Galapagos
sea lions · iguanas · boobies
Where to Go
San Cristobal, Isabela, Santa Cruz, Floreana, Espanola, Fernandina, North Seymour, Bartolome, Santiago, South Plaza, Santa Fe, Genovesa
Where to Stay
San Cristobal: This Airbnb or Hotel Indigo
Isabela: Cormorant Beach House
Santa Cruz: El Barranco
Cruise: Golden Galapagos
Best Time
December – April (calm seas, warm, brief showers)
June – October (cooler, dry, more nutrient-rich water brings in bigger marine life, rougher seas)
May and November (shoulder season, possibly the best of both seasons)
Get Around
Ferry or flight between islands
Taxi or bike once you land
We Spent
17 days
Who Will Love Galapagos
→ Snorkelers and divers. Sea lions that play with you, penguins hunting at your feet, and three shark species on a single snorkel.
→ Wildlife lovers. Marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, frigates and giant tortoises, none of which have learned to fear people.
→ Budget and luxury travelers. The best shore snorkels are free, and the cruise that unlocks Devil’s Crown is worth every dollar.
start
HERE
10 Sites Rated + Reviewed:
Best Snorkeling in the Galapagos
Planning
Snorkel
Where to Stay
Planning
The Galapagos runs on logistics. These posts answer the questions that come before anything else.
Transport Guide
Ferry or Flight Between Galapagos Islands? A Complete Guide
Route Guide
How to Get from San Cristobal to Isabela Island: Why We Flew
Route Guide
How to Get from Isabela to Santa Cruz: Why We Took the Ferry
Entry Requirements
TCT Card Galapagos: Iguana Code, Payment, & Airport Tips
Snorkel
Ten sites, each with its own guide.
San Cristobal
Kicker Rock 360 Tour
Snorkeling Guide [Rated + Reviewed]
Muelle Tijeretas
Snorkeling Guide [Rated + Reviewed]
La Loberia
Snorkeling Guide [Rated + Reviewed]
Isabela Island
Concha de Perla
Snorkeling Guide [Rated + Reviewed]
Playa Isabela
Snorkeling Guide [Rated + Reviewed]
Los Tuneles
Snorkeling Guide [Rated + Reviewed]
Las Tintoreras
Snorkeling Guide [Rated + Reviewed]
Santa Cruz
Bartolome Island
Snorkeling Guide [Rated + Reviewed]
* Cruise or Day Tour
Chinese Hat
Snorkeling Guide [Rated + Reviewed]
* Cruise or Day Tour
Cruise-Only Sites
Devil's Crown
Snorkeling Guide [Rated + Reviewed]
Where to Stay
Only firsthand reviews included.
Cruise Review
Endemic Galapagos Cruise Review: 3-Nights of Small-Ship Luxury