galapagos snorkeling

Snorkeling in Galapagos


The Galapagos islands are a special place, where the most avid lovers for snorkeling will find unique landscapes decorated by coral reefs, bright coloured fish, sea creatures from different sizes and colours.

When you travel to Galapagos, snorkeling will pop straight to your mind. The magnificent areas offer scuba diving which allows snorkelers to observe underwater attractions for extended periods of time with relatively little effort. The equipment for snorkeling is easy to gather due to its few devices such as the diving mask, the tube, the fins, and the wetsuit, depending on the season. Snorkeling devices are not as heavy and difficult to carry, when compared to the complicated equipment and training required by scuba diving. Safety is not an issue because you are under supervision from your naturalist guide on a day boat.

Your guide will be the one to refer to, he will explain basic instructions up to alternative activities for those who get bored. For the most part, snorkeling activities are conducted by the shores of the islets and small islands. The activity takes place usually in shallow reefs ranging from a few meters from the sea level, these are top spots for snorkelers for sure! These secret spots are surrounded by calm and warm waters where you can enjoy your activity stress free.

Snorkel in Galapagos for everyone

Unlike scuba diving, where a valid license is requested, and there are limited areas in the Galapagos national reserve to appreciate the hidden sea world. Snorkeling is more flexible and can be practiced with no to very little restrictions.

The primary appeal is an opportunity to observe underwater life in a natural setting. It could be considered a family activity in Galapagos, due to its accessibility to all ages, as well as the low amount of effort required.

Both scuba diving and snorkeling are popular activities at the Galapagos Islands. Scuba diving features a greater range of animals as you can dive 20 metres below sea level. However snorkeling allows you to have as well a broad view from the ocean’s surface flora and fauna. To those who do not even want to dive in, swimming or floating can as well fill you with relaxation and peace.

Unlike other places in the world, where wáter vehicles and wild sports are allowed, the National Galapagos Park has restrictions against these in order to portect the endangered yet unique and special wildlife. However, there are ways in which people can enjoy wáter adventures with caution.

Although the animals in Galapagos are very peaceful, curious and playful with strangers, it is advised to visitors not to touch any of the species at all times. Furthermore we seek to protect them.

The ocean water’s temperature in the Galapagos Islands, and Ecuador varies to the season and the presence of one of the two currents; Humboldt and El Niño which determine the sea’s activity during the year.

Between January and June the climate is warm, as well as the ocean´s wáter, this indeed welcomes all visitors to jump in and interact with the archipelago. This is a great time to do as much as you can from any underwater activity, including snorkeling. The warm and calm water due to “El Niño” make it very pleasant for tourists who are\ passionate about this particular activity. In this season, there is no need of wearing a wetsuit as the water is so warm. Nonetheless, if you are planning to visit the Islands between the months of July to December, bear in mind that the Humboldt current will be present, hence the water temperature will be rise to 50 or 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Wet Suite | Snorkel equipment | Galapagos Islands

Even though some people are used to these cold temperatures, not everyone is comfortable, or can resist to the cold water at all, making certain acitivities very uncomfortable. Therefore, during the cold season, it is important to rent a wetsuit additionally to the equipment required for snorkeling.


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