The Full Day Lava Tunnels Tour from Isabela Island offers an exciting opportunity to explore the island’s unique geological formations. Priced at $253 per person, the tour takes visitors on a guided journey through ancient lava tunnels, showcasing the island’s diverse marine life through a snorkeling adventure. With a maximum of 10 participants and professional guidance, the tour provides a well-rounded experience, including a box lunch and breakfast. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an adventurous day, this tour promises to unveil the fascinating wonders that Isabela Island has to offer.
This experience made our list of the 6 Best Tours In Isabela.
About Your Stay
- The Full Day Lava Tunnels Tour on Isabela Island is priced at $253 per person and includes professional guiding, snorkeling equipment, transportation, and a box lunch.
- The tour has a maximum of 10 participants and provides pickup and drop-off within the urban perimeter of Puerto Villamil.
- The tour includes a guided exploration of the cavernous lava tunnels, where participants can witness the island’s volcanic past and unique geological formations.
- Following the lava tunnel exploration, the tour offers a snorkeling adventure to observe the diverse marine life, including the possibility of seeing Galapagos penguins.
- Participants are advised to wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and are responsible for renting wetsuits separately, as the tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Tour Overview
The Full Day Lava Tunnels Tour takes travelers from Isabela Island, Ecuador on a comprehensive exploration of the region’s lava tunnels.
Priced at $253 per person, this full-day tour accommodates up to 10 participants and includes professional guiding, snorkeling equipment, transportation, and a box lunch.
Pickup and drop-off are provided within the urban perimeter of Puerto Villamil. While wetsuits must be rented separately, the tour’s inclusions cover breakfast, gratuities, and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
Comfortable shoes are recommended, and children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it does feature a snorkeling activity as part of the experience.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Isabela.
Inclusions and Exclusions
This tour includes a professional guide, use of snorkeling equipment (mask and fins), transportation and a box lunch, as well as breakfast and hotel pick-up and drop-off within the urban perimeter of Puerto Villamil.
However, the cost of wet suits, which must be rented separately, isn’t included. Plus, any other food and drinks not specified in the inclusions aren’t covered by the tour price.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and comfortable shoes are recommended for walking. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the snorkeling activity is included in the tour.
Lastly, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, and a reserve now, pay later option is also offered.
Meeting and Pickup
Guests meet the tour guide at their hotel lobby or the designated meeting point, Las Fragatas, in Puerto Villamil.
The tour begins with hotel pick-up, ensuring a seamless start to the adventure.
After the lava tunnels exploration, the tour concludes at the Puerto Villamil Dock, where guests can continue their journey or make their own arrangements.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests should wear comfortable shoes for walking.
Children must be accompanied by an adult to participate in the snorkeling activity included in the tour.
Additional Information
Wheelchair access isn’t available for this tour. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as there will be some hiking involved.
Children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the excursion. Snorkeling equipment, including masks and fins, will be provided, but wetsuits must be rented separately.
The tour offers a free cancellation policy, allowing you to cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure. Plus, a reserve now and pay later option is available.
This full-day lava tunnels tour from Isabela Island, Ecuador, offers an immersive exploration of the island’s volcanic landscapes.
Exploring the Lava Tunnels
Travelers typically begin their lava tunnels exploration by descending into the cavernous network carved through the volcanic rock.
Led by an experienced guide, they’ll encounter stunning geological formations, from towering basalt columns to glistening mineral deposits.
As they navigate the winding passageways, they’ll learn about the tunnels’ remarkable history and formation, shaped by ancient lava flows and the dynamic forces of the Galapagos Islands.
Along the way, they’ll have the opportunity to pause and take in the serene, otherworldly atmosphere of these underground marvels.
The tour provides a unique chance to delve deep into the island’s volcanic past and witness the power of nature’s handiwork firsthand.
Snorkeling Adventure
After exploring the captivating lava tunnels, guests then embark on a snorkeling adventure. The provided snorkeling equipment, including masks and fins, allows visitors to enjoy the vibrant underwater world surrounding Isabela Island. The snorkeling activity provides an opportunity to observe the diverse marine life, such as schools of tropical fish, playful sea lions, and maybe even a glimpse of the elusive Galapagos penguin.
| Experience | Duration | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snorkeling | 1-2 hours | Moderate | Diverse marine life, sea lions, Galapagos penguins |
The snorkeling adventure complements the lava tunnel exploration, offering a well-rounded experience for visitors to fully appreciate the natural wonders of Isabela Island.
Preparing for the Tour
Before embarking on the Full Day Lava Tunnels Tour, it’s essential to ensure proper preparation.
Travelers should wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking through the lava tunnels. While snorkeling equipment is provided, bringing your own mask and fins can ensure a better fit. Wetsuits must be rented separately, so plan accordingly if you intend to participate in the snorkeling activity.
It’s also important to remember that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so those with mobility challenges should consider this.
Questions About Your Stay
What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?
The minimum age requirement for the tour is not explicitly stated. However, the tour notes that "Children must be accompanied by an adult," suggesting there is no specific minimum age, but young children would need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Are There Any Physical Fitness Requirements for Participants?
The tour doesn’t have any specific physical fitness requirements, but participants should be able to walk and snorkel comfortably. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?
The tour provides snorkeling equipment, but travelers can bring their own gear if they prefer. However, the guide will need to inspect any personal equipment to ensure it’s in good working condition before the activity.
Is There a Maximum Group Size for the Tour?
The tour has a maximum group size of 10 travelers. The tour includes the use of snorkeling equipment, but participants can’t bring their own gear. The tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off within the urban perimeter of Puerto Villamil.
Can I Customize the Tour to Fit My Preferences?
The tour operator may allow some customization to fit travelers’ preferences, but the core itinerary and inclusions are fixed. Customers should inquire about any special requests when booking to see if they can be accommodated.
Final Verdict On This Stay
The Full Day Lava Tunnels Tour from Isabela Island offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the island’s dramatic geological features and diverse marine life. With professional guidance, convenient logistics, and a range of inclusions, this tour provides an exhilarating and well-rounded Galapagos experience. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an adventure, this tour is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories of Isabela Island’s captivating landscapes.