Snorkeling & Diving
Galápagos is an underwater paradise that is on par with the experience above water. The combination of warm and cold ocean currents (Humboldt, Cromwell, Panama) creates an ecosystem of incredible diversity. Here you snorkel and dive with animals you otherwise only see in documentaries.
The Best Snorkeling Spots
- Los Túneles (Isabela) — Lava tunnels over crystal-clear water. Seahorses, sea turtles, rays, white-tip sharks, and blue-footed boobies diving from the air into the water. Many say: the most beautiful snorkeling spot in the Galápagos.
- Kicker Rock / León Dormido (San Cristóbal) — Snorkeling in open water between the two rock towers. Galapagos sharks, hammerhead sharks (if you're lucky!), eagle rays, and huge turtles. Not for the faint-hearted, but unforgettable.
- Concha de Perla (Isabela) — Protected bay right by the town, free, perfect for beginners. Sea lions play with you, turtles glide by.
- Playa de la Estación (Santa Cruz) — Snorkeling with marine iguanas eating algae underwater. A surreal experience.
- Pinnacle Rock (Bartolomé) — Snorkeling with Galápagos penguins. The little guys shoot through the water like torpedoes.
Diving
Galápagos is among the Top-5 diving destinations in the world. The best dive spots:
- Gordon Rocks — "The Washing Machine" due to strong currents. In return: schools of hammerhead sharks, mantas, eagle rays, and Galapagos sharks. Only for experienced divers.
- Wolf & Darwin Islands — The holy grails of Galápagos diving. Only accessible by liveaboard dive safari (7–8 days, from 3,500 USD). Hundreds of hammerhead sharks, whale sharks (June–November), dolphins, and mantas. An experience of superlatives.
- Cabo Douglas (Fernandina) — Diving with marine iguanas and flightless cormorants underwater.
Water temperatures: 18–23°C (June–November), 25–28°C (December–May). Wetsuit (7 mm in the cool season) is usually provided. PADI Open Water is available on-site (from 400 USD, 4 days).
Even without diving experience, Galápagos is immensely rewarding underwater — snorkeling alone is world-class. Mask and snorkel are provided on most tours, but having your own equipment is more comfortable.
