Diver encounters a Whale Shark in the waters of the Galápagos. Photo © Dieder Brandelet.
The Galápagos may be the best destination worldwide for watching wildlife on land, but the marine marvels underwater are beyond belief. From snorkeling with playful sea lion pups and nonchalant sea turtles to diving with hammerheads and whale sharks, the Caribbean and Red Sea simply pale in comparison.
One hour from Puerto Ayora, this site is for intermediate to advanced divers due to strong currents. Visibility is usually excellent, and you can watch schools of hammerheads, rays, moray eels, and marine turtles.
The narrow channel between the sheer walls of this volcanic tuff cone is a prime snorkeling spot. White-tipped reef sharks, sea turtles, and rays are commonly seen in the channel, while divers go deeper to see hammerheads. A visit is combined with snorkeling among a sea lion colony at nearby Isla Lobos.
The jagged peaks of this submerged volcanic cone poke out of the water, hence its ominous name. Snorkel outside the ring or in the shallow inner chamber with tropical fish and occasional sharks. A visit is usually combined with snorkeling among a sea lion colony at Champion Island.
On the northeast side of Española, this crescent beach offers snorkeling with a sea lion colony, stingrays, white-tipped sharks, and parrot fish. It’s also an important nesting site for marine turtles.
The ultimate diving experience, open only to live-aboard dive cruises, is found around these islands in the far north. Hundreds of hammerheads can be seen off Wolf, gigantic whale sharks cruise by June–November, and bottlenose dolphins are common at Darwin’s Arch.
