Pinzón Island snorkeling and fishing tour: Sharks, turtles, tuna

Snorkel a natural pool that opens into deep blue water, then cast a line for tuna.

A full-day snorkeling and fishing activity in the Galápagos that takes you to Pinzón Island and La Fé Bay, where you'll move from shallow, calm water into deeper zones rich with sharks, sea turtles, rays, sea lions, marine iguanas and other species. The boat carries wetsuits, snorkel equipment and a naturalist guide; lunch and water taxis are included. Seven hours total, with English or Spanish-speaking guide; children from age 2 are welcome.

The Experience

If you land in the Galápagos with a free afternoon or a morning to spare, this tour fills a full day without the logistics of arranging your own boat and gear. You start with water taxis to the dock, then board a well-maintained boat where the guide explains what you'll encounter. The snorkeling happens in two parts: first in a natural swimming pool with very calm, shallow water where you can move at your own pace, then into deeper blue water where the species density picks up—sharks, sea turtles, rays, sea lions, marine iguanas and more. The wetsuits (Cressi, Scubapro or O'Neill) and snorkel equipment come from the operator, so you don't pack or rent separately.

After the second snorkel site at La Fé, the day splits depending on conditions: you either do a third snorkel session, or the guide leads a 45- to 60-minute walk through mangrove forest and along the rocks where you'll spot marine iguanas, sally lightfoot crabs, sea lions, Darwin finches, mockingbirds, pelicans, lava herons and the famous blue-footed boobies. Between water time, you'll fish from the boat—yellowfin tuna is the most common catch. Freshly prepared lunch (hot fish or chicken, often ceviche, with vegetarian and vegan options available) is served on board, along with sodas and water.

The boat is comfortable and the guide is a naturalist who speaks English or Spanish. Bring a moderate level of fitness—the day involves getting in and out of the water multiple times and moving around the boat. The tour runs seven hours total, and water taxis before and after are included in the price.

What’s included

• High-quality snorkel equipment and wetsuits (Cressi, Scubapro or O'Neill brands).
• freshly prepared hot lunch with fish or chicken, often ceviche, plus vegetarian and vegan options on request.
• sodas and water.
• water taxis to and from the dock.
• naturalist guide in English or Spanish.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Guiding Galapagos Expeditions

Is this one for you?Spend a full day snorkeling and fishing without the logistics—we provide the boat, gear, wetsuits, and naturalist guide who navigates the route and explains the wildlife you encounter.

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Top questions

What's the water like when you snorkel at Pinzón Island?

Pinzón Island has a natural swimming pool with very calm, shallow water where you start, then transitions into deeper blue water with abundant marine life. You'll typically snorkel in both zones during the same outing, moving from the protected shallows into the richer deeper areas.

Will I see sharks and sea turtles on this tour?

Yes. Sharks, sea turtles, rays, sea lions, marine iguanas and a wide variety of other species are common at the snorkel sites. The deeper blue water section is where you'll encounter the most abundant variety.

What happens if I don't want to snorkel the whole time?

After the second snorkel site at La Fé, you have the option to do a guided walk instead of a third snorkel session. The walk lasts 45 to 60 minutes and takes you through mangroves and along the rocks where you can observe marine iguanas, sea lions, boobies, herons and other wildlife on land.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?

No. High-quality snorkel equipment and wetsuits (short or long, your choice) are provided by the operator. Brands include Cressi, Scubapro and O'Neill.

Is fishing a big part of the day, or just a quick activity?

Fishing is a secondary activity you do from the boat between snorkel sessions. Yellowfin tuna is the most common catch. It's included in the tour but snorkeling is the main focus.

Can young children do this tour?

Children are welcome from age 2. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller on the boat. The tour involves getting in and out of the water, so children should be comfortable in water or supervised closely.