Snorkeling in Puerto Ayora: South Plazas & Punta Carrion

Land iguanas on one island, whitetip sharks and sea turtles on the next

This full-day snorkeling tour from Puerto Ayora combines a guided walk across South Plaza Island with snorkeling at Punta Carrion, two stops off the east coast of Santa Cruz. You'll see land iguanas, marine iguanas and sea lions on the island, then enter the water to encounter whitetip sharks, green sea turtles, rays and colorful reef fish. Hotel pickup, a certified naturalist guide in English or Spanish, snorkel equipment, lunch and boat transport are included. The tour runs eight hours and requires a minimum of two people per booking. Children from age five are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore South Plazas and Punta Carrion

• Pickup from hotel on Santa Cruz Island
• Transfer to port and board boat
• Cruise to South Plazas Island
• Walk tour to see land iguanas and wildlife
• Snorkel at Punta Carrion
• Enjoy lunch on board
• Return to Puerto Ayora and hotel drop-off

The experience

Hotel pickup gets you to the port on Santa Cruz Island, where you board a boat for the short cruise to the Plaza Islands. The walk across South Plaza lasts about an hour and a half. You'll move through a landscape of cacti and low vegetation, watching for land iguanas basking on the ground, marine iguanas along the rocks, and swallow-tailed gulls overhead. Sea lions haul out on the beach, and if conditions align, blue-footed boobies and red-billed tropicbirds appear among the cliffs.

After South Plaza, the boat heads to Punta Carrion for the snorkeling portion. You'll enter the water with mask and fins to see whitetip sharks moving along the bottom, green sea turtles grazing on seagrass, rays gliding past, and schools of damselfish and parrotfish working the reef. Sea lions sometimes join snorkelers in the water. Lunch happens aboard between the two stops, with a vegetarian option available if you request it when booking.

The guide is a certified naturalist who speaks English and Spanish, so commentary flows in whichever language suits your group. The boat returns to Puerto Ayora by late afternoon, dropping you at your hotel. Bring a towel and sunscreen. The operator runs tours in all weather, so dress for conditions on the water.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off on Santa Cruz Island.
• boat transport to South Plaza Island and Punta Carrion.
• guided one-and-a-half-hour walk on South Plaza with a certified naturalist guide speaking English and Spanish.
• snorkel equipment (mask and fins).
• snorkeling time at Punta Carrion.
• lunch aboard the boat with a vegetarian option available.
• snacks during the day.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday, Saturday and SundayDepartures at 07:30 and 08:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 to 78 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 29 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Paid on siteUS$ 10

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Latin Adventures Cía Ltda

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if your group speaks both English and Spanish, or book the land-only version if you prefer to skip the snorkeling portion.

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 wildlife will I actually see when I snorkel at Punta Carrion?

Punta Carrion holds whitetip sharks, green sea turtles, rays, starfish and colorful fish including damselfish and parrotfish. Sea lions often appear in the water alongside snorkelers, making for close encounters with marine mammals.

How long do I spend walking on South Plaza Island?

The walk across South Plaza takes about an hour and a half. You'll move through cacti and low plants, watching for land iguanas, marine iguanas, sea lions and seabirds including swallow-tailed gulls and blue-footed boobies.

Is snorkel equipment provided, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkel equipment including mask and fins is provided as part of the tour. A wetsuit is not included. Bring your own if you want one for warmth or sun protection in the water.

What time does the tour start and when does it end?

Hotel pickup happens in the morning, and the full day runs eight hours total. The boat returns you to your hotel in Puerto Ayora by late afternoon.