Santa Cruz offers several standout snorkeling spots worth your time and money.
I’m especially fond of the Floreana Island excursion – it’s refreshingly uncrowded and combines great snorkeling with local fishing culture and a tasty lunch stop.
The full-day Pinzon Island experience really hits the mark if you’re after pristine marine encounters with sharks and sea turtles.
For something more intimate, Santa Fe & Playa Escondida delivers close-up moments with marine iguanas and playful sea lions.
San Cristobal rounds out my favorites, blending land walks with excellent water time.
Let’s explore these top-rated tours in detail.
Note: The writing mirrors Rick Steves’ practical, no-nonsense style while maintaining factual information and clear, straightforward language.
I’ve kept it brief and focused on the key experiences worth pursuing.
Key Points
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The Floreana Island Day Tour by Guiding Galapagos Expeditions offers snorkeling and fishing opportunities to explore the diverse marine life around the island.
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The Pinzon Island + La Fe/Las Palmas Full Day Tour by Galápagos Ninfa Tour provides snorkeling and fishing experiences in the picturesque waters surrounding Pinzón Island.
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The Santa Fe & Playa Escondida Snorkeling Tour by BM TOURS SA includes snorkeling at Playa Escondida beach, where visitors can spot marine iguanas and sea lions.
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The San Cristobal Island Day Tour combines land exploration and snorkeling, allowing visitors to encounter sea lions, marine birds, iguanas, and sea turtles.
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These tours offer a maximum group size of 10 guests, ensuring an intimate and crowd-free snorkeling experience in the Galapagos Islands.
Day Tour to Floreana Island With Snorkeling and Fishing
What better way to experience the remote wonders of the Galapagos Islands than with a day tour to Floreana Island? This small-group excursion, operated by Guiding Galapagos Expeditions, offers travelers a chance to venture off the beaten path aboard a spacious luxury yacht.
With a maximum of 10 guests, you’ll enjoy a crowd-free experience as you explore the island’s diverse wildlife, including sea lions, frigate birds, boobies, and more.
The tour includes snorkeling and fishing opportunities, allowing you to learn about the vibrant marine life of the Galapagos.
Savor a delicious lunch, either a hot meal or fresh ceviche, with vegetarian and vegan options available. Complimentary snacks, soft drinks, and water are also provided, along with the use of snorkeling equipment and wetsuits. For those seeking a refreshing beverage, alcoholic drinks can be purchased.
The tour starts and ends in Puerto Ayora, with the meeting point at the Guiding Galapagos Expeditions office.
Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
Read our full review: Day Tour to Floreana Island With Snorkeling and Fishing Review
Book now: Check availability
Full Day Tour Pinzon Island + La Fe/Las Palmas – Snorkeling & Fishing
For those looking to explore the remote wonders of the Galapagos Islands beyond Floreana, the Full Day Tour Pinzon Island + La Fe/Las Palmas offers a chance to take in the region’s captivating marine life.
Operated by Galápagos Ninfa Tour, this full-day excursion provides the opportunity to snorkel and fish in the picturesque waters surrounding Pinzón Island and the La Fe/Las Palmas sites.
Guests can expect to encounter a variety of wildlife, including sharks, turtles, sea lions, and the iconic blue-footed boobies.
The tour includes all necessary equipment, a delicious lunch, and attentive guides to ensure a memorable experience.
However, some travelers have reported safety concerns regarding the boat’s stability and a lack of communication from the guides.
Plus, the success of the fishing and wildlife sightings can be mixed.
Despite these occasional drawbacks, the Full Day Tour Pinzon Island + La Fe/Las Palmas remains a popular choice for those seeking to enjoy the natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands.
Read our full review: Full Day Tour Pinzon Island + La Fe/Las Palmas – Snorkeling & Fishing Review
Book now: Check availability
Full Day Santa Fe & Playa Escondida Snorkeling Tour
The Full Day Santa Fe & Playa Escondida Snorkeling Tour, operated by BM TOURS SA in Santa Cruz, Ecuador, allows travelers to enjoy the captivating marine life of the Galapagos Islands.
This full-day excursion includes hotel pickup, a boat trip to Santa Fe Island, and the opportunity to snorkel at Playa Escondida beach. Travelers can expect to spot marine iguanas, sea lions, and hawks during the tour.
The tour includes use of snorkeling equipment, a vegetarian lunch, and a professional bilingual guide. With a maximum of 10 travelers per tour, this experience offers an intimate and personalized encounter with the Galapagos’ natural wonders.
While the tour has received generally positive reviews for its wildlife sightings and knowledgeable guide, some guests have noted room for improvement in communication and small boat capacity.
Read our full review: Full Day Santa Fe & Playa Escondida Snorkeling Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Day Tour to San Cristobal Island With Private Land Tour and Snorkeling
Enjoy the captivating natural wonders of San Cristobal Island with this full-day small-group tour.
Combining land exploration and snorkeling, this highly recommended experience offers up-close encounters with a diverse array of wildlife, including sea lions, marine birds, iguanas, sea turtles, and sharks.
With a 100% recommendation rate from 10 reviews, the tour ensures safety and maximizes your vacation time.
Top-notch snorkel gear and wetsuits are provided, along with a freshly prepared lunch at a local restaurant.
Your private guide will ensure a personalized experience, sharing their expertise throughout the day.
Explore the island by land, then dive into the vibrant underwater world, surrounded by the region’s abundant marine life.
This tour is an ideal way to learn about the Galapagos’ natural splendor, making the most of your time on San Cristobal Island.
Read our full review: Day Tour to San Cristobal Island With Private Land Tour and Snorkeling Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Water Temperatures During the Snorkeling Tours?
The water temperatures during the snorkeling tours typically range from 55°F to 65°F. The cooler temperatures are due to the area’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the upwelling of colder, nutrient-rich water.
Are the Snorkeling Tours Suitable for Beginner Swimmers?
The snorkeling tours are generally suitable for beginner swimmers. Many companies offer guided tours that cater to all skill levels, providing equipment and instruction to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for those new to snorkeling.
What Type of Marine Life Can Be Expected During the Tours?
On snorkeling tours, visitors can expect to see a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and maybe even dolphins or whales depending on the location. The specific species encountered will depend on the particular tour destination.
Are There Any Age or Physical Fitness Requirements for the Tours?
Most snorkeling tours don’t have strict age or physical fitness requirements, but participants should be able to swim and feel comfortable in the water. Some tours may have minimum age limits or recommendations for certain fitness levels.
What Should Participants Bring With Them for the Snorkeling Tours?
Participants should bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and water shoes or reef-safe footwear. It’s also recommended to bring a waterproof camera or GoPro to capture the underwater scenery. Snorkeling gear is typically provided by the tour operator.
Recap
The Galapagos Islands offer a variety of world-class snorkeling experiences. Visitors can explore the pristine waters around Floreana, Pinzon, Santa Fe, and San Cristobal islands, spotting an abundance of marine life. These full-day and multi-day tours provide the opportunity to snorkel and fish in these stunning natural environments. With diverse aquatic ecosystems and unique wildlife, the Galapagos delivers unparalleled snorkeling adventures for visitors to the region.