Isabela Island Day Trip with Las Tintoreras, Snorkeling and Flamingos
About Isabela Island Day Trip with Las Tintoreras, Snorkeling and Flamingos
This day trip takes you from Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz to Isabela, the largest island in the Galápagos, and its beach town of Puerto Villamil. It has 140 reviews and a 4.7 rating.
The tour lasts about 10 hours, with prices from about $285 per person. It covers land and water in one day.
Itinerary
- Las Tintoreras (3 hours)
- Isabela Island Wetlands Complex (1 hours)
- Playa Puerto Villamil (1 hours)
- Centro de Crianza Arnaldo Tupiza (30 minutes)
What’s included
- Fee charged for the use of the pier in Puerto Ayora
- Lunch menu in a very nice restaurant
- Boat Tour "Las Tintoreras" with a Naturalist Guide
- Soda/Pop
- Transport with a private driver during the entire stay on Isabela Island
- Lunch
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- Wetsuits (long or short, as preferred)
- Boat ride to Isabela round trip on a comfortable and fast speedboat
- Fuel surcharge
- Entry fee to the Breeding Centre ($10 per person)
- Mesh bag to store your snorkel equipment and the wetsuit
Meeting point
We meet at our office in Calle Enrique Fuentes ("El Saigón"), only a few footsteps from the pier.
What to expect on the day
You cross to Isabela on a public speedboat, which can be choppy when the sea is rough. On Isabela, a naturalist guide takes you by boat to Las Tintoreras islet, where you walk among marine iguanas and may see whitetip reef sharks, sea lions and penguins, and you have a short snorkel. A private driver then takes you to the giant tortoise breeding center and the lagoons where flamingos feed. Lunch is at an ocean-front restaurant.
Prices and extra costs
- Included: Round-trip speedboat to Isabela, Las Tintoreras boat tour with a naturalist guide, private driver on Isabela, lunch, soft drinks, snorkel gear and wetsuit, the breeding center entry fee, the Puerto Ayora pier fee and the fuel surcharge.
- Not included: Water taxis to and from the speedboat (about $1 per person), alcoholic drinks, tips and the Isabela island entry fee.
What to bring
- Seasickness tablets for the speedboat.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a light jacket.
- Swimwear and cash for the water taxis and Isabela fee.
Tips for a better day
- Meeting point: The office is on Calle Enrique Fuentes (“El Saigón”), a few steps from the pier in Puerto Ayora.
- Sit at the back: The rear of the speedboat usually moves less in rough seas.
- Expect a long day: Plan a quiet evening, as the boat ride is about 2 hours each way.
Who it’s best for
Best for: Travelers based on Santa Cruz who want to see Isabela’s penguins, flamingos and iguanas without moving hotels.
Consider another option if: You get seasick easily. The Santa Fe Island snorkel tour is a shorter boat trip with more time in the water.
Restrictions
Suitable for all fitness levels, but not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. Infants must sit on an adult’s lap, and small children can ride in a stroller.
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations, so book only once your dates are fixed.
FAQ about Isabela Island Day Trip with Las Tintoreras, Snorkeling and Flamingos
How long is the Isabela day trip?
About 10 hours.
How do you get to Isabela?
By public speedboat from Puerto Ayora, about 2 hours each way.
Where does the tour start?
At the office on Calle Enrique Fuentes, a few steps from the pier in Puerto Ayora.
What animals might I see?
Marine iguanas, sea lions, penguins, blue-footed boobies, flamingos, whitetip reef sharks and giant tortoises.
Is lunch included?
Yes, at an ocean-front restaurant.
Is snorkel gear included?
Yes, along with a wetsuit and a mesh bag.
What is not included?
Water taxis to the speedboat, alcoholic drinks, tips and the Isabela island entry fee.
Can the boat ride be rough?
Yes. The sea can be choppy, so bring seasickness tablets if needed.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. Small children can ride in a stroller, and infants sit on an adult's lap.
Can I cancel for a refund?
No. All sales are final.
