SUP board tour Shipwreck Bay: Paddle with sea lions and iguanas

Paddle through Shipwreck Bay and move at your own pace among the wildlife

A 2-hour SUP board activity in Shipwreck Bay, San Cristobal, where you paddle past the Playa Marin lighthouse and La Predial dock to watch sea lions, iguanas, sea turtles and blue-footed boobies in their habitat. The tour departs from the Aquarium pier and returns there or to Golden Beach depending on sea conditions. Minimum age is 15. Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy or poor cardiovascular health.

The experience

You board a SUP (stand-up paddleboard) at the Aquarium pier and paddle across Shipwreck Bay on the right side, passing in front of the Playa Marin lighthouse and the floating platform where sea lions gather near the La Predial dock. The route takes a maximum of 2 hours and loops back to either the Aquarium pier or Golden Beach, depending on sea conditions that day. Along the way you move through the habitat of endemic Galapagos species (playful sea lions, iguanas, sea turtles, blue-footed boobies and frigates) at the pace you set on the board.

Each SUP board comes with a paddle, safety lanyard and SUP belt vest. A waterproof bag keeps your belongings dry, and a mesh bag with drawstring is included for any gear you bring. The activity suits all fitness levels, though it does require balance and the ability to stand and paddle for the duration. You'll navigate around sailboats anchored in the bay and move through open water, so comfort in the ocean is important.

What’s included

• SUP board, paddle, safety lanyard and SUP belt vest.
• waterproof bag and mesh drawstring bag.
• departure and return from the Aquarium pier (or Golden Beach if sea conditions require an alternate return point).

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (15 to 75 years) · Under 15: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by SUP Galapagos

Is this one for you?The 2-hour window fits easily into a morning or afternoon without consuming your whole day in San Cristobal, leaving time to explore other parts of the island before or after. If you prefer a longer immersion in the water or want to combine this with another activity, plan accordingly. The fixed duration means you'll be back at the pier within that timeframe.

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Top questions

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.

What wildlife will I see on the SUP board tour of Shipwreck Bay?

Shipwreck Bay is home to sea lions, iguanas, sea turtles, blue-footed boobies and frigates. You'll paddle past the floating platform where sea lions congregate near La Predial dock and pass the Playa Marin lighthouse, where you're likely to spot birds and marine life in their natural habitat.

How long does the SUP board tour take and when do we return?

The tour takes a maximum of 2 hours from departure at the Aquarium pier. You return to either the Aquarium pier or Golden Beach depending on sea conditions. The operator decides the return point based on the day's water state.

What's included with the SUP board rental?

The SUP board tour includes the paddleboard, paddle, safety lanyard, SUP belt vest, waterproof bag and mesh bag with drawstring. You depart from and return to the Aquarium pier (or Golden Beach if conditions require it).

Is this activity suitable for someone who has never paddled before?

The activity suits all physical fitness levels, so beginners are welcome. You'll need to be comfortable standing and balancing on a board in open water. The minimum age is 15. It is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy or poor cardiovascular health.