Dive Site: Punta Moreno

About Punta Moreno

Punta Moreno, located on the west coast of Isabela Island, offers a distinctive Galápagos diving experience characterized by its unique geological features and rich marine life. The site is known for its dramatic lava fields that extend to the ocean, creating an otherworldly backdrop both above and below the surface. Submerged, this striking topography transitions into a vibrant underwater world. Diving here, you'll discover a fascinating array of wildlife. While exact species present at Punta Moreno specifically for diving are not detailed in the sources, the surrounding Isabela Island waters are teeming with Galápagos penguins, marine iguanas, various shark species, including whitetip reef sharks and hammerheads, as well as sea horses and diverse land birds. The tidal pools and lagoons that form within the lava flows also provide unique opportunities to observe green turtles and sharks from land, sometimes even before entering the water. The dive experience at Punta Moreno is generally accessible. While some Galápagos sites are known for strong currents, the sources do not specify the current conditions for Punta Moreno, suggesting it may not be exceptionally challenging in this regard. Entry is typically via panga (small boat), offering picturesque views of the coastline. This site is often part of liveaboard itineraries, complementing the more renowned diving of Wolf and Darwin islands, providing a blend of unique geology and diverse, though perhaps not overwhelming, marine encounters.

Dive site facts: Punta Moreno

Depth

5–22 m

Current

Minimal in lagoons

Visibility

Excellent in lagoons

Entry

Dry landing via panga

Level

Easy (snorkeling/hiking)

Dive type

Snorkeling (in lagoons), hiking

Night dive

Not permitted

Region / port

Isabela Island, Galapagos

Coordinates

-0.67, -91.325

Conditions & Currents

Punta Moreno is primarily a site for land excursions and snorkeling in sheltered tidal pools rather than open-water diving. As such, direct information on strong currents affecting dive profiles is not applicable. The panga rides along the shoreline provide calm conditions for viewing the coastal geology and wildlife. Within the tidal pools, water movement is minimal, ensuring clear observation opportunities of marine life from the surface. Visibility in these pools is excellent, offering unobstructed views.

Marine life & sighting chances

Galapagos penguin

occasional

Green sea turtle

common

Galapagos flamingo

occasional

Heron

common

Shark species (unspecified)

occasional

Flightless cormorant

occasional

Blue-footed booby

occasional

Nazca booby

occasional

Brown noddy tern

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Punta Moreno is primarily a land visitor site on Isabela Island, offering hiking and panga rides to explore its unique volcanic landscape and tidal pools. There are no designated dive profiles or routes as it is not an open-water scuba diving location. Visitors typically embark on a 1.2-mile hike through the lava fields, observing the various lagoons and their inhabitants. Snorkeling opportunities may arise in the larger, clear tidal pools, allowing for observation of marine life such as green turtles and small sharks from the surface. The experience focuses on observing coastal and lagoon wildlife in their natural habitat, making it distinct from a traditional dive briefing.

Underwater photography

For capturing the unique environment of Punta Moreno, focus on wide-angle lenses to encompass the expansive lava fields and the dramatic coastline during your panga ride. For the tidal lagoons, a macro lens can be useful for close-ups of smaller marine life and flora, or a mid-range zoom for green turtles and sharks visible in the clear, shallow waters. Given the land-based nature and snorkeling focus, consider using underwater housings for action cameras or compact cameras with good low-light performance in the lagoons. Patience is key to photograph the often shy birdlife and reptiles. Always maintain a respectful distance from wildlife and avoid disturbing their natural behaviors.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Elizabeth Bay

  Located on Isabela Island, known for panga rides through mangroves and diverse marine life.

• Punta Albemarle

  Northern tip of Isabela, offers dinghy rides to see flightless cormorants and large marine iguanas.

• Tagus Cove

  Sheltered waters on Isabela, ideal for dinghy rides with penguins and cormorants.

• Urbina Bay

  Between Tagus Cove and Elizabeth Bay, known for land iguanas, hawks, and snorkeling.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Punta Moreno typically begins with international flights to Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE), followed by a domestic flight to Baltra (GPS) or San Cristóbal (SCY) in the Galapagos. Most visits to Punta Moreno are integrated into liveaboard itineraries or multi-day land-based tours departing from Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island. The site itself is reached via a panga ride from a larger vessel, followed by a dry landing. Permits and national park entrance fees are usually included in organized tour packages, which often combine this site with other Isabela highlights. A typical visit includes a panga cruise along the shoreline and a hike through the lava fields to the lagoons.

Safety & environment

While Punta Moreno is not a scuba diving site, general Galapagos safety protocols apply. Always follow the instructions of your certified naturalist guide, as wildlife can be unpredictable. Maintain a respectful distance from all animals and avoid feeding them. The terrain during the hike over lava fields can be uneven and sharp, so wear sturdy walking shoes. Hydration is crucial, especially during hikes under the tropical sun. Emergency medical facilities in the Galapagos are limited; the nearest hyperbaric chamber is in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, including evacuation and recompression, is highly recommended for all visitors to the Galapagos.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Punta Moreno FAQ

Liveaboards diving Punta Moreno

These liveaboards may visit Punta Moreno on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Galapagos Aggressor III

Galápagos

16 guests30.5 m

$913/day

Calipso

Galápagos

16 guests

$819/day

Galapagos Master

Galápagos

16 guests

$669/day

Galapagos Sky

Galápagos

16 guests

$937/day

Tiburon Explorer

Galápagos

16 guests

$924/day

Humboldt Explorer

Galápagos

16 guests

$612/day