Exploring the vibrant marine life of Tortuga Island is a must-do activity for nature enthusiasts visiting Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands. This half-day snorkeling tour from Isabela offers an exceptional opportunity to take in the island’s underwater wonders. With experienced guides, top-notch gear, and a focus on safety, the tour promises an unforgettable adventure amidst the stunning beauty of the Galapagos. But what makes this tour truly unique? The answer lies in the experiences that await those who embark on this incredible journey.
Key Points
- A half-day snorkeling tour departing from Isabela, Puerto Ayora, Ecuador, with a price of $220.00 per person for a private group.
- The tour includes snorkeling gear fitting, a boat ride to Turtle Islet, trawling fishing, and a 90-minute snorkeling session with potential marine life sightings.
- The tour provides round-trip transfers, snorkeling and scuba gear, and snacks, ensuring a comprehensive and enjoyable experience.
- The pickup time is 12:30 PM from the hotel lobby, with arrival at the company office at 12:45 PM and departure for Tortuga Island at 1:00 PM.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible but is open to most travelers, with safety being a priority, and any concerns should be communicated to the company.
Tour Overview
The half-day snorkeling tour at Tortuga Island departs from Isabela, Puerto Ayora, Ecuador and is priced from $220.00 per person.
It’s a private tour, so only your group will participate. You’ll receive confirmation at booking.
The tour includes fitting for snorkeling gear, a boat ride to Turtle Islet for bird watching, trawling fishing, and 90 minutes of snorkeling with potential sightings of sharks, sea turtles, corals, and starfish.
Round-trip transfers, equipment use, and snacks are provided.
The tour starts at 12:30 PM from your hotel lobby.
While not wheelchair accessible, strollers are allowed, and most travelers can participate.
Looking for more options in Puerto Ayora? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary and Activities
After fitting for the snorkeling gear at the company office, guests embark on a boat ride to Turtle Islet, where they’ll enjoy bird watching.
The tour then proceeds with trawling fishing before a 90-minute snorkeling session. During this time, travelers may spot sharks, sea turtles, corals, and starfish.
The snorkeling equipment and snacks provided on board ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout the tour.
Inclusions
The tour package includes round-trip transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring convenient transportation to and from the tour site.
Snorkeling and scuba gear are provided, allowing you to fully learn about the underwater experience.
Snacks are served on board, keeping you refreshed throughout the tour.
With these inclusions, the Snorkeling Tour at Tortuga Island is a comprehensive and well-rounded experience, designed to maximize your enjoyment and satisfaction.
Pickup Details
Always at the hotel lobby, the pickup for the Snorkeling Tour at Tortuga Island starts at 12:30 PM. This allows for a smooth and efficient transportation to the departure point. The tour schedule is as follows:
| Time | Activity |
| — | — |
| 12:30 PM | Pickup from hotel |
| 12:45 PM | Arrive at company office |
| 1:00 PM | Depart for Tortuga Island |
| 1:30 PM | Arrive at Tortuga Island and begin snorkeling |
| 3:00 PM | Return to Puerto Ayora |
This pickup arrangement ensures all participants are on time and ready to embark on an unforgettable snorkeling adventure at Tortuga Island.
Additional Information
Although the Snorkeling Tour at Tortuga Island isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.
The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions. However, most travelers can participate. The tour company advises guests to consider their physical abilities before booking.
Safety is a top priority, so the tour may not be suitable for everyone. Participants should inform the company of any concerns prior to the tour to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Reviews
According to the reviews, the Snorkeling Tour at Tortuga Island has received a 5.0 rating based on feedback from Viator and Tripadvisor. No negative ratings have been reported, indicating a high level of customer satisfaction. The tour’s highlights, as described by reviewers, include the opportunity to see a variety of marine life, such as sharks, sea turtles, and colorful corals. The smooth organization and attentive staff have also been praised. The tour seems to offer a remarkable snorkeling experience in a stunning natural setting.
| Reviewer Rating | Number of Reviews |
|—————–|——————|
| 5.0 | 1 |
| 4.0 | 0 |
| 3.0 | 0 |
| 2.0 | 0 |
Getting to Tortuga Island
To reach Tortuga Island, visitors must first travel to the town of Isabela or Puerto Ayora on the Galapagos Islands.
From there, the snorkeling tour includes:
-
Roundtrip transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle
-
A boat ride to Turtle Islet, which offers opportunities for bird watching
-
Trawling fishing before the 90-minute snorkeling session
-
The potential to spot sharks, sea turtles, corals, and starfish underwater
The tour company provides all necessary snorkeling gear, and snacks are served during the boat ride to the island.
The tour starts at 12:30 PM and isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Deep Is the Water for Snorkeling at Tortuga Island?
The water depth for snorkeling at Tortuga Island typically ranges from 3 to 15 feet, allowing both beginner and experienced snorkelers to explore the colorful marine life and coral formations beneath the surface comfortably.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tortuga Island Snorkeling Tour?
The tour operator offers a flexible cancellation policy. Customers can cancel or modify their bookings up to 24 hours prior to the tour’s start time without incurring any fees. This allows for greater booking flexibility.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Options for the Snacks Provided?
The tour information doesn’t specify any dietary restrictions or options for the snacks provided on the boat. It simply states that "Snacks [are] provided on board" without further details.
Is Photography/Videography Allowed During the Snorkeling Activity?
Guests are allowed to bring cameras and camcorders to capture the underwater marine life during the snorkeling activity. However, the tour operator doesn’t provide any photography/videography equipment, so guests must bring their own.
Can I Purchase Any Souvenir Items or Local Goods During the Tour?
The tour doesn’t include time for purchasing souvenirs or local goods. However, participants may have an opportunity to buy items at the company’s office before or after the snorkeling activity, depending on the operator’s policies.
The Sum Up
Tortuga Island’s half-day snorkeling tour from Isabela offers an unforgettable adventure in Ecuador’s stunning natural setting. With vibrant marine life, bird watching, and trawling fishing, this private tour provides a memorable experience for $220 per person. Featuring safety, comfort, and a scenic boat ride, this tour is a must-try for those seeking an immersive exploration of Tortuga Island’s captivating underwater world.