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Santa Fé Snorkeling Tour

Snorkel with Sea Lions in Crystal-Clear Water

Book now ~ $150
  • Snorkeling with Sea Lions
  • Colorful Reef Fish
  • Relax on a White-Sand Beach

Santa Fé Snorkeling Tour

The Santa Fé Snorkeling Tour is one of the most scenic and relaxing day trips in the Galápagos Islands. Known for its calm turquoise bay, abundant marine life and striking coastal landscapes, Santa Fé offers exceptional snorkeling conditions and close wildlife encounters both above and below the water.

Throughout the day, guests may encounter sea lions, sea turtles, rays and large schools of colorful fish while navigating along volcanic cliffs and cactus-covered hills unique to the island.

Check for Availability

Best time to Go:

Year Around

Focus:

Snorkeling with Sea Lions

Availability:

Monday, Wednesday & Saturday

Duration:

7 to 8 hours - Aprox. 8:15 to 16:00

Small Groups

Only 12 guests

Experience Level:

Beginner-friendly snorkeling

What is included:

See here

Santa Fé Snorkeling Tour Itinerary: What to Expect

Crossing to Santa Fé & First Wildlife Encounters

 

Your adventure begins aboard our spacious catamaran as we set course for Santa Fé Island, one of the most beautiful snorkeling destinations in the Galápagos. The crossing from Santa Cruz is relatively short, allowing you to spend more time exploring and less time navigating.

As we approach the island, keep your eyes on the horizon. Dolphins are frequently spotted in these waters and, during the cooler season, lucky visitors may even encounter migrating whales. Along the way, your naturalist guide will introduce you to the unique marine ecosystem that makes Santa Fé such a special place for wildlife enthusiasts and snorkelers alike.

The dramatic coastline of Santa Fé gradually comes into view, revealing volcanic cliffs, turquoise waters and giant Opuntia cacti that rise above the shoreline.

 

Snorkeling at La Botella with Sea Lions & Fishing Experience

 

Our first snorkeling session takes place near La Botella, a small rocky islet located just off the coast of Santa Fé. Crowned by a towering cactus and surrounded by nesting seabirds, this picturesque location is home to blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds and sea lions.

Once in the water, the magic of Santa Fé truly begins. Curious sea lions are often the stars of the experience, gracefully gliding through the water and occasionally approaching snorkelers to investigate their newest visitors. Watching these playful animals in their natural environment is an unforgettable highlight of any Galápagos journey.

The surrounding waters are rich in marine life and offer excellent visibility, creating ideal conditions for your first immersion of the day.

After snorkeling, we return to the catamaran where a snack platter, coffee and tea are served while we continue exploring the island’s coastline.

As we navigate to our second snorkeling site, guests can try their hand at fishing while enjoying the scenery from the catamaran’s spacious decks. The journey itself becomes part of the experience, with opportunities to spot marine wildlife and admire Santa Fé from a completely different perspective.

 

Crystal-Clear Waters, Marine Life & Lunch Onboard

Our second snorkeling immersion takes place in calm, crystal-clear waters known for their abundance of marine life. Schools of colorful fish move through the bay while sea turtles, rays, reef sharks and sea lions are frequently encountered beneath the surface. Thanks to the excellent visibility and generally gentle conditions, this area is often considered one of the most enjoyable snorkeling locations in the central Galápagos Islands.

Back onboard, a freshly prepared lunch awaits. Guests enjoy a light ceviche made with cucumber and mango harvested from captains own farm, followed by a main course featuring rice, fresh fish or chicken and salad. Vegetarian options are always available, and juice is included with the meal.

If sea and landing conditions permit, the adventure continues with a visit to Playa Escondida, a beautiful secluded beach where marine iguanas can often be observed basking on the volcanic shoreline. Depending on conditions, guests may have the opportunity to enjoy a short walk along the beach or spend a little more time snorkeling in the calm waters nearby.

Before beginning the return journey to Santa Cruz, dessert is served onboard — the perfect opportunity to relax, enjoy the ocean views and reflect on a day filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Why Choose the Santa Fé Snorkeling Experience

Santa Fé is one of the best snorkeling tours in the Galápagos, combining calm turquoise waters, abundant marine life and the unforgettable opportunity to swim alongside playful sea lions in their natural habitat.

What makes this tour special:

  • Snorkel with sea lions — one of the most memorable wildlife encounters in the Galápagos
  • Explore calm, crystal-clear bays — excellent visibility and ideal conditions for snorkeling
  • Encounter diverse marine life — sea turtles, rays, reef sharks and colorful tropical fish
  • Enjoy a premium catamaran experience — smoother navigation, spacious decks and freshly prepared meals onboard
  • Discover Santa Fé’s dramatic coastline — volcanic landscapes, giant cacti and remote beaches

Who this tour is perfect for:

  • Wildlife lovers — hoping for close encounters with sea lions and marine life
  • Snorkeling enthusiasts — looking to maximize their time in the water
  • First-time visitors to the Galápagos — seeking a classic and well-rounded marine experience
  • Couples and families — wanting an active but relaxed day on the ocean
  • Travelers who value comfort — enjoying the journey aboard a spacious catamaran rather than a traditional speedboat

 

Experience Santa Fé Aboard a Spacious Catamaran

Unlike many standard day tours operated with smaller speedboats, this excursion takes place aboard a comfortable catamaran designed to make the navigation itself part of the experience.

The wider structure of the vessel provides noticeably smoother navigation throughout the day — an important difference on longer crossings in the Galápagos. Guests can move around freely and enjoy multiple indoor and outdoor spaces designed for comfort and relaxation.

Smoother Navigation

The catamaran’s design offers greater stability at sea, creating a smoother and more relaxed journey compared to many traditional speedboats.

Spacious Indoor Lounge

Inside, guests can enjoy a bright and comfortable seating area with tables, ideal for relaxing, escaping the sun or enjoying freshly prepared meals onboard.

Freshly Prepared Food Onboard

The vessel features its own kitchen and onboard chef, allowing meals and snacks to be freshly prepared throughout the excursion.

Panoramic Outdoor Areas

From the upper deck beside the captain to the relaxing seating areas at the bow, the catamaran offers multiple spaces to enjoy panoramic ocean views and wildlife sightings.

Interested in experiencing Santa Fé comfortably?

Reserve your spot aboard the premium catamaran.

Reserve your Spots
Not sure yet?

Inclusions

  • Experienced Naturalist Guide
  • Maritime Transportation
  • Delicious Lunch (vegetarian options)
  • Tea, Coffe & Water
  • Towels
  • Snack & Fruit Platter
  • Snorkeling Equipment
  • Short Wetsuit
  • Gratitudes for Crew & Guide
  • Additional Services
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Long Wetsuit

What can I discover?

Packing List

Sun Protection & Glasses
Equator Sunshine Extravaganza: UV Rays Here Pack a Sizzling Punch, Don’t Mess with them!

Swim Wear/Rashguard
Dive in Style: Don’t Forget Your Aquatic Fashion Statements!

Camera/Go Pro
Capture your underwater adventures and take home the best souvenir possible

Change of Clothes
This is optional. Chances are that you are gonna get wet

Refillable Water Bottle
We Provide Water to Refill. Staying hydrated under the Galápagos sun is essential.

Reservation​

Galapagos Islands

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