Snorkeling in Santa Cruz Island: Sea Lions & Shark Channel

Swim with sea lions instead of watching them from the boat

A 3-hour snorkeling tour in Santa Cruz Bay departs mornings or afternoons from Puerto Ayora, with a professional guide, snorkel equipment and visits to La Lobería (a sea lion colony), Punta Estrada (blue-footed boobies and pelicans), Playa de los Perros (volcanic rocks and iguanas) and the Shark Channel. The tour ends at the dock. Hotel pickup is available depending on location, and you arrange your own return to your accommodation.

Step-by-step itinerary

Half day bay tour in Santa Cruz

• Meet at operator's meeting point
• Pick up from hotel
• Boat to La Lobería islet
• Snorkel and swim with sea lions
• Visit Punta Estrada for bird watching
• Excursion to Playa de los perros
• Visit Channel of Love and Shark Channel
• Return to Puerto Ayora dock

The experience

The boat leaves Puerto Ayora at 9am or 2pm, depending on which departure you pick. Pickup starts between 8:30–8:45am or 1:30–1:45pm from your hotel, and the whole outing runs three hours. You'll snorkel at La Lobería, a small islet ten minutes from the port where a colony of sea lions lives. The water here is where you have the chance to swim alongside them. The guide handles the route and the timing, and snorkel equipment (mask and fins) is provided.

After snorkeling, the boat moves to Punta Estrada to watch seabirds (blue-footed boobies, seagulls and pelicans), then heads to Playa de los Perros, where iguanas gather around volcanic rocks. The route also passes the Channel of Love and the Shark Channel, where blue sharks are sometimes spotted. Snacks are included. Bring your own swimsuit and a towel.

The tour ends at Puerto Ayora's dock, not back at your hotel, so you'll need to arrange your own transport to your accommodation. Wet suits are not included. You can rent one separately if you want extra warmth in the water. Children from age 4 can join if accompanied by an adult, and the activity suits all fitness levels.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English or Spanish.
• snorkel equipment (mask and fins).
• snacks during the tour.

Options for this experience

2 options

Morning DepartureGuide in English or Spanish · 09:00Morning pickup

Afternoon DepartureGuide in English or Spanish · 14:00Pickup is included

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 to4h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 16

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Perfect Destiny

Is this one for you?Pick the morning departure if you want the sea lion snorkel and the bird watching done before lunch, or the afternoon slot if you prefer to start your day elsewhere and still fit the full bay route into one afternoon.

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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 (4 to 11 years). Children under 4 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.

Can I really swim with the sea lions at La Lobería?

Yes. La Lobería is a sea lion colony, and snorkeling there gives you the chance to swim alongside them in the water. The guide leads the activity and stays with the group.

What's the difference between the morning and afternoon departures?

Both are the same 3-hour route and visit the same sites. Morning departure leaves at 9am with pickup between 8:30–8:45am. Afternoon departure leaves at 2pm with pickup between 1:30–1:45pm. Choose based on what fits the rest of your day.

What birds will I see at Punta Estrada?

Punta Estrada is home to blue-footed boobies, seagulls and pelicans. The guide points them out during the stop, so you'll see them from the boat.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?

No. Mask and fins are provided as part of the tour. Bring your swimsuit, towel and any personal items you prefer. If you want a wet suit for warmth, you'll need to rent one separately before the tour.

How do I get back to my hotel after the tour ends?

The boat returns to Puerto Ayora's dock, not to your hotel. You'll arrange your own transport back to your accommodation: a taxi, your rental car or your hotel's shuttle if available.