Santa Fe Island
1 day
Santa Fe is one of the oldest islands in the archipelago and is home to an amazing variety of endemic plants and animals. While sailing along the coast you can see blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds and pelicans. Its beautiful bay of crystal-clear water is one of the best snorkeling spots, where you swim with sea turtles, sea lions, rays and tropical fish. It is one of the most popular day tours, ideal for nature and marine life lovers.
ITINERARY
Schedule
From 08:15 to 16:00
Boarding time: 08:00
Activities
Snorkeling 80%
Beach 20%
Navigation
Santa Cruz – Santa Fe Island: 1 h
Santa Fe – Playa Escondida: 45 mins
Playa Escondida – Port: 20 mins
Wildlife you may see
Sea lions
Sea turtles
Tropical fish
White-tip reef sharks
Starfish
Rays
Included
Lunch, snack and water
Transportation
Professional bilingual guide
Snorkeling gear
Towel
Why choose the Santa Fe tour
Santa Fe is the best day tour for snorkelers. Its bay has calm, crystal-clear water where sea lions often come to play with swimmers, and you can see sea turtles, rays and schools of tropical fish.
- It is about 1 hour by boat from Puerto Ayora, one of the shortest rides to an uninhabited island.
- Most of the day is snorkeling and beach time, with two stops: Santa Fe Bay and Playa Escondida.
- Along the coast you may see blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds and pelicans.
Good to know before you go
- You should be comfortable swimming in open water; life jackets are available.
- From June to November the water is cooler, so a wetsuit makes the experience much more comfortable.
- Take motion-sickness tablets if you get seasick: the sea can be choppy in the cool season.
Other day tours from Santa Cruz
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to know how to snorkel?
You need to know how to swim. The guide explains how to use the mask and snorkel, and life jackets are available for extra safety.
Will I swim with sea lions?
Very often. Santa Fe Bay has a resident sea lion colony, and young sea lions are curious and playful in the water.
Santa Fe or Pinzon?
Both are snorkeling tours from Santa Cruz at the same price. Santa Fe is known for sea lions and calm water; Pinzon for sea turtles and white-tip reef sharks. The 180° Tour combines Pinzon and Daphne.
Is a wetsuit included?
Snorkeling gear is included. A wetsuit can be rented; we recommend it from June to November.