ACADEMY BAY
The bay is a good place to observe pelicans, frigatebirds and Blue-footed Boobies fishing around Puerto Ayora. To the west of the town towards Punta Estrada is Bud´s Bay and Las Grietas. Here you may see Common Noddies, Blue-footed Boobies, herons, and migrant waders. Marine Iguanas and Sally Lightfoot Crabs are also easily seen on the rocks and during our hiking activity. They often bask on the rocks here or at the beach.
- Starts: 09h00 AM
- End: 13h00 PM aprox
In this experience you will have the opportunity to visit the most relevant and precious points that the bay of Puerto Ayora has on Santa Cruz Island. It is considered a half day tour, where the final point of visit will be the beautiful scenery of Las Grietas.
We will start the tour with a navigation through the bay in a boat authorized by the National Park prepared for all the activities we will do.
The first site of visit is the Caamaño Islet or better known as “La LoberÃa" you can see the colony of sea lions and frigates around the islet. The continuation of the river will be to Punta Estrada where we will approach the Canal del Amor, we will disembark and make a walk to appreciate the Shark Channel and reach the Playa de los Perros, and this white sand beach has an extension of 75 meters. The name of this beach is since the inhabitants of Puerto Ayora harvested a species of crab commonly called “dog" on the rocks of this beach. Here the activity of snorkeling takes place around Punta Estrada.
The vegetation that is observed belongs to the arid zone, the main species are: Chala, M muyuyo, Espino, Opuntia and M angle. In the canal you will easily find blue-footed, pelicans, frigate birds and lava gulls.
On the path to Playa de los Perros you will observe many finches and finally on the beach you can find marine iguanas, sea lions, Zayapas and hermit crabs.
In the landing area there is a channel where whitetip sharks, known locally as "Tintoreras", can be observed from the top of the channel at the beginning of the trail.
To finish the exploration, we will visit one of the most beloved and beautiful places in Santa Cruz: Las Grietas. It is an arm of sea with very clear waters where salt and fresh water is mixed that filters through natural cracks. The scenery in this site allows you to appreciate two stone walls about 20 meters high that inside keep a natural pool of crystal-clear water approximately 10 meters deep depending on the tide.
Visitors will be able to meet the Parrot and Mullet fish that are living in this environment practically without predators, for lovers of apnea, it is an ideal place to practice safely.
Time: 4 hours.
Included:
- Pick up
- English/spanish Galápagos Naturalist Guide
- Snacks
- Water, tea and coffee
- Full snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel, wetsuit and fins)
Not Included
- Alcohol Drinks
- Tips
Important Notes
The yachts have a maximum capacity of 16 passengers.
This tour is not recommended for children under 6 years old.
Snorkeling activities are moderate.
The itinerary of this tour is subject to change without notice due to climatic conditions or cancellations beyond our control.