Pinzón Dive Site
Pinzón is a small island west of Santa Cruz, named after the brothers Martín Alonso and Vicente Yáñez Pinzón, captains of the Pinta and the Niña on Columbus's first…
More about Pinzón Dive SiteGalápagos islands · 1 visitor site
Pinzón Island
Pinzón Island is a central Galapagos Island with no visitor site on land, but a great destination for a snorkeling trip, where you can swim alongside penguins.
Book with Dana Tours and enjoy complimentary nights in Mindo Cloud Forest at our own Las Terrazas de Dana Boutique Lodge & Spa.
About the island
Pinzón Island
Pinzón Island is a 7 square miles island in central Galapagos. It was named after the brothers Pinzon, who were captains of the boats Pinta and Nina, on Christopher Columbus' expedition to the new world. The main visitor point on Pinzón Island is the marine site No Name Rock, perfect for snorkeling and diving, where you can spot hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, Galapagos sharks, rays and even dolphins. One of the island's highlights on your tour here is snorkeling with penguins. The waters near Pinzón Island are calm and crystalline, suitable for both beginners or experienced divers, and they have a lot to offer, no matter the time of year you decide to visit. However, conditions may differ depending on the season. From December to May the weather and the sea water are warmer, making the experience more pleasant. From June to November the water is cooler because of the Humboldt Current, but also richer in nutrients, attracting a more diverse marine wildlife.Penguin Bay is a naturally protected cove on the eastern part of the island, with calm and clear waters, rich in marine life, including reef fish, reef sharks and sea turtles.
On the island there are sea lions, lava lizards, marine iguanas, giant tortoises and Galapagos snakes. As for birds, you can see Galapagos hawks, Darwin’s finches and Galapagos doves. The island has a rocky landscape, with thorny vegetation and not many trees. However, it is not arid, as the island's height (maximum altitude 1 502 feet) frequently determines the formation of thick mists.
There's a Pinzón tortoise project still underway, that was started in 1965, aiming to increase the tortoise population on the island, who was then at about 100 individuals. Because of the black rats introduced on the island around the 1800s, there were no longer any tortoise eggs or hatchlings on Pinzón in the 20th century, only adult tortoises. The rats were successfully eradicated in 2012 and, with the help of the rearing program as well, the tortoise population slowly began to be rebuilt, having nearly tripled.
On Pinzón Island two airplanes from the US base on Baltra Island crashed during World War II, and their remains are still visible on the island.
Despite having a central position, Pinzón Island is pretty isolated and not visited very frequently, so make sure to check your itinerary of your Galapagos islands cruise to check that it is included.
Fast facts
- One of Pinzón Island's main attraction is snorkeling with penguins.
- The Pinzón tortoise project was started in 1965 and still underway for increasing the native tortoise population.
- The remains of two planes crashed on Pinzón Island during World War II are still visible.
Visitor sites
Visitor sites on Pinzón Island
Each site is visited with a certified naturalist guide of the Galápagos National Park.
Live dates & prices
Next cruises visiting Pinzón
No cruise on our current schedules includes Pinzón. Tell us what you would like to see and we will suggest the routes that come closest.
Good to know
Questions about visiting Pinzón
Which visitor sites can I see on Pinzón?
Pinzón Dive Site (no landing). Every visit is led by a certified naturalist guide of the Galápagos National Park.
What wildlife can I see on Pinzón?
Blue-Footed Booby, Galapagos Frigatebirds, Galapagos Green Turtle, Galapagos Petrel, Galapagos Sea Lion, Galapagos Shearwater, Galapagos Sting Rays, Nazca Booby.
Do I get complimentary nights in Mindo?
Yes. Every cruise booked with Dana Tours comes with complimentary nights at our own Las Terrazas de Dana Boutique Lodge & Spa in Mindo Cloud Forest (usually 2–3, more on request), with all meals and private transfers from Quito. Departures with a fare of US$3,500 or more per person include Mindo Plus, with tickets for Mindo’s top experiences, and those of US$5,000 or more are marked ★ and include our Mindo All-Inclusive program, with your own private guide throughout.
Your Mindo Cloud Forest stay
Your cruise comes with complimentary nights in Mindo Cloud Forest.
Complimentary nightsUsually 2–3, more on request, at our own Las Terrazas de Dana Boutique Lodge & Spa
All meals includedBreakfast, lunch and dinner during your stay in Mindo Cloud Forest
Private transfersBetween Quito and Mindo, before or after Galápagos
★ Mindo All-InclusiveWith your own private guide throughout. Our signature gift on departures marked ★.
Your written offer lists exactly what’s included for your departure — before you book. How it works · Cruises with Mindo All-Inclusive
We understand the lay of the land (and ocean)
Book with a local, “we’re on the ground here for you!”
Not sure which cruise? Talk to David and the Dana Tours team. We’ll help you compare routes, cabins and your Mindo stay.