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Snorkel with Galapagos Penguins, among the most recognizable creatures in the Archipelago. It is the only species of penguin found north of the equator that builds its whole nest inside the tropics, making it the third smallest species overall. Penguins swim slowly and partially submerged at the surface, but when underwater, they use their remaining wings to propel themselves through the water.
Where can I find the Galapagos Penguin?
Santa Cruz II Cruise has designed itineraries that allow our guests to get a close look at the Galapagos Penguin during water activities!
The renowned Galapagos penguin, one of the signature species of the Galapagos BIG15, is one of the main draws for tourists from all over the globe visiting the Galapagos Islands.
Only Fernandina and Isabela, two of the archipelago’s twenty islands, are home to these marine birds. The penguin is always the animal that excites people the most. However, because the Galapagos Islands are an entirely natural ecosystem—which can be somewhat “capricious” at times—it is not always guaranteed that Galapagos penguins will be present at tourist destinations. It typically takes incredible luck even to gain the rare opportunity to snorkel with Galapagos Penguins, these fantastic creatures.
Expectations were high among all of them. Most participants, predictably, chose to participate in the deepwater snorkeling exercise.
What is it like to snorkel with Galapagos penguins?
We all prepared for snorkeling after a quick trek and panga ride. The most excellent part was that we had seen a few penguins foraging at our disembarkation point earlier that morning, so we knew they were present on this particular day. Upon reaching our snorkeling spot, everyone’s first thought was locating a Galapagos penguin to swim with.
When we started swimming, we noticed colorful fish and turtles, but not penguins. And when we saw no signs of any nearby penguins after thirty minutes in the water, we became concerned. Some abandoned and returned to their pangas because the water was so chilly on this particular day. Then, after swimming for forty minutes, we saw one penguin come into view. It was racing after a school of tiny dreamfish, also called salemas! Soon after, to our total surprise, additional penguins began to show up!
Penguin after penguin appeared to be crossing our route and didn’t seem to mind that we were around, occasionally coming dangerously close to running into each other! No one in our group could believe more than a dozen penguins were hunting and eating right before us!
Why are Galapagos penguins bound to colder water?
The productivity of the western region of the Galapagos Islands is widely recognized. Numerous species can thrive because of the phytoplankton’s ability to bloom in the cooler water. Scientists have observed that penguins feed significantly when the water is below 23 degrees Celsius due to its efficiency. Colder water also equals higher productivity.
Naturally, nobody enjoyed the chilly water at first. Still, after the penguins congregated to eat in front of us, we were all happy that the circumstances permitted such a show. We saw firsthand how cooperatively the penguins hunted and circled the school of fish, eventually using their powerful beaks and remarkable underwater agility to trap their prized prey.
