Tortuga Island

Wild, raw, off the beaten path—Isabela’s most impressive deep water snorkeling

Tortuga Island Tour

Tortuga Island is one of the few experiences from Isabela that focuses on what happens beyond the sheltered coastline. This experience brings you face to face with hammerhead sharks, oceanic manta rays, and tons of colourful fish.

Above the surface, the island itself becomes just as compelling. Seabirds gather, nest, and move constantly through the area, making it a remarkable location not only for marine life, but also for birdwatching.

This experience is best suited if you are looking for something beyond the standard routes. For those drawn to pelagic wildlife—or simply hoping for that rare, unforgettable moment in the water—Tortuga Island often becomes exactly that.

Best time to Go:

December to June

Focus:

Pelagic Marine Life & Birds

Availability:

Saturdays from 8:00 to 14:00

Small Groups

Only 6 to 12 guests

Experience Level:

Confident swimmer/advanced snorkler

What is included:

See here

Tortuga Island Day Tour Itinerary: What to Expect

Departure & Preparation

Your day begins at 07:40 at our office, where we take the time to properly fit your snorkeling equipment and prepare you for the conditions of the day.

From there we transport you to the pier, where the boat is ready for departure. By 08:00, you leave Puerto Villamil behind and head out along the coastline before moving into more open water.

The 30-minute navigation already sets the tone for the day. Frigatebirds glide overhead, and your guide begins reading the ocean—watching for bird activity and subtle signs that indicate where marine life is moving beneath the surface.

Snorkeling with hammerheads & Marine Bird Haven

The real journey begins at Tortuga, where dramatic cliffs and open waters create a natural gathering point for some of the Galápagos’ most iconic marine birds. Nazca boobies and frigatebirds nest along the cliffs, blue-footed boobies circle overhead, and lava gulls and red-billed tropic birds move effortlessly between land and sky—setting the tone for what lies beneath the surface.

Once in the right area, you prepare for your first snorkeling session. Entry points are chosen carefully, based on current conditions and wildlife activity.

This is not sheltered reef snorkeling. The water is deeper, the environment more dynamic—and this is exactly where pelagic species are encountered.

At times, you may find yourself surrounded by large schools of fish, with rays passing through or sharks moving below. Every entry is different, shaped by what the ocean offers that day.

After a break on the boat, you head back in for a second immersion, building on the first experience and exploring another area selected by your guide.

Throughout, the crew remains highly attentive—guiding entries, supporting swimmers, and staying in the water to ensure both safety and the best possible positioning for wildlife encounters.

Fishing like a local, Fresh Ceviche & Snorkeling in Lobería Grande

After snorkeling, the pace shifts. The crew prepares fishing lines, and those who wish can take part in a short, traditional fishing session.

It’s a simple but memorable moment—connecting directly with the environment rather than just observing it. Participation is optional.

What is caught is often prepared immediately as fresh ceviche onboard. Served right there on the boat, it’s one of the most authentic parts of the day.

You then continue to Lobería Grande, where sea lions are often present and conditions allow for another relaxed immersion while the crew prepares a light lunch.

After lunch, you begin the return journey to Puerto Villamil, typically arriving between 13:00 and 14:00. The timing allows for a smooth connection with the afternoon ferry if needed. (Important: Indicate your departure to us in advance).

Why Choose the Tortuga Island Experience

This is one of the most distinctive ocean experiences in the Galapagos —focused on open water, pelagic marine life, and a more dynamic kind of snorkeling that goes beyond the beaten path.

What makes this tour special:

Snorkel in open water — a rare opportunity to encounter pelagic species in their natural environment
Focus on larger marine life — sharks, rays & large schools of fish moving through deeper water
Experience the ocean differently — guided by conditions and wildlife activity rather than a fixed route
Combine sea and birdlife — active seabird colonies add another dimension to the experience

Who this tour is perfect for:

Confident swimmers — comfortable in open water and looking for a more advanced snorkeling experience
Ocean-focused travelers — those hoping for meaningful encounters with larger marine life
Freedivers & experienced snorkelers — seeking depth, movement, and less predictable conditions
Birdwatchers — drawn to active seabird colonies in a remote setting
Families with older kids – for that special touch of adventure to add to your vacation

Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and very funny, while also being attentive to the group.. The boat crew did a fantastic job, always with a smile, and we were treated to an absolutely excellent meal. The cherry on top: we were lucky enough to see several hammerhead sharks up close.

