Santa Fe Island snorkeling day trip: Sea lions, sharks, turtles

Snorkel two points on Santa Fe, then choose the beach or the water at Playa Escondida

A full-day snorkeling trip from Santa Cruz to Santa Fe Island in the Galápagos, where you snorkel at two separate sites and see sea lions, sharks and turtles in the water. The boat ride takes about an hour each way; lunch happens in Santa Fe Bay while you watch sea lions on the rocks, and the final stop at Playa Escondida lets you either wade onto the white sand beach or keep snorkeling, depending on what you want that afternoon.

The Experience

The boat leaves Santa Cruz and takes roughly an hour to reach Santa Fe Island, one of the best snorkeling grounds in the Galápagos. Once there, you'll snorkel at two different points on the island in clear water where sea lions, sharks, turtles and other wildlife move around you. The first stretch is the real draw—you're in the water with animals that are used to divers, close enough to watch their behavior without the distance a camera would add.

Lunch happens in Santa Fe Bay while the boat sits calm and you're still in the water or resting on deck, looking out at sea lions hauled up on the rocks. After eating, the boat heads to Playa Escondida, where you face an actual choice: wade onto the white sand beach and spend time on land, or drop back into the water for one more snorkel. The day runs seven hours total. Snorkeling gear, a wetsuit, bottled water, coffee and snacks are included; the guide speaks English or Spanish depending on the group.

Weather can shift the schedule—fishing time is built into the itinerary but only happens if conditions allow it. The boat has a restroom on board. Bring a moderate level of fitness; the snorkeling itself is not technical, but the day is long and involves getting in and out of the water multiple times.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and wetsuit.
• lunch served in Santa Fe Bay.
• bottled water, coffee or tea and snacks throughout the day.
• restroom access on board.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Galápagos Ninfa Tour

Is this one for you?Spend a full day exploring two snorkeling sites with everything coordinated for you—then choose at Playa Escondida whether to beach or stay in the water.

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Top questions

What animals will I actually see while snorkeling at Santa Fe Island?

Sea lions, sharks, turtles and other wildlife are common in the water at Santa Fe Island. The animals here are accustomed to snorkelers, so you'll see them up close rather than at a distance.

How long is the boat ride from Santa Cruz to Santa Fe Island?

The journey takes approximately one hour each way, so you'll spend about two hours traveling on the water as part of the seven-hour day.

Can I choose what to do at Playa Escondida, or is the whole stop snorkeling?

Playa Escondida gives you the option to disembark and relax on the white sand beach, or you can stay on the boat and continue snorkeling if you prefer to spend the time in the water instead.

What's included in the snorkeling day trip?

The trip includes snorkeling equipment, a wetsuit, lunch in Santa Fe Bay, bottled water, coffee or tea, snacks and a restroom on board. A live guide in English or Spanish leads the group.

Does the itinerary include fishing?

Fishing time is built into the day, but it only happens if weather conditions allow it on the day you go.