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Galapagos Snorkeling Trips

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Colorful crabs in the Galapagos islands
from $2,395
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North & Central Islands

4 Day Itinerary aboard M/Y Monserrat
  • Explore lava tunnels in Santa Cruz
  • See Red-footed boobies nesting
  • Sail through Genovesa Island
  • Kayak at Bowditch Point waters
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 4-day expedition and discover the wonders of the Galapagos Islands aboard M/Y Monserrat. Enjoy the volcanic formations and marine life of the archipelago. Enjoy stops in the fascinating ports of Darwin Bay, Bachas Beach, and Bartolome Island.
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Young Nazca Booby with hikers
from $2,745
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Southern Islands

Baltra Roundtrip - 4 Day Itinerary aboard Galapagos Angel
  • Explore the highlands of Santa Cruz
  • Spot blue-footed boobies
  • Stroll along Gardner Bay
  • Visit Black Turtle Cove
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Explore Santa Cruz's highlands, Suarez Point, Gardner Bay's white-sand beaches, and Santa Fe Island's scenic trails during this 4-day Southern Galapagos cruise aboard the Galapagos Angel. Conclude your journey with a visit to the Black Turtle Cove, encountering wildlife and relaxation along the way.
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Kayak on a beach in the galapagos
from $2,600
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Southern Islands

San Cristobal to Santa Cruz - 4 Day Itinerary aboard Galaxy
  • Explore San Cristobal wildlife
  • Snorkel at Gardner Bay
  • Learn tortoise conservation efforts
  • Witness Floreana's marine life
Starts / Ends
Isla Lobos / Charles Darwin Center
Activities
Hiking, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Wildlife Viewing, Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 4-day Sothern Galapagos cruise, visiting San Cristobal, Española, Floreana, and Santa Cruz aboard Galaxy. Explore diverse landscapes, meet iconic wildlife like blue-footed boobies and giant tortoises, and snorkel in crystal-clear waters.
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Galapagos Legend
from $243,275
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Private Charter - East & Central Islands Aboard Galapagos Legend

8 Day Itinerary aboard Galapagos Legend
  • Explore beautiful beaches
  • Learn Galapagos history
  • Admire Genovesa's wildlife
  • See Darwin Bay red-footed boobies
Starts / Ends
San Cristobal Airport / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Sail privately through the Galapagos Islands on an 8-day charter aboard the M/V Galapagos Legend. Explore Española, Floreana, Genovesa, San Cristobal, and Santa Cruz. Encounter giant tortoises, red-footed boobies, and marine iguanas. Snorkel Devil’s Crown, kayak near cliffs, and walk pristine beaches.
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Giant Tortoise
from $243,275
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Private Charter - Eastern & Western Islands Aboard Galapagos Legend

8 Day Itinerary aboard Galapagos Legend
  • See views of Pinnacle Rock
  • Observe Punta Pitt booby colonies
  • See Cerro Colorado giant tortoises
  • Bachas Beach swimming in Santa Cruz
Starts / Ends
Baltra / San Cristobal Airport
Activity Level
Variable
Join the crew of the Galapagos Legend for an 8-day unique private adventure on the enchanted islands. Let yourself be captivated by the unusually high percentage of endemic animals of the Galapagos Islands, and experience a unique exploration of the archipelago's pristine islands, unique landscapes and magical corners.
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Al Fresco dining
from $243,275
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Private Charter - Eastern Islands Aboard Galapagos Legend

8 Day Itinerary aboard Galapagos Legend
  • Visit Dragon Hill flamingo lagoon
  • Visit Santa Cruz tortoise reserve
  • Explore Devil’s Crown reef
  • Española wave albatross colony
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Charter the Galapagos Legend for an exclusive 8-day Galapagos journey. Explore iconic sites like Pinnacle Rock, Devil’s Crown, Española’s Gardner Bay, and San Cristobal’s Cerro Brujo. Snorkel with penguins, spot giant tortoises, and observe blue-footed boobies in private comfort with naturalist guides.
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Galapagos Legend
from $243,275
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Private Charter - West & Central Islands Aboard Galapagos Legend

8 Day Itinerary aboard Galapagos Legend
  • Visit Black Turtle Cove Santa Cruz
  • Snorkel with Santa Fe sea lions
  • Visit Rabida Island red beach
  • Spot Fernandina marine iguanas
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
This 8-day private cruise allows you to experience all the wildlife, landscapes, and highlights of the Galapagos aboard Galapagos Legend. Spend your days exploring the archipelago, encountering sea lions, Galapagos penguins, frigate birds, flightless cormorants, tortoises, and many more unique native species.
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Punta Suarez on Espanola Island - lounging iguanas
from $149,477
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Private Charter - Southeast Islands Aboard Galapagos Legend

5 Day Itinerary aboard Galapagos Legend
  • Walk on Gardner Bay's beach
  • Try Floreana Post Office tradition
  • Visit Dragon Hill and see wildlife
Starts / Ends
San Cristobal Airport / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on a 5-day Private Galapagos Charter cruise - Southeast Islands aboard Galapagos Legend for private exploration of San Cristobal, Española, Floreana, Santa Cruz, and Mosquera Islet. Hike trails, snorkel reefs, kayak bays, and see giant tortoises, sea lions, albatross, and flamingos.
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Nap Time on Rabida Island
from $149,477
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Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard Galapagos Legend

5 Day Itinerary aboard Galapagos Legend
  • Walk at Rabida's red beach
  • Hike Tagus Cove with volcano views
  • See Punta Vicente Roca penguins
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Experience the remote, less-visited western islands of Santa Cruz, Santiago, Rabida, Isabela, and Fernandina on an unforgettable 5-day private cruise aboard the Galapagos Legend small ship.
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Camila M/T
from $129,450
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Private Charter - East & Central Islands Aboard Galapagos Horizon

