Devil's Crown (Corona del Diablo) is a ring of jagged rocks off the north coast of Floreana Island near Cormorant Point — the eroded, submerged rim of an old volcanic crater. A coral reef has grown inside the sunken crater, making it one of the finest snorkeling sites in the Galápagos, with white-tipped reef sharks, rays, a resident sea lion colony, green turtles and dense schools of tropical fish, plus the occasional hammerhead in the deeper water. Visibility runs about 15–20 m on a good day and depths range from 3 m in the sheltered interior to a much deeper drop-off outside. As of 2026 it remains a boat-access, guide-only site rated for confident, intermediate-to-advanced snorkelers.
The crown-shaped volcanic crater rim breaking the surface — an iconic Galápagos landscape
Deeper outer water where white-tips, rays and the occasional hammerhead pass by
A resident colony of Galápagos sea lions on the rocks and inside the ring
Schooling surgeonfish, parrotfish, king angelfish and Moorish idols along the coral
Warm season (December–May) delivering the best water temperatures and visibility
Good to know
SafetyCurrents on the outer side can be very strong and push swimmers toward open water, with nowhere to stand or rest if you tire. This is genuinely risky for beginners — be honest about your swimming ability.
SafetyAnchoring is forbidden here, so you enter by dropping from a moving panga into moving water. Always follow your guide, stay with the group, and be ready for mask fog or panic — never snorkel alone.
SafetyWater is a cool 20–25 °C with cold layers; long swims risk hypothermia, so wear a wetsuit. Keep hands out of crevices (moray eels) and watch for sea urchins and other stinging contact.
RulesIt lies within Galápagos National Park and marine reserve: a licensed naturalist guide is mandatory, and pangas may not anchor inside the crown to protect its delicate coral. Do not touch or stand on coral or wildlife.
MannersKeep your distance from sea lions (territorial bulls in particular), turtles and sharks, and never chase or feed them — let the animals approach you.
SeasonDecember–May is the warm season (roughly 22–26 °C, best visibility); June–November (garúa) is cooler and more plankton-rich. Use reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen.
Practical info
There is no beach entry — this is a pure boat-snorkel site, usually reached on a Floreana cruise itinerary or a day trip from Santa Cruz, often paired with nearby Cormorant Point. National Park rules require a guide, and wetsuits are typically available to rent. Always confirm current tour prices, sailing times and whether independent access is possible before booking.
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