Top 7 reasons to snorkel the Galapagos Islands

Are you planning to go to the Galapagos Islands quickly or is it in your bucket listing? In that case, we wish to share with you 7 causes for snorkeling within the Galapagos Islands. What an ideal expertise it’s snorkeling the turquoise water of this volcanic archipelago.

Ecuador created the Galapagos Marine Reserve in March 1998 as a strategy to protect the South Pacific Ocean surrounding the Islands. It’s 590 toes deep and encompasses 2,587 sq. miles. As probably the most biologically numerous areas on the planet, the Galapagos is house to 400 species of fish, of which greater than 10% are endemic to the archipelago making the designation as one of many largest protected areas on the planet.

The Galapagos marine life continues to be being researched in line with the Charles Darwin Basis; so, the species rely is at all times rising. Regardless that new discoveries are being made on a regular basis, the species rely could be very excessive when in comparison with different Pacific Islands.

Snorkeling is a perfect strategy to join guests with the spectacular and distinctive underwater world that’s the Galapagos. Whether or not on a cruise ship or day tour or perhaps a resort on land, snorkeling is out there. Knowledgeable naturalist guides help everybody, so all can take part – from skilled swimmers to non-swimmers. Life vests can be found to guarantee the protection of all snorkelers.

Take advantage of your go to to the Galapagos Islands and don’t miss the chance to get pleasure from the fantastic thing about its marine life, distinctive on the planet!

Listed below are our High 7 Causes to Snorkel the Galapagos Islands

1. Watch a marine iguana feeding underwater

One of many traits of the Galapagos Islands is the way in which that wildlife has tailored to the tough circumstances of the archipelago. Charles Darwin studied the wildlife of the Galapagos to develop his Principle of Evolution. Now you may expertise it too!

Marine iguanas have tailored to feed underwater by consuming the algae and aquatic crops. This is among the fewest marine species of iguanas worldwide. What enjoyable to observe the iguana consuming the algae underwater proper in entrance of your eyes.

This iguana species has very sharp and lengthy claws that assist them to seize the rock whereas they’re consuming. Then you may watch them sunbathing after being underwater as a result of they will swim deep within the sea very quick and agile whereas on land they’re quiet, sneezing off the surplus of salt and transferring their head once you method them.

Watching a marine iguana underwater is one thing indescribable, and the emotion it evokes in snorkelers is a vital motive for snorkeling within the Galapagos archipelago.

2. Swimming with the ocean turtles

Many individuals suppose the large tortoise because the image for the Galapagos Islands – and, don’t fear, one of many must-dos in lots of cruises and excursions are visiting the breeding facilities or farms the place large tortoises are developed. Nevertheless, only a few vacationers take into consideration the archipelago as the house of sea turtles.

If you’re snorkeling, don´t let the turtles scare you. Watching them underwater in gradual movement is surreal. What a thrill to observe them swim nonchalantly in entrance of you with out being disturbed by their swimming accomplice!

three. Colourful fish, uncommon sea stars, and corals will blow your thoughts

The underwater world within the Galapagos is as wealthy because the land. Many forms of fishes and corals blow your thoughts undoubtedly. The minute you strap in your masks and snorkel and put your face within the water, an entire new and colourful world unfolds round you.

A few of the most colourful species that you will notice if you are snorkeling are the King Angelfish with its turquoise blue and yellow that change relying on the sunshine. Areas that you’ll find them are North Seymour and Floreana.

The Parrotfish is one other fish that may in all probability catch your eyes if you are underwater. A few of the forms of parrotfish that you could be discover throughout the archipelago are the blue-chin parrotfish, the azure parrotfish, the bicolor parrotfish, and the bumphead parrotfish.

There are additionally all kinds of sea stars and corals that improve and beautify the underwater world of the Galapagos Islands, like this chocolate chip sea star due to its black spots masking its pale yellow physique.

four. Swim amongst sharks with no worries

The adrenaline that invades you once you see a shark if you are snorkeling is exclusive. You received´t acknowledge at first if its happiness or concern. Being amongst sharks is simply surreal, however a rule of thumb, on this case, isn’t come to shut to them, chase them, or to attempt to contact them. Regardless that they aren’t going to assault you; it’s important to provide them their area.

Which forms of sharks you’ll find in Galapagos? That is in all probability probably the most widespread query that shark lovers have.

One of many sharks most wished to observe is the hammerhead shark, however there’s additionally the Galapagos shark that always reaches 9.eight ft (three m). This endangered species of shark is thought to be very curious, it usually approaches boats and divers, however not often means a hazard to people with the wanted safety and care. You usually tend to discover the Galapagos shark close to to reefs and rocky islets as Kicker Rock.

There’s additionally the white tipped reef shark or Tintorera in Spanish. Should you go to Isabela Island, there’s a canal that this species makes use of for resting so you may watch them quietly with out snorkeling. Nevertheless, you may simply discover them if you are snorkeling, and don´t fear as a result of they’re smaller than their Galapagos cousin species.

5. Manta Rays look-like flying fish

One other stunning marine species is the manta ray. Watching them transferring their fins underwater as wings among the many deep blue of the ocean or near the sandy flooring is unbelievable. The deep blue and turquoise will body the manta ray physique as a surreal image that you could in your thoughts, on a water-resistant digicam or GoPro.

6. Play with sea lions

Probably the most widespread species that you’ll find within the Galapagos Islands, not solely snorkeling but in addition inland, possibly sleeping on a bench, are the Sea Lions. These playful however territorial mammals generally attempt to play with you underwater. They’ll come near you, and they’ll attempt to allow you to catch them as a method of play with you. Nonetheless, bear in mind that you could´t contact or chase them, so simply get pleasure from them whereas they transfer round you.

Don´t fear when you received´t see them underwater as soon as you might be snorkeling for the primary time the Galapagos sea, you should have loads of alternatives to seek out them.

7. Uncommon species that solely the western islands can give you when you find yourself snorkeling

A few of the most iconic wildlife species are the flightless cormorant and the Galapagos penguin. Each of them could be discovered within the western a part of Isabela Island and Santiago Island. Regardless that you may see them on the rocky and volcanic land of many websites in these areas, essentially the most spectacular and distinctive strategy to uncover them is underwater.

Have you ever ever think about watching a chook swimming in entrance of you or seeing a tiny penguin passing in entrance of you want a torpedo? In case your reply isn’t any, Galapagos can present that chance – confidently!

The flightless cormorant is the one cormorant species that can’t fly, in order that they swim to seek out their dinner. The Galapagos penguin is the second smallest penguin on the planet and the one tropical species. Each of those species are distinctive and uncommon.

Watching both of them underwater will make your journey 1000% price it!

Marcel Perkins is CEO at Latin Trails. Latin Trails is an incoming vacation spot administration firm specialised in bespoke excursions, with a concentrate on providing distinctive experiences all through Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, and Peru.

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