8 Day Itinerary aboard Galapagos Horizon
  • Visit Lobos Island
  • Discover the volcanic Pitt Point
  • Admire Bachas beautiful lava shores
  • Hike through mangroves
Starts / Ends
San Cristobal Interpretation Center / North Seymour
Activity Level
Variable
This 8-day adventure visits the islands of San Cristobal, Espanola, Rabida, Genovesa, and North Seymour, and offers stunning encounters with wildlife. Board the Galapagos Horizon on this private charter cruise for an unforgettable voyage exploring the Galapagos' landscapes and wildlife.
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Giant Tortoise
from $112,108
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Private Charter - North & Central Islands Aboard Galapagos Legend

4 Day Itinerary aboard Galapagos Legend
  • See wildlife in Black Turtle Cove
  • Genovesa bird viewing
  • See South Plaza’s land iguanas
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 4-day Private Galapagos Charter aboard Galapagos Legend for exclusive exploration of Santa Cruz, Genovesa, South Plaza, and Santa Fe. Experience giant tortoises, sea lions, seabirds, and marine life with personalized excursions, private guides, and flexible schedules for your group.
Cruise Details
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Cruise the Galapagos on the Galaxy II ship
from $71,440
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Private Charter - Western Islands Aboard EcoGalaxy

6 Day Itinerary aboard EcoGalaxy
  • Learn about tortoises of Galapagos
  • Hike along the base of the Volcano
  • Explore Egas Port
  • Ride around Tagus Cove
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Experience the Galapagos Islands aboard EcoGalaxy in 6 days, where you explore magical landscapes with unique wildlife like giant tortoises, flamingos, iguanas, and sharks with your private group of up to 16 guests!
Cruise Details
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Sea lion by the kayaks
from $85,450
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Private Charter - Southern Galapagos Journey

6 Day Itinerary aboard Galapagos Sea Star
  • Walk on the shore of North Seymour
  • Learn about tortoises
  • Observe shore birds
  • Snorkel and swim around a reef
Starts / Ends
San Cristobal / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 6-day private Galápagos cruise aboard the Galapagos Sea Star. Explore the southern islands’ stunning landscapes and encounter iconic wildlife, from giant tortoises to blue-footed boobies and sea lions.
Cruise Details
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Flightless Cormorant, Isabela
from $85,450
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Private Charter - Western Galapagos Journey

6 Day Itinerary aboard Galapagos Sea Star
  • Visit Fausto Llerena Center
  • Explore Sierra Negra Volcano
  • Discover Tintoreras Islet
  • Spot Flightless Cormorants
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Isla Lobos
Activity Level
Variable
Explore the western islands of Isabela and Fernandina on this 6-day cruise aboard the Galapagos Sea Star. The natural wonders and precious wildlife of the islands make this cruise a unique and exciting experience for the entire family.
Cruise Details
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Jacuzzi
from $101,450
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Private Charter - Central Islands Aboard Grand Majestic

8 Day Itinerary aboard Grand Majestic
  • Discover Isabela Island
  • Admire Bartholomew's natural beauty
  • Explore historic Tagus Cove
  • Swim at Las Bachas
Starts / Ends
San Cristobal Airport / San Cristobal Airport
Activity Level
Variable
Explore the Galapagos Islands on this private 16-passenger charter cruise aboard the Grand Majestic motor yacht. Cruise the stunning central islands of the archipelago such as Fernandina, Santiago, Santa Cruz and more along with expert guides and naturalists.
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Corals sailing together
from $91,559
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Private Charter - Galapagos Southeast & North Central Islands Aboard Corals

8 Day Itinerary aboard Corals
  • Visit Jacinto Gordillo Center
  • Snorkel and sunbathe in Cerro Brujo
  • View impressive volcanic landscapes
  • Explore a “Turtle Sanctuary”
Starts / Ends
San Cristobal Airport / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
This 8-day Southeast & North Central Galapagos private cruise aboard the Corals takes you across the highlights of the extraordinary San Cristobal, Española, Floreana, Santa Cruz, and Rabida. Encounter fascinating native wildlife such as giant tortoises, sea lions, flamingos, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, and iguanas while you swim, snorkel or hike.
Cruise Details
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Corals during the sunset
from $91,559
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Private Charter - Galapagos Western Islands Aboard Corals

8 Day Itinerary aboard Corals
  • Discover Vicente Roca Point
  • Take a dinghy ride along Isabela
  • Explore the volcanic Urbina Bay
  • Visit Santa Fe's sea lion colonies
Starts / Ends
Baltra / San Cristobal Airport
Activities
Whale Watching
Activity Level
Variable
Discover the Galapagos Islands' western and eastern regions on a private charter cruise aboard the Corals for an 8-day expedition. Visit Fernandina to see flightless cormorants, Sullivan Bay to walk over solidified lava flows, and Santa Fe to swim with sea lions on white-sand beaches. Overall, this is the perfect place to relax and enjoy your vacation.
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Snorkelers making their way through crystal clear waters.
from $82,400
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Private Charter - Northwestern Islands I

8 Day Itinerary aboard Archipel I
  • Snorkel with sea lions
  • Hike through a volcanic landscape
  • Encounter an array of wildlife
  • Learn about local conservation
Starts / Ends
Baltra / Baltra
Activity Level
Variable
Discover the Galapagos on this 8-day private cruise through the northwestern islands. Explore rocky coastlines, volcanic landscapes, beaches, and forest trails while viewing abundant wildlife. Visit Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Rabida, Genovesa, Santiago, and more.
Cruise Details
0
73-90 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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