Snorkeling Santa Fe Island, Galápagos: Two reef sites with lunch

Two snorkeling stops in one day, plus sea lions and experiential fishing

A full-day snorkeling trip from Puerto Ayora to Santa Fe Island in the Galápagos, with two 45-minute reef sessions, a panga ride to watch sea lion colonies, lunch on the boat, and a stop at Playa Escondida for swimming or fishing. Hotel pickup is included; the guide speaks English or Spanish; children from age 4 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Santa Fe Island tour with snorkeling

• Hotel pick up or meeting point
• Travel to Santa Cruz port
• Boat ride to Santa Fe Island
• Panga ride to see sea lions and wildlife
• First snorkeling session (45 minutes)
• Lunch on board
• Second snorkeling session (45 minutes)
• Experiential fishing en route to Playa Escondida
• Relax or swim at Playa Escondida
• Return to Puerto Ayora

The experience

The day starts with hotel pickup inside Puerto Ayora's urban perimeter at 8am, then a 50-minute boat ride to Santa Fe Island, southeast of Santa Cruz. Once there, a panga takes you into the bay to watch sea lion colonies with their young, and you'll spot Opuntia cacti and blue-footed boobies if the timing is right. The reef snorkeling comes next: two separate sessions of 45 minutes each in the best spots around the island, where the marine life includes sea turtles, rays, groupers and schools of colorful fish endemic to the Galápagos.

Lunch happens on board between the two snorkeling sessions. After the second reef dive, the boat heads to Playa Escondida on Santa Cruz Island. On the way, you'll join in an experiential fishing activity: a hands-on introduction to local fishing methods. Once at the beach, you choose: swim and snorkel in the clear water or rest on the sand. The return to Puerto Ayora's dock runs between 3:30pm and 4pm, depending on conditions.

Snorkeling equipment (mask and fins) is provided. A professional guide leads the group in English or Spanish. Lunch, hotel pickup and all transport by boat are included. Wetsuits are not provided, but you can rent one separately if you want extra warmth in the water.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup inside Puerto Ayora.
• professional guide in English or Spanish.
• boat transport to Santa Fe Island and Playa Escondida.
• two 45-minute snorkeling sessions with mask and fins.
• lunch on board.
• panga ride to watch sea lion colonies.
• experiential fishing activity.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to4h before

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

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 21 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Perfect Destiny

Is this one for you?Book this if your group includes children 4+ and you want multiple snorkel stops with lunch all in one departure, rather than coordinating separate activities.

Traveler reviews

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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's the water like for snorkeling around Santa Fe Island?

The reef areas hold sea turtles, rays, marine wolves and abundant colorful fish. The bay is suitable for swimming and snorkeling throughout, with endemic species that live nowhere else on Earth.

Do I need experience to snorkel on this trip?

No. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, and the guide will be with you. Children from age 4 can join if accompanied by an adult.

What time does the boat leave and when do I get back?

Pickup from your hotel starts at 8am, and the boat departs from Santa Cruz port at a set time. You return to Puerto Ayora's dock between 3:30pm and 4pm.

Is lunch included, and what about drinks?

Lunch is included and served on board between the two snorkeling sessions. Other food and drinks are not included. Bring money if you want to purchase extras.

What happens at Playa Escondida?

Playa Escondida is a beach stop on Santa Cruz Island where you can swim and snorkel in the water or rest on the sand. You'll also have the chance to try experiential fishing: a hands-on activity that teaches local fishing methods.