Embark on an epic snorkeling liveaboard to the Enchanted Islands and experience their fascinating wildlife, both above and below the surface.
Trip Overview
Make your Galápagos expedition the trip of a lifetime by joining our privately chartered snorkeling liveaboard! This spectacular trip is tailored to snorkelers and led by two Galápagos Naturalist Guides and a Planet Snorkeling tour leader. You will enjoy an adventure-filled program, both on land and underwater.
We will explore the Enchanted Islands and experience close encounters with their unique and inquisitive wildlife. This once-in-a-lifetime tour gets you up close and personal with sea lions, sea turtles, iguanas, penguins, tortoises, sharks, and many more of the distinctive residents of the Galápagos Islands.
Trip Highlights
- Discover some of the most biodiverse wildlife on the planet! Due to the seclusion and unique climate conditions, the Galápagos Islands are home to some of the highest levels of indigenous species on Earth. About 80% of the land birds and 97% of the reptiles and land mammals living in the archipelago are endemic to the islands.
- Our itinerary will feature stops near 8 islands spread over the archipelago, including Fernandina and the Western Coast of Isabela. These are the only islands where the flightless cormorant is found and where 80% of the Galápagos penguin population is concentrated. The many land excursions included in the trip will allow you to encounter giant tortoises, land iguanas, and a diversity of birds.
- Enjoy a unique trip tailored to avid snorkelers! Our cruise will include more than 10 snorkeling locations all over the archipelago giving you ample opportunity to spot all the unique Galápagos marine life. Common sightings in the Galápagos shore waters are the Galápagos sea turtle, the Galápagos sea lion, the Galápagos penguin, the marine iguana, the flightless cormorant, the whitetip reef shark, stingrays, and eagle rays. You will also encounter diverse, colorful reef fish and the occasional sea horses! Rare (but possible) encounters are mantas, whale sharks, and mola mola.
- We will privately explore the archipelago aboard the Cachalote Explorer, a 16-passenger yacht fully chartered for our group. All cabins have private bathrooms and showers, with hot water and air conditioning. The voyage will be led by two Galápagos Naturalist Guides and Planet Snorkeling’s tour leader.
Our Itinerary
Arrival at Baltra Airport, transfer to Santa Cruz Island.
Santa Cruz: Scenic drive to Los Gemelos (sunken craters) for breathtaking views. Visit of a Tortoise Reserve to observe these creatures in their natural environment and have lunch. Visit of the Charles Darwin Station to learn about the tortoise breeding program and see tortoises at various stages of life. Free time in Puerto Ayora and embarkation.
Sombrero Chino: wet landing on a pristine white sand beach and walk on the island's hiking trail (chances for sea lions, penguins, hawks). Snorkeling in the channel, where we may encounter sea lions, reef sharks, penguins, rays, and a vibrant array of tropical fish.
Rabida Island: landing on a striking red sand beach and guided walk to spot flamingos, nesting pelicans, marine iguanas, and a bachelor colony of sea lions. Snorkeling session along the coast with chances for sea lions, sharks, and turtles.
Puerto Villamil: Free time in Puerto Villamil, a charming village on Isabela Island, known for its relaxed atmosphere and pristine beaches. Visit to the tortoise breeding center. 1 to 2 snorkeling sessions on nearby sites. The area is known for its penguins, sharks, turtles, sea lions, and rays.
Punta Moreno: walk across striking black lava fields, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanoes. Snorkeling, during which we might encounter sea turtles, penguins, rays, sharks, and, if we're very lucky, sea horses.
Elizabeth Bay: dinghy ride through the lagoon and the mangroves, a serene sanctuary for sea turtles, golden rays, penguins, and other marine life.
Urbina Bay: Walk along the trail, where we will encounter giant tortoises and land iguanas in their natural habitat. Snorkeling from the beach with loads of sea turtles.
Tagus Cove: Snorkeling in the cove’s tranquil waters, teeming with marine life. One of the best spots in Galapagos to spot penguins, sea turtles, and the colorful harlequin wrasse.
Punta Espinoza: walk and observation of large colonies of marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, sea lions, hawks, and occasional snakes. Snorkeling in the bay to observe marine iguanas feeding underwater, sea turtles, and sea lions.
