The Galapagos Marine Reserve
The Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR) protects almost 200,000 km² of ocean surrounding the islands, making it one of the largest marine reserves in the world.
Established in 1998 and expanded in 2022 with the Hermandad addition, it forms part of the Galapagos World Heritage Site.
A Living Ocean Laboratory
Within its boundaries, scientists have recorded close to 3,000 species of marine fauna, with around one in five found nowhere else on Earth (UNESCO). This level of diversity and endemism is unusually high.
This remarkable diversity is due to the islands’ position at the meeting point of three major ocean currents. When the Humboldt, Cromwell (Equatorial Undercurrent), and Panama currents converge, they create nutrient-rich waters that sustain an extraordinary range of life — from schools of reef fish and hammerhead sharks, to penguin colonies, sea lions, and vast numbers of seabirds.
During the cooler months, the seasonal plankton blooms are even visible from space (NASA).
As its waters connect with other protected areas across the Eastern Tropical Pacific, Ecuador collaborates with Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia to protect migratory routes used by species such as whale sharks, hammerheads, and sea turtles.
Ways to Experience the Marine Reserve
Unlike most Galapagos tours that follow fixed group itineraries, our land-based Safaris offer the flexibility to craft an itinerary that reflects your own interests, needs and comfort levels — whether it’s joining a shared excursion or keeping your experience completely private, or adding various experiences to your itinerary, such as the following marine adventures.
Learn more about what makes our Safaris different.
Snorkeling:
When visiting uninhabited islands, guests typically join a shared boat with a shared guide. Private or semi-private arrangements (shared boat, private guide) can be arranged on request. Snorkeling from Santa Cruz beaches such as Garrapatera or Tortuga Bay is a private experience led by your own naturalist guide.
Read more: Snorkeling sites in the Galapagos
Scuba-Diving
Certified divers can join shared diving trips. For a higher level of personal attention and safety, guests of Galapagos Safari Camp are assigned a private divemaster.
Read more: Scuba Diving in the Galapagos
Kayaking
A private guided activity, ideal for exploring Santa Cruz’s mangrove bays and coastal shallows at your own rhythm.
Read more: Safari Experiences
Surfing
A private excursion, offering the chance to surf in one of the Galapagos’ most scenic locations.
Read more: Safari Experiences
Artisanal Fishing
A private, sustainable experience guided by local fishermen, and always a favourite with families or small groups. See our Family Safari for details.
Every Galapagos Safari is designed around your personal interests, giving you the freedom to balance guided discovery with time to explore at your own pace.
Marine Life You May Encounter
Sea lions, photographed in July
Aside from the countless varieties of reef fish that inhabit these waters, other marine life you may encounter on our Safaris includes:
- Galapagos sea lion
- Galapagos marine iguanas
- Galapagos penguin
- Green sea turtle
- Whitetip reef shark
- Rays
- Dolphins
- Giant Seahorse
- Whales (if you’re really lucky!)
Practical Tips for Ocean Days
Bring a long-sleeve rash guard, hat, and high-factor sunscreen that avoids chemicals such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are harmful to reefs.
Take layers for wind and spray, and seasickness tablets if needed.
Always follow your guide’s instructions, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
For more information on the types of boats we use on our Safaris, visit: Land-Based Safari > The Boats
Seasons and Sea Conditions: What to Expect
- Warm season (Dec–May): usually calmer seas and warmer water.
- Cooler season (Jun–Nov): water temperatures drop, nutrient levels rise, and plankton increase.
- Short-term patterns such as El Niño and La Niña may influence visibility and sea life.
For seasonal details on weather and wildlife, see When to Visit the Galapagos Islands
Related Reading
Galapagos Marine Reserve Expansion
Padi Scuba-Diving Courses in the Galapagos