Sombrero Chino, meaning “Chinese Hat,” gets its name from its unique shape, resembling a classic Chinaman’s hat with a gently sloping cone rising from the clear Galapagos waters. My wife and I found its form captivating, and it’s easy to see why it has drawn visitors to the Galapagos over the years. Though it’s one of the smaller islands, Sombrero Chino has a fantastic viewing area with an impressive landscape.
The contrast of the white beach, volcanic landscape, and crystal-clear waters creates a stunning scene. From the overlook, we could take in beautiful Galapagos views, and the snorkeling spot by the Chinese Hat came highly recommended—an experience we were eager to try.
Like much of the Galapagos, Sombrero Chino is volcanic. Thousands of years ago, the nearby Santiago Island volcano erupted, leaving behind a “spatter cone” made from lava and rock. Over time, the passage between Santiago and this spatter cone emerged, resulting in the unique shape we see today.
Despite its proximity, Sombrero Chino is less crowded than other spots due to its protection under the National Park Service. Access is limited to a few visitors at a time to prevent overcrowding and preserve the delicate environment, making it feel like a special and intimate place to explore.
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How to Get to Sombrero Chino Island
Sombrero Chino Island lies on the southern coast of Santiago Island, accessible only through specific Galapagos cruises that follow the northern itinerary loop. We made sure to double-check our tour’s route to ensure this unique spot was included, as it isn’t part of every cruise itinerary.
The island’s compact size makes conservation particularly challenging for the Galapagos National Park. With fragile and brittle lava flows and fields, only smaller cruise boats are allowed to dock here, preserving the island’s delicate environment from the potential damage caused by heavy foot traffic. This restriction helps to maintain the pristine condition of Sombrero Chino, making it a rare gem for those lucky enough to visit.
Wildlife in Sombrero Chino
- A modest Galapagos sea lion colony, Marine iguanas, Sally lightfoot crabs, and a variety of shore birds may be found on Chinese Hat’s white sand coral beach.
- Galapagos penguins can occasionally be seen on the rocks of Chinese Hat island or feeding in the ocean. Visitors who are lucky enough may be able to snorkel with penguins here.
- Snorkel at Sombrero Chino Island to see Whitetip reef sharks and other shark species, as well as sea lions and Galapagos fish.
Exploring Sombrero Chino Island
Chinese Hat Island has only one landing site, yet it offers a variety of activities. We took a short walk inland to experience the stunning views, with opportunities to observe wildlife along the shoreline. The calm waters surrounding the island are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and even kayaking, provided the yacht has kayaks on board.
Anchoring in the clear blue channel between Sombrero Chino and Santiago Island, we began our visit on a pristine beach where we were greeted by vibrant red Sally Lightfoot crabs and marine iguanas lounging by the shore. The trail continued past a small colony of Galapagos sea lions and across a lava field, where we saw blooming lava cactus nestled in the crevices. On the sandy stretches, we spotted the American Oystercatcher with its distinct orange beak, and a few lava lizards darted around the path.
The trail led us to a breathtaking cliff, where waves crashed dramatically below. The views extended over Santiago and Bartolome Islands, and the rugged coastline was truly picturesque. Our guide mentioned that Galapagos penguins sometimes perch on the rocky ledges above the water, making it a fantastic spot for landscape photography. We took a moment to soak in the incredible scenery before heading back down.
Snorkeling on Sombrero Chino Island
Sombrero Chino is celebrated for its fantastic snorkeling spot in the Galapagos. The waters are sheltered by nearby Santiago Island, creating calm conditions perfect for swimming and snorkeling. We found the waters chilly but inviting, an ideal feeding ground for the diverse marine life here. Bringing an underwater camera is essential, as the coral reefs are vibrant with colorful fish and reef sharks.
Snorkeling with Galapagos penguins was a top highlight on our bucket list, though we knew it was hit-or-miss. Fortunately, whitetip reef sharks are common sightings; despite their presence, these shy sharks pose no threat to snorkelers. We were thrilled to be approached by playful sea lions and gentle sea turtles, curious about our presence. Schools of colorful fish, including Parrotfish and Puffers, glided across the reef, adding to the kaleidoscope of colors beneath us. If you’re extra lucky, you might even spot dolphins or a majestic whale shark in these waters.
For those with access to sea kayaks, Sombrero Chino offers moderate paddling with clear waves revealing the marine world beneath. We took our time exploring from the kayak, captivated by what lay beneath us in this serene snorkeling paradise.
Best Time to Visit Sombrero Chino
The waters around Sombrero Chino are typically calm, making it a pleasant spot to visit year-round. The wildlife here doesn’t vary drastically by season, so you can enjoy an equally rich experience whenever you visit.
That said, the currents around the Galapagos Islands can get stronger during the cooler, drier season, especially in August and September. While this might sound less appealing, it actually benefits wildlife viewing; from June to November, the Humboldt current brings a nutrient boost to these waters, drawing in more animals for us to see.
Even during the warmer, wetter season, wildlife is abundant, so either time of year offers incredible experiences.
Bottom Line
Chinese Hat Island is a gem in the Galapagos, perfect for those who appreciate breathtaking scenery and landscape photography. The unique combination of lava formations, pristine beaches, and turquoise waters creates a stunning backdrop for photos. Plus, the island offers close encounters with classic Galapagos wildlife and some delightful surprises.
If Chinese Hat is on your Galapagos cruise itinerary, you’re in for an exceptional experience that’s as visually rewarding as it is memorable.
