• Flexible Departures
The Sea Lion Sanctuary:
Lobos Island Half-Day Tour
A four-hour half-day tour from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, thirty minutes from port. Blue-footed boobies nesting beside the trail, and a sheltered channel where sea lion pups swim circles around you. The gentlest snorkeling on San Cristóbal.
What to Expect on the Lobos Island Tour
Lobos Island is a small islet separated from the coast of San Cristóbal by a narrow, sheltered channel, and it is named for the sea lions — lobos marinos — that own it. You hear the colony before you see it. The walk crosses volcanic rock past blue-footed boobies nesting a couple of metres from the path, frigatebirds overhead and lava lizards on every warm surface. Then you get in the channel: shallow, protected, and full of young sea lions that swim right up to snorkelers out of pure curiosity. Sea turtles graze the bottom and diamond stingrays sit in the sand.
This is the easiest and shortest of the San Cristóbal tours, and the one we recommend if you have children, limited time, or are snorkeling for the first time. If you are a confident swimmer and want the deep-water encounter with hammerheads, book the Kicker Rock tour instead. For a full day around the whole island, take the 360° San Cristóbal tour, and for the albatross colony, the Española Island day tour.
Lobos Island Tour Itinerary
Check-in & Crossing to Lobos
Meet our crew at the Puerto Baquerizo Moreno pier. A 30-minute run across the bay brings you to the quiet side of Lobos Island.
Wildlife Trail & Booby Colony
Dry landing onto the rocks, then a guided walk over the lava paths past nesting blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds and basking lava lizards.
Snorkeling with Sea Lions
Into the channel. This is the best place on San Cristóbal to be in the water with sea lions, and the calm shallow bottom means you can also watch sea turtles and diamond stingrays without diving.
Ochoa Bay & Return
We continue to the white sand of Ochoa Bay for a short beach stop, then serve lunch on board during the return to port.
What’s Included
- ✓ English/Spanish Licensed Guide
- ✓ Full Snorkeling Gear
- ✓ Neoprene Shorty Wetsuit
- ✓ Fresh Onboard Lunch & Snacks
- ✓ Round-trip Boat Transport
Not Included
- ✕ Bottled Soft Drinks
- ✕ Personal Gratuities
- ✕ INGALA Transit Card
What to Bring on the Lobos Island Tour
Half the tour is on sharp lava and half is in the water:
- Hiking Footwear – Sturdy sandals or sneakers; the lava trail is sharp underfoot.
- Sun Protection – Reef-safe high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
- Swimwear – Wear it under your clothes for a quick change.
- Action Camera – The sea lions come close enough that a GoPro is worth carrying.
- Towel – A light, quick-dry towel for the ride back.
- Reusable Water Bottle – There is no shade on the island walk.
Lobos Island Tour: Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a good tour for children and first-time snorkelers?
What is the difference between Lobos Island and the Kicker Rock tour?
How long is the boat ride from San Cristóbal?
Can I see blue-footed boobies year-round?
Is a wet landing involved?
What is the difference between a Standard and Superior boat?
Cancellation Policy for the Lobos Island Tour
• Full Refund: Guaranteed for cancellations made at least 15 days before departure.
• No Refund: Cancellations within 14 days or “No Shows” incur a 100% penalty.
• Weather Protection: Full refund or date change offered if port authorities close the bay due to rough swells.