Snorkeling Tours

One of San Cristobal’s main attractions is Kicker Rock (often referred to by its Spanish name: León Dormido), a rock formation close to the coast, which like its name says, resembles a sea lion. The Kicker Rock snorkel tour boats leave the port at 9h30. This is one of the best places to see hammerhead sharks, and you can also observe sea turtles, reef sharks and sometimes sea lions. The tour includes a beach visit at either Manglecito, Cerro Brujo or Playa Grande, depending on the designation of the Galapagos National Park.

Travel Time: 45 minutes – *1 hour from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

The Tunnels are coastal volcanic formations which are excellent for snorkeling with reef sharks, rays, sea lions, sea turtles and sea horses, among others. The first visitor point is known locally as “Los Finados”, and here you do have a snorkelling tour. After this, you arrive at the tunnels, where you observe a lovely and capricious landscape of arches, tunnels and submarine caves. There is a brief walk to observe these rocky formations close-up, as well as the nesting of the marine birds. At this point, you do a second snorkelling activity. The tour lasts half a day. Boats depart at 7am and 11am from the village.

Travel Time: 45 minutes, from Puerto Villamil.

Santa Fe is the ultimate destination to see Galapagos Sea Lions. Young sea lions are very friendly; they love to imitate swimmers, play and do tricks under the water and they offer unique wildlife interactions.

After snorkelling, lunch will be served on board while we pass along the cliffs of Santa Fe, looking for Blue Footed Boobies and Frigate Birds. It will take approximately 25 minutes to get to Playa Escondida, where mangroves, and beautiful white sand beach and the famous Galapagos Marine Iguanas will welcome you. This will be the time to relax on the beach before your return in the late afternoon.

Travel Time: 45 minutes from Puerto Ayora.

Pinzon Island is the perfect place for snorkelling lovers. The calm crystalline waters attract both amateur and professional snorkelers.

Penguin Bay, at Pinzon Island, is a protected cove consisting of calm, clear, shallow water on the eastern side of the island. Its location at the centre of the main island chain makes it a place rich in marine fauna. Here, it is common to have encounters with congregations of green sea turtles, large tropical and sub-tropical reef fish, reef sharks and rays. The calm sea allows a very relaxing snorkel, permitting swimmers of all ages and abilities to enjoy the experience without worrying.

Dumb Islet, off Pinzon’s North Shore, has a deep steep wall, perfect for free diving. These waters are home to mantas and a large variety of pelagic fish. On occasions, large groups of Bottle Nose Dolphins swim by the area. With a little luck, one can spot the famous resting Galapagos Red Lipped Bat Fish resting on the ocean floor.

After lunch we will navigate to our last stop at La Fe or Las Palmas, on the way back to Santa Cruz, for exploring and relaxing. Both places have beautiful forests of mangroves and Opuntia cacti growing near the shoreline.

Travel Time: 45 minutes, from Puerto Ayora.