Kayaking Franklin Bay Galápagos: Wildlife & snorkel tour

Paddle through mangroves, past hunting seabirds, into the Canal of Love, then dive under for snorkeling

Kayaking in Franklin Bay is a 2.5-hour paddling activity where you navigate mangroves, lava stone reefs and open water while spotting seabirds, sea lions and reef fish, guided by trained bilingual staff who provide instructions and safety support throughout. The route covers five named sites (Playa de los Alemanes, Punta Estrada, the Canal of Love, Franklin Bay's mangroves and private sea lion docks), and ends with snorkeling in the bay. Lifevest, snorkeling gear and a dry bag are included. Children from age 2 are welcome, and the activity suits all fitness levels.

The experience

You start at Playa de los Alemanes and paddle into the mangroves, moving through lava stone reef and the colorful iguana islet channel where turtles and reef fish live. The guide steers you toward Punta Estrada, a wall where lava gulls, blue-footed boobies, frigates and tropical birds hunt overhead. From there you drift with the current into the Canal of Love: a narrow passage known for its striking colors and the nocturnal seagulls that rest there.

As you continue through Franklin Bay's mangroves, the guide points out hunting seabirds and turtles feeding in the shallows. You'll pass private docks where families of sea lions rest on the rocks. If conditions allow, you can paddle into the mangrove interior where whitetip sharks sometimes rest on the bottom. The guide handles all navigation and timing, giving instructions to keep the paddle comfortable and safe.

At the end, you anchor the kayaks in a protected area and jump into the water with snorkeling gear to explore the underwater life of the bay floor. After snorkeling, you paddle back to Playa de los Alemanes. The lifevest stays on for the entire paddle, and a dry bag keeps your belongings safe. A bilingual guide leads the whole activity in English or Spanish.

What’s included

• Bilingual guide in English or Spanish.
• lifevest for the entire paddle.
• snorkeling gear.
• dry bag for your belongings.
• instruction and safety support throughout the route.

Options for this experience

4 options

Kayak-only experience lasting 1 hourGuide in English or Spanish · No fixed timeKayaking only, lasting 1 hour, on Bahia Franklin/Divine

Kayaking and Visit to the RiftsGuide in English or Spanish · No fixed timeVisit to Las Grietas, lasting 2 hours, with 1 hour of kayaking and the Rifts

Kayaking and snorkeling in the bayGuide in English or Spanish · No fixed timeKayaking and snorkeling: 1 hour and 30 minutes of kayaking on the bay (Franklin/Divine), plus 1 hour of snorkeling in the bay, for a total duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes

Kayak tour on the bay, booked privatelyGuide in English or Spanish · No fixed timeKayaking and snorkeling: 1 hour and 30 minutes of kayaking around Franklin/Divine Bay, plus 1 hour of snorkeling in the bay, with snacks, as a private tour lasting 2 hours and 30 minutes

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 62 years) · Senior (63 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (2 years)

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by GALAPAGOS ECUADOORS

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a guide leading a set route with instruction and bilingual support throughout. Choose self-guided rental if you prefer to paddle your own way.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (2 years).

What wildlife will I actually see while kayaking in Franklin Bay?

Sea lions rest at private docks along the route; blue-footed boobies, lava gulls and frigates hunt at Punta Estrada; turtles and reef fish live in the mangrove channels and lava reefs; whitetip sharks sometimes rest on the bay floor in the mangrove interior. The guide points out each species as you paddle past.

Do I need kayaking experience to paddle in Franklin Bay?

No. The activity suits all fitness levels, and the guide provides instructions throughout to make the paddle comfortable. Children from age 2 can join: infants sit on an adult's lap, and the guide adjusts the pace to the group.

What happens during the snorkeling part at the end?

After paddling through the bay, you anchor the kayaks in a safe area and enter the water with snorkeling gear included. You explore the underwater life on the bay floor, then return to the kayaks and paddle back to the starting beach.

How long does the whole activity take?

The kayaking and snorkeling together take 2.5 hours from start to finish, beginning and ending at Playa de los Alemanes.

What gear is provided and what do I need to bring?

Lifevest, snorkeling equipment and a dry bag are all included. You paddle in the gear provided. A wetsuit is available separately for $5 if you want extra warmth in the water.