Full Day Santa Fe & Playa Escondida Snorkeling Tour

The Full Day Santa Fe & Playa Escondida Snorkeling Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant marine life of Santa Cruz Island. Priced at $220, this all-inclusive adventure promises an unforgettable day of snorkeling, wildlife encounters, and breathtaking scenery. With hotel pickup, lunch, and snorkeling gear provided, participants can enjoy the island’s rich underwater ecosystems, teeming with colorful fish, sea lions, and marine iguanas. But the true allure of this tour lies in the chance to uncover the secrets of Playa Escondida, a tranquil beach that holds the key to an extraordinary experience.

This experience made our list of the 7 Best Full-Day Tours In Santa Cruz.

Key Points

• Explore the marine wonders of Santa Cruz Island with a full-day excursion to Santa Fe Island and Playa Escondida, including snorkeling and wildlife encounters.
• Observe diverse marine life such as marine iguanas, sea lions, and vibrant fish, rays, and reef sharks during the snorkeling sessions.
• Enjoy a guided tour with hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, and snorkeling gear provided, ensuring a comprehensive and immersive experience.
• Relax on the scenic Playa Escondida beach and take in the region’s unique ecosystem, with opportunities to spot iconic blue-footed boobies.
• The tour is rated 3.5 out of 5 from 11 reviews, with positive feedback on the snorkeling experiences and wildlife encounters, and suggestions for improvements in aspects like boat size and lunch quality.

Tour Overview

The Santa Fe & Playa Escondida snorkeling tour offers a full-day excursion to explore the marine wonders of Ecuador’s Santa Cruz Island.

Located in the Galápagos archipelago, this tour takes visitors to the scenic Santa Fe Island and the secluded Playa Escondida.

With an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 from 11 reviews, the tour is priced from $220 and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, snorkeling equipment, and all taxes and fees.

The tour starts at 8:00 a.m. and features encounters with marine iguanas, sea lions, and other wildlife, as well as snorkeling opportunities to see colorful fish, sea lions, rays, tuna, and reef sharks.

Wildlife and Activities

Snorkelers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life on this tour.

They’ll have the chance to observe majestic marine iguanas, playful sea lions, and soaring hawks on Santa Fe Island.

The snorkeling sites offer a vibrant underwater world teeming with colorful fish, graceful rays, and even the occasional reef shark.

The tour also includes a visit to Playa Escondida, where guests can relax and take in the wildlife, including the iconic blue-footed boobies.

With skilled guides leading the way, this tour promises an immersive experience in the Galápagos’ diverse ecosystems, both above and below the waves.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Pickup from hotels within Santa Cruz Island or a designated meeting point in Puerto Ayora marks the start of this excursion.

From there, travelers embark on a one-hour boat navigation to the snorkeling site. This transfer allows guests to sit back, relax, and prepare for the day’s adventures. The journey itself offers an opportunity to catch glimpses of the stunning coastal scenery and perhaps even spot some marine life along the way.

Upon arrival at the snorkeling location, you will be equipped with the necessary gear and briefed on safety protocols, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience in the water.

Tour Experience

The tour begins with hotel pickup, followed by a one-hour boat navigation to the snorkeling site. Upon arrival, guests will participate in two separate snorkeling activities, which require basic swimming abilities. After the first snorkeling session, a lunch, including a vegetarian option, will be served on the boat.

Activity	Duration
Hotel Pickup	–
Boat Navigation	1 hour
First Snorkeling	–
Lunch	–
Second Snorkeling	–
Playa Escondida Visit	–

The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions. The overall experience provides opportunities to encounter marine iguanas, sea lions, hawks, and a variety of colorful fish, sea lions, rays, tuna, and reef sharks.

Positive Traveler Feedback

Positive reviews for the Santa Fe & Playa Escondida Snorkeling Tour highlight the remarkable snorkeling experience and the incredible wildlife encounters it offers.

Travelers rave about the opportunity to swim alongside an array of marine life, including colorful fish, sea lions, rays, tuna, and even reef sharks.

The tour’s highlight is the chance to witness the iconic blue-footed boobies during a 10-minute boat stop.

Reviewers praise the well-organized and informative nature of the tour, which provides a rundown of the region’s unique ecosystem.

Negative Traveler Feedback

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some travelers have expressed concerns about certain aspects of the Santa Fe & Playa Escondida Snorkeling Tour.

Some noted that the size of the boat was smaller than expected, which made the journey less comfortable. Others felt that the quality of the lunch served on board could be improved, with limited options and subpar taste.

A few participants also mentioned that the guide’s interaction and communication could be enhanced, providing more information and guidance throughout the tour.

Plus, a small number of travelers suggested that the tour could be enhanced by including additional wildlife hikes or land-based activities.

Suggested Improvements

While the Santa Fe & Playa Escondida Snorkeling Tour offers a remarkable wildlife experience, a few areas could be enhanced to further improve the overall experience for participants. Improved communication from the tour operators could better set expectations and address any issues that arise. Plus, incorporating more wildlife hikes or land-based activities could diversify the tour and provide a more well-rounded experience. The quality of the lunch served could also be enhanced to ensure a satisfying midday meal. To illustrate these potential improvements, consider the following table:

Improvement Area	Suggested Action
Communication	Provide clearer pre-tour information and address issues promptly
Activities	Add more land-based wildlife exploration opportunities
Lunch	Improve quality and variety of the midday meal
Boat Size	Consider using larger vessels for more comfortable transport

Price and Inclusions

At $220.00 per person, the Santa Fe & Playa Escondida Snorkeling Tour offers an inclusive and comprehensive package.

The tour includes:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Santa Cruz Island or a designated meeting point in Puerto Ayora
• Lunch, including a vegetarian option
• Use of snorkeling equipment such as masks, fins, and towels
• All applicable taxes and fees

This pricing provides excellent value, as travelers can enjoy the vibrant marine life and stunning natural landscapes without the hassle of arranging individual components.

With a full day of activities, the tour ensures a memorable exploration of Santa Fe Island and Playa Escondida.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

You’re welcome to bring your own snorkeling equipment if you prefer. However, the tour includes use of all necessary snorkeling gear, so there’s no need to bring your own unless you have specific personal preferences.

Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Tour?

The tour operator offers an option to upgrade to a private tour, which allows customers to customize the experience and have more personalized attention. However, the private tour is subject to an additional fee.

How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?

The tour typically accommodates groups of around 10-15 people. The group size allows for personalized attention from the guide while maintaining an intimate experience. Reviews suggest the group size is appropriate for the tour activities.

Is There an Age Limit or Minimum Age Requirement?

There is no explicit age limit or minimum age requirement listed for this tour. However, guests should be comfortable swimming and snorkeling in ocean conditions. The tour may not be suitable for very young children or those with limited mobility.

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Other Dietary Meal?

The tour includes a vegetarian meal option. Guests can request special dietary requirements when booking the tour. The on-board lunch provided during the excursion can accommodate various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free preferences.

Recap

This full-day tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the stunning marine life of Santa Cruz Island. Participants can enjoy vibrant underwater ecosystems, encountering colorful fish, sea lions, and marine iguanas. With a scenic boat ride, snorkeling at premier sites, and a visit to the tranquil Playa Escondida, this adventure promises unforgettable wildlife encounters and breathtaking views. At $220, the tour’s price includes hotel pickup, lunch, and snorkeling gear, making it a must-do for nature enthusiasts.