LAST UPDATED: 1/31/24 – Galápagos Islands Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Guide

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Every year, hundreds of thousands of people flock to the Galápagos Islands. Most come to see the amazing and diverse wildlife that lives in the waters off their shores.  There is no better way to appreciate the diverse and amazing wildlife than to get in the water. 

Each year, giant Whale sharks flock to the outer islands in droves. They join large schools of hammerhead sharks to make one of the most interesting dive sites in the world. Closer to shore, the fun and playful Galápagos sea lions chase down fish and play in the water. There is no place like the Galápagos Islands for taking a snorkeling or scuba diving adventure.

Galápagos Snorkeling and Diving Guide Navigation Menu

There are Multiple Ways You Can See the Wildlife of the Galápagos

There are many different ways that you can view and interact with the marine wildlife found in the Galápagos Islands.  For some people, just taking a boat ride around the islands to see the animals is enough.  However, most people who are drawn to the islands, want to get in the water and interact with this amazing wildlife. This Galápagos Islands scuba diving and snorkeling guide covers options for travelers with all levels of interest in adventure.

In this Galápagos Islands scuba diving and snorkeling guide, I outline everything you need to know. With this information, your snorkeling or scuba diving experience will be the adventure of a lifetime.

I discuss all of the things you need to know before your trip to ensure it is a success. I also talk about some of the top snorkeling and scuba diving sites you should consider. 

No matter what your skill level in swimming, snorkeling, or diving, there is something for everyone. The purpose of this Galápagos Islands scuba diving and snorkeling guide is to make sure you are prepared. That way, you can pick the excursions and adventures that match your interests and experience. That way, you will be able to get the most out of this amazing experience!

What to Know Before You Go

Whatever you do, do not rush out and make plans without researching. You should read this section of my Galápagos Islands scuba diving and snorkeling guide first. This way, you will be prepared when you visit the Galápagos Islands to snorkel or scuba dive. This way, you can ensure you pick the right excursions that suit your skill level.

If you plan on doing some scuba diving while in the Galápagos, you also need to make sure you have the proper certifications and insurance.  This is essential as dive operators will require the certification. They will ask for proof of certification when you arrive.  This includes making sure that you have the proper Nitrox certification.

Packing List

In addition to booking the right excursions, you must have the right gear with you as well.  For instance, many tour companies rent out wetsuits for snorkeling and diving expeditions, but many do not.

For this reason, we strongly recommend bringing all of the gear that you will need on your trip.  I outline the main gear you will need in my Galápagos Islands scuba diving and snorkeling guide below. However, I recommend checking out my Galápagos Islands packing guide linked above as well. Be sure to read the packing guide thoroughly. It outlines the immunization requirements that are necessary for visiting Ecuador.

Snorkeling Gear

If you plan to do some snorkeling in the Galápagos, you will need to be prepared before you go.  I have included a list of the gear I recommend bringing for snorkeling excursions in the Galápagos below.

The water on the surface can range from 67-80 degrees Fahrenheit (or 19 to 26 degrees Celsius). Depending on when you visit, a wetsuit may be necessary if you get uncomfortable in the cold water.  It is also important to prepare for being around, on, and in the water much of the time you are in the Galápagos. So, make sure you have the right gear to protect your valuables and electronics.

• Water Shoes (to wear on the boat and rocky shores)
• Wetsuit (either shorty or full suit at 3-5mm thickness)
• Dry Bag (for valuables and electronics)
• Snorkeling Mask (if you would prefer to use your own)
• Inflatable Life Jacket (if you want extra buoyancy, though your wetsuit should provide plenty)

Scuba Diving Gear

If you are planning on going scuba diving in the Galápagos Islands, you may have your own gear.  If you do, I highly recommend that you bring it.  You will want to make sure you are familiar with and comfortable with the gear you use on the dives on the islands.

Think About Purchasing Your Own Gear

If you don’t have your own gear, you will want to think about purchasing gear before your trip.  Many tour operators will provide gear, but you will want to confirm before you go if you don’t plan on bringing your own.  If you do buy gear, I would strongly recommend that you try it out and become comfortable with it before your trip.

Make Sure You Have the Necessary Certifications

If you are a beginner and don’t have gear or scuba diving certification, there are places where you can get certification in the Galápagos Islands.  If you don’t take care of these certifications before you go, I would strongly recommend making these arrangements well in advance of your trip.

