Santa Cruz Bay Tour & Snorkeling: Sharks, Sea Lions & Galapagos

Four Snorkeling Stops in One Day Around Santa Cruz Island

You visit four snorkeling sites around Santa Cruz in one day: a sea lion colony, a shark channel, a narrow canal between rock walls, and a freshwater inlet. The boat carries no more than ten people, your guide speaks English and Spanish, and snacks keep you going through the afternoon. Bring a wetsuit or rent one. The water is cool even near the equator.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Santa Cruz Island1h
2. Lover's Canal1h
3. The Cracks30m · entry included

Explore Santa Cruz Island coastal sites

• Boat to La Loberia islet
• Snorkel with sea lions and fish
• Visit Punta Estrada gulf
• Observe birds and sea lions
• Snorkel at shark channel
• View port and highland mountains
• Visit Lover's Canal scenic fissure
• Snorkel at The Cracks inlet

The experience

You're probably wondering if you'll actually see sharks in the Galapagos, or if that's just what the brochures say. The answer is yes, but not the way you'd think. On this Santa Cruz bay tour, the boat takes you to the shark channel, a natural formation carved by old volcanic pressure, and from the water you watch them move through their space like they own it, which they do. They're not hunting tourists. They're just there, and you're in their view.

The day starts at La Loberia, a small islet named for the sea lion colony that hauls out on the rocks. You snorkel in the water around them, and the fish here are dense and colorful: parrotfish, surgeonfish, things with names you'll forget but colors you won't. After that, the boat heads to Punta Estrada, a calm gulf where you can see terns and boobies working the surface while you're below looking at the seabed. The guide points out the basaltic formations, the geological story written in rock, and then you're back in the boat heading to Lover's Canal, a narrow fissure of still water between two rock walls. It's quieter there, more intimate, and the snorkeling is good. Last stop is Las Grietas: an inlet where fresh water, brackish water and salt water meet, which sounds strange but makes for excellent visibility and a different kind of marine life.

The boat holds a maximum of 10 people, which means you're not fighting through crowds at any of the stops. Your guide is bilingual and knows the species, the geology, the timing of when to get in and when to get out. Snacks are included, which matters because you're in the sun all day and the boat doesn't stop at a restaurant. Transportation is handled. You don't arrange your own way to the dock or figure out which boat is yours. What you do arrange is showing up on time. If you're arriving the same day from Baltra airport, the afternoon departure waits for no one, so factor in flight delays and the drive from the airport before you book the same-day slot.

What’s included

• Your day includes hotel or port pickup (confirm with the operator), transportation to and from the dock, a professional bilingual guide, all four snorkeling stops with time in the water at each location, snacks throughout the day, and all taxes and fees.
• Snorkel gear is not mentioned as included, so confirm rental or bring your own.
• National Park entry fees are not included.

Options for this experience

2 options

Half-day morning tourGuide in English or Spanish · 09:00A boat trip taking in La Loberia, Love Canal, Sharks Canal, The Cracks, Franklin Bay and The Beach of Dogs.

Half-day afternoon tourGuide in English or Spanish · 14:00A boat trip taking in La Loberia, Love Canal, Sharks Canal, The Cracks, Franklin Bay and The Beach of Dogs.

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 dayDepartures at 09:00 and 14:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Child (3 to 17 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

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.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by BM TOURS SA

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to snorkel four different Galapagos sites in one day without arranging your own boat, guide or timing: the small group size and fixed schedule are what make it possible to hit all four stops and still have time underwater at each one.

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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: Child (3 to 17 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do you actually see sharks on this tour?

Yes. The shark channel is a natural formation where sharks are commonly present. They are not aggressive toward snorkelers.

What's the water temperature?

The Galapagos waters are cool year-round, typically 65–75°F depending on the season. A wetsuit is recommended.

What if I'm not a strong swimmer?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Snorkeling in calm bays like Punta Estrada and Lover's Canal is manageable for beginners, and the guide can advise on which stops suit your comfort level.

What's included in the price?

All taxes, fees, transportation, a professional bilingual guide, and snacks. Entry to Galapagos National Park is separate.

Is this tour good for someone arriving the same day?

Only if your flight arrives with enough time to reach the dock. The tour does not wait for late arrivals, and the operator cannot be held responsible for flight delays.