The Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) is one of the most fascinating destinations in the world.

Full of extraordinary nature, wildlife and awe inspiring views, it was a visit here, in 1835, when a young Charles Darwin began to formulate his evolutionary (and revolutionary) theory of natural selection.

As in Darwin’s day, the true attraction of the Galapagos is its wildlife. Marine Iguanas, Great Frigatebirds, Blue-footed boobies and of course, the massive Galapagos tortoise, are just some of the stars found here in what is arguably nature’s greatest showcase.

Though its true stars swim below the surface of the dazzling waters which teem with exotic marine life exclusive to the Galapagos shores.

Our Best Underwater Photos From the Galapagos

Where to Go

If you’re booking a cruise of the Galapagos with Galapatours, you’ll have a preset itinerary and all the best spots chosen for you based on local knowledge of your crew.

For us though, with GoPro in hand, a $3 taxi ride took us from the center of San Cristobal to La Loberia – a stunning secluded local beach well off the tourist trail.

We snorkeled close enough to touch enormous sea turtles, were slapped around under water by playful sea lions, and swam through schools of sharks, rare coral, and colorful fish while blue footed boobies and frigatebirds circled overhead.

The water off the beach forms an expansive shallow enclosure, completely protected from the choppy waves, which meant wildlife was waiting for us everyday – and so amazing was the experience we went back 3 days in row.

The water was so shallow that it was easy to stand, and all we had to do was throw on a snorkel and float to swim alongside the island’s lively local residents. And yes, if you’re wondering, this was the beach where I became so sunburnt I could hardly stand, so do yourself a favor and remember to protect yourself from the sun!

Our Best Underwater Photos

Here are our best underwater photos from the Galapagos Islands, all taken over three days at La Loberia, all courtesy of our GoPro.

The seal on our orange Nikon Coolpix AW110 Underwater Camera broke while snorkeling which ruined the viewfinder, so if looking to invest in a fantastic underwater camera, I highly recommend a GoPro. 

Who doesn’t love a good chase!

Swarms of gorgeous sea lion pups were swimming right up to our lens.

Free hugs!

Coming up for air.

Swimming away at lightning speeds. You would be surprised at how fast a Sea Turtle can rip through the water!

Close enough to touch.

Snorkeling alongside Galapagos Sea Lions. So graceful underwater.

Snapped it! A Sea Turtle and a Sea Lion in the one shot!

Coming up for air…and enjoying the Equatorial sun.

Plenty of wildlife just below the surface.

A curious Sea Lion inspects our GoPro!

Close enough to touch – note that Galapagos law prohibits touching the animals. Though that didn’t stop them coming up and slapping us around as they saw fit!

The sun caught the water perfectly for this shot.

At the end of the day we collapsed onto the beach next to an equally as exhausted sea lion, enjoying an afternoon nap under the warmth of the fierce Equatorial sun.

Meg Jerrard is an Australian Journalist who has been travelling and blogging around the world for the last 7 years to inspire others to embark on their own worldwide adventure!  Her husband Mike is an American travel photographer, and together they have made the world their home.

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