How cold is the water in the Galapagos, and do I need a wetsuit?

It depends on the season and the side of the archipelago. In the warm season (about December to May) surface water is often around 75–80°F (24–27°C); in the cool season (about June to November) it often drops to roughly 66–72°F (19–22°C).

The western islands, Isabela and Fernandina, are colder year-round because deep, cold water wells up against them. Most snorkelers are comfortable in a shorty in the warm season and want a full 3 mm wetsuit in the cool season or in the west.

Many cruises carry wetsuits for guests, sometimes for a rental fee, but sizes run out. Confirm before departure, and bring your own if you get cold easily or need an unusual size.