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.

Take the ferry or flight beween Galapagos Islands

Transport Guide

Ferry or Flight Between Galapagos Islands? A Complete Guide

EMETEBE plane we used to fly from San Cristobal to Isabela in the Galapagos

Route Guide

How to Get from San Cristobal to Isabela Island: Why We Flew

Queen Arlett Ferry

Route Guide

How to Get from Isabela to Santa Cruz: Why We Took the Ferry

TCT counter at Quito Airport in Ecuador

Entry Requirements

TCT Card Galapagos: Iguana Code, Payment, & Airport Tips

Snorkel

Ten sites, each with its own guide. 

San Cristobal

Kicker Rock 360 Tour, San Cristobal [Rated + Reviewed]

Kicker Rock 360 Tour

Snorkeling Guide [Rated + Reviewed]

Curious sea lion checking us out at Tijeretas San Cristobal

Muelle Tijeretas

Snorkeling Guide [Rated + Reviewed]

Playful sea lion at La Loberia beach in San Cristobal

La Loberia

Snorkeling Guide [Rated + Reviewed]

Isabela Island

Gorgeous parrotfish at Concha de Perla on Isabela Island

Concha de Perla

Snorkeling Guide [Rated + Reviewed]

Snorkeling with a cute penguin at Playa Isabela

Playa Isabela

Snorkeling Guide [Rated + Reviewed]

Penguins at Los Tuneles in Isabela Galapagos

Los Tuneles

Snorkeling Guide [Rated + Reviewed]

Several marine iguanas snuggling for heat at Las Tintoreras in the Galapagos

Las Tintoreras

Snorkeling Guide [Rated + Reviewed]

Santa Cruz 

A Sunset over Bartolome Island in the Galapagos

Bartolome Island

Snorkeling Guide [Rated + Reviewed]

* Cruise or Day Tour

Snorkeling with yellowtail surgeonfish at Chinese Hat in Galapagos

Chinese Hat

Snorkeling Guide [Rated + Reviewed]

* Cruise or Day Tour

Cruise-Only Sites

Hammerheads sharks at Devil's Crown off of Floreana Island in the Galapagos

Devil's Crown

Snorkeling Guide [Rated + Reviewed]

Where to Stay

Only firsthand reviews included.

Our beautiful 16 passenger catamaran in the Galapagos, the Endemic

Cruise Review

Endemic Galapagos Cruise Review: 3-Nights of Small-Ship Luxury