From Puerto Ayora: Isabela Island & Tintorera Islet Day Tour

This is a full-day guided tour to Isabela Island in the Galapagos, ideal for nature lovers interested in wildlife and snorkeling.

Highlights

• Spot endemic Galapagos penguins and flamingos
• Visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre
• Snorkel alongside sea turtles and sharks
• Enjoy lunch at one of Isabela’s top oceanfront restaurants
• High-quality snorkel equipment and wetsuit provided

Description

The tour begins with a two-hour public speedboat ride to Isabela Island, shaped like a seahorse and located in the western Galapagos. Upon arrival in Puerto Villamil bay, you can observe Galapagos penguins on the rocks. There is also time to relax on the nearby beach and watch sea lions and marine iguanas.

A short boat ride takes you to Tintorera Islet, an ecological area home to marine iguanas, resting sharks, blue-footed boobies, and penguins. A naturalist guide will explain the islet’s ecosystems and lava formations.

You will then enjoy a brief snorkelling experience where you can see sea turtles, sea lions, sharks, rays, and potentially penguins. After snorkeling, the tour continues with lunch at a well-regarded oceanfront restaurant.

In the afternoon, a naturalist guide will help you spot flamingos around Isabela’s lagoons, followed by a visit to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre. Here, you can see tortoises of all ages, including some over 200 years old. The tour concludes with a walk along a trail beside a lagoon with mangroves, where you may see more flamingos, marine iguanas, and birds.

After the land tour, you will return to the pier for the speedboat trip back to Puerto Ayora. Note that check-in and luggage control are mandatory for inter-island speedboat travel.

Includes

• High-quality snorkel equipment
• Long wetsuits
• Mesh bag for snorkel gear and wetsuit
• Oceanfront lunch menu including juice or water
• Boat tour to Las Tintoreras with a naturalist guide
• Towels after snorkeling
• Round-trip speedboat/ferry to Isabela Island
• Private transportation on Isabela for the land tour
• Entry to the Centro de Crianza Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Centre
• Pier fees in Puerto Ayora (paid at arrival and departure)
• Water taxis on Santa Cruz Island before and after the tour
• Pre-tour briefing at our office the day before departure

Excludes

• Municipal fee for Isabela Island ($10 per person)
• Water taxis to and from speedboat on Isabela ($1 per person each way)
• Alcoholic beverages or drinks not included with lunch
• Optional gratuities

Important Information

• Consider spending an overnight on Isabela Island for more exploration time; contact us for accommodation and additional tours.

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 3 days in advance for a full refund.

For best experience, bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and a waterproof camera. The morning boat ride is early, so plan accordingly.