Santiago, Rabida and Bartolomé are wild, uninhabited islands that can only be accessed by boat, accompanied by a National Park guide. Staying overnight is not possible there. Santiago and Bartolomé are open to day tours starting from the neighboring Santa Cruz island, but only multi-day naturalist cruises can make a stop in Rabida.
Playa Espumilla, Puerto Egas, James Bay and Sullivan Bay are some of Santiago’s notable snorkel spots. Sullivan Bay is the most frequented in the island; it faces Bartolomé island, another premium place for snorkelers. Rabida is a small island famous for its red sand beach, located less than 5km south of Santiago. Snorkeling is also possible along its shores.
Santiago offers gorgeous snorkeling explorations. Clear water ensures good underwater visibility and a great variety of species breed off its shores. Small penguin populations can be spotted around Santiago and Bartolomé islands, even if they are not as large as around Isabela Island. If lucky you might meet them when snorkeling. Galápagos sea lions are numerous around the islands, especially next to Rabida, and you can be sure to meet them during your journey. Green sea turtles are also unmissable around Santiago. Silvertip sharks, common stingrays and eagle rays can often be spotted, gliding over a sometimes starfish-packed seabed (seen in Bartolomé Island). Tropical fish lovers will be fully satisfied: king angelfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish and hawkfish also dwell here.
There are two sensibly different seasons in Santiago, as there are on the whole Galápagos archipelago.The warm season (December-May) is a tropical one, with warm and wet weather (79 to 86°F/26 to 30°C). Water temperature (around 79°F/26°C) is then ideal for snorkeling, but rain showers often happen. From June to November, weather turns dryer and temperatures lower down to an average of 73-79°F/23-26°C. During this season, consider snorkeling with a wetsuit: water temperature can get down to 64°F/18°C, often under an overcast sky.
More than 170 spots have already been published on Snorkeling Report, but there are still many spots to be added! You too can contribute to populate the map by sharing your favorite snorkeling spots around the world. The more snorkelers will contribute, the easier it will be for you, and other snorkelers, to find sites and enjoy the underwater world!
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Common on all spots, unmissable at Bartolomé and Rabida islands
Found all around the islands; very common at Rabida Island, frequently seen swimming with snorkelers
Regular sights in Sullivan Bay and Bartolomé Island. Absent in Rabida Island
On all spots, appreciates rocky areas
Huge colonies in Bartolomé Island, common elsewhere
Abundant on all spots, sometimes seen in large schools
Frequent sights in Bartolomé Island and Sullivan Bay, sometimes seen in Rabida Island
On all spots
On all spots, common along Bartolomé Island’s shore
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