Will be in Galapagos for 7 days in early May. Tour operator has suggested we bring wetsuits, snorkles, fins. This seems like so much heavy stuff to pack (especially with airline weight restrictions). Is wetsuit necessary in May?

I know divers take their heavy, full-length wetsuits to that area and I think May is the start of their winter, or getting close; snorkeling would require less. I haven't been so I'm not talking from personal experience, but you could probably get water temp information by posting this on the Scuba Board (be sure they know you'll be just snorkeling):

http://www.scubaboard.com/forumdisplay.php?f=24

Have a wonderful trip and please tell us all about it when you get back!

Depends on your personal tolerance for cold water, but my husband and I both brought our wetsuits for a trip in May and were very glad we did. I don't think you need full suits for snorkeling. We had 2/3mm shorties and felt that was sufficient. Have a great trip!

Everyone used one when I was there in late April. I cannot imagine going in without a wetsuit. We checked the water temp on each snorkel outing and it ranged from about 67 to 70 degrees F.

You should check with your tour operator and see if you can rent the equipment in the islands rather than having to bring it with you. The wetsuit and fins strike me as the heaviest and bulkiest of the items, so it would be best if you can could just rent them there.

Thank you all so much for your input. It is really great to get first hand advice.

We too were snorkeling in Galapagos late April. I'm glad we brought our wetsuits. You wouldn't want to miss swimming with dolphins, would you? We found the Galapagos waters not very clear but our 2 week long trip was magnificent. Have a great trip.

Our tour operator provided shorties (short wetsuits) in November and I am gald they did. I didn't want to have to bring my own, but it was pretty chilly. I don't know about May.

If you're interested, my Galapagos review:
http://www.epinions.com/content_214393130628

I went in late Jan, which was supposed to be the warmest water, and let me tell you . . . it was cold! We had full wetsuits and were the envy of those w/none or shorties.

We were on the Samba and they had the shorties for rent, along w/masks/fins. We rented our suits in Quito ($40/wk) and we did have to tote them but it wasn't a problem.

I have typed up my journal and will be happy to share, just email me at [email protected] if interested.

I hope you have as good a time as we did, it was a magical trip!

Buen viaje,
Sandy (in Denton)

We went in June. The water temperature ranged from the high 60's to low 70's. I went without and was comfortable but my wife was glad she brought her "shorty".

sceneisle,

Were you one of the few or the only one in the water without a wetsuit? I cannot imagine you were in the majority.

Hope you enjoyed the snorkeling and everything else.

Atravelynn:

I was in the minority; the vast majority wore wet suits. If you have any question about your ability to swim/snorkel comfortably in this temperature range, I would pack a wetsuit. There's no point in not being able to enjoy to the fullest, this wonderful opportunity to observe turtles, seals, iguanas and even penguins in the water.

Yes, the wetsuit was a must for me.

There is an unheated outdoor swimming pool where I live. When I invite the young members of my family over for a swim, I wear my wetsuit to accompany them! That is how much of a wimp I am with water.

But back to the average person, a wetsuit is important to the enjoyment of the snorkeling component of a Galapagos trip, as you suggest.