Santa Cruz Island Bay Tour: An Honest Review
Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos is that hub, too it’s often the first place folks visit when they arrive. Now, that ‘Half Day Tour of the Bay’ might sound like a little thing, just a snippet, but I’m here to say, it can be a real highlight of your Galapagos adventure, especially if you’re short on time or maybe just looking for a more relaxed experience. We took the tour last spring, so I’m giving you all the details—the stuff that shines and, well, a few bits you might want to keep in mind.
What’s Included in the Bay Tour?
Usually, the ‘Half Day Tour of the Bay’ tour packages from tour operators on Santa Cruz are pretty similar. That is that typically, you’ll find they cover transportation from Puerto Ayora, boat rides around the bay, stops at some very awesome spots for wildlife observation, so also maybe some snorkeling, if you’re up for it, then lunch may also be provided too, it sort of depends on the tour you choose. They’re frequently flexible with that kind of thing though, basically! That part that really sets them apart? The specific locations you’ll visit, which can seriously change the whole feel of your half-day. Also, they’re sometimes different with that price stuff too, to be honest.
A Close Look at Wildlife Encounters
Right away, the wildlife is quite often a main draw and for very, very good reason! In spots like Punta Estrada, so, or around Pelican Bay, expect, then, to see marine iguanas chilling on the rocks, and the crazy blue-footed boobies might put on a show, maybe, too. You’ll probably find sea lions that are basically just loafing everywhere. When we swung by, so, very, very close to those mangroves, we actually saw a bunch of tiny sharks gliding through the water and tons of super cool sea turtles poked their heads out for air, too. Honestly, these tours get you quite close, I mean face-to-face almost, with so much wildlife, so you’ll want that camera charged up, in fact!
Snorkeling in the Galapagos: What to Expect
Alright, if the tour says there’s snorkeling, get excited because swimming around in the Galapagos is an awesome deal! At a spot like La Loberia, a sea lion hangout not far from town, anyway, so you can jump right into water. I’ll mention, the water could be cold-ish, depending on when you’re there, seriously, in some respects! Yet, very once you’re past the initial chill, it’s worth it to watch those playful sea lions zipping around underwater and seeing the turtles gracefully swimming past. The visibility can depend, to be honest, based on the tides and the weather that week, and stuff. Some spots may have currents, basically too, it’s always good to listen to the guide’s directions and keep safe around there!
Lunch and Relaxation Time
Many bay tours add in some quiet time on a small beach. On tours where it’s offered, the food is actually prepared at a local spot and brought onto the boat, then, it’s ready right after that snorkel trip, almost. Basically, just chilling on the deck in that afternoon sun after swimming and chowin’ down with those Galapagos Islands breezes? Very very cool! Sometimes they take you to Playa de los Perros for some hang out time. Keep in mind that in some instances you are not able to swim there. It really kind of depends. It is pretty great for pictures though, especially the lava rock against the aqua blue ocean! And also maybe see some more iguanas around there, actually, anyway.
What to Bring Along
To totally get the most from the trip, plan a little, as a matter of fact. Sunscreen, without a doubt; it’s quite sunny on the water even when it’s cloudy, to be honest! Put on a swimsuit under quick-dry clothing because you’re getting in that water. Hats and sunglasses for the bright days are almost definitely needed. Plus, it would probably be good if you carry a reusable water bottle. A camera is definitely required, anyway! If you’ve got your own snorkeling gear, you should bring it, yet, almost all tours have sets you can use, too.
Choosing the right tour operator
Okay, the trick here is figuring out just who to tour with, as I was saying. Read those reviews from people online, seriously, right, those always seem useful, anyway. Also, you need to know what they include, seriously too! Like, make absolutely certain that the important things, maybe snorkeling or a particular site, are 100% a part of the gig, too it’s all about figuring it all out. Do those boats have any shade? I guess, what’s the plan if rain starts falling out there? Does anybody speak other languages beyond only Spanish or English there?