Bay Tour with Snorkeling in Santa Cruz, Galapagos – Sea Lions, Turtles

5.0/5 Stars - Based on 5 Reviews

Bay Tour and Snorkeling in Santa Cruz, Galapagos – Discover Marine Life, Book Today

Discover the main natural attractions of the bay during a half-day tour that combines sailing, snorkeling and short walks to learn about the extraordinary biodiversity of Galapagos.

3 hours
Every day
"Santa Cruz Island Letters" from the Puerto Ayora pier at 2:00 PM.
"Santa Cruz Island Letters" from the Puerto Ayora pier at 5:00 PM.

About this tour

We begin the excursion at 2:00 PM aboard a yacht. The first stop will be La Lobería, where you can snorkel in crystal-clear waters and, depending on sea conditions, you can observe sea lions, tropical fish, rays, and other marine species.

We continue sailing towards the Love Channel, a beautiful natural channel surrounded by volcanic formations, before arriving at the Shark Channel, where from a viewpoint you can observe whitetip reef sharks resting in shallow waters.

The tour continues with a short walk to Playa de los Perros, home to the iconic Galapagos marine iguanas. You`ll have time to snorkel in calm waters, where you can see tropical fish, starfish, and, with luck, sea turtles.

At the end of the excursion, you will return to the Puerto Ayora dock, with an unforgettable experience, ideal for those who want to get to know the nature and wildlife that make Galapagos a unique destination in the world.


What's included

  • Assistance to the meeting point. * Life jacket and snorkeling equipment, mask, snorkel and fins

Not included

  • Food and tastings

Low

Lightweight and comfortable clothing. Comfortable walking shoes. Hat or cap. Sunscreen. Sunglasses. Reusable water bottle. Camera or mobile phone. Insect repellent (optional). Destinations

Help conserve the Galápagos Islands by taking all your trash with you and only disposing of it in designated areas. Thank you for traveling responsibly and protecting nature!

Location

Rates

EXC GPS TOUR DE BAHÍA (GROUP SERVICE)
1 - 20 per person 18/07/2026 - 31/12/2026
Adult: USD 100
Child: USD 100
CANCELACION
General Terms
COSTO
Average
DIFICULTAD
Low
INTERES
TEMPORADA
VIAJERO

Frequently asked questions

This classic tour in Puerto Ayora takes you to iconic spots in Santa Cruz Bay. Depending on the tour operator and conditions, stops typically include La Lobería (snorkeling with sea lions), Punta Estrada and Canal del Amor, Canal de los Tiburones (whitetip reef sharks), Playa de los Perros (marine iguanas), and Las Grietas (swimming in crystal-clear waters). It usually includes a certified naturalist guide from the Galapagos National Park, boat transportation, a safety briefing, a life jacket, and basic snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, and fins). It does not usually include wetsuits, photos, tips, or food and drinks. Marine wildlife sightings are frequent but never guaranteed, as they depend on tides, weather, and season.

The Santa Cruz Bay excursion is a half-day tour, lasting approximately 3 to 4.5 hours. Morning and afternoon departures are common, subject to tide and weather conditions. The usual meeting point is the Puerto Ayora tourist pier or your hotel lobby if the tour operator offers pick-up; both will be confirmed on your voucher. It is recommended to arrive 15–20 minutes early for check-in and snorkeling equipment distribution. Groups are typically small for a safer and more personalized experience. During peak season, it is advisable to book in advance to ensure availability on this popular Galapagos tour.

The Santa Cruz Bay snorkeling tour is easy to moderate, ideal for families, first-time travelers, and marine wildlife enthusiasts. Basic swimming skills are recommended; life jackets are provided, and a naturalist guide accompanies you at all times. Children can participate under adult supervision (minimum age varies by operator). Sea conditions are generally calm, although gentle currents may occur. For safety reasons, this tour is not recommended for high-risk pregnancies or people with heart conditions or mobility issues without prior consultation. The boat is equipped with safety and communication equipment. Galapagos National Park regulations are strictly followed: do not touch wildlife and maintain a safe distance.

