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Meet the ancient giant tortoises of the Galapagos

Galapagos Snorkeling Trips

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    • Galapagos
A distant view of Kicker Rock
from $4,000
Savings
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Western Islands

7 Day Itinerary aboard Bonita
  • Discover Dragon Hill
  • Visit Espumilla Beach
  • See unique wildlife at Vicente Roce
  • Hike across Urbina Bay
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Charles Darwin Center
Activities
Whale Watching
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a Galapagos cruise aboard the Bonita. This 7-day tour of the western islands takes you to white beaches, secluded lagoons, and pristine snorkeling locations for an unforgettable week-long tour of the Galapagos.
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Flamingo wading in the water
from $5,645
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Western & Southern Islands II

7 Day Itinerary aboard Galapagos Angel
  • Visit the famous Pinnacle Rock
  • Visit the largest basaltic caldera
  • Discover Elizabeth Bay's islets
  • Observe flightless cormorants
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on an 7-day Western & Southern Islands cruise aboard the Galapagos Angel. ExploreBartholomes island, Espinoza Point's cormorants, and Tagus Cove's trails and views. Activities include snorkeling at Devil’s Crown, hiking Sierra Negra Volcano, observing unique wildlife at Dragon Hill and Cormorant Point, and more!
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0
Devil's Crown Galapagos
from $4,100
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East and South Islands

San Cristobal to Santa Cruz - 5 Day Itinerary aboard EcoGalaxy
  • Snorkel at Devil’s Crown
  • Observe sea lion colonies
  • Encounter land iguanas
Starts / Ends
San Cristobal / Baltra
Activities
Kayaking, Snorkeling, Hiking, Wildlife Viewing, Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 5-day East and South Galapagos cruise aboard Ecogalaxy. Visit San Cristobal, Española, Floreana, Santa Fe, and South Plaza. Snorkel with sea lions and turtles, hike volcanic trails, and observe rare wildlife including waved albatrosses and giant tortoises.
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Galapagos penguin swimming underwater
from $4,554
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Northern Galapagos Journey

5 Day Itinerary aboard Galapagos Sea Star
  • Visit Black Turtle Cove
  • Witness a nesting site for boobies
  • Explore white coral sand beaches
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Experience a 5-day Galápagos adventure aboard the Sea Star, exploring Santa Cruz, Bartolomé, Santiago, and Genovesa Islands. Discover breathtaking volcanic landscapes, snorkel with penguins, and encounter iconic wildlife while hiking, kayaking, and exploring mangrove-lined coves.
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Sea lion on the beach of Espanola Island
from $6,100
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Northeast & Southeastern Islands

Baltra - Santa Cruz - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Galaxy
  • Observe blue-footed boobies
  • Snorkel at Kicker Rock
  • Snorkel at Devil’s Crown
  • Observe giant tortoises roaming
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activities
Small Ship Sailing
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 8-day Northeast & Southeastern Islands cruise aboard Galaxy to explore North Seymour, Bartolome, Genovesa, and San Cristobal Islands. Encounter unique wildlife, snorkel among marine species, hike volcanic terrains and relax on white-sand beaches.
Cruise Details
0
Galapagos penguin swimming underwater
from $5,150
up to 25%
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Northwestern Islands I

8 Day Itinerary aboard Archipel I
  • Encounter an array of wildlife
  • See Fausto Llerena Breeding Center
  • Hike through a volcanic landscape
  • Snorkel with sea lions
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Explore the Galapagos on this 8-day cruise through the northwestern islands. This journey allows you to experience the picturesque beauty, exciting wildlife, and unique landscapes of this famous archipelago. Explore rocky coastlines, volcanic landscapes, beaches, and forest trails while viewing abundant wildlife.
Cruise Details
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Oyster catcher shore bird
from $4,000
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Western Islands

Baltra - Santa Cruz - 6 Day Itinerary aboard Galaxy
  • Witness Galapagos Giant tortoises
  • Explore Isabela's Tintoreras
  • Venture into Moreno Point
  • Step ashore at Espinoza Point
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Black Turtle Cove
Activity Level
Variable
Enjoy a 6-day cruise in the Western Galapagos Islands aboard the Galaxy, where you can explore enchanting landscapes teeming with unique wildlife, including giant tortoises, flamingos, iguanas, and sharks. The islands of Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, and Santiago offer an extensive array of activities for you to experience.
Cruise Details
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A boating tour getting ready to leave the shore.
from $2,691
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Western Islands

5 Day Itinerary aboard Galapagos Legend
  • Watch Bachas Beach sea lions
  • Visit Rabida's red sand beaches
  • Snorkel with sea turtles
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 5-day Galapagos Western Islands cruise aboard Galapagos Legend to visit Santa Cruz, Santiago, Rabida, Isabela, and Fernandina. Walk volcanic trails, snorkel with penguins, kayak near sea lions, and see giant tortoises. Explore red-sand beaches, black lava shores, and pristine coves with expert-led excursions.
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The iconic feet of a Blue-Footed Booby
from $3,200
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Southern Islands

San Cristobal - Santa Cruz - 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 Southern Galapagos 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
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Isabela Island offers pristine shores and abundant wildlife
from $3,595
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Western Islands

