Day Tour to Floreana Island with Snorkeling and Fishing

If you’re headed to the Galápagos, a day trip to Floreana Island offers a glimpse into some of the most remote, wildlife-rich corners of this archipelago. For just $259 per person, you’ll spend around 7 to 9 hours on a spacious yacht, exploring two key spots—Enderby Islet and Cormorant Point—with opportunities for wildlife encounters, snorkeling, and even fishing. Guided by a naturalist, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the islands’ unique ecosystems, all while enjoying a comfortable, crowd-free environment.

What we love about this tour is the small-group setting—a maximum of 12 travelers—making it feel more like a shared adventure than a tourist herd. Plus, the expert guides are highly praised for their knowledge and friendliness, ensuring we felt both informed and comfortably engaged. The inclusive lunch—featuring Ecuadorian ceviche and fresh seafood—adds a delightful local flavor. On the flip side, weather can impact snorkeling quality, which some travelers mention, so flexibility is key. This tour suits those who appreciate nature, wildlife, and a bit of adventure, especially if you’re keen on exploring beyond the more popular spots with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures personalized attention and a crowd-free experience
• Wildlife-rich stops at Enderby Islet and Cormorant Point offer close encounters with sea lions, flamingos, and seabirds
• Snorkeling and fishing activities provide active ways to connect with marine life
• Expert naturalist guides boost your understanding of the islands’ unique ecosystems
• All-inclusive with lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and wetsuits
• Limitations include the potential for weather-dependent experiences, especially snorkeling

A Deep Dive into the Floreana Island Day Tour

The Logistics and Setting

Starting bright and early at 7:00 am from Puerto Ayora, you’ll board a comfortable yacht with a maximum of 12 travelers. The small size of the boat is a real plus—ample space to relax, move around, and avoid feeling cramped—a common complaint on larger tours. The tour includes water taxis before and after the trip, helping streamline the transfer process from your accommodations to the boat.

The journey lasts about 7 to 9 hours, a good length for a full day of discovery without feeling rushed. The price of $259 might seem steep at first glance, but when you factor in all fees, taxes, meals, snorkeling gear, wetsuits, and guided expertise, it’s a fair deal for the quality and intimacy of the experience.

Exploring Enderby Islet: Wildlife & Snorkeling

The first stop is Enderby Islet, just off Floreana, where you’ll enjoy a boat ride around the island’s stunning waters. We loved the way the boat allows you to see sea lions basking on rocks and various bird species soaring overhead, including frigate birds, Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, and flamingos—we even spotted sea turtles and rays while snorkeling.

Guides, like Yazmany, are praised for their extensive knowledge and friendly approach. As one reviewer put it, Yazmany was “beyond exceptional,” blending education with enthusiasm. Expect to snorkel in waters teeming with tropical fish, sometimes sharks, and sea lions swimming nearby. The experience is weather-dependent, and some travelers find the snorkeling underwhelming if conditions aren’t ideal, but the chance to see sea turtles and sharks makes it worthwhile.

Fishting Opportunity

For those interested, fishing is offered—most frequently, anglers catch yellow-fin tuna here. Even if you don’t land a fish, the opportunity to try your hand at fishing adds a fun, hands-on element to the day. Some guests, especially those who enjoy active pursuits, find this a memorable part of the trip.

Cormorant Point and the Flamingo Lagoon

The second highlight is Cormorant Point, where you’ll disembark for a short walk to the famed Green Beach. The sand here, rich with olivine crystals, feels both unusual and beautiful, and it’s a fantastic spot for photos. From there, your guide will lead you up a trail to a viewpoint overlooking a large lagoon inhabited by flamingos. The scenery here is striking: two volcanic tuff cones serve as a dramatic backdrop, framing the lush wildlife habitat below.

This area offers excellent wildlife viewing—sea lions lounging on the shore, pelicans, sea turtles, and crabs scuttling across the rocks. Several reviewers mention “seeing lots of sharks and sea lions,” which highlights how active and lively these waters can be. The diversity of flora and fauna makes this stop a real highlight, especially for nature lovers.

