Adventure Cruises in Pinnacle Rock
Adventure cruises to Bartolomé Island aren’t complete without a visit to Pinnacle Rock. This volcanic cone formation was created by the eruption of a volcano under the sea that expelled boiling magma from its core. The sea cooled the lava but much of it exploded, eventually reuniting as several thin basalt layers that make up Pinnacle Rock. The site was made even more famous by its appearance in the 2003 film Master and Commander.
Today, Pinnacle Rock enjoys some of the greatest tourism, particularly for photography, in all of the Galapagos Islands.
Bartolomé Island is the most visited and most photographed island in Galapagos. Visitors have access to two sites: one that involves a climb to an incredible viewpoint and the other at the beach where snorkeling and swimming is enjoyed. Birdwatchers should be on the lookout for Galapagos Penguins.
Top things to do and see at Pinnacle Rock
As soon as you arrive at Pinnacle Rock it’s easy to see why the spot is so popular with photographers and there is plenty of opportunity for the shot of a lifetime during the hike to Bartolome Summit. Pinnacle Rock is on display from this vantage point and it’s perfect for a picture. You’ll also need to capture the pink and white sand beach as well as the sights along the short hiking trail through the unique Pinnacle Rock vegetation that manages to eke out existence on the mostly barren landscape. If that weren’t enough, there are rocky tidal pools to explore.
Swimming and snorkeling at the base of Pinnacle Rock are also popular activities. The penguins frequently join in!
Common wildlife encounters at Pinnacle Rock include: Sea lions, Parrot Fish, blue-eyed damsels, Galapagos penguins, Green Sea Turtle, herons, stingrays, Galapagos Hawks, Sally lightfoot crabs, Spotted Eagle Rays, and Black-tipped Sharks. You may also see a White-tipped Shark close to the shoreline.
Panga rides at Pinnacle Rock are a fun way to see the sights and spot marine animals and fish while you shuttle from your yacht to land.
Top tips for visiting Pinnacle Rock
Things to bring to make the most out of your adventure cruise to Pinnacle Rock include;
- Sun protection including sunblock and protective clothing and hats.
- Adequate shoes for hiking around Pinnacle Rock, underwater shoes, and comfortable deck shoes while on the boat.
- A camera to catch any sea lions, penguins, or crabs you see and to remember the Pinnacle Rock formation.
- An underwater camera is even better!
- A waterproof cell phone protector case or sleeve to safeguard your mobile device.
- Your own snorkeling mask if you have one.
- A reusable water bottle to cut down on waste.
- A bag or day pack to bring on land with you.
- A dry bag to protect any of your electronics.
Best time to cruise to Pinnacle Rock
Understanding Galapagos weather is the easiest way to plan ahead for your small ship Pinnacle Rock adventure cruise. For instance, Pinnacle Rock in December through May is in the warm or wet season and is best for hiking due to the sunny daily conditions. The dry season is June through November and the clear water is ideal at this time for snorkeling and scuba diving.
In some areas of Galapagos, it’s important to plan ahead for the best season to see your favorite animal. When you visit Pinnacle Rock to see wildlife, however, you can see any number of land and sea animals all year long. Additionally, Green Sea Turtle nesting season is from January to March and the famous Blue Footed Boobies mate in May.
Where do Pinnacle Rock cruises depart from?
Most Galapagos small ship cruises to Pinnacle Rock depart from Puerto Ayora, ports in Baltra or San Cristobal. Check your cruise itinerary for your specific departure port, since these details are subject to change and vary from schedule to schedule.
To get to the Galapagos Islands, guests will fly into airports in Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador. From there, you will take a domestic flight to the island closest to the port your cruise departs from. Your boat guides will meet and escort you to the boat and transfer your luggage to the deck.
Contact our reservations team today to arrange your next Galapagos Cruise.
