Santa Fe Island Snorkeling: Rare Wildlife & Hidden Beach

Snorkel three bays and catch fish off a secluded beach

A guided snorkeling tour of Santa Fe Island departing from Santa Cruz hotels at 7:30 a.m., with boat transport, equipment, lunch and a certified naturalist guide in English or Spanish. The itinerary covers three snorkeling sites (the main bay with sea lions and sharks, Snorkel Luhas with marine iguanas, and a 45-minute sport fishing session) ending at Playa Escondida, a hidden beach where you walk to turtle nests and endemic plants. Groups stay under ten passengers.

The experience

The boat leaves Santa Cruz at 7:30 a.m. and crosses 24 square kilometers of open water to Santa Fe Island. Once you arrive at the main bay, you enter the water to snorkel among sea lions sunbathing on rocks, white-tip and Galápagos sharks, green turtles, and rare hawksbill turtles. The water is calm enough for the second site, Snorkel Luhas, where colorful fish and marine iguanas move through shallow areas. Your certified naturalist guide shares details about the local ecosystem throughout, and the group stays small: no more than ten passengers on the shared boat.

The middle of the day shifts to sport fishing off the island. You'll spend 45 minutes trying to catch barracuda, cod, pomfret, and yellowfin tuna using the boat's equipment. After that, the boat takes you to Playa Escondida, a secluded beach where a short walk inland reveals marine iguanas, turtle nests, and endemic plants like sesuvium growing in the mangrove area. Lunch and snacks are provided throughout the day, and the guide ensures safety at every stop.

What’s included

• Guided snorkeling at three sites.
• snorkeling mask and fins.
• sport fishing session with the boat's tackle.
• lunch and snacks throughout the day.
• certified naturalist guide speaking English or Spanish.
• hotel pickup in Puerto Ayora and boat transport for up to ten passengers.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 32 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Operated by Latin Adventures Cía Ltda

Is this one for you?The early 7:30 a.m. start and the sport fishing session in the middle of the day mean this tour runs the full morning into early afternoon, so plan for a full commitment. Children from age five are welcome, and the guide confirms the pace suits all fitness levels, but the combination of water time and walking means you'll be active most of the day.

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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 (5 to 11 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

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

Santa Fe's main bay holds sea lions, white-tip and Galápagos sharks, green turtles, and rare hawksbill turtles. Snorkel Luhas, the second site, is calmer and home to colorful reef fish and marine iguanas in shallow water.

Do I need my own snorkeling gear or is it provided?

Snorkeling equipment (mask and fins) is included with the tour. You'll need to bring your own wetsuit if you want one. The operator does not provide it.

What happens during the sport fishing part of the day?

You'll spend 45 minutes fishing off the boat using the operator's equipment, with a chance to catch barracuda, cod, pomfret, and yellowfin tuna. The guide handles the technical details and safety.

What is Playa Escondida and what do you do there?

Playa Escondida is a secluded beach at the end of the tour where you take a short walk to see marine iguanas, turtle nests, and endemic plants in the mangrove area before heading back to Santa Cruz.

What time does the tour start and end, and does pickup from my hotel come with it?

The boat departs at 7:30 a.m. from Santa Cruz. Hotel pickup in Puerto Ayora is included. The full day ends when you return to your hotel afterward.