Experience incredible underwater encounters in the Galápagos, snorkeling with sea lions, marine iguanas, and diverse marine life in pristine Pacific waters

The Galápagos Islands offer some of the world's most incredible snorkeling, where crystal-clear waters teem with marine life and unique species that make underwater exploration unforgettable! Snorkeling tours take you to the best snorkeling spots around the islands, from swimming with playful sea lions to observing marine iguanas feeding underwater, from encountering colorful tropical fish to seeing reef sharks and rays, and from experiencing diverse marine ecosystems to understanding why Galápagos waters are so special. Experience the underwater world of the Galápagos, encounter marine animals up close, enjoy pristine visibility in protected waters, and discover why snorkeling in the Galápagos is considered among the world's best underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking sea lion encounters, colorful fish, or unique marine species, snorkeling tours offer incredible opportunities to explore the underwater side of Darwin's laboratory. From shallow bays to deeper sites, from calm waters to more adventurous spots, snorkeling tours ensure you experience the marine wonders that complement the islands' terrestrial wildlife!
Discover our top picks for snorkeling tours in Galápagos Islands

In this excursion to the tintoreras islet we will be able to carry out two activities, the first a short walk inside the islet and then an incredible snorkeling for approximately 45 minutes where we will be able to observe sharks, sea turtles, manta rays and various colorful fish. The guides on this excursion are fully trained to give a good service on the tour, as well as the crew on board. It will be 3 hours of incredible experiences with us. You and your companion have included the snorkeling equipment and transportation to and from your hotel or place of stay in Isabela.

Cabo Rosa Tunnels is the best place to snorkel and observe the endemic animals of the Galapagos Islands. We will swim with seahorses, sea turtles, blue shark sharks, and if we are lucky we will be able to see the Galapagos penguins and the blue footed boobies. The best tour on isabela island, galapagos!

Often claimed as the best spot for snorkelling and an island not to be missed! This trip will include an unforgettable snorkelling experience with a very high chance of seeing marine turtles, sea lions, rays, white tip sharks and reef fish in crystal clear water. On occasion, you may even see some penguins! While snorkelling is the main activity, you’ll also be able to do some fishing during this trip if conditions allow it and if everyone on board wants to participate in this activity. It is your choice of what you do with your catch, either releasing back to the sea or getting our onboard chef to cook them for you! We are Ninfa Tour, a local Galapagos tour operator able to offer you local prices (the same as if you buy it in town). We are proud to have been running tours for 40 years and have delivered tours to over 100,000 happy customers!

This tour allows you to get to know the beautiful island of Isabela with all the species it is famous for in only one day; you will see the Galapagos penguins, the blue-footed boobies, the flamingos, the whitetip reef sharks, marine iguanas, sea turtles, sea lions and much more as well as Galapagos' most beautiful coconut palm beach along which the cute little town of Puerto Villamil is built. This tour is the perfect combination of land & water, as during the (short) snorkel activity you will get to know the abundant wildlife underwater, while the disembarkation on Tinterera Islet plus the tour to the flamingos and tortoises allows you to observe all the land species from as close as possible. The tour includes lunch in one of the best ocean front restaurants. You will be provided with high quality snorkel equipment and wetsuits. Please note that the only way to get to Isabela for the day is by PUBLIC SPEEDBOAT - we work with the best one but if the sea is rough it can get choppy!

Enjoy an unforgettable adventure with the Tintoreras Tour on Isabela Island, an immersive experience that combines exceptional snorkeling and scenic hiking in the breathtaking Galapagos Archipelago. Discover the unique wildlife and pristine underwater ecosystems while exploring the enchanting landscapes of Isabela Island. This tour offers a perfect balance of relaxation and exploration, making it a must-try for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike

This tour allows you to get to know the captial of the Galapagos: San Cristobal Island and its beautiful sites in only one day; you will not only get to see tons of sea lions and many sea lions babies, but also many marine birds, marine iguanas, sea turtles, tropical fish, sharks and even more sea lions. Moreover, you will get to see beautiful landscapes with crystal clear turquoise water and the iconic Kicker Rock. This tour is the perfect combination of land and water, as during the snorkel activity you will get to know the abundant wildlife underwater, while three sites (Punta Carola, Tijeretas and La Loberia) allow you to get to the the most beautiful sites, species and landscapes San Cristobal has to offer on land too. The tour includes a very good lunch menu too and you will be provided with high quality snorkel equipment and wetsuits. Please note that the only way to get to San Cristobal is by PUBLIC SPEEDBOAT - of course they are safe but on rough sea it can get choppy!

You will be equipped with high-quality snorkel equipment and wetsuits (brands Cressi/Scubapro and O'Neill) from us and this tour is operated on a very well maintained, comfortable boat, with an excellent guide and freshly prepared, very good food.

