A full-day boat trip from Puerto Villamil that brings you to the lava arches of Los Tuneles and the sheltered bays of Cabo Rosa for accessible snorkeling with sea lions, endemic fish and coastal bird colonies. Practical for all confident swimmers, the tour pairs guided marine interpretation with shoretime by blue-footed boobies.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off the skiff into water that glints like beaten silver; the boat hum fades and the Pacific seems to pull you forward, curious. Around you, basalt arches of Los Tuneles frame channels where sea lions thread between lava pillars and schools of reef fish scatter like confetti. The guides brief the group, check masks, then you slip into a world shaped by cold upwelling and island-born species.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Basic to moderate swimming fitness; comfortable treading and short surface swims help you enjoy multiple snorkel stops.
Wildlife
History
Isabela’s coastline was shaped by repeated eruptions over the last few hundred years; human presence intensified with 20th-century fishing settlements and later scientific stations.
Conservation
The Galápagos Marine Reserve protects these waters; visitors should use reef-safe products, avoid touching wildlife and follow guide instructions to minimize disturbance.
Reserve your spot on the Tour to Tuneles & Cabo Rosa (Isabela Island) today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Protect yourself from strong equatorial sun and marine life — choose SPF 30+ reef-safe formulas and reapply between snorkel sessions.
Wear a 3mm wetsuit or vest
Water can be cool due to upwelling; a short wetsuit increases comfort and swim time during the four-hour water exposure.
Secure a waterproof camera
There are close encounters with sea lions and reef fish — use a wrist leash and floatation for your camera to avoid loss in currents.
Listen to guides on currents and entry points
Channels around arches can develop strong currents; guides choose safer entry spots and supervise all snorkeling to reduce risk.
Mask, snorkel, fins
Provided often, but comfortable personal gear improves fit and visibility underwater.
3mm wetsuit or wetsuit vest
Keeps you warm in cooler upwelling water and extends comfortable snorkel time.
spring
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin from intense sun while preventing damage to coral and marine ecosystems.
summer
Waterproof camera or action cam with float
Captures encounters with sea lions and reef life — secure it with a leash or floatation device.