Las Tintoreras snorkeling tour from Isabela Island

Snorkel among penguins, sea lions and whitetip sharks at Las Tintoreras

A half-day snorkeling tour from Isabela Island to Las Tintoreras, a group of small islets south of Puerto Villamil where you swim and observe sea lions, Galápagos penguins, whitetip sharks, sea turtles and rays. The tour runs three hours with a professional guide, snorkeling equipment, and hotel pickup inside Puerto Villamil's urban area. You return to the dock at the end.

Step-by-step itinerary

Half day tour to Tintoreras islets

• Hotel pick up in Puerto Villamil
• Boat trip to Tintoreras islets
• Observe wildlife and snorkel
• Walk on islet and bird watching
• Return boat to Puerto Villamil dock

The experience

Las Tintoreras sits just south of Puerto Villamil as a cluster of small islets carved with inlets and hidden beaches. The bay holds sea lions, sea turtles and sea iguanas on the rocks. A shallow channel of crystalline water connects the islets and fills with whitetip sharks, tropical fish and more sea lions when the tide is high. You start at 9 a.m. or 2 p.m. from the dock, motor out to the islets, and spend time snorkeling in the water where these animals move freely around you.

The guide leads you on foot across volcanic rock formations to spot blue-footed boobies and other birds perched on the islets themselves. Snorkeling time puts you in the water with sea turtles, different species of manta rays, goldfish and the sharks the site is known for. The boat returns you to Puerto Villamil's dock. From there you walk or arrange your own transport back to your hotel.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English or Spanish.
• snorkeling mask and fins.
• three hours on the water with time in the bay.
• hotel pickup inside Puerto Villamil's urban area.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30 and 14:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 10 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Perfect Destiny

Is this one for you?Small groups work well here since the islets and the snorkeling sites stay uncrowded, and the three-hour window fits easily into a half-day schedule if you're splitting your time between Isabela's other attractions.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

What animals will I actually see at Las Tintoreras?

Las Tintoreras is home to sea lions, Galápagos penguins, whitetip sharks, sea turtles, rays and various tropical fish. The bay and the shallow channel between islets are where most of the wildlife congregates, especially during snorkeling time.

Do I need snorkeling experience to join this tour?

No. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and the guide provides snorkeling equipment (mask and fins). Children from age 4 can join if accompanied by an adult.

What time does the tour start and how long does it take?

The tour departs at either 9 a.m. or 2 p.m. and runs for three hours total, including the boat ride to Las Tintoreras, snorkeling time and the return to Puerto Villamil's dock.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, the guide picks you up at your hotel lobby if you're staying inside Puerto Villamil's urban perimeter, or can arrange a meeting point to join the group.

What's not included that I should know about?

Snorkeling equipment is provided, but wet suits are not. You can rent one separately if you want extra warmth in the water. The tour ends at the dock, so you'll need to arrange your own transport back to your hotel.