We snorkeled with hammerhead sharks, manta rays, and so many other beautiful creatures the Galápagos has to offer! Our guide taught us so much about the area and its wildlife. The lunch was also incredible.

They knew exactky where to look for marine life. Though what really touched our hearts, was how they looked after our six-year-old. It was our son's first time snorkeling in the open ocean. The guide and crew kept him feeling safe and confident at each location.

Everything was wonderful—very well organized, with excellent service from the agency both before and after purchasing the tour. The boat crew and guide did everything to make it a fantastic experience.

Our guide was very good in explaining where the animals are and we saw dozens of manta rays as well as sea turtles and sharks.

What Makes Our Tortuga Island Experience Different

Tortuga Island itself is exceptional—but the experience depends entirely on how it is approached.

Over the years, inconsistent operationsby other companies have led to mixed impressions. Large groups, rushed schedules, and departures in poor conditions often result in a very average experience.

We operate it differently.

Interested in experiencing Tortuga Island the right way?

We’re happy to guide you to the negst available dates.

Inclusions

What can I discover?

Packing List

Sun Protection & Glases

Equator Sunshine Extravaganza: UV Rays Here Pack a Sizzling Punch, Don’t Mess with them!

Swim Wear/Rashguard

Dive in Style: Don’t Forget Your Aquatic Fashion Statements!

Camera/Go Pro

Capture your underwater adventures and take home the best souvenir possible

Change of Clothes

This is optional. Chances are that you are gonna get wet

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.

Exploratory spirit

Discover the Galapagos Islands through the eyes of Charles Darwin and let yourself be enchanted by the unique natural spectacles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How likely is it to see hammerhead sharks?

Hammerhead sharks are among the species that can be encountered on this tour, particularly during the best season from mid-December to mid-May.

As with all wildlife in the Galápagos, sightings can never be guaranteed. However, Tortuga Island is one of the few experiences from Isabela that focuses on pelagic marine life, where encounters with larger species are possible under the right conditions.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes — children are welcome and can have an incredible experience.

We recommend a minimum age of around 6 years, and children should be confident swimmers, as snorkeling takes place in open water. Snorkeling vests are provided, and the crew offers close supervision in the water when needed.

Will I make it to the afternoon ferry?

Yes. The tour typically returns between 13:00 and 14:00, allowing enough time to connect comfortably with the afternoon ferry. Please let us know in advacne, should you need to reach a ferry.

Do I need to be an experienced snorkeler?

This experience is best suited for confident swimmers who feel comfortable in open water.

While you do not need to be an expert, this is more dynamic than typical snorkeling sites, and a basic level of comfort in the water is important.

Should I book this experience in advance?

Yes. Due to the small group size and limited departures, availability is often restricted—especially during the best season from mid-December to mid-May.

Planning ahead makes it significantly easier to secure a spot or coordinate a suitable departure. Last-minute availability is limited and often not guaranteed.

What are the ocean conditions like?

Conditions vary depending on the day and season. The tour is operated with close attention to ocean conditions to ensure both safety and the best possible experience.

The best time for calmer seas and clearer water is typically from mid-December to mid-May.

Is the fishing activity mandatory?

No, participation in the fishing session is completely optional.

Guests are welcome to simply relax and enjoy the surroundings while others take part.

What if I am prone to seasickness?

As this tour takes place in open water, we recommend taking precautions if you are sensitive to motion.

The larger boat used for this experience provides a more stable ride, but seasickness medication is still advised if needed.

Is this tour worth it compared to other snorkeling tours?

It depends on what you are looking for.

Most snorkeling tours in the Galápagos take place in sheltered areas, with calmer water and more predictable conditions. Tortuga Island is different—it focuses on open water and pelagic marine life, where encounters are less consistent, but often more dynamic.

For travelers who prefer calm, structured snorkeling, other sites may be a better fit.

For those who are comfortable in the ocean and are hoping for encounters with larger, more mobile species, Tortuga Island is great.

What happens if conditions are not ideal?

As this experience takes place in open water, conditions are always taken into account.

If the ocean is not suitable, departures may be adjusted to ensure safety and maintain the quality of the experience.

Reservation

Tortuga Island is a more specialized experience and is operated with small groups (minimum 6 guests). Instead of fixed daily departures, we organize each trip individually to ensure the right group and conditions.

By signing up for this experience, you secure priority for upcoming departures on your preferred dates. Our team coordinates the planning and confirms the trip as soon as the group is formed.

Availability is sparse, we recommend securing your spots in advance.

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.