Because most of the dive sites in the Galápagos Islands involve strong currents and surges, I also strongly recommend that you purchase the proper dive insurance before you go on your trip. The dives in the Galápagos are not the easiest and you will be glad you have it if you end up needing it. Emergency medical evacuation and the use of a hyperbaric chamber can run into the tens of thousands of dollars.

Recommended Dive Gear

• Proof of Dive Certification
• Proof of Dive Insurance
• Nitrox Certification
• Wetsuit (full wetsuit at 5-7mm thickness)
• Rash Guard (or another layer to wear under your wetsuit)
• Dive Masks (I recommend a backup)
• Reef Hook (for the currents if you are planning to visit Darwin or Wolf Island)
• Signal Marker Buoy (part of essential safety gear)
• Gloves (for cold water in the deep depths)
• Buoyancy Compensator
• Regulator
• Dive Fins
• Dive Boots

Top Snorkeling Sites in the Galápagos

The Galápagos Islands are one of the premier locations in the world to go snorkeling.  However, depending on what you would like to see, how you are visiting the Galápagos, and how proficient you are at snorkeling, some locations will be better suited for you than others. 

There is an abundance of wildlife around the islands, so make sure you prioritize which wildlife you really want to see the most before you start making your travel plans.

If you are planning on going on a liveaboard tour, in which you live on a boat and cruise about the islands, you will be able to reach the more remote locations in the Galápagos. 

This will allow you to visit some of the sites on my list that you aren’t able to visit when you take a land-based tour.  However, just because you book a land-based tour, that doesn’t mean your options are limited to less amazing snorkeling sites.  There are plenty of snorkeling sites on this list that are accessible via land-based tours.

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Los Tuneles

Wildlife Spotting:  Galápagos Penguins, Sea turtles, Blue-footed boobies, Rays, Tropical fish, Galápagos Sea Lions, White-tipped reef sharks, Seahorses, Sally Lightfoot crabs

Located off the island of Isabela, the Los Tuneles snorkeling spot is a great place for beginners to start their snorkeling adventures. With its crystal clear and calm pools, it is an ideal place for wildlife viewing.

The strange lave rock formations offer some unique places to explore and it is common to see Galápagos Penguins, Green Sea Turtles, Blue-footed Boobies, Rays, White-tipped reef sharks, Galápagos Sea Lions, and a variety of tropical fish.

The Los Tuneles snorkeling spot is only accessible via a land tour, which can be purchased in Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island. If you would like to book a snorkeling tour at Los Tuneles, make sure you book well in advance as this is an extremely popular tour.

Devil’s Crown

Wildlife Spotting:  Tropical fish, Various sharks, Manta rays, Sea turtles, Blue-footed boobies, Red-footed boobies, Pelicans, Moray eels, Pencil sea urchins, Scorpionfish, Yellow-tailed grunts, Amberjacks, Galápagos Sea lions

With a reputation as one of the best snorkeling spots in the Galápagos Islands, the Devil’s Crown location off of Floreana Island is an amazing snorkeling spot. Although the currents in this submerged volcano can be challenging for beginners, the coral reef in the center of the sunken volcano is home to an abundance of amazing wildlife.

It is not uncommon to see large Manta Rays, Green Sea Turtles, White-tipped reef sharks, and Galápagos Sea Lions in this spot. This spot can only be accessed via Galápagos Islands cruises as all land tours focus on the primary islands in the Galápagos (Santa Cruz, Isabela, and San Cristobal). Not all cruises stop at Devil’s Crown, so if you are interested in visiting this spot, make sure you check the itineraries of cruises before you book.

Kicker Rock

Wildlife Spotting:  White-tipped reef sharks, Sea turtles, Rays, Galápagos Sea lions, Hammerhead sharks

Snorkeling at Kicker Rock is a difficult tour to find, but if you can find an opening on a tour I would strongly recommend it because it is an absolutely amazing place to go snorkeling or diving.

The natural channel that the rocks form is home to a stunning variety of wildlife that includes Eagle Rays, Green Sea Turtles, White-tipped reef sharks, and Galápagos Sea Lions. If you are really lucky, you might even spot Galápagos sharks, Hammerhead sharks, or dolphins on the rocks.

