Day tour to Pinzón Island and La Fé/Palmitas Bay with snorkeling and fishing

A day spent exploring Pinzón Island and La Fé or Palmitas Bay in the Galapagos offers an unbeatable combination of spectacular wildlife encounters, crystal-clear waters, and authentic discovery. Priced at just over $200 per person for roughly seven hours, this small-group tour is designed to maximize your time among some of the most iconic species in the archipelago. Led by knowledgeable guides—like Cesar, Jimmy, or Omar—you’re in good hands, venturing into calm snorkeling spots and scenic mangrove-lined shores, with plenty of chances to interact with sea lions, marine iguanas, sharks, and seabirds.

Two things we particularly admire about this experience are the quality of the snorkeling—which covers both shallow, tranquil pools and deeper waters teeming with life—and the personalized attention that small groups provide, with a maximum of 10 travelers. It feels intimate, allowing guides to tailor the experience and point out wildlife you might otherwise miss. One consideration: it is a full-day outing with boat travel, so some travelers might find the boat ride a bit long or potentially bumpy, especially if prone to seasickness.

This tour suits adventurous travelers who want to see a wide variety of Galapagos species up close, especially those who appreciate snorkeling, wildlife observation, and natural exploration. If you’re eager to learn about the islands’ marine ecosystems from passionate guides and enjoy a mix of underwater discovery and land exploration, this tour is a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Wildlife encounters: Get face-to-face with sharks, sea turtles, rays, marine iguanas, sea lions, and seabirds.
• Snorkeling: Experience two of the best snorkeling spots in Galapagos, with calm shallow waters and vibrant blue depths.
• Personalized guides: Small groups mean more attention, better wildlife spotting, and tailored experiences.
• Culinary treats: Freshly prepared lunch and ceviche onboard add a delicious touch to the day.
• Wildlife walks: Disembark at La Fé or Palmitas Bay for scenic walks through mangroves and cactus landscapes.
• Fishing option: Try your hand at catching yellowfin tuna, with fresh sashimi served after the catch.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

This tour is a carefully curated adventure that balances marine excitement, land exploration, and culinary delights. Starting at 8:00 am from Puerto Ayora, the journey begins with a boat ride that takes you to Pinzón Island, known for its astonishing diversity of wildlife and pristine snorkeling spots. The boat itself is described as comfortable, with attentive crew members who facilitate water taxis before and after the trip, making logistics smoother.

Snorkeling at Pinzón Island

The core of this experience is the snorkeling, which is often described as unforgettable. You’ll be in the water for at least two snorkeling sessions, sometimes one extended one, depending on conditions. Reviewers have raved about swimming alongside white-tipped reef sharks, sea turtles, eagle rays, and sea lions. One guest exclaimed, “hands down one of the best places to snorkel or dive anywhere in the world,” emphasizing the extraordinary underwater environment.

The calm waters in the natural swimming pools provide a safe, shallow environment to observe marine iguanas resting underwater and schools of colorful fish. As the water deepens, you’ll encounter more diverse species, including sharks and rays, making each snorkel session a new chance to see marine life in action. Guides are praised for their knowledge, pointing out animals and explaining their roles in this delicate ecosystem, enhancing the value of the experience.

Land Disembarkation and Wildlife Walks

After the underwater adventure, you’ll often leave the boat to explore La Fé Bay or Palmitas Bay by foot. This part is a gentle walk through mangroves and cacti, with the chance to see Darwin finches, mockingbirds, pelicans, and blue-footed boobies fishing or resting on rocks. One reviewer described it as “a wonderful opportunity to see a colony of big marine iguanas, sally lightfoot crabs, and sea lions.” This land component offers a different perspective of the islands’ rich biodiversity, connecting the underwater world with terrestrial life.

Sometimes, instead of the walk, there’s a second snorkeling session at La Fé, offering the chance to see more marine creatures or enjoy calm, shallow waters for relaxed swimming. Occasionally, guides may take the group on a short exploration walk about 45-60 minutes, focused on mangroves, prickly pair cactus, and candelabra cactus.