Baltra Roundtrip - 5 Day Itinerary aboard M/Y Monserrat
  • Spot sea lions at Buccaneer Cove
  • See wild tortoises at Urbina Bay
  • Observe flamingos at Dragon Hill
  • See rays at Vicente Roca
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Black Turtle Cove
Activity Level
Variable
Experience a guided 5-day Galapagos cruise aboard the M/Y Monserrat and spot iconic species like marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins, and flightless cormorants. This itinerary offers nonstop wildlife viewing and rich marine life encounters across multiple visitor sites in the western Galápagos Islands.
Cruise Details
0
A marine iguana suns itself on volcanic rock
from $3,595
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Central East Islands

5 Day Itinerary aboard M/Y Monserrat
  • Explore Santa Cruz lava tunnels
  • Snorkel at Chinese Hat beach
  • Encounter land iguanas
  • Discover three booby species
Starts / Ends
Baltra / San Cristobal Airport
Activity Level
Variable
Sail through the Galapagos Islands aboard the M/Y Monserrat. Visit key sites including Santa Cruz Highlands, Chinese Hat, Sullivan Bay, North Seymour, Santa Fe, Pitt Point, Witch Hill, and Tijeretas Hill. Spot unique wildlife such as blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, marine iguanas, and Galapagos hawks.
Cruise Details
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Sea lions on Rabida beach
from $4,245
Savings
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Northern Islands

Baltra roundtrip - 5 Day Itinerary aboard Galapagos Angel
  • Discover Chinese Islet lava tunnels
  • Witness Sullivan Bay's geology
  • Visit Darwin Bay for bird species
  • Explore Egas Port
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Explore North Seymour's wildlife, and discover Chinese Islet's geological wonders. Tour Sullivan Bay for captivating geology and visit Darwin Bay, El Barranco, Egas Port, and Rabida Island on this 5-day Northern Islands cruise aboard Galapagos Angel. Conclude with a visit to Fausto Llerena, observing giant tortoises in various stages of life.
Cruise Details
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Sea lions on Fernandina Island
from $2,700
Savings
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Southern Islands

5 Day Itinerary aboard Bonita
  • Hike over islands covered in cacti
  • Kayak and stand up paddle board
  • Admire distinctive biodiversity
Starts / Ends
Highlands / Bachas Beach
Activity Level
Variable
This 5-day cruise of Galapagos' Southern Islands on the Bonita yacht explores the islands of Espanola, Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and more. Kayak and paddle board along island shores, swim and snorkel among sea lions, and enjoy breathtaking views on hikes.
Cruise Details
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Colorful South Plaza Island
from $2,700
Savings
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Central Islands + Genovesa

5 Day Itinerary aboard Bonita
  • Zodiac ride in Black Turtle Cove
  • Explore Darwin Bay´s coasts
  • Hike through South Plaza
Starts / Ends
South Plaza Island / North Seymour
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 5-day Galapagos cruise aboard Bonita. Witness South Plazas' wildlife, explore Black Turtle Cove's mangroves, visit highlands for Giant tortoises, and discover Genovesa's seabird colonies. Experience the volcanic landscapes of Bartolome with penguins and frigatebirds. Marvel at unique fauna on this remarkable island adventure.
Cruise Details
0
Giant Tortoise
from $2,019
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North & Central Islands

4 Day Itinerary aboard Galapagos Legend
  • Meet the Galapagos giant tortoises
  • Visit the wildlife-rich Genovesa
  • Snorkel among sea lions
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on a 4-day Galapagos North & Central Islands cruise aboard Galapagos Legend to discover Santa Cruz, Genovesa, South Plaza, and Santa Fe. Spot giant tortoises, red-footed boobies, sea lions, reef sharks, and iguanas. Enjoy guided hikes, snorkeling, kayaking, and wildlife viewing in unique habitats with expert naturalists.
Cruise Details
0
Swimming sea turtle
from $3,195
up to 25%
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Western Islands II

Baltra roundtrip - 5 Day Itinerary aboard Archipel I
  • Visit Fausto Llerena Breeding Cente
  • Observe white tip sharks
  • Snorkel with sea lions
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Join the Archipel I on this 5-day voyage cruising across the Western Galapagos Islands, home to giant Galapagos tortoises, manta rays, penguins, whale-sharks, sea lions, and more. Walk along unique white sand beaches, encounter an extraordinary variety of wildlife, and admire amazing volcanic formations.
Cruise Details
0
Sea lion looking off a rock
from $3,195
up to 25%
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Eastern Islands II

5 Day Itinerary aboard Archipel I
  • Visit Fausto Llerena Center
  • Visit Post Office Bay´s mailbox
  • Swim and snorkel with sea lions
Starts / Ends
Baltra / San Cristobal Airport
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 5-day exciting cruise through the eastern islands of the Galapagos. Meet Galapagos giant turtles, climb to the Baroness Lookout Point, snorkel with sea turtles and sharks, and visit one of the first sites visited by Charles Darwin. These volcanic and wildlife-rich islands are an ideal place to spend your vacations!
Cruise Details
0
from $2,395
Savings
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Eastern Islands

4 Day Itinerary aboard M/Y Monserrat
  • Snorkel Lobos Island reef
  • Explore Gardner Bay beach
  • Visit Post Office Bay
  • Observe waved albatross nesting
Starts / Ends
San Cristobal / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 4-day exciting cruise aboard M/Y Monserrat and enjoy the beautiful turquoise water and its incredible sea life that captures the best of the Galapagos wildlife. Visit the stunning San Cristobal, Gardner Bay, Cormorant Point, and many more.
Cruise Details
0
55-72 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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