Pinzon Island, nestled in the heart of the Galapagos Archipelago, is a true paradise with its pristine white sandy beaches and vibrant blue waters. My wife and I were drawn to this charming little island after hearing glowing recommendations from seasoned travelers who praised it as one of the best snorkeling spots in the Galapagos—and they were absolutely right! Snorkeling at Pinzon turned out to be an unforgettable highlight of our trip, and it’s an absolute must for any Galapagos bucket list.
Also known as Duncan Island, Pinzon is the twelfth largest island in the Galapagos. The island sits in the archipelago’s geographic center and boasts fascinating geological features: sheer rock formations on one side and untouched sandy beaches on the other. Despite its central location, it’s quite remote and sees far fewer visitors compared to other islands, especially the central ones. Spanning about seven square miles (18 square kilometers) and rising to a peak elevation of 1,502 feet (458 meters), this island truly offers a tranquil and immersive experience.
We’ve visited Pinzon Island during our Galapagos trip:
Activities on Pinzon Island
Snorkeling is the star activity on Pinzon Island, and my wife and I couldn’t resist the allure of potentially swimming alongside penguins—a rare and thrilling experience that any Galapagos visitor would jump at the chance to have! We knew this would be a highlight, and it didn’t disappoint. The diversity of marine life here is astounding, and the possibility of snorkeling with these charming little creatures made our time on Pinzon even more special.
Landings on Pinzon Island are a rare treat, and even when they happen, they’re wet landings due to the island’s lack of infrastructure. Some day trips to the island give visitors the chance to enjoy some beach time, which we found quite relaxing amidst the remote beauty of the island.
Since Pinzon isn’t often included on Galapagos cruise itineraries, it feels extra special. For those interested in diving, this area also offers a fantastic underwater experience. Occasionally, a few liveaboard vessels add Pinzon to their schedules, making it a sought-after stop for diving enthusiasts.
How to Get to Pinzon Island
Some Galapagos cruise companies do include a stop near Pinzon Island in their itineraries, but it’s surprisingly rare given the island’s central location. We opted for a land-based tour booked through a local agency in Puerto Ayora. On the way to Pinzon, the captain even let me try my luck at fishing, though I didn’t catch anything.
Several local travel operators offer day trips to the waters around Pinzon Island. Snorkeling in the open seas of one of the island’s expansive yet sheltered bays is a particularly popular activity.
Swimming alongside penguins, while being mindful not to disturb them, is promoted as an unforgettable experience for Galapagos tourists—especially those on land-based trips. Our tour from Santa Cruz Island was a full-day adventure, and after reaching Pinzon Island, we had time to explore the beach at its base. We enjoyed some incredible snorkeling and relaxed on the pristine sand, making it a day well spent.
Trip to Pinzon Island
We booked the Pinzon Island Tour for $145 as a day trip from Santa Cruz Island, combining it with a visit to La Fe Beach. Our first stop was Penguin Bay, where we were lucky enough to spot both Galapagos and white-tipped sharks—an experience that was thrilling and a bit intimidating! Thankfully, our guides were fantastic, keeping us informed about the local wildlife and helping us feel at ease.
We observed the sea turtles and penguins respectfully, ensuring not to disturb or chase them. The presence of sharks meant there were no sea lions around, but we did get to see the penguins, who only show up when the water temperature drops. It was incredible to watch them in their natural habitat, moving gracefully through the cool waters.
After our adventure at Pinzon, we headed to “Roca sin Nombre,” a remarkable 20-meter-long rock formation in the middle of the ocean. The site was alive with sea lions lounging, lava gulls soaring, and the iconic blue-footed boobies perched along the rocks. Our guides also invited us to watch a cane fishing demonstration, showing us traditional techniques still used in the Galapagos. It added a unique cultural touch to our day, blending wildlife with local customs.
Since our tour included a stop at La Fe Beach, we got to snorkel alongside sea turtles in this beautiful setting. It was a fantastic addition to the day, allowing us to experience even more marine life in a tranquil spot. Depending on the permits your boat has, you might visit La Fe either before or after Pinzon Island, adding flexibility to your itinerary. The beach’s clear, shallow waters made for an easy, enjoyable snorkeling session with the turtles peacefully swimming nearby.
Best Time to Visit Pinzon Island
With limited visits to Pinzon Island, mostly focused on water-based activities like snorkeling, it helped us a lot to understand the seasonal changes in weather and currents. From December to May, the warmer temperatures heat up the seawater, making snorkeling more comfortable for us. However, from June to November, the Humboldt Current arrives from Antarctica, cooling the waters but also bringing a rich supply of nutrients that increases marine activity around the island.
While the cooler season might make snorkeling slightly less appealing, the abundance of marine life makes it worth it. Since there’s no significant shift in species across seasons, Pinzon Island is a fantastic choice any time of year. However, if you prefer calmer waters as we do, it’s wise to avoid the rougher waves in August and September.
Wildlife at Pinzon Island
The main draw on Pinzon Island is a marine site in the island’s southern waters, famously known as No Name Rock. Here, we were able to observe an array of marine life, from hammerhead sharks and Galapagos sharks to rays and sea turtles. On rare occasions, dolphins also make an appearance, adding an extra thrill to the experience.
Pinzon Island is rich in wildlife, making it an essential stop for nature lovers. The Galapagos Tortoise and a large sea lion colony are some of its key residents. We also spotted several tropical bird species, such as pelicans, boobies, vermillion flycatchers, short-eared owls, and Darwin’s finches.
Interestingly, due to the island’s humid climate, Pinzon lacks the iconic Scalesia and Palo Santo trees seen elsewhere in the Galapagos. Instead, it features unique Daisy trees, adding a distinct touch to its landscape. While much of the island remains dry and bare, these unique plants bring character to the environment, setting Pinzon apart from other islands.
Bottom Line
If you’re planning a trip to the Galapagos, Pinzon Island is a fantastic destination to include in your itinerary. It’s packed with unique wildlife and unforgettable snorkeling experiences. However, not all cruises stop at Pinzon Island, so it’s essential to confirm with your tour operator in advance if this spot is on their route. Make sure to ask ahead to avoid missing out on this remarkable island!
If you plan on doing land-based tours, there are several tour companies that offer Pinzon Island day tours.
Thank you for your information on Pinzon Island. We have not heard of Pizon until our travel agent from quito mentioned it in our Galapagos itinerary in a few weeks. We will be staying in Santa Cruz (Ayora), but we will be making 8-5pm trip to Pizon one day…..is it worth it to only go here, not Isabela Island? I am not a strong swimmer so will it be safe to snorkel here or is it better in Isabela? Thank you in advance for your insight.
My wife is not a good swimmer either and she is scared to swim in the deep waters. They can give you a life jacket west but our guide on Pinzon Island convinced my wife to swim nearby by placing hands on ring buoy. It was her first time swimming like this and she had the best impression of Pinzon because of that. The currents are not strong either so I can highly recommend it for snorkeling experience if you are a bad swimmer.
Speaking of Isabela Isabela, I went to Los Tuneles and Las Tintoreras tour. The Los Tuneles requires some swimming skills but Tintoreras is fine.
I’d recommend visiting both though!