Embarking on an Academy Bay day tour in the Galapagos lets us encounter the islands’ extraordinary wildlife up close. We watch playful sea lions and gliding reef sharks, snorkel alongside giant sea turtles Galapagos, and explore the vibrant underwater world teeming with colourful fish. Iconic Blue-footed Boobies Galapagos display their bright blue feet while resting along the rocky shores, while serene beaches and scenic walking trails reveal the islands’ unique landscapes. This tour combines boat rides, snorkelling, and immersive nature experiences, offering a truly unforgettable Academy Bay adventure.

For an ideal local base to enjoy your Galapagos adventure, consider staying at one of these hotels in traditional Galapagos surroundings.

1. Boarding the Boat for our Academy Bay Day Tour

We arrive early at the pier in Puerto Ayora for our Academy Bay day tour, eager to experience the coastal wildlife of Santa Cruz Island. Pelicans, frigate birds, and hundreds of Galapagos sharks populate the water nearby, forming a lively scene at the harbour.

Sea lions occupy the benches on the pier | Photo: Travel In Culture

On the pier, the sea lions reign. While waiting, we notice a few of them snoozing on the benches, entirely unfazed by the surrounding crowds. We keep the required minimum distance of 2 metres (6 feet), respecting the hierarchy where wildlife comes before humans. That is why these small sea lion kings rule over Puerto Ayora.

A resident on the pier keeps an eye on water taxis, tour boats, and cruise ships in the harbour.

Yellow water taxis go back and forth between the main pier, cruise boats, and the small pier opposite, located some hundred metres across the bay at the Angermeyer Point near the Finch Bay Hotel. The bay is indeed a busy place with thousands of Galapagos sharks, hectic boat traffic, organised tours, and dozens of cruise ships anchored further out for a day or two.

Yellow water taxis criss-crossing the harbour of Puerto Ayora | Photo: Travel In Culture

Boarding the boat, George, we find fifteen fellow passengers of all ages, including a tiny toddler and a two-year-old. The waves are noticeable as we leave the harbour, reminding us of the importance of taking a seasickness pill. Life jackets on board double as comfortable cushions, a practical local adaptation to the rocking motion of the boat.

Our guide, a national park ranger, is highly attentive and curious, checking in with us frequently to ensure we are enjoying the experience. He shares insights about the animals we encounter and the unique environment of Academy Bay.

2. Spotting Sea Lions, Sharks and Coastal Wildlife on the Bay Tour Galapagos

As we approach Caamaño Islet, two sea lions are spotted on the rocks, one constantly diving and leaping back into the water. Swimming marine iguanas appear nearby, adding to the dynamic coastal scene. The ranger tells us that many sea lions return to the rocks in the evening, but for now, we are enjoying the playful few basking in the morning sun.

Photo: Sebastian

It is now time to discover new sides of our fellow passengers. We cannot believe our eyes when we see the young family with toddlers taking steps to climb out of the window. They leave the inside of the boat to get onto the roof, all happening while being in the open sea. The parents climb with each of their children on the hip, asking us to pass their backpacks up to them on the roof! They arrange themselves confidently with kids and luggage up there despite the waves and despite the risk of toddlers falling overboard. Nevertheless, it seems to come naturally to them, and they end up sunbathing on the roof all morning.

Along the journey, we spot hundreds of Galapagos sharks gliding beneath the boat, and the water teems with smaller fish. This abundance of marine life, combined with the playful behaviour of sea lions and marine iguanas, shows us how alive Academy Bay is, revealing something new at every turn during the tour.

3. Snorkelling with Giant Sea Turtles in Galapagos

The boat stops at a calm snorkelling location, and we prepare for snorkelling Galapagos, eager to see the colourful reef fish and Giant Sea Turtles Galapagos. Our guide stops the boat and offers snorkel gear to everyone. Impressive sea turtles glide effortlessly below the surface, accompanied by colourful reef fish. The guide encourages one of us to jump in first, giving us the chance to have an ‘unspoilt’ experience. Swimming alongside these gentle giants at an appropriate distance is an extraordinary experience, providing a sense of connection to the Galapagos marine ecosystem.