You will be equipped with high-quality snorkel equipment and wetsuits (brands Cressi/Scubapro and O'Neill) from us and this tour is operated on a very well maintained, comfortable boat, with an excellent guide and freshly prepared, very good food.

Enjoy wonderful snorkeling in Santa Fe Island! During this snorkelling tour you will be able to see many animals such as sea lions, sharks, turtles and more! We will visit the Santa Fe Cliff, the Santa Fe Bay where you will have lunch in the calm waters overlooking the bay whilst watching the sea lions in the distance. After lunch, there will be one last point in Playa Escondida where you have the option to disembark to spend time on the beach or to continue snorkelling. Part of the tour time is also allocated to fishing, however this depends on weather conditions on the day.

Experience the duality of Tortuga Bay, a paradisiacal white sand beach, with a private, organized excursion. Discover from "Playa Brava" to up-close encounters with majestic marine iguanas. Our expert guide will lead you to a viewpoint offering spectacular vistas before exploring the serene side of Tortuga Bay, with gentle waves and minimal currents. Traverse trails for sightings of endemic birds and a shark pool. Dive into crystal-clear waters for snorkeling, where encounters with sea turtles, rays and small sharks await. Ideal for those who wish to make the most of such a prestigious location and there is no better way to explore this site than with an experienced and knowledgeable underwater specialist, who will make sure you get the best snorkel experience. This calm beach at the same time is the pefect place to practise some snorkeling if you haven't done it before and as preparation for any snorkel trips by boat that you might participate in afterwards.

Join this full-day tour experiential fishing around of Santa Fe, learn about its wildlife and enjoy the nature. In this excursion you also will get the chance to stop at two snorkel spots in order to practice this activity.

With its unique volcanic formations, Bartolome Island is the Galapagos reef that will make you feel like you are on another planet. The Day trip to Bartolome island from Puerto Ayora will take you to one of the most spectacular viewpoints of the islands, you will only have to climb 400 steps to get there! You will also visit Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island, where you will walk among penguins, hawks, or lava cactus and snorkel among sea turtles, multicolored fish, or white-tip sharks. This one-day guided tour includes a round trip transfer from Santa Cruz Island, lunch on board the yacht, and snorkeling equipment, so get your ducks in the water!

North Seymour Island has a trail that takes you to the heart of wild habitat. Behold the flora and fauna of one of the islands that is not inhabited by humans. This excursion is perfect for sharing with the family with children or older adults, as its paths are short and offer the possibility of seeing many birds endemic to the Archipielago, as well as snorkeling on crystal clear and unhectic beaches.

- Discover the flora, fauna, and geology of the area accompanied by a certified naturalist local guide. - A day of adventure in one of the best spot for snorkeling - Convenient round-trip transport from Puerto Villamil in Isabela - Explore the lava tunnels, home to blue-footed boobies, albatrosses, pelicans and penguins

