Santa Cruz: Bay boat tour with snorkeling & local guide

Summary

Snorkel with sea lions and drift through Santa Cruz’s wild channels

You’ll swim alongside playful sea lions at La Lobería, watch reef sharks glide beneath you at Shark Channel, and float through crystal waters at Las Grietas—all guided by a local expert from Santa Cruz Island. With snacks included and plenty of chances to spot birds and marine life up close, it’s an experience you’ll remember long after leaving the Galapagos.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound — not the ocean, but this weird mix of barking and splashing before we even left the dock in Santa Cruz. Our guide, Diego, grinned and pointed out a fat sea lion sprawled across a bench like he owned it. “Welcome to La Lobería,” he said. The boat ride was short but choppy enough that my hair got salty fast. When we stopped, I could smell sunscreen and something green — maybe the mangroves? I hesitated about jumping in (I always do), but Diego just handed me a mask and said, “Go slow, they’re curious.” And yeah, within minutes there were sea lions darting around us like underwater dogs. I tried to keep up but mostly just floated and watched their bubbles.

Punta Estrada was next — calmer water, almost glassy. There were blue-footed boobies perched on black rocks (I still can’t get over those feet) and frigate birds circling overhead. We saw terns too, all squabbling over fish scraps. Snorkeling here felt different; more peaceful somehow. Then Diego took us to this place called Shark Channel — which sounds scarier than it is. From the viewpoint above you could see these shadows gliding below; he explained they’re harmless reef sharks, just doing their thing. I tried to take a photo but honestly it didn’t capture how clear the water was or how quiet everyone got watching them.

We drifted past Canal del Amor — Diego called it the “channel of love” with a wink (he said couples sometimes make wishes there). The water was so still you could see every ripple from our boat. Last stop: Las Grietas. It’s this narrow crack in volcanic rock filled with cold, clear water that tastes faintly briny if you get some in your mouth (which I did). The light comes down in stripes between the cliffs; swimming there felt almost secretive, like sneaking into nature’s own swimming pool.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much or feel so small next to all that wildness — or to be thinking about those sea lions days later back at home. If you’re looking for a day trip in Santa Cruz that mixes snorkeling with real Galapagos wildlife (and some local jokes), this bay tour is worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santa Cruz Island Snorkeling Tour

• Visit La Loberia islet and snorkel
• Snorkel and observe wildlife at Punta Estrada
• Explore the Channel of Love
• Snorkel at The Cracks (Las Grietas)

Top questions

Is snorkeling equipment provided on the Santa Cruz bay tour?

The description doesn’t mention equipment rental specifically—ask your operator if gear is included or bring your own just in case.

How many people are on each bay tour group?

The maximum group size is 10 people per booking for this Santa Cruz day trip.

Are snacks included during the Galapagos bay tour?

Yes, snacks are provided as part of your day trip around Santa Cruz Island.

Can children join the Santa Cruz snorkeling tour?

The minimum age for participants is 3 years old on this Galapagos Islands tour.

Is hotel pickup included for this Santa Cruz bay excursion?

No hotel pickup is mentioned—transportation for the tour itself is included after meeting at the departure point.

What wildlife might I see on this Santa Cruz day trip?

You may see sea lions, reef sharks, rays, sea turtles, blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and terns during your visit.

Are there any health restrictions for joining this Galapagos bay tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes transportation by boat between sites around Santa Cruz Island, snacks along the way when you need a break from swimming or exploring volcanic rocks, all taxes and fees covered up front so there are no surprises later on—and a professional bilingual guide who shares stories about wildlife and local geology as you go.