Half Day Tintoreras Tour from Isabela Island

Isabela , Ecuador

Half Day Tintoreras Tour from Isabela Island

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(5 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

"Las Tintoreras", a group of small islets full of inlets and hidden beaches. The islet of Tintoreras is located south of Puerto Villamil. It has a bay where it is possible to observe sea lions, sea turtles, sea iguanas, stingrays, etc. This bay is connected to a superficial crack of crystalline waters that closes when the tide is low. In this crack it is possible to see whitetip sharks swim with the rest of tropical fish and sea lions.

Available options

Half Day Tintoreras Tour from Isabela Island

Pickup included

What's included

Use of Snorkeling Equipment ( Mask and fins)

Transportation

Professional Guide

Hotel Pick Up (Inside the Urban Perimeter of Puerto Villamil)

Detailed itinerary

The guide will pick you up in the lobby of the hotel, (Hotel pick up inside the urban perimeter of Puerto Villamil) or we can give you a good meeting point to join with us.

Stop 2

We started the activity at 09:00 AM or 14H00 PM from Isabela Island.
From the bay we go to a set of islets called Tintoreras. Well known for being the habitat of penguins and white tip sharks!

We can sight these cute birds and have a great chance of finding wolves sailors along the coasts.

Other animals that we can observe while surrounding the islets are: rays, sea turtles, bay shakrs, goldfish, etc.
We enjoyed snorkeling time near the site, we will observe, sea turtles, sea lions, shark dye, different types of manta rays, various types of fish, galapagos penguin etc).

Bird watching (blue footed boobies and other birds) Islet walk observation of volcanic rock formations.

The boat drop off in Puerto Villamil´s dock and you can go to your hotel by yourself

What's not included

Breakfast

Food and drinks (Unless specified)

Hotel Drop off

Gratuities

Wet suits is not included you must rent by yourself if you decide

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

This tour is on boat and we practice snorkeling activity

There no drop off in the hotel, the tour end in Puerto Villamil's Dock

Wet suits is not included you must rent by yourself if you decide

Meeting point

Meeting spot given by the operator (near the hotel of the passenger)

About Isabela

Isabela is the largest island in the Galápagos archipelago, known for its stunning volcanic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and laid-back atmosphere. It's a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers, offering unique experiences like snorkeling with sea turtles and hiking active volcanoes.

Top Attractions

Puerto Villamil

The main settlement on Isabela, Puerto Villamil is a charming, laid-back town with beautiful beaches, sea turtle sanctuaries, and a variety of shops and restaurants.

Town/Village Half-day to full-day Free to explore

Las Tintoreras Islet

A small islet near Puerto Villamil, Las Tintoreras is a popular spot for snorkeling and wildlife viewing. It's home to sea lions, marine iguanas, and a variety of fish and sharks.

Nature Half-day Approx. $20-30 for guided tours

Sierra Negra Volcano

One of the most active volcanoes in the Galápagos, Sierra Negra offers stunning views and unique hiking experiences. The volcano's crater is one of the largest in the world.

Nature/Adventure Full-day Approx. $100-150 for guided tours

Concha de Perla

A small, protected lagoon near Puerto Villamil, Concha de Perla is a great spot for snorkeling and observing marine life, including sea turtles, rays, and fish.

Nature 1-2 hours Approx. $10-15 for snorkel rentals

Los Humedales

A wetland area near Puerto Villamil, Los Humedales is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. The area is home to a variety of birds, including flamingos, herons, and finches.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Ceviche de Camarón

A refreshing dish made with fresh shrimp, lime juice, onions, and cilantro, often served with plantain chips.

Appetizer Contains seafood, gluten-free if no additional ingredients are added

Encebollado

A hearty soup made with tuna, yuca, onions, and pickled onions, often served with a side of plantain chips.

Main Course Contains seafood, gluten-free if no additional ingredients are added

Lobster

Isabela is known for its delicious lobster, often grilled or served in garlic sauce.

Main Course Contains seafood, gluten-free if no additional ingredients are added

Cocada

A sweet coconut-based dessert made with sugar, coconut, and sometimes condensed milk.

Dessert Vegetarian, contains dairy

Popular Activities

Hiking Sierra Negra Volcano Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras Diving at Los Tuneles Beachcombing at Playa Puerto Villamil Sunset watching at the beachfront Enjoying a massage or spa treatment Visiting the Isabela Art Gallery Exploring Puerto Villamil's shops and cafes

Best Time to Visit

December to May

This is the warm/wet season with calm waters, ideal for snorkeling and wildlife viewing. The weather is generally sunny with occasional rain showers.

28-30°C 82-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (to some extent)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

ECT (Ecuador Time, GMT-5)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Isabela is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a laid-back atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious when using taxis, and negotiate fares in advance
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air

Isabela Island Airport • 2 km from Puerto Villamil

Getting around

Public transport

Taxis are available for hire and are the main form of transportation. They are relatively inexpensive.

Taxis

Available • Apps: None available

Rentals

Bike

Neighborhoods

Puerto Villamil

Day trips

Puerto Egas

40 km from Puerto Villamil • Full-day

A small fishing village and historical site, Puerto Egas is known for its beautiful beaches, sea lion colonies, and the remains of a salt mine.

Los Tuneles

30 km from Puerto Villamil • Full-day

A unique underwater lava tunnel formation, Los Tuneles is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving, offering stunning views of marine life and volcanic landscapes.

Santa Cruz Island

50 km from Isabela • Full-day to overnight

The largest island in the Galápagos archipelago, Santa Cruz is known for its diverse wildlife, including giant tortoises, and its charming towns and villages.

Festivals

Galápagos Music Festival • Annual, typically in November Isabela Founding Day • Annual, typically in November

Pro tips

Rent a bike to explore the island's attractions and beaches at your own pace
Visit the sea turtle breeding center to learn about the island's conservation efforts
Take a guided tour of Sierra Negra Volcano for a unique and unforgettable experience
Snorkel at Las Tintoreras or Los Tuneles to see a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, rays, and sharks
Enjoy a sunset walk along the beachfront in Puerto Villamil, keeping an eye out for sea lions and other wildlife