Snorkeling in Urbina Bay

Diving

By Christopher Minster

Urbina (also known as Urvina) Bay, a visitor site on Isabela Island, is famous because of a relatively recent (1954) geological event, which caused a mass of land to uplift out of the water of the shallow bay. It was noticed by passing fishermen who were attracted by the stench of rotting marine life: the land was pushed out of the water so fast that the fish, lobsters and other sea creatures could not escape.

Most visitors simply hike around the uplifted area: you can see coral formations and may spot a giant tortoise or land iguana if you’re lucky. Some tours, however, will allow you to snorkel in the bay. The water is choppy and murky, but you have a decent chance of seeing a green sea turtle or Galápagos penguin swimming around if you’re lucky and patient. You stand a better chance of seeing fish at other sites. If you venture out into the bay itself, you may see some jacks or other large fish.