Los Tuneles Day Tour (Isabela Island)
Galápagos, Ecuador
Discover the jewelry of Isabela Island. Enjoy snorkeling inside lava tunnels with golden manta rays, zigzagging penguins and green marine turtles. Explore exotic blue-footed and Nazca bobbies.
Los Tuneles Day Trip in Galapagos Islands
This day trip from Puerto Villamil suits intermediate-level adventurers interested in snorkeling and exploring diverse marine wildlife in Galapagos' Los Tuneles.
Highlights
- Explore one of the most biodiverse marine sites in the Galapagos Islands.
- Swim with colorful reef fish, sea turtles, and white-tipped sharks.
- Follow the path of Galapagos white and black-tipped sharks.
- Discover lava caves for walking over and swimming under them.
- Observe Galapagos penguins in their natural habitat.
Description
Departing early at 7:15 am or late at 11:00 am from Puerto Villamil Pier after breakfast, this trip visits Los Tuneles (Cabo Rosa), geological arches and tunnels above and below water, one hour by speedboat from the pier.
The first stop is Roca Union, a small islet where you can see pelicans, blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and sometimes sea lions resting on the rocks. Its shallow, clear waters make it ideal for snorkeling with sea turtles, white-tipped sharks, trumpetfish, surgeonfish, as well as eagle and golden rays.
The main area, Los Tuneles, offers more snorkeling opportunities and short trails to observe the unique landscape and abundant wildlife. Species commonly seen include sea turtles, marine iguanas, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, royal frigatebirds, eagle rays, penguins, lobsters, sea snakes, and various bird species.
A packed lunch is served aboard the boat.
Wearing a wetsuit is recommended due to sea temperatures ranging from below 20ºC (June to November) to up to 27ºC (December to May).
Departure times are 7:15 am or 11:00 am; return is around 1:30 pm or 5:00 pm. The speedboat ride takes approximately one hour, and seas can be rough from August to October. This tour is not advised for people with back or neck injuries.
Includes
- Comfortable speed boat
- Naturalist guide accredited by Galapagos National Park
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins)
- Wetsuit
- Lunch on board
- Purified water and fruit snacks
- Galapagos National Park tax
Excludes
- Interisland transportation
- Accommodation
- Breakfast and dinner
- Isabela Island entrance fee ($10.00)
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal souvenirs
- Alcoholic beverages
- Photos and videos
- Tips
Important Information
- A Galapagos traffic control card is required to join this tour.
- Guests with medical conditions or dietary needs must inform in advance for proper accommodation.
- The official currency in Galapagos and Ecuador is the U.S. dollar.
- Cash is preferred for most purchases; bring U.S. dollars for souvenirs.
- Itineraries, meals, accommodations, and activities are subject to change due to weather, season, availability, operational issues, and safety considerations.
- All guests must attend a wetsuit fitting at Galapagos Path the day before the tour at 5:00 pm.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.
For the best experience, wear your wetsuit to stay warm, bring sunscreen, and book your spot early due to limited availability.