Punta Vicente Roca: Known for its towering cliffs and a hidden cave, this location offers an unforgettable snorkeling experience. Common sightings: sea turtles, flightless cormorants, eagle rays, stingrays, and sea lions. If we're lucky: mola mola and manta rays.
Puerto Egas or Playa Espumilla or Bucanero: snorkeling on one of the three famous sites of Santiago Island's western coast, with chances for sharks, sea lions, and fish over the rocky seabed.
Bartolomé Island: Ascend the stairs to marvel at the panorama. Snorkel around Pinnacle Rock, where we might encounter penguins, rays, sharks, and vibrant tropical fish.
North Seymour: guided walk among thriving wildlife, including colonies of blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, frigatebirds, and sea lions.
Disembarkation and transfer to the airport.
Please note that, although this is very rare, changes to the itinerary may occasionally be required due to circumstances beyond our control, most notably National Park decisions or natural events such as disease outbreaks affecting wildlife. Should this happen, we will do our best to arrange alternative sites of similar interest.
Pricing, Inclusions & Policies
Cruise only 10-17 March 2027. The trip starts/ends in Baltra Airport (GPS). Price: Cabins 1 & 2: 5690$/pers. ; Cabins 5 & 6: 5390$/pers. ; Cabins 3, 4, and 7: 5290$/pers. ; Cabin 8: 4590$/pers.
You can add to your trip one of the two following options:
Add-on 1 – Quito Extension 8-10 March 2027 + Flights and Entry package (All transfers, 2 nights at Casona la Ronda Boutique Hotel, Quito City Half-Day Tour, Welcome dinner, Check-in assistance for your flight to Galápagos, Flights Quito>Galápagos>Quito, Galápagos National Park Entrance Fee, Transit Control Card). The trip starts/ends in Quito Airport (UIO). Price: +1290$/pers.
Add-on 2 – Flights and Entry package (Flights Quito>Galápagos>Quito, Galápagos National Park Entrance Fee, Transit Control Card). The trip starts/ends in Quito Airport (UIO). Price: +770$/pers.
If you choose Add-on 2, you must arrive in Quito at least 1 day before the trip (recommended: 2 days), as the exact time of our flight to Galápagos on the 10th of March, 2027, will be communicated to you a few weeks before the trip starts.
If you decide not to book any add-ons (cruise only), you have to arrive in Santa Cruz at least 1 day before the trip (highly recommended: 2 days), as the exact time you’ll have to meet the group at Baltra Airport on the 10th of March, 2027, will be communicated to you a few weeks before the trip starts.
You can add add-ons during the third step of the booking process, which you can access by clicking the “Book Now” button.
If you’re traveling alone and are willing to share a cabin with another solo traveler, but don’t see this option in the cabin selection pop-up, please contact us.
Cost Includes (cruise only)
- 8 day/7 night cruise on the Cachalote Explorer from 10 to 17 March 2027
- All meals on board
- All transportation and transfers from/to Baltra Airport
- Your guides (2 guides from Galápagos National Park + Planet Snorkeling Tour Leader) and all snorkeling and non-snorkeling activities throughout the trip
- Snorkeling equipment and wetsuit (we, however, recommend you bring your own)
Cost Excludes (cruise only)
- Air tickets from your home to Baltra (we offer packages that include domestic flights, see above)
- Galápagos National Park entrance fee ($200 – subject to change)
- Galápagos Transit Control Card ($20 – subject to change)
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Trip insurance
- Medical insurance (a travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation and medical expenses is mandatory to travel to Galápagos)
- Tip for naturalist guides and ship’s crew
Payment Plan (per person) :
| Payment | Amount & Due Date |
|---|---|
| Initial deposit* | USD 850 – Due at booking (confirmation) |
| Interim payment | USD 1,500 – Due on 10 June 2026 |
| Balance payment | Balance – Due on 10 December 2026 |
Cancellation policy (per person) :
| Time | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| ≥ D-365 | Deposit converted into a credit note valid 24 months (non-cash refundable). Interim and/or balance paid in advance refundable less USD 150 per person. |
| D-364 to Interim Payment Due Date | Forfeiture of the deposit (non-refundable). Interim and/or balance paid in advance refundable less USD 150 per person (financial/processing fees). |
| Interim Payment Due Date to D-90 | Cancellation fee = deposit + interim payment (non-refundable). If cancellation occurs after the Interim Payment Due Date, the interim payment remains due whether already paid or not. |
| D-90 to D-60 | Cancellation fee = 75% of the Total Trip Price (maximum refund 25%). |
| D-59 to D-0 | Cancellation fee = 100% of the Total Trip Price (no refund). |
Cabins & Deck Map
We will privately explore the archipelago aboard the Cachalote Explorer, a motor yacht fully chartered for our group. Cachalote Explorer is a spacious 88 ft yacht designed for 16 passengers, featuring 8 comfortable cabins. With a broader beam and generous layout, it offers a welcoming, homey atmosphere, the perfect place to relax between island adventures.
