A tiny volcanic islet off Floreana, Champion is famous for some of the clearest snorkeling in the Galapagos — sea lions, hammerheads, and green turtles all in one swim. No landings allowed; the magic is entirely in and around the water.
There is no dock or beach landing at Champion Islet — all visits are conducted by zodiac (panga) from your expedition vessel.
💡 Pro move: Landings on Champion Islet are prohibited by Galapagos National Park regulations to protect the fragile ecosystem and the endangered mockingbird colony.
Champion Islet has no pier or dock — all access is by zodiac from your anchored cruise ship.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Expedition & liveaboard vessels | Anchor offshore, north of Floreana Island📍 | Tendered |
Champion Islet is an all-water destination — activities revolve around snorkeling and panga wildlife cruises rather than shore excursions.
Swim the crystal-clear waters around the islet to encounter playful Galapagos sea lions, green sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, white-tip reef sharks, giant manta rays, and clouds of endemic Salema fish over the coral wall.
Zodiac rides around the islet's rugged shoreline offer close-up views of Galapagos penguins, blue-footed and Nazca boobies, frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls, and — with luck — the critically endangered Floreana Mockingbird, one of only ~20–40 individuals left on Earth.
Many itineraries pair Champion Islet with nearby Floreana Island, adding a visit to the Post Office Bay barrel (a 19th-century mail tradition), flamingo lagoons at Punta Cormorant, and snorkeling at the dramatic Devil's Crown volcanic rim.
The submerged coral wall at Champion is a renowned drift dive site covered in black and yellow corals, with frequent sightings of hammerheads, Galapagos sharks, rays, and pelagic fish. Liveaboard divers rate it among the best in the islands.
Climate normals for Champion Islet, Floreana, Galapagos, Ecuador (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 75°F / 24°C | 69°F / 21°C | 12 | 6:05 AM | 6:16 PM |
| Feb | 77°F / 25°C | 71°F / 22°C | 14 | 6:11 AM | 6:20 PM |
| Mar | 78°F / 26°C | 72°F / 22°C | 14 | 6:07 AM | 6:13 PM |
| Apr | 77°F / 25°C | 71°F / 22°C | 17 | 5:59 AM | 6:03 PM |
| May | 75°F / 24°C | 70°F / 21°C | 16 | 5:56 AM | 5:59 PM |
| Jun | 73°F / 23°C | 68°F / 20°C | 11 | 6:01 AM | 6:03 PM |
| Jul | 71°F / 22°C | 66°F / 19°C | 11 | 6:06 AM | 6:09 PM |
| Aug | 69°F / 21°C | 65°F / 18°C | 8 | 6:04 AM | 6:08 PM |
| Sep | 69°F / 21°C | 64°F / 18°C | 6 | 5:53 AM | 5:59 PM |
| Oct | 69°F / 21°C | 64°F / 18°C | 7 | 5:43 AM | 5:51 PM |
| Nov | 70°F / 21°C | 65°F / 18°C | 7 | 5:41 AM | 5:51 PM |
| Dec | 72°F / 22°C | 67°F / 19°C | 10 | 5:51 AM | 6:02 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
The only way to visit Champion Islet is by inflatable panga launched from your expedition cruise. Landings on the islet itself are prohibited; all visits are wet landings or float-bys for snorkeling and wildlife viewing.
Certified naturalist guides accompany all snorkel excursions into the islet's waters. Sea lions, Galápagos sharks, sea turtles, and colorful reef fish are commonly encountered.
Zodiac rides circle the islet's rocky shoreline for close-up views of blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and the rare Floreana mockingbird — all without setting foot on land.
Upcoming cruises that call at Champion Islet, Floreana, Galapagos, Ecuador. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.