This site is accessible via land tour or cruise, but many tours will only stop to admire the rocks instead of actually offering snorkeling at the rocks. So, if you are interested in booking a snorkeling tour at Kicker Rock, make sure you read the itinerary very closely. I also touch on this location in the scuba diving section of this guide as Kicker Rock is an amazing place to scuba dive as well.

Bartolome Island

Wildlife Spotting:  Galápagos Penguins, Tropical fish, Galápagos Sea Lions, White-tipped reef sharks, Rays, Octopus

Because it is accessible by either a cruise or a land-based trip, Bartolome is a popular stop for a lot of tours in the Galápagos Islands. It is situated off Santiago Island, which is only accessible with a naturalist cruise, but Bartolome is located just off Santiago and offers some really exceptional snorkeling conditions as well.

In fact, it is one of the best places in the Galápagos Islands to see Galápagos Penguins. You also have a great chance of seeing plenty of tropical fish, White-tip reef sharks, the occasional octopus, and Galápagos sea lions off the jagged coastline of Bartolome. Best of all, because the waters are usually very calm, it is another great place for beginners to get their feet wet.

Tintoreras

Wildlife Spotting: Galápagos Penguins, Marine iguanas, Galápagos Sea Lions, Sea turtles, Blue-footed boobies, White-tipped reef sharks, Marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs

Tintoreras is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in the Galápagos Islands because you have a chance to see a large amount of the wildlife that lives in the Galápagos in this one spot. For this reason, Tintoreras has been given the nickname of the “mini Galápagos”.

With Galápagos Penguins, Galápagos Sea lions, Marine iguanas, green sea turtles, White-tipped reef sharks, and Blue-footed boobies all frequently in this location, it is a hot spot for marine wildlife viewing. It is another location that has generally calm waters that are good for beginners. Best of all, it can be accessed both by land trip and cruise, so it is very accessible.

Punta Espinosa

Wildlife Spotting:  Galápagos Sea lions, Marine iguanas, Sea turtles, Galápagos Penguins, Flightless cormorants, Dolphins, Humpback, and Orca whales (depending on the season)

In addition to the stunning vistas you can see from the shores of the Punta Espinosa snorkeling site, there is an abundance of amazing wildlife to see in the waters.

Widely considered one of the best snorkeling sites for seeing a diverse array of wildlife, snorkelers have the opportunity to spot Galápagos Sea lions, Marine iguanas, Sea turtles, and Galápagos Penguins among other wildlife while snorkeling.

For those who are lucky, you might even spot an orca or a whale. Blue and Humpback whales are known to visit the Galápagos Islands between June and December each year. If you are serious about doing some snorkeling while in the Galápagos, this site should be near the top of your list.

Tagus Cove

Wildlife Spotting:  Sea turtles, Marine iguanas, Galápagos Penguins, Flightless cormorants, Seahorses, Port Jackson sharks, Rockfish

Located off of Isabela Island, the Tagus Cove snorkeling site is widely considered one of the best places to get in the water with the Galápagos Penguins. The smallest of the world’s penguins, it is also the only penguin that is found North of the equator.

Although they aren’t the fastest creatures on land, they are like missiles flying through the water when they swim. In addition to being able to swim with these amazing animals, the Tagus Cove snorkeling site is also known to have many Green Sea turtles, Marine iguanas, Flightless cormorants, Seahorses, Port Jackson sharks, Rockfish in the area, which makes it a popular spot for snorkelers.

Prince Philip’s Steps

Wildlife Spotting:  Manta rays, Hammerhead sharks, Tropical fish, Angelfish, Parrotfish, Hogfish, Unicornfish, Surgeonfish, Butterflyfish

Named after Prince Phillip, who was the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, the Prince Phillip Steps snorkeling site is one of the more remote snorkeling sites I cover. Located off the coast of Genovesa Island, this snorkeling site is less accessible than some of the other sites on my list.

Because of its location, you will only be able to access this site as part of a Galápagos cruise. However, it is located in some of the prime areas for seeing some of the most unique marine wildlife in the Galápagos.

Snorkelers have a chance to swim with Manta rays, hammerhead sharks, tropical fish, angelfish, parrotfish, hogfish, unicornfish, surgeonfish, and butterflyfish. For this reason, it has become a popular spot for people on extended Galápagos cruises.

