snorkeling in the Galapagos
 

My husband and I would like to go to the Galapagos and Machu Picchu in November. We are avid snorkelers and want a trip that will have the most opportunities to snorkel as possible. How is the temperature of the water in November? Will we need wet suits? We've always snorkeled in warm weather places before. Any tour suggestions that would have many chances for snorkeling.?

Yes, you will absolutely need wet suits. The water temp ranges between 67 in the far westerly islands to about 72 easterly. Most boats will provide wetsuits; primarily 2mm shorties (short sleeves and knee length legs). We purchased 3mm full lenght wet suits and took them with us, and we were glad we did. Even with those, getting in was quite a shock. And the shorties used by the other passengers did not provide a good neck seal, so cold water went down their backs.
We also are avid snorkelers, but always in warmer waters. So the wet suits were an annoying concept to begin. But, oh so glad we had them. We could not have stayed in the water nearly as long as we did. And what wonders we would have missed.
We might be considered wimps, but we also took along our inflatable vests, and used them in the rougher snorkel times. We found that the wet suit itself adds bouyancy, and our vests were not used in calmer conditions.
We were on the Linblad Islander, and had 4 or 5 snorkeling excursions during our 7 days. They were magnificent, especially the encounter with the sea lions. All of the snorkel equipment was in first class condition. We took along our masks and snorkels, my wife has prescription lens in her mask. We didn't take my fins as they are mucho grande, don't pack so well.
Search my name here for a trip report and see my pictures at http://www.flickr.com/photos/calbill...7600219089853/

Snorkeling here is not the highly colorful, multi colored fish and coral of other tropical locales. The water is colder, so the sea life is much different. You will see flightless cormorants swimming, penguins, turtles, and of course, the ever playful sealions. We also saw several large fish species, like the wahoo.
Glad to answer any questions.
Bill.

I went in November 2005 and did not use a wetsuit. I wore a t-shirt over my bathing suit a couple of times but did not feel it was any colder that the 72 degree springs we have here in Florida. The days were very warm so I thought it felt nice. Some of the people I traveled with did rent wetsuits on the boat, so if you get cold easy I would suggest it.

The Pasific throughout the world is generally colder and the Galalagos are no exception, probably by 6-10 degrees in Nov.so wet suits are better than none. I like the half ones (shorties) for I feel less restrictive and I bear booties under my fins. Also the shorties are easy to put on.
That said the snorkeling is not as good as Belize, Honduras, St. John, North End of GC, West END of Curacao or a few spots on Bonaire in the Americas.One time we went La Nina had reallt damaged the coral and while the profusion of fish is not great it was much less but the other visit it was better. Based on our 2 trips I suggest 3-4 full days on 5 islands is more than enough. Enjoy.

We were on a cruise there (celebrity I think) and they provided full wet suits. I needed mine but one time after removing it I hurriedly went back out for a short time. I think you will need a full suit. If this type of cruise fits you, I can say it was great. We had too many choices and lots of opportunities to see the wild life. There were activities all day. I think it was a little under a week long. Another trip we did Machu Picchu. You are going to love your trip. Happy travels.

We will be on small boat in Galapagos in a few weeks. I was wondering were most of the excursions to snorkeling off the beach or off the boat?

Everyone seems to enjoy the interaction with sea lions as their favorite, was this during an off boat snorkel or off shore?

Those of you that took own wetsuits, inflatable vests, snorkels and masks, did you carry these in your luggage or take an extra duffle for these items? I saw where there was only one checked and one carryon allowed on planes to GI and was wondering if those who did carry these items separately, did you carry it or were you able to check it?

Thanks,
Granny Joan

We did an 8 day cruise in March on the Guantanamera (16 passanger)and the snorkeling was fantastic. We snorkeled 6 days out of 8 for 90 minutes at a time (possibly because our group rented the whole boat- I've read other postings that say 30 minute snorkeling sessions are more the norm, and long enough when the water's cold ). We snorkeled from the beach half the time, from the zodiac the other half. The only bad thing about the zodiac was getting back in. No ladder on ours so I was landed like a fish! We didn't need wetsuits in March but you should be able to rent them on any boat for $25 for the week, snorkeling equipment is $15. I brought my own mask so I wouldn't have to worry about the fit.

I would definitely choose an itinerary that includes penguins but I have to tell you that on our trip they wouldn't get in the water with us, and even kept their backs to us when we were close :) Still a thrill. I also loved snorkeling with the white tipped reef sharks- they swim just below and totally ignore you. Our only injury was when a pufferfish bit my son on the ear!