• Flexible Cancellation
Underwater Wonders:
Pinzón Island Snorkeling Tour
A full-day snorkeling tour from Puerto Ayora to Pinzón, an uninhabited island with some of the clearest water in the central archipelago. Whitetip reef sharks, sea turtles, golden rays and sea lions, with almost the whole day spent in or on the water.
What to Expect on the Pinzón Snorkeling Tour
Pinzón is an 18 km² island in the middle of the archipelago with no human population and no landing sites open to visitors, which is exactly why the water around it is in the condition it is. You snorkel from the boat. The main site, Penguin Bay, has the visibility and the volume of life that makes people rank Pinzón above the more famous names: whitetip reef sharks resting under ledges, sea turtles feeding in the shallows, golden rays crossing the sand, and sea lions that will follow you for the whole session. The afternoon stop at La Fe, back on the Santa Cruz coast, adds marine iguanas and nesting boobies.
This is the snorkeling specialist among the Santa Cruz day tours: one long session at the best site rather than a circuit of many. The 180° Santa Cruz tour also stops at Pinzón, but as one item in a route that includes a beach landing and Daphne Major, so you spend less time in the water. For landscapes take the Bartolomé day tour, and for birds the North Seymour day tour.
Pinzón Tour Itinerary, Hour by Hour
07:30 AM — Hotel Pickup in Puerto Ayora
Your guide collects you from your hotel and takes you to the Angermeyer pier. We board and depart at around 08:00 for a two-hour navigation to Pinzón.
10:00 AM — Snorkeling at Penguin Bay
The core of the day. Into the water for the long session: sea turtles, tintorera reef sharks, golden rays and sea lions, in some of the highest-visibility water in the central islands.
01:00 PM — Lunch on Board & La Fe
Fresh lunch on the boat, then a stop at La Fe on the Santa Cruz coast. Sea conditions permitting, a short walk to see marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies nesting near the shoreline.
03:30 PM — Experiential Fishing & Return
On the way back to Puerto Ayora the captain may set up lines for traditional pesca vivencial, before dropping you at your accommodation.
What’s Included
- ✓ Licensed Galápagos Guide (Eng/Esp)
- ✓ Full Snorkeling Gear
- ✓ Long-sleeve Wetsuits
- ✓ Lunch and Snacks
- ✓ Hotel Pickup and Drop-off
Not Included
- ✕ Alcoholic and Soft Drinks
- ✕ Tips & Gratuities
- ✕ Personal Souvenirs
What to Bring on the Pinzón Tour
Almost the entire day is spent in or on the water, and there are no facilities on Pinzón:
- Swimwear – Wear it under your clothes; changing space on board is minimal.
- Sun Protection – Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses.
- Waterproof Camera – Visibility here is the best of any Santa Cruz day tour.
- Light Towel – For between sessions.
- Dry Clothes – A change for the two-hour ride back.
Pinzón Snorkeling Tour: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really see penguins in Penguin Bay?
How is this different from the 180° Santa Cruz tour, which also visits Pinzón?
Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Will I see sharks?
How cold is the water?
How many people are on the boat?
Cancellation Policy for the Pinzón Tour
• Full Refund: Guaranteed for cancellations made at least 15 days before the departure date.
• Last Minute: Cancellations within 14 days or “No Shows” are subject to a 100% penalty.
• Safety First: If the port is closed due to weather, we offer a full refund or date change.