Fully air-conditioned, it provides a cool, comfortable retreat after days spent exploring the wild beauty of the Galapagos. Guests can unwind in the panoramic salon or take in the ever-changing views from the expansive upper deck, with both shaded and open areas ideal for lounging or wildlife spotting.
The back deck will be equipped with a hose to rinse your equipment, hangers to dry your wetsuit, boxes to store your gear, and a small freshwater tank to rinse your underwater camera.
Cachalote Explorer Cabins
Each cabin is air-conditioned and features a private bathroom, complete with a shower offering both hot and cold water.
Cabins 1 and 2 on the upper deck have large windows, while cabins 3 to 8 on the lower deck have portholes.
Upper Deck Cabins
Lower Deck Cabins
Deck Map
You can view real-time availability and choose your cabin during the booking process.
Photos from our previous Galapagos liveaboards
Reviews from our previous Galapagos liveaboards
Nancy, Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
“I couldn’t believe such beauty existed in the world”
“I trusted my friend’s recommendation and went on the Galápagos trip without studying any details in advance. During the trip, I felt like I was in a dream. Every hike was unbelievably surreal – I couldn’t believe such beauty existed in the world. As a first-time snorkeler, I felt like I hit the jackpot – encountering so much wildlife in just one week was incredible. I loved the intense activities and was happy to be challenged. Feedback? We already plan our next snorkeling trip in 2025!” (March 2024 on the Samba)
Nicole & Eric, Paris (France)
“Thank you to Planet Snorkeling for allowing us to experience these magical moments”
“An extraordinary trip! A completely unspoiled world, incredible wildlife, paradise on Earth. Perfect organization. Thank you to Planet Snorkeling for allowing us to experience these magical moments.” (March 2026 on the Monserrat)
Sue & David, Mallorca (Spain)
“Being able to share the adventure with other enthusiasts made the trip very special”
“The opportunity to spend several relaxed hours every day experiencing the wildlife first hand in the water was wonderful. Being able to share the adventure with other enthusiasts made the trip very special.” (March 2024 on the Samba)
Kitty & Pat, California (USA)
“Highly recommend this trip”
“The Galápagos Islands trip was fantastic, an amazing experience with wildlife.. Highly recommend this trip on the small boat, Samba.” (March 2024 on the Samba)
Susan, Houston, Texas (USA)
“Loved the entire adventure!!”
“I had a great experience on my first liveaboard snorkel trip!! Guillaume was a wonderful leader of our trip. We had great National Park guides who were very knowledgable. Learned a lot about the amazing animals, plants and fishes. Saw penguins, sharks, all sorts of fish, several types of tortoises, sea turtles, land and marine Iguanas, and so many birds. Loved the ability on a liveaboard adventure where we just floated up to a different bay or island, observed animals by land and by snorkeling, and then off to another site for more adventure! Accommodations were comfortable, food was wonderful and staff were a joy to interact with. Loved the entire adventure!! Glad I was able to join the trip.” (March 2026 on the Monserrat)
Renee & Alexis, Pennsylvania (USA)
“Thank you for all the memories you given us”
“Alexis and I had a wonderful experience overall. Any issues we had we reported to Guillaume and he promptly communicated with the crew. The guides were very informative and helpful, and the crew was so friendly and caring. The food was very good overall and our accommodations were great. Many thanks to Guillaume who was very helpful and kind. We would definitely recommend Planet Snorkeling! Thank you for all the memories you given us.” (March 2026 on the Monserrat)
Frequently Asked Questions
Snorkeling in the Galápagos Islands is incredibly rewarding, but it is also a dynamic marine environment, and conditions can vary significantly from site to site.
Snorkeling sites are mostly along rocky coastlines, bays, and current-swept channels rather than shallow tropical-style lagoons. As for sea conditions, they can range from calm and easy in bays and sheltered parts of the coast to more active and choppy at some locations.
