Half-Day Bay Tour: Snorkel with Sea Lions and Blue-Footed Boobies in Santa Cruz

Puerto Ayora•easy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

3 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; requires ability to climb in/out of a small boat and short rocky walks on shore.

Overview

A three-hour boat loop from Puerto Ayora that stitches together La Lobería’s sea lion snorkeling, Punta Estrada’s seabird cliffs, Playa de los Perros’ iguanas, and the Shark Channel. Ideal for travelers who want close marine encounters without a full-day commitment.

Half-Day Bay Tour: Snorkel with Sea Lions and Blue-Footed Boobies in Santa Cruz

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Walking Tour

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Date

Thu, Oct 30

Travelers

The outboard hum drops to a hush and the boat settles into a pocket of turquoise; sea lions bark in a ragged chorus from a low volcanic islet and the water smells faintly of salt and sun-warmed rock. On a clear morning off Puerto Ayora, the Galápagos reshapes itself into close-up encounters: playful sea lions weaving under fins, blue-footed boobies cartwheeling over tide-slick cliffs, and marine iguanas sunning on black lava like living fossils.

Adventure Photos

Half-Day Bay Tour: Snorkel with Sea Lions and Blue-Footed Boobies in Santa Cruz photo 1

Adventure Tips

Bring a snug mask and fins

A good-fitting mask reduces fogging and keeps water out during sea lion encounters; fins make swimming with currents around the islet easier.

Use reef-safe sunscreen

Oils and chemicals damage corals and marine life—use reef-safe SPF and reapply sparingly before boarding.

Take seasickness precautions

If you’re prone to motion sickness, take medication or use acupressure bands before departure; the bay can be choppy in the afternoon.

Wear slip-resistant shoes for shore stops

Volcanic rock and wet sand are slippery—light reef shoes or sandals with good tread help on short landings.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Galápagos sea lions
Blue-footed boobies

History

Puerto Ayora developed as a small fishing village and later as a research gateway for the Charles Darwin Research Station; the islands’ unique fauna drew scientific attention after 19th-century voyages.

Conservation

Tours operate under Galápagos National Park rules—maintain distance from wildlife, use reef-safe products, and follow your guide to minimize impact on fragile habitats.