Galapagos Santa Fe: Wild Snorkeling & Beach Lunch Tour

Summary

Santa Fe Island snorkeling with wildlife plus Playa Escondida beach stop

You’ll snorkel alongside sea lions and turtles at Santa Fe Island before enjoying lunch overlooking calm Galapagos waters. With a local guide leading you through two unique snorkeling spots and a relaxing stop at Playa Escondida beach, you’ll get both adventure and downtime — plus those small moments (like fresh fish or a curious sea lion) you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that?” our guide Marco pointed, and I swear I almost missed it — a sea turtle just gliding under the boat like it owned the place. The ride from Santa Cruz to Santa Fe Island took about an hour, but I barely noticed because everyone was swapping stories and passing around coffee (the kind that tastes better when you’re salty and half-awake). The water out here is this weirdly clear blue — not fake postcard blue, but real, with bits of sunlight flickering off the surface. There were sea lions everywhere, barking like they were running the show. One of them actually swam right up while we were getting our snorkels on — I think he wanted to check if we’d brought snacks.

I’m not a pro snorkeler or anything, so I was nervous about sharks (they said “harmless,” but still). But once you’re in, it’s just quiet except for your own breathing and the occasional shout when someone spots something cool. We saw these schools of fish darting around like they had somewhere important to be. Marco kept pointing out stuff I’d never have noticed — a camouflaged ray on the sand, some weird starfish that looked fake. Lunch was served right there in Santa Fe Bay; honestly, eating with sea lions sunning themselves in the distance beats any restaurant view I’ve had. The fish was fresh — maybe caught that morning? Hard to tell because time feels different out here.

After lunch we stopped at Playa Escondida. You could either flop onto the sand or keep snorkeling — I tried both because why not? The beach is soft and white but not blinding; there’s this breeze that smells faintly salty-sweet. Some people napped under their towels while others went back in for more underwater exploring. Marco joked that if anyone caught a fish big enough during our little fishing break, he’d cook it himself (nobody did). On the way back to Santa Cruz I just watched the light change on the water and thought about how easy it is to forget your phone exists when you’re out here. Still thinking about that turtle.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santa Fe Island Snorkeling and Beach

• Travel from Santa Cruz to Santa Fe Island (1 hour)
• Snorkel at two points on Santa Fe Island
• Stop at Playa Escondida for beach or snorkeling
• Fishing (weather permitting)
• Lunch overlooking Santa Fe Bay

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Santa Cruz to Santa Fe Island?

The boat ride from Santa Cruz to Santa Fe Island takes about one hour.

Is snorkeling equipment included in this tour?

Yes, snorkeling gear and wetsuits are provided for all participants.

Can beginners join this Santa Fe snorkeling day trip?

Yes, travelers should have moderate fitness but don’t need expert skills.

What animals can you see while snorkeling at Santa Fe Island?

You may see sea lions, sharks, turtles, rays, and various fish species.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, lunch is included and served overlooking Santa Fe Bay.

Do you visit Playa Escondida on this tour?

Yes, there’s a stop at Playa Escondida where you can relax or snorkel more.

Are fishing activities part of this tour?

A portion of time may be allocated for fishing depending on weather conditions.

Is there a restroom available during the tour?

Yes, there is a restroom on board the boat for use during the trip.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water, coffee or tea with snacks onboard, full use of snorkeling equipment and wetsuit, lunch served in view of the bay’s wildlife, plus access to restrooms throughout your journey before returning to Santa Cruz in the afternoon.