In terms of visibility, you can expect anything from moderate to very good, depending on the location, currents, and conditions. At some sites, the water can be beautifully clear, while at others it may be more plankton-rich, which can reduce visibility but also attract an abundance of marine life.
In Galápagos, the average water temperature in March, at the peak of the hot season, is 77°F/25°C. Water temperature is higher (around 82°F/28°C) in the central part of the archipelago, and most participants will find that being in the water in this area is very pleasant without a wetsuit. Water temperature drops on the western coast of Isabela, and most participants will prefer wearing a wetsuit in this area.
During snorkeling sessions, you will be accompanied by the Galápagos National Park guides and your Planet Snorkeling tour leader, who help spot and point out marine life. For this tour, we will have two guides from the Galápagos National Park with us in the water, whereas most cruises operate with only one.
At most sites, we will follow a specific route along the shore so the group can experience the different points of interest, including marine life found only in very small, localized areas. Having two guides will allow us to maintain a loose group formation, with one guide at the front and one at the rear.
Boat support (two dinghies) is always present during snorkeling sessions, which typically last 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the schedule, conditions, and viewing opportunities.
In the water, very likely: Galápagos sea lion, Galápagos penguin, marine iguana, sea turtle, flightless cormorant, stingray, eagle ray, reef shark (white tip, black tip, Galápagos shark), sea star, and reef fish (King angelfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, surgeonfish, creolefish, harlequin wrasse…).
In the water, depending on luck: Mola Mola, manta ray, mobula ray, other species of sharks, seahorse, nudibranch, octopus.
On land: Giant tortoise, land iguana, Sally Lightfoot crab, lava lizard, blue-footed booby, frigatebird, Galápagos hawk.
No specific fitness level is required. This trip is suitable for anyone comfortable in the water, confident using snorkeling equipment, and able to snorkel unassisted.
During our trips, you can snorkel at your own pace, and if you feel tired at any point, you can always return to the boat.
Please note, however, that this trip involves boarding or disembarking from boats and dinghies, landing on beaches and rocky shores, and exiting the water using ladders. If you have mobility concerns or specific questions, feel free to email us in advance, and we’ll be happy to provide more details.
You can expect a mix of short daytime crossings between nearby visitor sites and a few longer navigations, typically done at night, as we move between the main islands of the western and central archipelago.
Sea conditions during navigation can vary. At times, crossings may be smooth and comfortable, while at other times they can be more noticeable, especially on longer legs or if there is swelling. The western part of the archipelago is more remote and exposed, so you should expect some movement from time to time.
The navigation is part of the adventure, allowing access to some of the most spectacular areas of the Galápagos.
We offer an optional Quito extension to this tour, 8-10 March 2027.
The extension includes all transfers from the time you land in Quito, 2 nights at Casona la Ronda Boutique Hotel, Quito City Half-Day Tour, a welcome dinner, check-in assistance for your flight to Galápagos, return flights between Quito and Galápagos, Galápagos National Park Entrance Fee, and Transit Control Card). If you sign up for this extension, your trip will start and end at Quito Airport (UIO). The cost of the extension is 1290$ per person.
You can add this extension to your trip during the third step of the booking process, which you’ll access by clicking the “Book Now” button.
Should you wish to extend your stay in Galápagos, we can also arrange custom trip extensions. Just get in touch with our team, and we’ll be happy to help tailor your experience.
If you choose to book the “cruise only” option for this tour, you’ll have to travel independently to Santa Cruz and meet the group at Baltra Airport (GPS) on the 10th of March, 2027. Note that you’ll have to arrive in Santa Cruz at least 1 day before the trip (highly recommended: 2 days), as the exact time you’ll have to meet the group at Baltra Airport on the 10th of March, 2027, will be communicated to you a few weeks only before the trip starts.
Also note that it is not possible to stay near Baltra Airport, the closest accommodations being on Santa Cruz Island. The traveling time between Baltra Airport and Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz main town) is approximately 1 hour. If you stay in Puerto Ayora before the trip, note that the group trip already includes a visit to the Tortoise Reserve and to the Charles Darwin Station, as well as some free time in Puerto Ayora before embarkation.
Yes, Satellite WiFi (Starlink) is available for free on the Cachalote Explorer.
