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Last updated on April 6, 2024
Punta Espinoza (Espinosa Point) is the only visitor site on Fernandina, the most western island in the Galápagos. Home to one of the largest Marine Iguana colonies of the archipelago, it is also one of the only locations in Galápagos where snorkelers can observe these iconic reptiles feeding underwater.
Located on the northeastern shores of Fernandina Island, some 100 miles away from the closest inhabited areas, Punta Espinoza is only accessible with Liveaboard cruise. Most cruise ships visiting the western coast of Isabela stop there, but check that snorkeling activity in Punta Espinoza is included in your program.
The best chances to spot feeding iguanas are during the warmest hours of the day, between 11 am and 2 pm.
The water entrance is from a dinghy.
The main snorkeling area in Punta Espinoza extends south of the landing site, but your guide may decide to snorkel in another area, depending on sea conditions.
Snorkeling Punta Espinoza consists of swimming along the volcanic, rugged coastline. The topography consists of gradual rock reefs covered with algae descending from the shore.
The marine iguanas are the main attraction of Punta Espinoza. Young iguanas feed on marine algae growing on the intertidal zones but large, mature individuals have the ability to dive down and feed underwater.
In Punta Espinoza, the marine iguanas are usually seen 6 to 12 feet/2 to 4 meters deep, holding themselves against the rocks with their long claws. They can remain submerged in the water for dozens of minutes.
You may also be lucky enough to observe iguanas swimming underwater, using their large, flattened tail. In addition to the iguanas, this location allows observing Galápagos sea lions, reef fish, schools of salema, as well as sporadic sea stars.
Always keep your distance from the shore, especially when the sea is a bit choppy.
All liveaboard cruises are full board.
These spots are accessible to anyone with basic snorkeling skills, and feeling comfortable in the water and with his snorkeling gear. You will enter the water from the shore (beach, pontoon, ladder, rocks) or from a boat. The water height in the sea entrance area is reasonable, but you will not necessarily be within your depth. Moderate currents can occur in the area, even when the sea conditions are good. The distance to swim to reach the most interesting snorkeling areas of the spot does not exceed 200 meters. This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.
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Snorkeling spots are part of a wild environment and their aspect can be significantly altered by weather, seasons, sea conditions, human impact and climate events (storms, hurricanes, seawater-warming episodes…). The consequences can be an alteration of the seabed (coral bleaching, coral destruction, and invasive seagrass), a poor underwater visibility, or a decrease of the sea life present in the area. Snorkeling Report makes every effort to ensure that all the information displayed on this website is accurate and up-to-date, but no guarantee is given that the underwater visibility and seabed aspect will be exactly as described on this page the day you will snorkel the spot. If you recently snorkeled this area and noticed some changes compared to the information contained on this page, please contact us.
The data contained in this website is for general information purposes only, and is not legal advice. It is intended to provide snorkelers with the information that will enable them to engage in safe and enjoyable snorkeling, and it is not meant as a substitute for swim level, physical condition, experience, or local knowledge. Remember that all marine activities, including snorkeling, are potentially dangerous, and that you enter the water at your own risk. You must take an individual weather, sea conditions and hazards assessment before entering the water. If snorkeling conditions are degraded, postpone your snorkeling or select an alternate site. Know and obey local laws and regulations, including regulated areas, protected species, wildlife interaction and dive flag laws.
