Galapagos Snorkeling Guide: Where to Go, What You’ll See, and When
Everything you need to know before jumping in
Snorkeling in the Galapagos isn’t just a bonus activity — it’s one of the top reasons people visit. Where else can you swim alongside sea lions, penguins, turtles, reef sharks, and rays — all on the same trip?
Whether you’re an experienced free diver or a total beginner, this guide will help you plan the best snorkeling experience in the Galapagos, with tips on where to go, what to expect, and how to time it right.
🐠 What Makes Galapagos Snorkeling Special?
No cages, no feeding, no faking it — just wildlife-rich waters
Crystal-clear visibility (especially January–May)
Diverse marine life: reef sharks, sea turtles, rays, octopus, and more
Playful, curious sea lions that often seek you out
📍 Best Snorkeling Spots in the Galapagos
🌊 Los Tuneles (Isabela)
Lava arches, shallow turquoise pools, and a maze of tunnels
Swim with seahorses, turtles, white-tip reef sharks, and rays
Calm water = beginner-friendly + visually surreal
🐧 Bartolomé Island
Famous for penguins (especially July–October)
Great chance to snorkel with Galapagos penguins, sea lions, and colorful reef fish
Clear water + volcanic rock = great visibility
🦈 Kicker Rock (San Cristóbal)
Deep water site between two vertical rock walls
Best for strong swimmers or guided groups
Likely to see hammerhead sharks, rays, Galapagos sharks, and large schools of fish
🐢 Tintoreras (Isabela)
Shallow channels and mangroves
Tons of juvenile white-tip reef sharks, marine iguanas, turtles
Great for calm, scenic snorkeling with younger travelers
🪸 Santa Fe Island
Excellent sea lion encounters, especially in warm season
Often includes blue-footed booby sightings on nearby cliffs
Clear, protected coves great for relaxed floating and photography
📅 Best Time to Snorkel in the Galapagos
☀️ Warm Season (December to May)
Warmer water (73–78°F / 23–26°C)
Calmer seas and better visibility
Great for longer swims, no wetsuit needed for most people
🌥️ Dry Season (June to November)
Cooler water (66–72°F / 19–22°C)
Stronger currents = nutrient-rich = more marine life
Wetsuit recommended — but this is prime penguin and ray season
🧳 What to Bring (or Ask For)
Mask + snorkel (most tours provide this)
Fins (essential for current-heavy spots)
Wetsuit (especially June–November)
Reef-safe sunscreen (oxybenzone-free)
Dry bag + waterproof phone pouch
GoPro or underwater camera (trust us — worth it)
🎒 If you book with Blue Galapagos, we’ll let you know exactly what’s included and where to rent gear.
🐬 Snorkeling Tips for First-Time Visitors
Don’t chase wildlife — let them come to you (and they often will)
Stay horizontal in the water for the best chance of close encounters
Follow your guide’s safety briefing — especially at deeper sites
Avoid sunscreen right before jumping in (reef-safe or not)
🌟 Want a Snorkeling-Focused Itinerary?
If snorkeling is a top priority, we’ll design your Galapagos trip around the best sites, seasons, and conditions — without missing out on the land-based wildlife and hikes that make the Galapagos so unique.
At Blue Galapagos, we specialize in custom trip planning that puts your experience — and the islands — first.