Snorkel with wild, playful sea lions in the Galápagos Islands, where curious pups spin around swimmers at some of the most reliable sea lion sites on Earth. Colonies haul out on beaches like Gardner Bay on Española, and all in-water encounters are with a licensed guide, keeping 2 metres back and never touching. They are here year-round, with the clearest snorkelling water from January to May.
Snorkel with wild, playful sea lions in the Galápagos Islands, where curious pups spin around swimmers at some of the most reliable sea lion sites on Earth. Colonies haul out on beaches like Gardner Bay on Española, and all in-water encounters are with a licensed guide, keeping 2 metres back and never touching. They are here year-round, with the clearest snorkelling water from January to May.
Up to 96% sighting chance in Galápagos Islands (Ecuador). Best months: October, November, January.
Yes, snorkelling and diving with sea lions is a highlight, but only with a licensed guide, staying at least 2 metres away and never touching; solo snorkelling is not allowed.
Gardner Bay on Española is the most reliable, with 200+ sea lions hauling out daily; Champion Islet and Punta Vicente Roca are also excellent.
Year-round, with the calmest, clearest snorkelling water from January to May, while playful pups are most numerous later in the breeding season.
They are usually gentle and curious, but give territorial bull males space, especially near colonies, and follow your guide's distance rules.