Pinnacle Rock

Wildlife Spotting:  Galápagos Penguins, Tropical fish, White-tipped reef sharks, Galápagos Sea lions

Pinnacle Rock, which is a large, spired rock formation that juts from the ocean near Bartolome, is home to one of the Galápagos Island’s most unique and beautiful snorkeling sites. At the whitish-pink sand beach just to the East of the Pinnacle Rock, green sea turtles lay their eggs and can often be seen swimming around the rock.

In addition, the snorkeling site is home to an abundance of white-tipped reef sharks and Galápagos penguins, who can be observed doing their aquatic acrobatics in search of fish to eat. Pinnacle Rock is also a favorite resting place for Galápagos sea lions, who can often be found in the waters and sleeping on the rocks around the pinnacle.

Isla Lobos

Wildlife Spotting:  Galápagos Sea lions, Blue-footed boobies, Galápagos Brown Pelican

Named for the sea lions that inhabit the shores, the Isla Lobos is widely considered the best place in the Galápagos Islands to swim with Galápagos sea lions. A protected cove on the Western side of the island is the perfect place for these friendly creatures to seek refuge from the sea and relax so they can be found in this location in abundance.

The calm waters, clear visibility, and sandy sea floor make this a perfect place for snorkeling. The main attraction at this site is to swim with the baby sea lions, who are always playful and inquisitive. In addition to the sea lions, snorkelers can also get a glimpse of Blue-footed boobies and Galápagos Brown pelicans, who are often seen fishing off the shores.

Top Scuba Diving Sites in the Galápagos

Scuba diving in the Galápagos Islands is one of this world’s ultimate adventures.  Divers flock from around the world to the Galápagos to see the large schools of hammerhead sharks and the graceful and giant whale sharks that congregate around the islands. 

Before you book your scuba diving adventures, I would suggest you review my list of the top diving sites in my Galápagos Islands scuba diving and snorkeling guide below to understand what unique qualities each site offers.  That way you can make sure you pick a tour that allows you to see and experience everything that you want to see when you visit.

You don’t absolutely have to take a Liveaboard cruise in the Galápagos to do some scuba diving in the islands, but to access a majority of the sites on my list, booking a Liveaboard cruise will be essential.  Therefore, if you are really serious about doing some scuba diving when you visit, then a Liveaboard tour is definitely the way to go.

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Darwin’s Arch

Located in the far reaches of the Galápagos Islands, Darwin’s Arch is the most remote of the dive sites I am covering in this guide. However, even though it is remote, it is arguably one of the most famous dive sites in the Galápagos.

This amazing site allows divers to see manta rays, green sea turtles, dolphins, and even the elusive whale shark. However, the biggest draw for this dive site is the massive number of sharks that are attracted to the strong currents.

This includes large schools of hammerheads, silky sharks, blacktip sharks, and Galápagos sharks. Because of the strong currents, you should have ample diving experience before attempting to dive at this site, which is why the site is listed as an intermediate to advanced dive.

Shark Point

Located off of Wolf Island, which is the sister island to Darwin Island in the far reaches of the Galápagos Islands, Shark Point is another of the famous Galápagos dive sites.

If you want to dive with whale sharks, this is the spot that will give you the best chance to do that by far. These elusive sharks gather near the islands between May and November, which attracts large numbers of divers looking to fulfill their dream of swimming with these gentle giants.

In addition to the whale sharks, it is also possible to see large schools of hammerhead sharks and the Galápagos shark at this dive site. However, because of the limited visibility and very strong currents, this dive site is restricted to just experienced divers only.

Gordon Rocks

Considered by many to be one of the best dive sites in the central islands, Gordon Rocks is located in the submerged cone of a volcano on the Northeast side of Santa Cruz Island.

This dive site has become famous for the large schools of hammerhead sharks that are drawn in by the strong currents in the area, making it the prime location to get views of these magnificent creatures.

Because of the large numbers of sharks in such a small and confined location, it is possible to get closer to the sharks than anywhere else in the Galápagos. However, because there are such strong currents and it is such a confined dive site, you should have ample diving experience before attempting this dive.

