The Galapagos Islands are the only place on Earth that you can swim with penguins in relatively warm water. We were snorkeling near the island named Chinese Hat, from the liveaboard Flamingo I (Ecoventura).
A flock of about 6-10 friendly penguins swam with us for about 20 minutes. They checked out our cameras, flippers (see photo), and nibbled gently at our wetsuits. The bottom was lava rock covered with kelp with marine iguanas were feeding on the kelp. Water temperatures were in the low 70's in May.
Facts about Chinese Hat Island, Galapagos Islands
It is in Ecuador- Chinese Hat Island, Galapagos Islands is in the Pacific.
- The typical depth is 0-10 Metres 0-30 Feet.
- The typical visibility is 3-10 Metres 10-30 Feet.