Explore the stunning Galapagos Islands over five thrilling days filled with unique wildlife and breathtaking beaches. Start with a visit to the Chatos Reserve to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat, followed by a delicious lunch at a private ranch. Hike to Tortuga Bay Beach for sunbathing and snorkeling, encountering sea turtles and iguanas. Enjoy boat trips to Santa Fe and Pinzon Island, where you can snorkel with sea lions and relax on pristine beaches. Conclude your adventure with a visit to the twin craters before heading to the airport.
Experience some of the world's best snorkeling in pristine waters!
Swim with playful sea lions and marine animals up close.
See marine iguanas, tropical fish, and unique Galápagos species.
Professional guides ensure safety and identify marine species.
Tours focusing on snorkeling with playful sea lions.
Tours exploring diverse marine ecosystems and species.
Tours visiting multiple snorkeling locations for variety.
Tours designed for all skill levels including beginners.
Half-day snorkeling tours: 4-5 hours. Full-day tours: 6-8 hours with multiple sites.
Visit 1-3 different snorkeling locations with diverse marine life.
Swim with sea lions, see marine iguanas, tropical fish, and diverse species.
Snorkeling gear provided including wetsuits for cooler waters.
Professional guides ensure safety and help identify marine species.
Opportunities for underwater photography and GoPro rentals.
Water temperature varies - wetsuits provided for comfort
Snorkeling suitable for all levels - beginners welcome
Sea lions are curious and playful - maintain respectful distance
Camera or GoPro recommended - incredible underwater moments
Follow guide's safety instructions
Multiple sites offer different marine life experiences
Morning snorkeling often best for visibility
Snorkeling highlights Galápagos marine diversity
A: Galápagos snorkeling offers incredible marine life including sea lions (playful, interactive), marine iguanas (unique, feeding underwater), tropical fish (colorful, diverse), reef sharks (harmless), rays (manta, eagle), sea turtles, and diverse marine ecosystems! Each snorkeling site different marine life. Sea lion encounters highlight - incredibly playful. Marine iguanas unique - only place where iguanas swim and feed underwater. Absolutely fascinating - diverse marine life. Essential Galápagos experience. Unforgettable underwater encounters!
A: Half-day snorkeling tours: $130-200 per person including gear and guide. Full-day snorkeling tours: $200-300 per person. Multi-site tours: $250-350 per person. Prices typically include snorkeling gear, wetsuit, guide, and boat transport. Some tours include meals. Book through authorized operators. Tours excellent value for world-class snorkeling experiences. Essential for complete Galápagos experience. Snorkeling worth the cost!
A: No! Snorkeling tours suitable for all levels including complete beginners! Guides provide instruction and safety briefing. Equipment provided and fitted. Calm waters at many sites. However, ability to swim helpful (most tours require basic swimming). Life vests available. Tours designed to accommodate all skill levels. Beginner-friendly sites available. Snorkeling accessible to most visitors. Essential for Galápagos marine experience!
A: Galápagos water temperature varies: 20-28°C (68-82°F) depending on season and location! Cooler Humboldt Current affects temperatures. Wetsuits provided for comfort (usually 3mm or 5mm). Some visitors comfortable without wetsuits in warmer waters. Wetsuits help with buoyancy and warmth. Temperature varies by location and season. Tours provide appropriate wetsuit thickness. Comfortable snorkeling with proper gear!
A: Yes! Sea lions are generally safe - they're curious and playful, not aggressive! However, maintain respectful distance and follow guide's instructions. Don't touch sea lions. Sea lions may approach - remain calm. Pups particularly playful. Adult sea lions usually ignore snorkelers. Guides know safe behavior. Sea lion encounters highlight of snorkeling. Unforgettable experiences when respectful. Safe and magical encounters!
A: Basic snorkeling tours: 4-5 hours including transport and 1-2 snorkeling sites. Full-day snorkeling tours: 6-8 hours with multiple sites and extended snorkeling time. Duration depends on number of sites and activities. Most visitors find half-day tours perfect for snorkeling experience. Full-day tours provide more variety. Tours include surface intervals between snorkeling. Allow adequate time for complete experience. Snorkeling tours provide perfect duration!
A: Essential items: Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen (reef-safe), waterproof camera or GoPro, and sense of adventure! Snorkeling gear and wetsuits provided. Waterproof camera essential - incredible underwater moments. Sunscreen important (reef-safe recommended). Towel for after snorkeling. Change of clothes helpful. Prepare for water activities. Essential gear provided. Camera captures unforgettable moments!
A: Galápagos snorkeling special for unique marine species (marine iguanas, only place where iguanas swim), playful sea lions, pristine waters, diverse marine ecosystems, and incredible marine biodiversity creating world-class snorkeling! Marine iguanas feeding underwater unique to Galápagos. Sea lions incredibly interactive. Pristine, protected waters. Considered one of world's best snorkeling destinations. Essential for complete Galápagos experience. Absolutely unique - marine life found nowhere else. World-class underwater experiences!
Unique wildlife found nowhere else
Charles Darwin's evolutionary laboratory
World-class snorkeling and diving
Pristine natural environments
Incredible biodiversity
Perfect blend of science and adventure
The Galápagos has a subtropical climate with two seasons. Average temperatures range from 70°F (21°C) to 85°F (29°C) year-round.
June to December offers the best wildlife viewing and weather.
June to August and December to January brings peak tourist season with ideal conditions, larger crowds, and higher prices.
February to May offers lower prices and fewer crowds, though with warmer, wetter weather.
Explore comprehensive guides to plan your perfect trip, including food tours, cultural experiences, and more.
Experience thrilling adventures in the Galápagos, from hiking volcanic landscapes to kayaking, discovering the islands through active exploration
Experience the Galápagos by cruise, exploring multiple islands with comfortable accommodations, expert naturalists, and comprehensive island-hopping adventures
Explore the diverse islands of the Galápagos archipelago, discovering unique landscapes, wildlife, and ecosystems that make each island special
Capture the incredible wildlife and landscapes of the Galápagos with expert photography guidance, visiting the best locations for stunning photographs
Discover the incredible wildlife of the Galápagos Islands, from giant tortoises to marine iguanas, experiencing the unique animals that inspired Darwin's theory of evolution
Organized tours and cruises are the best way to explore the Galápagos. Transportation between islands is typically included in tour packages.
Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.
Find the perfect accommodation for your Galápagos Islands adventure. From luxury resorts to cozy hotels, we've got you covered.
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