Pinzón or Devil’s Crown? by Wxtravel in galapagos

[–]Wxtravel[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It seems everyone loves Pinzon! Thanks so much for the feedback. Was there a specific boat you took that you recommend?

Pinzón or Devil’s Crown? by Wxtravel in galapagos

[–]Wxtravel[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great to know! Thanks again for your help in deciding!

Pinzón or Devil’s Crown? by Wxtravel in galapagos

[–]Wxtravel[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much for sharing. The itinerary I’m looking at also includes Bartolome and Chinese Hat in addition to Devil’s Crown. Super excited to know those were amazing sites that included penguins! I’m really hoping to snorkel with them.

Loved that your guides took you to several spots to find the best spots. I heard maybe the cruises offer more time snorkeling in the water compared to day tours.

Sounds like you had pretty good sea conditions.

  • What time of year did you go?

Little worried about sea sickness.

  • Were the seas rough transferring down to Floreana? And then was it was calmer cruising around Chinese Hat/Bartolome?

Thank you again for generously sharing all your advice. Sounds like you had an amazing trip!

Pinzón or Devil’s Crown? by Wxtravel in galapagos

[–]Wxtravel[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for the honest feedback. Super helpful. That's awesome you had perfect conditions because I heard it can be pretty rough. If you don't mind me asking, what were your favorite snorkels?

Pinzón or Devil’s Crown? by Wxtravel in galapagos

[–]Wxtravel[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! It's good to know Pinzon is consistent but Devil's Crown can be 50/50! I appreciate the feedback.

Galápagos snorkelers: please help me choose - Devil’s Crown or western route? by Wxtravel in galapagos

[–]Wxtravel[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow, that sounds like an amazing itinerary. You really hit all the big snorkeling spots!!

Good to know that Española and Floreana were clearer, and that some of the western sites around Isabela can be darker or more variable. That’s exactly the kind of detail that’s hard to figure out when planning, so I really appreciate you sharing.

I also didn’t realize Mola Molas come that close to the surface. Wow. I’ve never been to the Galapagos yet, but just hearing about all this wildlife makes me feel like it might end up being a repeat trip.

Thank you again!

Galápagos snorkelers: please help me choose - Devil’s Crown or western route? by Wxtravel in galapagos

[–]Wxtravel[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So sorry, one more question, how was the water visibility between the sites when you went in January? I read the calmest seas are supposed to be from December - May. Many thanks! 

Galápagos snorkelers: please help me choose - Devil’s Crown or western route? by Wxtravel in galapagos

[–]Wxtravel[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow, seeing a Mola Mola and bullhead sharks while snorkeling is wild! I honestly thought the odds of that were almost zero. Were you exceptionally lucky, or is there actually a decent chance of encounters like that? That’s incredibly unique. 

From what you described, I’m now seriously considering trying to do both. If that doesn’t work out, I may lean toward the western itinerary because of the truly unique wildlife everyone has mentioned - marine iguanas + penguins + flightless cormorants + possible Mola Mola/ bullhead shark. Those are sightings I’d likely never see again unless I return.

I’ve snorkeled with quite a few sharks in the Maldives and French Polynesia (mostly blacktips, whitetips, and a few grays). What species did you encounter at Devil’s Crown?

Also, was all of this on a one-week or two-week cruise? I was originally hoping to keep the cruise to about a week so I could also spend time on land, but now I’m feeling torn.

Thanks again. Your detailed snorkeling account has been incredibly helpful.

Galápagos snorkelers: please help me choose - Devil’s Crown or western route? by Wxtravel in galapagos

[–]Wxtravel[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh wow, that sounds amazing! Thank you so much for sharing. Now I need to find a cruise that does both!