Bay, and Santa Fe.
Cruise Details
0
Cruising in the Galapagos
from $60,800
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Private Charter - Northeast Islands Aboard Galaxy

6 Day Itinerary aboard Galaxy
  • Discover North Seymour Island
  • Witness the courtship dance
  • Snorkel the vibrant underwater
  • Visit South Plazas Island
Starts / Ends
Baltra / San Cristobal Highlands
Activities
Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Small Ship Sailing
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 6-day private cruise in the Northeast Galapagos Islands aboard Galaxy. Witness diverse wildlife at North Seymours. Encounter penguins at Bartolome Island's Pinnacle Rock. Explore volcanic landscapes at Sullivan Bay, and snorkel in vibrant waters. Conclude with Santa Fe's land iguanas and explore San Cristobal's lush highlands.
Cruise Details
0
Sea lion at sunset
from $83,066
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Private Charter - Western Islands

8 Day Itinerary aboard Koln
  • Explore North Seymour Island
  • Hike Bartolome Island
  • Observe wildlife at James Bay
  • Encounter penguins at Tagus Cove
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Discover the amazing wonders of the western part of the Galapagos Islands during an 8-day Koln cruise. Explore islands, observe unique wildlife, and enjoy activities like swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Visit reserves, farms, and research centers, ending with a trip to Playa Las Bachas.
Cruise Details
0
Tortoise
from $83,066
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Private Charter - Eastern Islands

8 Day Itinerary aboard Koln
  • Discover Black Turtle Cove
  • Admire Galapagos wildlife
  • Explore Santa Cruz Highlands
  • Visit the Interpretation Center
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activities
Wildlife Viewing, Snorkeling, Kayaking
Activity Level
Variable
Travel to the wildlife-rich shores of Baltra, Santa Cruz Highlands and more on this 8-day tour of the. Board the Koln for a vacation full of unique wildlife, snorkeling, and sightseeing!
Cruise Details
0
Flamingo wading in the water
from $48,640
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Private Charter - Southern Islands Aboard Galaxy

5 Day Itinerary aboard Galaxy
  • Marvel at Kicker Rock
  • Stroll along Cerro Brujo's sands
  • Explore Punta Pitt's birdlife
  • Send postcards from Post Office Bay
Starts / Ends
San Cristobal Airport / Charles Darwin Center
Activity Level
Variable
Experience a 5-day private Southern Islands cruise aboard Galaxy. Marvel at Kicker Rock's grandeur on a panga ride, encounter sea lions at Cerro Brujo and explore Punta Pitt's diverse birdlife. Witness unique fauna at Suarez Point, Gardner Bay's paradise, and Floreana's Post Office Bay history. Conclude, reflecting on this remarkable journey.
Cruise Details
0
Family fun in the Galapagos
from $59,378
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Private Charter - Northeast Islands Aboard Anahi

5 Day Itinerary aboard Anahi
  • Encounter sea lions up close
  • Climb Prince Phillip's Steps
  • Swim and relax on Bachas beach
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Cerro Colorado
Activity Level
Variable
Explore and discover the captivating islands during this private 5-day Northeast Galapagos Islands cruise aboard the Anahi. Immerse yourself in days filled with hiking, snorkeling, and guided tours led by your naturalist guide, who will enlighten you about the diverse wildlife inhabiting these islands.
Cruise Details
0
A pair of friendly sea lions
from $40,644
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Private Charter - Eastern Islands

4 Day Itinerary aboard Koln
  • Explore Black Turtle Cove
  • Enjoy optional water activities
  • Discover more wildlife at Rabida
  • Marvel at pink flamingos
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 4-day Private cruise aboard Koln in the Northern Galapagos Islands. Explore several coves, view animals, swim, snorkel, and kayak. Learn about conservation activities. Visit Rabida and Dragon Hill, witness rare fauna, and dine on the yacht. Conclude with a visit to Puerto Ayora and Twin Crater before departing.
Cruise Details
0
Sierra Negra volcano
from $8,250
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Islands Circumnavigation II

15 Day Itinerary aboard Cachalote Explorer
  • Ride a boat to Black Turtle Cove
  • Visit El Junco Lagoon
  • Explore the Sierra Negra
  • Observe iguanas feeding
Activity Level
Variable
Board the Cachalote Explorer for an extensive 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!
Cruise Details
0
Pinnacle rock on Bartolome
from $6,388
Savings
EXPLORE

Western Islands

8 Day Itinerary aboard Tip Top II
  • Visit Mosquera Islet
  • Observe birds on El Barroco
  • Explore Rabida Island
  • Swim & Snorkel at Chinese Hat
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
0
Getting up close with a crab in the Galapagos
from $4,400
EXPLORE

Western Islands

8 Day Itinerary aboard Cachalote Explorer
  • Visit a tortoise breeding center
  • Explore Elizabeth Bay
  • Take a hike in Bartolome
  • Snorkel in Isabela
Activity Level
Variable
Explore the Western Islands of the Galapagos on this exciting tour! Experience the red shores of Rabida and the lava flows on Chinese Hat on your 8-day cruise aboard the Cachalote Explorer.
Cruise Details
0
379-396 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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