Dive Site: Urbina Bay

About Urbina Bay

Urbina Bay, located on the west coast of Isabela Island at the base of Alcedo Volcano, is one of the youngest geological features in the Galápagos, dramatically reshaped in 1954. A sudden uplift of the land raised the seabed by over five meters, pushing the coastline nearly a kilometer further out and leaving marine life, including coral heads, stranded on the new shore. This unique event created an astonishing landscape where fossilized coral formations are visible on land, a stark reminder of the area's dynamic past. The bay is renowned for its vibrant snorkeling conditions, offering clear waters for observing diverse marine species. The nutrient-rich waters attract a variety of tropical fish, sea turtles, and rays, while the shoreline is home to Galapagos penguins and marine iguanas feeding underwater. Beyond the water, a habitat formed by the uplift supports terrestrial wildlife like the Galápagos giant tortoise and Galápagos land iguanas. Visiting Urbina Bay typically involves a combination of land exploration and aquatic activities. Easy landings allow access to trails that wind through the arid zone and along the shore, where flightless cormorants can be spotted. The snorkeling experience here is particularly rewarding for observing marine iguanas in their natural underwater feeding environment, making it a compelling destination for both its geological history and its thriving biodiversity.

Dive site facts: Urbina Bay

Depth

10 m

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

8–18 m

Water temperature

18–26°C

Entry

Easy landing / zodiac entry

Level

Beginner to intermediate

Dive type

Snorkeling, shore exploration

Region / port

Isabela Island, Galápagos

Coordinates

0.3590° S, 90.7539° W

Conditions & Currents

Urbina Bay generally offers moderate current conditions, especially suitable for snorkeling, making it accessible for a range of skill levels. During the warm season (December-May), seas tend to be calmer, contributing to an easier experience in the water. However, the cool season (June-November) can introduce choppier seas and stronger currents across the Galápagos archipelago, driven by the Humboldt Current, which may influence conditions within the bay. Visibility in the Galápagos typically ranges from 8 to 18 meters, with good days extending to 18 meters; while conditions here are generally favorable, local factors can always influence visibility. Water temperatures fluctuate, being warmer from January to June (20-26°C) and cooler from July to December (18-23°C), so appropriate thermal protection is advisable. Divers and snorkelers should always be aware of local conditions advised b

Marine life & sighting chances

Galápagos Marine Iguana

common

Galápagos Penguin

occasional

Galápagos Flightless Cormorant

occasional

Galápagos Giant Tortoise

occasional

Galápagos Land Iguana

occasional

Sea Turtle

occasional

Ray

occasional

Reef Fish

common

Galápagos Hawk

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Urbina Bay is primarily a snorkeling site, offering an engaging shallow-water experience rather than a typical scuba dive profile. Entry into the water is usually from a dinghy or from an easy shore landing, with snorkelers exploring the calm bay. The focus underwater is on observing the unique marine life, particularly the Galápagos marine iguanas as they feed on algae. Snorkelers can expect to navigate along the shallow reef areas where tropical fish and rays are commonly spotted. The underwater exploration is typically complemented by a guided hike ashore, where visitors can walk through the uplifted coral formations and observe terrestrial wildlife. The overall experience emphasizes a blend of land and shallow-water discovery, with no specific deep dive profile or safety stop requirements as would be found in scuba diving.

Underwater photography

For capturing the unique aspects of Urbina Bay, a wide-angle lens is ideal for showcasing the marine iguanas feeding underwater or the vibrant shallow reef scenes during snorkeling. On land, a versatile zoom lens is beneficial for wildlife photography, particularly for the Galápagos giant tortoises, land iguanas, and flightless cormorants. Given the potential for varying light conditions and the often-overcast Galápagos skies, a good quality strobe or video light can enhance underwater shots, ensuring true colors and detail. Practicing good buoyancy control is crucial, especially when photographing marine iguanas, to avoid disturbing them or damaging the delicate marine environment. Always maintain a respectful distance from wildlife both in and out of the water to minimize impact and capture natural behaviors.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Punta Vicente Roca

  Punta Vicente Roca, situated on the west coast of Isabela Island in the Galápagos, is a captivating dive site characterized by its vertical…

• Elizabeth Bay

  Elizabeth Bay, located on the eastern coast of Isabela Island, presents a wide and sheltered marine environment rich in biodiversity.

• Cabo Marshall

  Cabo Marshall, also known as Cape Marshall, is a renowned dive site located off the northeastern coast of Isabela Island in the Galápagos…

• Roca Redonda

  Roca Redonda offers a distinctive dive experience, distinguishing itself as an exposed submarine volcano approximately 25 kilometers…

Getting there & logistics

Access to Urbina Bay is typically via liveaboard cruises that include Isabela Island in their itinerary. Flights to the Galápagos Islands originate from Quito or Guayaquil in mainland Ecuador, arriving at Baltra (GPS) or San Cristóbal (SCY) airports. From these points, visitors transfer to their cruise vessels. Trips to the Galápagos, especially those visiting Isabela's west coast, often last seven nights or more to cover the distances and diverse sites. There are no permits or fees specific to Urbina Bay beyond the standard Galápagos National Park entrance fee and transit control card. Urbina Bay is commonly combined with other sites on Isabela Island such as Elizabeth Bay or Punta Vicente Roca, offering a comprehensive experience of the island's unique geology and wildlife.

Safety & environment

The nearest recompression chamber for diving emergencies in the Galápagos is located in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. In the event of a diving accident at Urbina Bay, evacuation would involve transport by dinghy or panga to the liveaboard, followed by a potentially lengthy boat journey to the chamber or an airstrip for further medical transfer. It is essential for all visitors to have comprehensive travel and dive insurance that covers emergency medical treatment, recompression, and evacuation from remote locations. Site-specific hazards include variable currents, especially during the cool season, and maintaining a safe distance from marine life. Always follow your guide's instructions, especially regarding water entry and exit, and be mindful of the sometimes choppy seas. Adherence to park rules, such as not touching wildlife or disturbing coral, is paramount for safety and conservation.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Urbina Bay FAQ

Liveaboards diving Urbina Bay

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

Galapagos Aggressor III

Galápagos

16 guests30.5 m

$913/day

Galapagos Sky

Galápagos

16 guests

$937/day

Galapagos Master

Galápagos

16 guests

$669/day

Humboldt Explorer

Galápagos

16 guests

$699/day

Tiburon Explorer

Galápagos

16 guests

$924/day

Calipso

Galápagos

16 guests

$819/day