Wear your swimsuit, bring a quick-drying towel, high-SPF biodegradable sunscreen, a hat or UV rash guard, a reusable water bottle, a light snack, cash for fees/tips, ID, sandals or water shoes, and a dry bag. For better photos, bring an underwater camera or GoPro. During the cooler season (approximately June–November), a 2–3 mm wetsuit is very useful; some operators rent them separately. Basic snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, and fins) is usually included; confirm sizes, children's options, and the availability of prescription masks if you wear glasses. If you are prone to seasickness, consider taking preventative medication.

Prices vary depending on the season (high/low), type of service (regular or private), and availability. During peak periods (December-January, Easter, June-August), it's advisable to book in advance. Most operators allow changes or cancellations free of charge up to 24–48 hours in advance; outside of this timeframe, a full penalty may apply. If weather conditions prevent operation, they usually reschedule or offer a refund. To book, pay online or at a local office and receive your voucher with the meeting point and time. Bring your ID and proof of booking. Galapagos National Park fees and the TCT card fee are payable upon entering the archipelago; confirm if there are any local dock fees not included.
5.0 5 reviews
5.0

Galápagos: bahía y snorkel top

¡Qué paseo increíble! El Tour de Bahía en Santa Cruz me sorprendió. Navegamos por el Canal del Amor y el Canal de los Tiburones, vimos iguanas marinas en Playa de los Perros; en la Lobería nadé con lobos marinos, tortugas y un tiburón de punta blanca (tranqui). El guía de Tangol fue capo: atento y cuidadoso. Equipo de snorkel impecable y tiempos organizados. Ideal para primer día en Galápagos. Repetiría.

Martín Rojas
5.0

Epic Santa Cruz Bay Tour: Chill Boat Vibes, Killer Snorkeling, Wildlife Everywhere, Unforgettable Moments

Booked this Bay Tour with Tangol and it was a blast. Smooth pickup, friendly crew, and solid gear. We cruised along turquoise water, spotted blue-footed boobies and sea lions, then jumped in for snorkeling. Visibility was great - saw reef sharks, turtles, rays, and plenty of colorful fish. The guide kept it fun and safe, even for first-timers. Short walks to scenic spots broke up the boat time nicely. If you've got half a day in Santa Cruz, don't miss it.

Jake Thompson
5.0

Snorkel inesquecível nas Galápagos: leões-marinhos, tartarugas e paisagens de tirar o fôlego

Amei a excursão da Tangol! Barco confortável, guia gente finíssima e super atento. Snorkel incrível: nadei com leões-marinhos brincalhões, vi tartarugas, arraias e muitos peixinhos coloridos. Paradas na Lobería e no Canal do Amor foram mágicas. Equipamentos em ótimo estado, tudo seguro e bem organizado. Experiência curtinha, mas intensa. Recomendo reservar cedo e levar câmera à prova d’água!

Rafael Souza
5.0

Unvergessliche Santa-Cruz-Bucht-Tour: Schnorcheln mit Seelöwen, Schildkröten, bunten Fischen, top Crew, freundlichem Guide und Ausrüstung

Mega Erlebnis mit Tangol! Die Bucht-Rundfahrt in Santa Cruz war perfekt organisiert: kleines Boot, sichere Einweisung, gute Ausrüstung. Beim Schnorcheln schwammen Seelöwen neugierig um uns, wir sahen Schildkröten, Rochen und bunte Fische. Der Guide erklärte entspannt viel über Natur und respektvolles Verhalten. Ideal auch für Einsteiger. Tipp: Sonnenschutz, wasserfesten Beutel und Action-Cam mitnehmen. Absolut empfehlenswert, wenn du Galapagos intensiv und trotzdem chillig erleben willst. Snacks und Wasser waren an Bord, super Stimmung.

Lukas Schneider
5.0

Snorkel de rêve à Santa Cruz Galápagos

Franchement, cette excursion en baie à Santa Cruz avec snorkel a été un pur bonheur. Tangol Tours s'est occupé de tout, matos nickel et guide super sympa, hyper calé sur la faune. Nager au milieu des tortues, des raies et des lions de mer, c'est magique. On a même aperçu des requins de récif tranquilles, zéro stress. Petites criques d'eau turquoise, iguanes marins sur les rochers, visibilité top. Rythme cool, pauses suffisantes, fruits et eau à bord. Idéal pour débutants comme pour mordus de palmes. Je repartirais demain, les Galápagos comme ça, c'est le rêve.

Lucas Dupont
From USD 127

Price from, per person USD 127.00

October 2026
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