Fishing and Culinary Delights

Adding to the adventure, you’ll have the opportunity to try your hand at fishing from the boat—most commonly catching yellowfin tuna—and then enjoy it prepared fresh as sashimi or grilled. Reviewers frequently mention the delicious, freshly prepared lunch, often with fish, chicken, or vegetarian options, plus ceviche, all served onboard. The meal is a highlight for many, showcasing the freshness of local ingredients and the skill of the crew’s chef.

Practical Aspects and Comfort

The tour is designed for comfort and convenience. Wetsuits—short or long—are provided, along with towels and snorkeling equipment, so you can focus on enjoying rather than preparing. The small group size of up to 12 travelers ensures a more personal experience, with guides able to give individual attention and share their passion for the islands.

While the focus is on snorkeling and wildlife, the boat ride—lasting approximately 3.5 hours round-trip—may be a concern for those susceptible to seasickness, as some reviews note. It’s worth bringing motion sickness remedies if you’re worried.

What Travelers Are Saying

The reviews consistently highlight the expertise and enthusiasm of the guides. Many mention guides like Cesar, Jimmy, or Omar as passionate, informative, and attentive. One review states, “Jimmy was fantastic,” capturing the overall sentiment—guides truly make a difference.

Snorkeling is the star, with many guests describing it as the best they’ve experienced worldwide. “Hands down one of the best places to snorkel or dive,” says one guest, emphasizing the unique underwater biodiversity. Families and seasoned snorkelers alike find the experience rewarding, while some warn about strong currents at La Fé Bay, suggesting water shoes are recommended.

Food gets high marks, with freshly caught fish and ceviche serving as a tasty reward after strenuous snorkeling. The crew’s professionalism and the boat’s comfort contribute significantly to the overall enjoyment, making the $209.16 price point good value for a full day immersed in Galapagos wildlife.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience suits adventurous, wildlife-loving travelers, particularly those comfortable with swimming and light walking. If you’re eager to see marine animals up close and don’t mind a boat ride, it’s a top choice. The small-group setting makes it especially appealing for those seeking a more personalized experience, away from large tour crowds.

It’s also ideal for foodies and nature enthusiasts who enjoy combining active days with good cuisine. And if you’re interested in fishing, the opportunity to catch and enjoy fresh sashimi adds a fun, authentic touch that many reviews highlight.

The Sum Up

This day tour to Pinzón Island and La Fé/Palmitas Bay offers an authentic, action-packed taste of the Galapagos’ marine and land ecosystems. With expert guides, excellent snorkeling, scenic walks, and delicious food, it’s a well-rounded adventure that balances education and excitement. The small-group format ensures intimacy and personalized attention, making it a great choice for travelers who want to connect more deeply with these remarkable islands.

While the boat ride might be a concern for some, those who love marine life and snorkeling will find this tour to be an unforgettable highlight of their Galapagos experience. The value is clear when you consider the diversity of wildlife, the quality of the guides, and the effort put into making each moment special.

This tour is best suited for curious explorers, active travelers, and wildlife enthusiasts eager to see the best of what Galapagos has to offer in just one day. If that sounds like your kind of adventure, this trip might just be the highlight of your trip.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, starting at 8:00 am and ending back at the meeting point in Puerto Ayora.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, towels, water taxis, a freshly prepared lunch with fish or chicken, ceviche, soda, all fees and taxes, and guidance from experienced naturalists.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
Yes, vegetarian and vegan options can be requested upon booking, ensuring everyone enjoys the onboard meal.

Is it suitable for children or people with limited physical fitness?
Moderate physical fitness is recommended, especially for the land walk and snorkeling. The tour is generally family-friendly, but check with the provider if you have specific concerns.

What should I bring?
Bring water shoes (recommended for walking in some areas), sun protection, personal snorkeling gear if preferred, and motion sickness remedies if needed.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour operates in most weather, but if conditions are unsafe, it may be canceled or rescheduled. Always confirm your booking and check weather forecasts beforehand.