The Scenic Ride Past Devil’s Crown

As the boat cruises between stops, you’ll pass Devil’s Crown, a submerged volcanic crater that looks like a crown rising from the water. While there’s no stop here, the sight of this natural wonder is impressive and adds to the sense of adventure.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Expert Guides and Personal Attention

Multiple reviews praise the guides, especially Rodrigo and Yazmany, for their knowledgeability, friendliness, and willingness to share insights about the islands’ ecosystems. Their enthusiasm makes each stop educational and engaging, enhancing the overall experience.

Rich Wildlife Encounters

From sea lions and flamingos to seabirds and marine life, you’ll get plenty of chances to see the diverse species that make the Galápagos unique. The snorkeling activity is particularly valued for how active and wildlife-filled it is—a major draw for adventurous travelers.

Quality Food and Comfort

The lunch—featuring Ecuadorian ceviche or a hot meal—is consistently praised for being fresh and flavorful. The inclusion of soft drinks, water, coffee, and tea makes the day more enjoyable. The wetsuits and snorkeling gear, provided free of charge, are a thoughtful touch, especially for those sensitive to cold water.

Possible Drawbacks to Keep in Mind

While the experience is highly praised, some reviewers note that snorkeling can be weather-dependent, which is understandable given the ocean conditions. If the seas are choppy or overcast, snorkeling may be less spectacular, possibly disappointing those expecting vibrant underwater scenes. Plus, this tour is primarily focused on wildlife viewing and active pursuits; if you’re after a more relaxed day, this might not be the best fit.

The non-refundable policy may also be a concern if your plans change unexpectedly, so be sure to confirm your availability before booking.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for adventurous travelers who love wildlife, marine activities, and learning about ecosystems from passionate guides. It’s perfect if you’re comfortable with small-group boat excursions and want a balanced mix of exploration, snorkeling, and fishing. Given the reviews praising the guides and food, it also suits those who appreciate professional service and local flavors.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed, less active day, or if weather conditions aren’t ideal, you might want to consider other options or be prepared for the possibility of a less vibrant snorkeling experience.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For those eager to see Floreana’s wild side, this tour offers a comprehensive, well-organized way to experience the island’s remote beauty and lively marine life. The small-group setting ensures personalized attention, and the expert guides elevate the experience through storytelling and local knowledge. The delicious food and inclusive gear make it a great value—especially considering the logistical convenience of all-included costs.

While weather can be unpredictable, the chance to spot sea lions, flamingos, and sharks and snorkel among schools of tropical fish makes this a memorable adventure. It’s particularly suited for nature lovers, active explorers, and anyone who wants to venture off the beaten path in the Galápagos.

FAQ

How long is the tour? The tour lasts approximately 7 to 9 hours, allowing plenty of time to explore, snorkel, and enjoy the scenery.

What is included in the price? All fees, taxes, lunch, snacks, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, and water taxis are included.

Can beginners participate in snorkeling? Yes, but some reviews suggest that snorkeling is more suitable for intermediate or advanced swimmers due to waves and currents. Guides are attentive and helpful.

Is fishing part of the tour? Yes, fishing is available, and the most common catch is yellow-fin tuna. Even if you don’t fish, trying is part of the fun.

What wildlife will I see? Expect to see sea lions, flamingos, frigate birds, boobies, pelicans, sea turtles, and possibly sharks.

What should I bring? Bring comfortable clothes, sun protection, a waterproof camera, and a sense of adventure. Wetsuits, gear, and food are provided.

Is the tour suitable for families? Most travelers find it family-friendly, especially those comfortable with active outdoor activities and small boat rides.

What happens if the weather is bad? Snorkeling and outdoor activities are weather-dependent. If conditions are poor, some parts of the tour may be less impressive, but guides do their best to adapt.

Can I cancel if my plans change? No, this tour is non-refundable, so plan accordingly.

Where does the tour start and end? It begins at Calle Enrique Fuentes 106 in Puerto Ayora and ends at the Malecon in Puerto Ayora after the boat ride.

This Floreana Island day tour offers a real taste of the Galápagos—wildlife, scenery, and active fun wrapped into a single memorable day with excellent guides and a focus on nature. Perfect for travelers eager to see the islands’ best without feeling rushed, it’s a solid pick for anyone looking for immersive adventures with a touch of comfort.