Snorkelling features highly on the itineraries of all cruises and land-based tours. The Galapagos Marine Reserve is home to sea lions, green sea turtles, billowing clouds of tropical fish, penguins and sharks.

One of my favourite snorkelling trips is to Los Túneles (‘the tunnels’) on Isla Isabela. You depart by boat from Puerto Villamil, following the south coast of the island for about an hour before carefully navigating through a lava landscape spiked with cactus. You’ll disembark to pick your way across this maze and, looking down into the interconnected pools and interlacing volcanic bridges, you’ll soon understand the reason behind the name.

After a bit of exploring on land keeping an eye out for Galápagos penguins and blue-footed boobies, you’ll don snorkelling gear and take a guided swim, encountering sea turtles, Galápagos sharks sleeping in caves, reef fish, and maybe some curious sea lions. The diversity of marine life and unique setting make this snorkelling spot especially memorable.

For a more DIY approach that leaves a lot of room for hiking, beach lounging, and independent exploration, Las Tijeretas on Isla San Cristóbal is another good choice. Rent snorkel gear in town, pack water and snacks, and take the well-marked trail north out of town to this popular protected bay with sparkling clear water and gorgeous views. Come early in the morning before the crowds, as it’s easily accessed from town (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno).

Other good Galápagos snorkelling spots include:

The Devil’s Crown, off the shores of Floreana Island: a partially submerged extinct volcano where wildlife thrives. Sea turtles, sea lions and even sharks are commonly seen in and around the crater, while seabirds crowd the outlying cliffs.

Bartolomé Island

Bartolomé Island’s iconic Pinnacle Rock is the place to find penguins. These quick-moving swimmers are frequent companions in the bay especially when the Humboldt Current moves in from Antarctica and cools off the water, attracting them in from the western islands.

North Seymour Island and the neighbouring Mosquera Islet are home to a large population of sea lions. Snorkelling here gets you up close and personal with these curious creatures and their young pups.

Safe snorkelling

The biggest dangers associated with snorkelling in the Galapagos Islands are strong currents and accidentally stepping somewhere you shouldn’t. White-tipped reef sharks rest during the day in shallow waters and can be startled. Currents at outlying sites throughout the archipelago can be strong even for experienced swimmers.