The underwater world of Puerto Villamil ranks among the Galapagos’ finest snorkel spots. Two standout locations define the experience: Cabo Rosa Tunnels and Las Tintoreras Islet. At Cabo Rosa, you’ll swim through natural lava formations alongside sea turtles, white-tipped reef sharks, and the occasional seahorse.
Las Tintoreras offers reliable encounters with resting sharks and colonies of blue-footed boobies.
I love the small-group tours here – typically 8-10 people max – which provide quality gear and include expert naturalist guides who know exactly where to spot wildlife. The best operators outfit you with proper wetsuits and handle all transportation from town.
Let’s explore the top snorkeling tours in Puerto Villamil.
Good To Know
- Snorkeling at Cabo Rosa Tunnels on Isabela Island offers a remarkable underwater experience with diverse marine life like turtles, sharks, and seahorses.
- Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras Islet provides an up-close encounter with a variety of fish species and other aquatic creatures.
- Tintoreras Islet Tour combines hiking and snorkeling for an immersive exploration of the Galapagos Islands’ vibrant marine ecosystem.
- Cabo Rosa (Tuneles) Hiking & Snorkeling Tour explores both underwater landscapes and rugged terrestrial terrain of the Galapagos Islands.
- All tours provide snorkeling equipment, transportation, and knowledgeable guides for a personalized and comfortable snorkeling experience.
Snorkeling in Cabo Rosa Tunnels Isabela Island
The Cabo Rosa Tunnels on Isabela Island offer a truly remarkable snorkeling experience. With 45 glowing reviews, this private tour provides snorkeling gear, breakfast, and even a wetsuit to ensure guests’ comfort. Traversing the tunnels, snorkelers can spot a diversity of marine life, including turtles, sharks, and seahorses.
The tour conveniently picks up guests from a pre-indicated location, starting 10 minutes before the scheduled departure. While not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for travelers with back problems or pregnant individuals, most travelers can participate in this activity. The tour accommodates a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
Priced at $185 per person, the tour offers excellent value, with gratuities and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. This snorkeling adventure in the Cabo Rosa Tunnels is an absolute must-do for anyone visiting Puerto Villamil and seeking to enjoy the region’s stunning marine ecosystem.
Read our full review: Snorkeling in Cabo Rosa Tunnels Isabela Island Review
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Snorkeling and Fauna Observation at Las Tintoreras Islet
Snorkelers exploring Puerto Villamil’s Las Tintoreras Islet can expect an up-close encounter with the region’s diverse marine fauna. The tour, operated by Galápagos Native Tour Operator, includes the use of snorkeling equipment and a wetsuit, as well as private transportation. Guests will have the opportunity to observe the islet’s unique wildlife, including a variety of fish species and other aquatic creatures.
The tour lasts approximately 1-2 hours, with pickup from the hotel or a designated location on Isabela Island. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and the tour can accommodate up to 15 travelers. Pricing is set at $67 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible, making it suitable for families. With 8 positive reviews, this snorkeling and fauna observation tour at Las Tintoreras Islet promises a memorable adventure in the Galápagos.
Read our full review: Snorkeling and Fauna Observation at Las Tintoreras Islet Review
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Tintoreras Islet Tour From Isabela – Hiking & Snorkeling in Galapagos Islands
Offering an immersive exploration of the Galapagos Islands’ diverse marine life, the Tintoreras Islet Tour from Isabela provides visitors with a captivating blend of hiking and snorkeling experiences. During this one-day tour, travelers will embark on a boat ride to the picturesque Tintoreras Islet, where they’ll have the opportunity to spot white-tip sharks, sea lions, marine turtles, and the iconic blue-footed boobies.
The tour includes the use of snorkeling equipment, allowing participants to enjoy the surrounding waters and observe the vibrant underwater ecosystem. Plus, guided hiking on the islet offers a chance to appreciate the unique terrestrial landscapes. With a small group size of up to 16 passengers and an English/Spanish-speaking naturalist guide, the Tintoreras Islet Tour provides a personalized and informative experience.
Suitable for most travelers, this tour is an excellent choice for those seeking an adventure-filled day in the Galapagos Islands.
Read our full review: Tintoreras Islet Tour From Isabela – Hiking & Snorkeling in Galapagos Islands Review
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Cabo Rosa (Tuneles) Hiking & Snorkeling Tour From Isabela
Cabo Rosa (Tunnels) Hiking & Snorkeling Tour from Isabela whisks visitors on an adventure to explore the mesmerizing underwater landscapes and rugged terrestrial terrain of the Galapagos Islands. This half-day excursion takes travelers to Cabo Rosa, also known as “the Tunnels,” where they’ll hike and snorkel amidst the area’s unique geological formations.
During the tour, you will be provided with snorkeling equipment and a box lunch. A certified naturalist guide, fluent in both English and Spanish, will lead the group, sharing insights about the local flora and fauna. While wetsuits aren’t included, travelers can opt to bring their own. At the end of the tour, guests will be dropped off back on Isabela Island.
With a maximum of 16 travelers, this intimate tour offers an up-close encounter with the wonders of the Galapagos. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, making it easy to plan and secure your spot on this unforgettable Cabo Rosa adventure.
Read our full review: Cabo Rosa (Tuneles) Hiking & Snorkeling Tour From Isabela Review
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The Sum Up
Puerto Villamil offers some of the best snorkeling experiences in the Galapagos Islands. Visitors can explore the Cabo Rosa Tunnels, observe diverse marine fauna at Las Tintoreras Islet, and enjoy a tour that combines hiking and snorkeling at Cabo Rosa. These snorkeling destinations provide an opportunity to witness the unique and captivating underwater world of the Galapagos.