Instagram Facebook Whatsapp

Pinzón Snorkeling Tour

Experience the Wild Side of the Galápagos Beneath the Surface

Book now - $240
  • Swim with Sea Turtles
  • Colorful Reef Fish
  • Frequent Dolphin Sightings

Pinzón Snorkeling Tour

The Pinzón Snorkeling Tour is one of the most marine-focused day trips starting from Santa Cruz, offering the opportunity to explore two snorkeling sites in a single day. From the calm waters of La Fe, where sea turtles, sea lions, and juvenile reef sharks are frequently encountered, to the wildlife-rich bay of Pinzón Island, the experience is designed for travelers who want to spend more time in the water and less time on hiking trails.

Snorkel among reef sharks, rays, tropical fish, turtles, and even the resident octopus while exploring one of the least-visited marine environments in the central islands. Combined with scenic navigation, abundant birdlife, and frequent dolphin sightings on the return journey, Pinzón offers a rewarding alternative to the more traditional wildlife tours of the Galápagos.

Check for Availability

Best time to Go:

November until June

Focus:

Hidden Bays & Marine Wildlife

Availability:

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Sunday

Duration:

7 Hours

Small Groups

Only 12 guests

Experience Level:

Beginner-friendly snorkeling & Longer Navigation

What is included:

See here

Pinzón Snorkeling Tour Itinerary: What to Expect

Snorkel with Sea Turtles in the Calm Waters of La Fe

Your day begins with a scenic navigation along the southern coastline of Santa Cruz Island toward the peaceful bay of La Fe. Sheltered from the open ocean, this area offers calm conditions and excellent visibility, making it the perfect place for the first snorkeling session of the day.

The waters here are home to several large green sea turtles that seem to have chosen this bay as their permanent residence. As you drift through the shallow waters, you may also encounter playful sea lions, schools of tropical fish, and juvenile black-tip reef sharks cruising through the mangroves and rocky coastline.

If sea and weather conditions permit, there is also a short walk on the small islet where marine iguanas bask on volcanic rocks while blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds patrol the skies above.

Back on board, fresh tropical fruits, coffee, tea, and a selection of snacks are served as the yacht continues toward the next destination.

Fishing at Roca Sin Nombre

On the way to Pinzón Island, the yacht makes a stop at a small rocky outcrop known as Roca Sin Nombre, literally translating to “Nameless Rock,” an amusing name for one of the most productive fishing spots in the area.

Here you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a fishing session using traditional trolling techniques while surrounded by the dramatic volcanic scenery of the Galápagos Marine Reserve. Depending on the season and conditions, catches may include tuna, bonito, wahoo, or other pelagic species.

Whenever possible, the crew incorporates part of the fresh catch into lunch, ensuring that nothing goes to waste and adding an authentic Galápagos touch to the day’s experience.

Whether you’re an experienced angler or trying fishing for the first time, the stop offers a fun and interactive way to experience another side of island life.

Snorkeling at Bahía Pingüino at Pinzón

The highlight of the day awaits at Bahía Pingüino, a sheltered bay on the northern coast of Pinzón Island.

Unlike many visitor sites in the Galápagos, Pinzón remains uninhabited and inaccessible to most land visitors, allowing its marine ecosystems to thrive largely undisturbed. The result is one of the most rewarding snorkeling sites in the central islands.

As soon as you enter the water, you’ll understand why. The bay is often full of colorful reef fish, rays, lobsters, and both white-tip and black-tip reef sharks resting among the volcanic rocks. Sea lions are frequent visitors, together with turtles. One of the most memorable residents of the bay is a curious octopus that is frequently encountered by snorkelers.

During the cooler months of the year, Bahía Pingüino occasionally lives up to its name, with sightings of Galápagos penguins that visit the area in search of food.

Why Choose the Pinzón Island Tour

This marine-focused day trip in the Galápagos combines two snorkeling sites, abundant marine wildlife, and scenic navigation through the central islands into a single rewarding experience.

What makes this tour special:

  • Excellent chances to encounter sea turtles, reef sharks, rays, sea lions, and octopus
  • One of the most rewarding snorkeling destinations in the central Galápagos
  • Possibility of spotting Galápagos penguins during the cooler months
  • Frequent dolphin sightings on the return navigation
  • A fishing experience that gives you insight into the local life that is highly dependent on a thriving marine ecosystem

Who this tour is perfect for:

  • Snorkeling enthusiasts
  • Marine wildlife lovers
  • Travelers looking for an active day on the water
  • Visitors wanting to explore a less-visited corner of the Galápagos
  • Guests looking for an ocean-to-table fishing experience
  • Anyone hoping to maximize marine wildlife encounters in a single day

Experience Pinzón Aboard a Spacious Catamaran

Unlike many standard day tours operated with smaller speedboats, this excursion takes place aboard a comfortable catamaran designed to make the navigation itself part of the experience.

The wider structure of the vessel provides noticeably smoother navigation throughout the day — an important difference on longer crossings in the Galápagos. Guests can move around freely and enjoy multiple indoor and outdoor spaces designed for comfort and relaxation.

Smoother Navigation

The catamaran’s design offers greater stability at sea, creating a smoother and more relaxed journey compared to many traditional speedboats.

Spacious Indoor Lounge

Inside, guests can enjoy a bright and comfortable seating area with tables, ideal for relaxing, escaping the sun or enjoying freshly prepared meals onboard.

Freshly Prepared Food Onboard

The vessel features its own kitchen and onboard chef, allowing meals and snacks to be freshly prepared throughout the excursion.

Panoramic Outdoor Areas

From the upper deck beside the captain to the relaxing seating areas at the bow, the catamaran offers multiple spaces to enjoy panoramic ocean views and wildlife sightings.

Interested in experiencing Pinzón Island comfortably?

Reserve your spot aboard the premium catamaran.

Reserve your Spots
Not sure yet?

Inclusions

  • Experienced Naturalist Guide
  • Maritime Transportation
  • Delicious Lunch (vegetarian options)
  • Tea, Coffe & Water
  • Towels
  • Snack & Fruit Platter
  • Snorkeling Equipment
  • Short Wetsuit
  • Gratitudes for Crew & Guide
  • Additional Services
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Long Wetsuit

What can I discover?

Packing List

Sun Protection & Glasses

Bring a wide-brimmed hat (recommendable with a string), sunglasses and reef-safe sun screen.

Swim Wear/Rashguard

We highly recommend a Rashguard against the high radiation.

Camera/Go Pro

Capture your adventures and take home the best souvenir possible.

Rain Jacket (Optional)

A rain jacket during the rainy season and for early morning Garúa is recommended.

Motion Sickness Medicine

If you know that you struggle with choppy seas, we recommend taking some non-drowsy motion sickness medicin about 30 minutes before the trip. Just in case.

Refillable Water Bottle

We Provide Water to Refill. Staying hydrated under the Galápagos sun is essential.

Reservation​

Galapagos Islands

Other Tours You Might Like

Discover the more of the Galapagos Islands with Agora Tour Isabela. Create unforgettable memories with our day tours, cruises, ferry tickets or bike/snorkel rentals on Isabela, Santa Cruz and San Christobal.

Los Tuneles

A captivating destination of lava formations, crystal-clear pools, and breathtaking marine life.

Las Tintoreras

Discover this Iguana nesting site and snorkel with Sea Turtles, Sharks and Penguins

Española Island

Experience the most colorful Marina Iguanas, observe waved Albatros nesting and find the largest lava lizards of the Archipelago.