6 of the Best Galapagos Snorkeling Spots

Updated July 2025

If there’s one experience every traveler dreams of during a Galápagos vacation, it’s snorkeling with the incredible marine life. From playful Galápagos sea lions to curious penguins and graceful sea turtles, the chance to snorkel Galápagos waters is often the highlight of any island tour or expedition.

Notably, there are more than 30 visitor sites that allow snorkeling in Galapagos National Park. Of course, nobody has the time to visit all the islands and all the sites, so here are 6 of the best snorkel spots in the Galapagos and some of our favorite places to get in the water in the Galapagos Islands.

Before we dive in, check out our Travel Smart guide for practical advice for your next trip.

6. Los Tuneles, Isabela Island

Although the boat ride can be bumpy, Los Tuneles is worth the effort. But once you reach the sheltered “tunnels” of lava, you’re greeted with some of the best scenery and pools teeming with wildlife. It’s one of the most biodiverse places to snorkel in the Galápagos Islands.

Snorkel highlights:

• Seahorses
• Sea turtles
• Cool lava tunnels to explore
• Sleeping reef sharks
• Penguins
• Rays
• Playful sea lions
• Boobies nesting on the paths above ground

5 – Bartolome Island

A popular day tour, Bartolome is one of the most iconic photos in the Galapagos. Bartolomé is famous for its iconic view from the top of the hill, but it also offers some of the best snorkeling in the Galápagos. After snapping that classic photo, head down to the beach and dive in.

Snorkel highlights:

• Great beach
• Nesting sea turtles in early months of the year
• Curious sea lions
• Possible penguin sightings
• Snorkeling around Pinnacle Rock
• Colorful tropical fish

4. Black Beach, Floreana Island

While Devil’s Crown gets more attention, Black Beach is a hidden gem you can explore at your own pace. Located near the Wittmer Hotel, you can spend hours snorkeling from sunrise to sunset on your own, allowing you to get the best photos.

Snorkel highlights:

• Marine iguanas eating algae underwater
• Sea lions hunting
• Octopuses and sea urchins
• Boobies diving for fish
• Sea turtles cruising by

3. Tintoreras, Isabela Island

Named after the white-tip reef sharks (or “tintoreras”) that rest nearby, this sheltered spot offers crystal-clear water ideal for spotting marine creatures up close, allowing for fantastic underwater photos and videos.

Snorkel highlights:

• Sea turtles love this area and can be seen feeding or resting
• Fevers (groups) of rays glide through the shallow bays.
• Octopuses and urchins hiding in rocks
• Schools of fish
• Galapagos penguins!

2 – La Loberia, San Cristobal Island

If you want to see Galápagos sea lions up close, you really need to be around San Cristobal. While Isla Lobos is a great spot, La Lobería offers the unique chance to see sea lions both in the water and on the beach, making it a perfect option if you’re on a land-based Galápagos expedition.

Snorkel highlights:

• Dozens of sea lions in and out of water
• Sea turtles galore
• Excellent spot for beginner snorkelers

1 – Kicker Rock, San Cristobal Island

Kicker Rock is a must for thrill-seekers. This deep-water site features huge walls that drop deep into the ocean, bringing cold currents which bring a wealth of food closer to the surface for big specie making it one of the top spots for Galápagos Islands diving and snorkeling.

Snorkel highlights:

• Schools of reef sharks
• Possible hammerhead shark sightings
• Eagle rays are frequently seen
• Barracuda and fish rarely seen near shore
• Colorful fish and coral
• Sea turtles
• Sea lions love it here too

It is hard to limit this list to only 6 spots, as we love snorkeling

anywhere you snorkel in the Galápagos Islands offers the chance to discover something magical. You might get surprised by the wildlife you spot at Tortuga Bay on Santa Cruz or anywhere else you hop in the water. The rule of thumb? If you have extra time in the islands, go snorkeling wherever you can!

If you’re planning to visit Galápagos and want to make the most of your time in the water, consider booking a tour that includes these highlights. Our 10-day Galapagos Adventure tour, visits five of these locations and can be extended to include Bartolomé Island to see all 6 of these Galapagos snorkel hotspots.