From my decades exploring remote islands, Puerto Villamil’s tours offer some of the best wildlife viewing in all of the Galapagos. The standout is the Tuneles & Cabo Rosa experience – where sea turtles and rays glide beneath natural lava bridges. For stunning volcanic landscapes, I love the Sierra Negra hike, featuring one of Earth’s largest crater rims. Nature enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Wetlands Walking Tour, a peaceful way to spot flamingos and shore birds. The Tintoreras Islet excursion delivers reliable shark encounters, while the combined Island Tour packs snorkeling and kayaking into one efficient outing. Let’s explore these remarkable tours in detail.
Key Points
- The Tintoreras Islet Tour from Isabela offers up-close encounters with diverse marine life, including white-tip sharks, sea lions, and turtles.
- The Isabela Island Wetlands Walking Tour provides a 3-hour guided exploration of the island’s rugged volcanic terrain and diverse wildlife.
- The Hiking Tour to Sierra Negra Volcano is highly rated for its knowledgeable guides and panoramic views, but requires moderate physical fitness.
- The Tour to Tuneles & Cabo Rosa is a popular choice, with an average rating of 4.6/5 and includes activities like snorkeling and wildlife viewing.
- The Isabela Island Tour with Kayak and Snorkeling offers a combination of water-based activities and is suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness.
Tour to Tuneles & Cabo Rosa (Isabela Island)
Although located just a short boat ride away from Puerto Villamil, the Tour to Tuneles & Cabo Rosa on Isabela Island offers visitors a chance to enjoy the island’s remarkable natural wonders.
Priced at $250 per person, this tour is recommended by 90% of travelers and boasts an impressive 4.6/5 average rating from 10 reviews. The tour includes lunch, snacks, towels, and the use of snorkeling equipment, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off.
Highlights of the tour include close encounters with an array of wildlife, such as blue-footed boobies, sea lions, turtles, and octopuses.
However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions. Participants must be ready at the designated pickup points, as the pickup duration ranges from 20 to 30 minutes.
Due to the tour’s non-refundable policy, travelers should plan accordingly.
Read our full review: Tour to Tuneles & Cabo Rosa (Isabela Island) Review
Book now: Check availability
Hiking Tour to Sierra Negra Volcano
The Hiking Tour to Sierra Negra Volcano offers visitors a chance to explore one of the largest volcanic craters in the world. Located on Isabela Island, the tour departs from Puerto Villamil and is limited to small groups of 15 for personalized attention.
Travelers will enjoy panoramic views of the island without extensive hiking, thanks to the tour’s design. The tour includes private transportation, breakfast, and a box lunch. A Galapagos National Park guide accompanies the group, providing expert insights.
While gratuities aren’t included, the overall experience is highly rated, with positive feedback on the knowledgeable guides and breathtaking views. However, the hike is considered moderately challenging, so it’s not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.
Travelers should have a moderate level of physical fitness. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience, and the tour is priced starting from $66.99 per person.
Read our full review: Hiking Tour to Sierra Negra Volcano Review
Book now: Check availability
Isabela Island Wetlands Walking Tour
For those seeking a more leisurely exploration of Isabela Island’s natural wonders, the Isabela Island Wetlands Walking Tour offers a captivating experience.
This 3-hour walking tour takes visitors through the island’s wetlands, where they can observe a variety of wildlife, including flamingos, land turtles, and diverse bird species.
The tour covers the rugged volcanic terrain of the island, including a visit to the island’s first cemetery with ancient tombs.
Led by a local guide, the tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as snacks for participants.
The maximum group size is 10 people, and the tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems or serious medical conditions.
Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes, bring a water bottle, and apply sunblock.
Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and most travelers can participate in this activity.
The tour departs at 8:00 am from the hotel lobby or a designated meeting point within the urban perimeter of Isabela.
Read our full review: Isabela Island Wetlands Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Tintoreras Islet Tour From Isabela – Hiking & Snorkeling in Galapagos Islands
Setting out on a journey through the Galapagos Islands, the Tintoreras Islet Tour from Isabela offers travelers a captivating blend of hiking and snorkeling. This short yet immersive tour, priced from $108 per person, promises an up-close encounter with the islands’ diverse wildlife, including white-tip sharks, sea lions, marine turtles, and more.
Led by a certified naturalist guide, the tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as snorkeling equipment and a small boat for a maximum of 16 passengers.
The highlight of the experience is the opportunity to snorkel among the vibrant marine life, with the guided tours increasing the chances of wildlife spotting. On land, visitors can hike and observe the iconic blue-footed boobies, penguins, and iguanas.
With a 5.0 rating from 3 reviews, the Tintoreras Islet Tour has proven to be a memorable and high-quality adventure, perfect for time-pressed travelers seeking an authentic Galapagos experience.
Read our full review: Tintoreras Islet Tour From Isabela – Hiking & Snorkeling in Galapagos Islands Review
Book now: Check availability
Isabela Island Tour in Galapagos With Kayak and Snorkeling
This Isabela Island tour in the Galapagos offers travelers an immersive experience, combining kayaking and snorkeling to explore the island’s stunning natural landscapes and diverse marine life.
Priced at $64.11 per person, the tour caters to a maximum of 10 travelers and includes the use of snorkeling equipment, a wetsuit, and breakfast.
Pickup and transportation to the kayaking center are provided, though additional charges may apply.
The tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems or pregnant travelers, as it requires a moderate level of physical fitness.
Reviews indicate some issues with the availability of snorkeling gear and extra transportation charges, but praise the guide’s performance.
With an overall rating of 4.2/5 based on 5 reviews, this tour provides a unique opportunity to discover the beauty of Isabela Island in the Galapagos.
Read our full review: Isabela Island Tour in Galapagos With Kayak and Snorkeling Review
Book now: Check availability
Half-Day Private Tour in Sierra Negra Volcanos Sulfur Fumaroles
What better way to explore the captivating volcanic landscapes of Puerto Villamil than through a half-day private tour of the Sierra Negra Volcanoes and their sulfur fumaroles?
Operated by CORAL BLANCO TOUR OPERATOR, this tour offers a comprehensive look at the island’s geological wonders. Priced from $200 per person, the tour includes a box lunch, air-conditioned transportation, and gratuities.
The tour starts at 6:30 am with pickup from your location. While not recommended for those with medical conditions or mobility issues, the moderate physical fitness required ensures you’ll fully experience the volcanic terrain.
With a 5-star rating from a single review, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure. However, note that it’s non-refundable, so plan accordingly.
Whether you’re a geology enthusiast or simply seeking a unique Galapagos experience, this half-day private tour is an excellent choice for exploring the Sierra Negra Volcanoes and their captivating sulfur fumaroles.
Read our full review: Half-Day Private Tour in Sierra Negra Volcanos Sulfur Fumaroles Review
Book now: Check availability
Sum Up
Puerto Villamil offers a range of tours showcasing the island’s natural wonders. From exploring the Tuneles and Cabo Rosa to hiking the Sierra Negra Volcano, visitors can enjoy the Galapagos’ unique landscapes. The wetlands walking tour and Tintoreras Islet excursion provide opportunities to observe the island’s diverse wildlife. For a more active experience, the Isabela Island tour with kayaking and snorkeling is a great option.