Galapagos Islands News

The Galápagos Islands are well-known as a worldwide Mecca for SCUBA divers, but what is often lost is the fact that you don’t need to be SCUBA certified to enjoy the dazzling marine wildlife: a simple snorkel, fins and mask will do.

Gear: You should definitely bring your own snorkelling gear if possible, especially mask and snorkel. Most of the ships have gear, but some do not carry enough for all passengers and some don’t take very good care of what they have. Check with your ship or tour company, but know that the more expensive cruises are generally more reputable in terms of their gear.

Your mask should fit snugly but not too tightly. The ideal mask keeps the water out but won’t give you a headache from squeezing your head. It should have a rubber or silicone covering for the nose. It should feel fairly comfortable when it is on: try it in a pool if you can before your trip to make adjustments. There are a variety of snorkel options: the fancier ones are worth a look, as they do a better job of allowing you to breathe and keeping water out. Fins are the one thing you may not want to pack, as they’re quite heavy and if you can rely on your ship to provide them, there is not a lot of difference between one fin and the next as long as they fit. Generally, up to a size 12 or 13 men’s can be found on ships in Galapagos. If your feet are much larger, you may want to pack your own.

What You Need to Know:

Galapagos features numerous sites for snorkelling, some easy, some challenging. Many islands offer off-the-shore snorkelling: this is the easiest, as you can come and go if you get tired and the currents aren’t a factor. Unfortunately, close to a sandy shore is also where you’re least likely to see much in the way of marine life, although you could get lucky with a penguin or sea lion.

Protected wall swims are best for intermediate snorkelers. Many islands have a wall where they met the water, as opposed to a sloping, sandy beach. On one of these swims, you can be only a couple of meters away from the wall and still be in three meters of water. Islands with good places to snorkel along the wall are Rabida, Isabela and Genovesa, although there are many more. These walls are protected from currents and winds, for the most part. You can see a wide variety of sea life off of one of the walls.

Deepwater rocks are best for very good swimmers. In some places around Galapagos, there are isolated rocks in the middle do the ocean, such as Devil’s Crown, Turtle Rock and Kicker Rock. You can get near the rocks and swim around them, often seeing some fantastic wildlife such as sharks, rays, eels, large fish and more. These sites are known for strong currents and the water is often cooler than it is closer to shore.

What Might You See:

Galapagos is teeming with marine life and a lucky snorkeler might have a close encounter with anything from a hammerhead shark to a penguin to an octopus, diving booby or sea lion. Almost all snorkelers are certain to see many common reef fish, such as parrot fish, brightly colored wrasses and schools of surgeonfish. Stingrays are very common: look for them in sandy areas near the shore. Sea turtles are also a common sight: the best way to increase your chance of seeing one is to look for seaweed beds where they might be feeding.

Lucky snorkelers will see white-tipped reef sharks, the most common in Galapagos, in deeper waters. Spotted eagle and manta rays also like deeper waters. Sharp-eyed snorkelers might see one of several varieties of disguised fish such as frogfish and scorpionfish blending into their colourful surroundings.

Tips:

Talk to your guides before going: ask them what to wear and what to look for. Take their advice seriously: if you’re not a good swimmer, you have no business swimming around Devil’s Crown. When snorkelling, stick close, as sharp-eyed guides will be able to point out things you may have missed.

If you have an underwater camera, be sure to bring it: Galapagos has many wonderful opportunities for underwater photographers.