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Swim with Sea Lions in the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are populated with a whole cast of scene-stealing characters. While the brightly booted antics of the blue-footed booby or the Claymation-style lumbers of iguanas and giant tortoises may take the plaudits of many visitors, in the sea nothing beats the thrill of swimming close to the Galapagos sea lions.

Dive Into A Unique Marine Adventure

The Galápagos Islands are renowned for their diverse marine life, and sea lions are one of the most iconic species in the archipelago. Unlike their more reserved relatives in other parts of the world, Galápagos sea lions are remarkably friendly and curious about humans. This makes swimming with them a truly interactive experience, as they often approach swimmers, engaging in playful spins and dives.

At the top of the list of sea lion encounters is undoubtedly swimming alongside them – at least for a split second – as they whirl in calm, crystal-clear waters.

The Galapagos Sea Lion

Sea lions are a common sight in the Galápagos, be they flopped out on a sandy shore or darting through the ocean with their rubberised twists and turns. See their muzzles popping up near your boat or, better still, wander among their beached forms – especially on Santa Cruz, Isabela and Española Island. These utterly charming creatures do like to sunbathe!

Breeding almost exclusively in the archipelago, the Galápagos sea lion is similar to its Californian relative and can grow to 2.5 metres in length and weigh up to 250kg. Although the untouched nature of the Galapagos ecosystem means that you’re almost guaranteed to see sea lions, swimming with them requires you to be in the right place at the right time.

Galapagos Wildlife

A guide to wildlife encounters in the Galapagos Islands

GAL St Galapagos Black Spotted Eagle Ray Shutterstock Wildestanimal

Where to stay

A guide of where to stay in the Galapagos

Finch Bay Hotel

Where to go

The Best Islands in the Galapagos

GAL St Galapagos Bartolome Island Jess Kraft
St Galapagos Sealion Shutterstock Joost Van Uffelen

Contact a Galapagos Islands Specialist

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Experience

  • Respect their space: While sea lions are generally friendly, it's important not to approach them too closely, especially if they seem uninterested or are resting. Allow them to come to you.
  • Wear appropriate gear: A wetsuit can be helpful as the water in the Galápagos can be cooler than expected, especially during certain times of the year.
  • Listen to your guide: Your guide will have valuable knowledge about the sea lions’ behavior and the best practices for interacting with them safely.

Swimming with sea lions in the Galapagos Islands is more than just an adventure; it’s an opportunity to connect with one of the planet's most extraordinary environments. Whether you’re an experienced snorkeler or a first-time visitor, the thrill of sharing the water with these playful creatures is an experience you’ll never forget.


Galapagos Safaris

Kiyoshi Eqn Ouuket4 Unsplash

Galapagos Land-Based Safari

An epic, lodge-based Galapagos wildlife safari staying in some wonderful accommodation. Perfect for anyone who doesn't want to stay aboard an expedition ship. This lodge-based Galapagos itinerary visits the incredible Santa Cruz and Isabela islands and includes boat trips to surrounding islands. This is an incredible way to see the wildlife of the Galapagos for those land-lovers with an aversion to spending too much time on the sea. Swim with playful sea lions; watch the blue footed boobies as they perform in a charming courtship dance; see the emblematic tortoises in their natural habitat and a whole host of other fearless animals.

From 8000 per person
Shutterstock

Wildlife of the South And Western Islands

Sailing on board the luxurious Natural Paradise yacht, spend 10 days exploring the natural highlights of the Galapagos Islands; snorkelling with sea lions and sea turtles, observing the abundant birdlife and encountering marine iguanas and other endemic wildlife.

From 11000 per person
St Ecuador Amazon Eva Kali

Islands, Andes and Amazon Adventure

On this adventure you will spend 7 nights on the Grand Majestic yacht, a luxury vessel specifically designed to explore the Galapagos Islands, getting up close with the Galapagos wildlife; from iguanas and frigate birds, to tortoises and boobies. Enjoy a relaxing few days in the Zuleta region, one of Ecuador’s true hidden gem. Spend time in the mighty Amazon Rainforest with expert guides searching for caiman, primates, scarlet macaws, sloth or even elusive wildcat.

From 14000 per person
Royal Galapagos

Where to Swim with the Galapagos Sea Lion

Santa Fe is considered to have some of the best clear conditions in which to experience this wonderfully exhilarating spectacle.


What to Expect from Swimming with Sea Lions

When you enter the water, you’ll quickly notice how agile and graceful sea lions are in their natural habitat. They often initiate playful interactions, swimming around you in circles, blowing bubbles, and even mimicking your movements.

Contact a Galapagos Islands Specialist Today