Camaño Islet

If you are a beginning diver who wants to experience the underwater wonders of the Galápagos Islands, then the Camaño Islet is a great option for you. Located off the coast of Santa Cruz Island, this dive site attracts schools of grouper, batfish, and other tropical fish.

Divers also have the possibility of seeing Galápagos sea lions playing and even marine iguanas feeding on algae that grow on the submerged rocks off the coast. Because this site isn’t that deep, with waters that max out at between 30-50 feet (10-15 meters), and the visibility is typically good, it is a great dive to get your feet wet.

Punta Vicente Roca

Located off the coast of Isabela Island, the Punta Vicente Roca dive site is a sloped dive wall that has several small caves along it. With a depth between 40 to 80 feet (or 12-27 meters), this dive site is an excellent place to see Galápagos penguins and Galápagos sea lions hunting fish.

However, the real draw is all of the amazing fish that congregate in the area. Divers are typically treated to seeing the beautiful sunfish, as well as the huge Mola Mola that are typically spotted on the outside of the seawall.

This isn’t an overly difficult dive site, but because of the depths, it is recommended that you be of at least an intermediate level before attempting this dive.

North Seymour Island (Ocean Side)

There is no shortage of things to see when diving at North Seymour so you might want to extend your time at the dive site beyond just one dive. This dive site, which involves a gradual slope on the Northeastern shore of North Seymour Island, is a great place to spot yellowtail grunts, blue-striped snappers, and other tropical fish.

However, the biggest draw at North Seymour is arguably the large number of rays that can be found here. Large groups of eagle rays, marble rays, manta rays, and stingrays congregate in the area.

Divers also have an opportunity to see hammerhead sharks, and on occasion, even marlins. Because of the shallow depths, clear waters, and lack of really strong currents, this dive site is perfect for beginning divers who want to encounter a lot of wildlife in the Galápagos Islands.

Cousins Rock

Considered by many to be the most consistent dive in the Galápagos Islands, the Cousins Rock dive site might be the best dive site for intermediate divers.

Located off the Northeast coast of Santiago Island, this site is comprised of steps that descend over 130 feet (or 40 meters) into the depths. These steps are covered with black corals, and it is in these corals that you will typically find many Pacific seahorses.

Under the ridges of the steps, there are typically white-tipped reef sharks, moray eels, and even green sea turtles. If you are lucky, you might even spot a school of barracuda or hammerhead sharks swimming through.

Roca Redonda

If you are interested in getting up close and personal with the volcanic activity that shaped the Galápagos Islands, then the Roca Redonda dive site is right up your alley.

Famous for the streams of gas that bubble up from the floor of the site, the Roca Redonda dive site allows divers to get a view into the heart of the Galápagos Islands.

However, be aware that this dive site is extremely challenging because of the heavy currents and the fact that divers will need to be able to pull themselves along the rocky ocean floor to be able to view the gas streams, known as fumaroles. If you are lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of some Galápagos sharks that are known to frequent the area.

Bartholomew Point

Considered by many to be one of the best dive sites in the Galápagos Islands, the Bartholomew Point dive site combines fascinating rock formations with an abundance of marine wildlife to form a spectacular dive environment.

This dive site is known for the abundance of bait balls, which are tightly packed schools of small fish, that form in the area. These bait balls draw in a plethora of marine predators, such as Galápagos sea lions, pelicans, white-tipped reef sharks, and a variety of different rays.

Divers also have the possibility of seeing green sea turtles, and if they are lucky, even hammerhead sharks. This dive site should be on the list of any experienced diver who is visiting the Galápagos islands to dive, especially for the first time.

Kicker Rock

I already discussed how great of a site Kicker Rock is for snorkeling in the snorkeling section of this guide, but the site is a great place to go diving as well. Located off the coast of San Cristobal Island, Kicker Rock was named for its resemblance to a shoe.

In between the rocks that form the Kicker Rock dive site, you have a great chance to swim with Galápagos sea lions and see marine iguanas feeding off the algae that grow on the underwater rocks. Kicker Rock is also home to an abundance of green sea turtles, a variety of rays, surgeonfish, and angelfish.

If you navigate into the deeper waters, there is a good chance you will spot Galápagos sharks and hammerheads. If you want to book a dive at Kicker Rock, make sure the tour you book includes it. There are a lot of tours that visit Kicker Rock but do not offer scuba diving or snorkeling as part of the tour.

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