Punta Pitt, Ecuador

Punta Pitt offers one of the best birdwatching spots in the Galápagos.

A close-up of a blue-footed booby chick with a vibrant blue beak and bright blue eyes, nestled in its nest, partially obscured by dry twigs in the remote bird sanctuary of Punta Pitt on San Cristobal Island.

Overview

Punta Pitt, Ecuador Cruise Port

Punta Pitt, located on the northeastern tip of San Cristóbal Island in the Galápagos archipelago, is a unique and highly prized visitor site for expedition cruises. Unlike many other Galápagos locations, Punta Pitt boasts a fascinating landscape of volcanic tuff formation, eroded by wind and sea into striking, colorful cliffs and ash cones. It's renowned as one of the few places in the Galápagos where you can potentially observe three different species of boobies nesting and coexisting.

A visit to Punta Pitt offers a vibrant tapestry of colors—from the red-orange ground to the blue and red feet of its iconic birds—and an abundance of wildlife. Visitors can navigate the clear waters in pangas (dinghies) for exceptional coastal views, engage in wet landings onto a pristine beach for closer exploration, and snorkel among playful sea lions and diverse marine life. Punta Pitt provides an unforgettable blend of dramatic geology, unparalleled birdwatching, and immersive marine encounters, making it a highlight of any Galápagos itinerary.

Top Things to Do in Punta Pitt, Ecuador

Observe Three Species of Boobies

Punta Pitt is a truly special place to observe all three species of boobies found in the Galápagos: the striking Red-footed Booby, the larger Blue-footed Booby, and the impressive Nazca Booby. This is one of the very few sites where they coexist, often nesting on the cliffs and slopes.

Tip: Bring binoculars to get a closer look at their unique foot colors and nesting behaviors. Your naturalist guide will help you differentiate between them.

Enjoy a Panga Ride Along the Colorful Cliffs

Embark on an exhilarating panga (dinghy) ride along Punta Pitt's dramatic and colorful volcanic tuff cliffs. This offers fantastic photographic opportunities of the unique geological formations and allows for excellent views of nesting birds from the water.

Tip: Keep your camera ready during the panga ride; unexpected wildlife sightings, including sea turtles or rays, can occur in the clear waters.

Wet Landing and Beach Exploration

Experience a classic Galápagos wet landing onto a beautiful, often red-tinged, beach. From here, you can explore the area on foot, observing sea lions, various shorebirds, and the unique flora adapted to this environment.

Tip: Wear sandals or water shoes that can get wet for the landing, and then switch to comfortable walking shoes for the trail.

Snorkel with Playful Sea Lions

The calm, clear waters off Punta Pitt offer excellent snorkeling opportunities. Dive in and swim alongside curious and playful Galápagos sea lions, colorful reef fish, and possibly even green sea turtles.

Tip: A wetsuit, typically provided by your cruise, is recommended as the water can be cool. Stay calm and let the sea lions approach you.

Witness the Unique Vegetation

Beyond the birds, observe the interesting vegetation that thrives on this arid landscape. Look for species like saltbush, spiny shrubs, and the Palo Santo tree, which adapt to the dry conditions and add to the unique ecosystem.

Tip: Your naturalist guide will point out these fascinating plants and explain their ecological role.

Experience a Geological Wonderland

Punta Pitt is a geological marvel. Take time to appreciate the striking volcanic tuff formations, which are essentially compacted volcanic ash. The erosion has created intriguing shapes and layers of rock, showcasing the dynamic geological history of the Galápagos.

Tip: Notice the different colors in the rock layers, which indicate various volcanic events over time.

Overview