Photo: Grebmot

It is a world of wonders revealing itself beneath the surface as we snorkel among colourful reef fish and five magnificent giant sea turtles. A giant sea turtle glides close in shallow water, raising its head slowly as it swims to the surface. Everyone in our company is watching in awe, feeling the thrill of encountering Giant Sea Turtles Galapagos so intimately. The locals are eager to share their knowledge and the moment with us, exchanging tips on observing the creatures respectfully. As one explains, sea turtles can stay for a relatively long time underwater, holding their breath, sometimes up to several hours, but eventually, they need to come up to breathe.

The snorkelling spot is teeming with life. Each movement of the turtles and fish is fascinating, from the glimmer of scales to the gentle propulsion of turtles through the turquoise water. We take our time observing this underwater world, fully immersed in the diversity and vibrancy of life around Academy Bay.

4. Seeing Blue-footed Boobies on the Bay Tour towards Playa de los Perros, Galapagos

We get remarkably close to Blue-footed Boobies Galapagos, watching them perch calmly on the rocks.

Continuing by boat, we approach rocky outcrops and are rewarded with sightings of a flock of Blue-footed Boobies Galapagos. Their striking blue feet and elegant posture make them instantly recognisable. Although Blue-footed Boobies are not endemic to the Galapagos Islands, they are among the most iconic birds of the archipelago, and the Galapagos offers some of the best opportunities in the world to observe them at close range. Observing these birds in their natural habitat is a highlight of the tour, one that we had hoped for but were not certain we would see. According to our guide, we have been lucky today, as it cannot be expected on every boat tour.

Photo: Travel In Culture

Later, we moor at Playa de los Perros, a tiny rocky beach framed by volcanic formations and arid cactus forest. Marine iguanas gather along the rocks, some moving busily, others resting in the sun. Our park ranger explains that a large number of marine iguanas nest in the soil here. Sally Lightfoot crabs of vivid red and impressive size crawl over the rocks, their presence a striking contrast to the muted tones of lava and sand. Our guide tells us that earlier people used to eat them. However, today, visitors are not allowed to touch the Sally Lightfoot crabs at all.

Giant Sally Lightfoot crabs crowding around | Photo: Travel In Culture

A small lagoon nearby hosts several slowly moving reef sharks and a giant sea turtle, offering another incredible wildlife encounter. We are again reminded to never touch or disturb the wildlife, respecting the fragile ecosystem.

5. Swimming in Las Grietas and Walking the Opuntia Cactus Landscape

Emerald green water in Las Grietas | Photo: Travel In Culture

The tour continues with a visit to Las Grietas, a canyon-like crevice with crystal-clear emerald waters. This mixture of freshwater and seawater, fed underground, creates an invigorating swimming experience. In the past, people used to jump into the water from the rim of the rocky walls, but this is now forbidden. The wooden platform above the water now allows visitors to enter safely while maintaining respect for the natural site. We cannot resist the temptation to plunge into the waters. The dip is exhilarating, giving us renewed energy for the walk back.

Landscape dominated by towering Opuntia cacti | Photo: Travel In Culture

The return journey includes a walk through the unique Opuntia cactus landscape and across the pink, salty lagoon Las Salinas. Previously, salt production from the lagoon served in the process of drying fish. The combination of cactus forests, salty lagoons, saltbushes, and mangroves reveals a rich biodiversity, with endemic birds, crustaceans, and marine life visible along the way.

Las Salinas is a pink, salty lagoon | Photo: Travel In Culture

Our Bay tour Galapagos highlights the extraordinary diversity of Santa Cruz Island, offering intimate encounters with Blue-footed Boobies Galapagos, Giant Sea Turtles Galapagos, marine iguanas, reef sharks, and playful sea lions. The seamless combination of boat exploration, snorkelling, and walking trails makes Academy Bay a must-see destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Unique Opuntia cactus landscape | Photo: Travel In Culture

Get inspiration for what else you can experience in the Galapagos Islands: Exploring Puerto Ayora in 6 Days: Santa Cruz Island Itinerary

Read next: Exploring Tortuga Bay on Santa Cruz Island and Discovering Galapagos Giant Tortoises at El Chato Ranch

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