Galapagos Pinzón Island: Snorkeling, Fishing & La Fé Bay Lunch

Summary

Snorkel clear Galapagos waters spot marine iguanas blue-footed boobies

You’ll snorkel at Pinzón Island alongside sea turtles and playful sea lions, then try your luck fishing for yellowfin tuna before enjoying freshly made ceviche or hot lunch on board. Walk with your guide among marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies at La Fé Bay — moments that linger long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

We were already slipping into wetsuits before I’d fully woken up — the boat bobbing off Santa Cruz, sun not too fierce yet. Our guide, Diego, handed out Cressi masks and joked about my clumsy flippers (he wasn’t wrong). The ride out to Pinzón Island was a bit choppy but you could smell salt and engine oil and something like fresh fish from the cooler. I kept looking back at the shoreline getting smaller behind us — it felt like we were really leaving everything behind for a while.

First jump into the water: shock of cold along my back, then that hush you only get underwater. Schools of silver fish flickered past, and Diego pointed out a sea turtle gliding below — just this ancient calm thing moving through blue light. At one point I swear a sea lion zipped by so close I could’ve reached out (didn’t try). There’s this moment when you look up and see everyone’s heads bobbing above and think, “Is this real?”

Later we drifted toward La Fé Bay. Some folks fished off the side — someone actually caught a yellowfin tuna (the guide cheered louder than any of us). While lunch was being prepped (hot rice, fish, ceviche with lime), Diego led us along the shore to see these giant marine iguanas piled on black rocks. Blue-footed boobies stood around looking unimpressed by us. I tried to say “sally lightfoot crab” in Spanish; Diego laughed so hard he nearly dropped his binoculars.

I still taste that ceviche sometimes — sharp lime, sweet onion, fish just pulled from the ocean. On the way back I sat on deck with wet hair drying in the wind and watched pelicans dive for their own lunch. It all felt both loud and quiet at once. Not sure how else to put it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling, fishing, and wildlife tour

• Equip snorkel gear and wetsuits
• Snorkel in natural swimming pool
• Snorkel in deeper blue water
• Observe marine wildlife underwater
• Snorkel or walk at La Fé
• Explore mangroves and cacti
• Observe marine iguanas and birds
• Fish from the boat
• Enjoy freshly prepared lunch on board

Top questions

Is snorkeling equipment included on this Pinzón Island tour?

Yes, high-quality snorkel gear and wetsuits are provided for all participants.

What wildlife can I see during the day trip to Pinzón Island?

You may spot sharks, sea turtles, rays, sea lions, marine iguanas, sally lightfoot crabs, Darwin finches, pelicans, lava herons, and blue-footed boobies.

Is lunch included during the Pinzón Island snorkeling tour?

Yes, freshly prepared hot lunch or ceviche is served on board; vegetarian/vegan options are available if requested.

Are there any walks or hikes included in this tour?

Sometimes there's a short guided walk (45-60 minutes) at La Fé Bay to see mangroves and local wildlife if conditions allow.

Can children join this snorkeling day trip?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed on board.

How long do we spend snorkeling during this day trip?

You’ll have either two snorkeling sessions or one extended session in both shallow natural pools and deeper waters.

Is fishing part of the experience on this Galapagos tour?

Yes, there’s an opportunity to fish from the boat—yellowfin tuna is commonly caught.

Does the price include all fees and taxes?

Yes, all fees and taxes are included in your booking price.

What’s included

Your day includes use of quality snorkel equipment and wetsuits (short or long), water taxis before and after the tour, all entry fees and taxes covered up front, plus unlimited soft drinks throughout. Freshly cooked lunch—fish or chicken—or ceviche is served onboard with vegetarian or vegan choices available if you ask ahead.