Los Tuneles (Isabela Island) Day Tour

Puerto Villamil, Ecuador

GP
Galapagos Path
  • Email address verified
5 reviews
Duration: 1 day
Group size: 1 - 12
Los Tuneles (Isabela Island) Day Tour
Puerto Villamil, Ecuador

Galapagos Path
  • Email address verified
5 reviews

Duration: 1 day
Group size: 1 - 12

About this trip

  

Volcano landscape and Galapagos penguin

One of the largest and most amazing volcano landscapes is found on Isabela Island – it even looks like a seahorse! It is settled by six large shield volcanoes fused into one island (Ecuador, Wolf, Darwin, Alcedo, Sierra Negra (active!) and Cerro Azul). Each of them is populated with different species of tortoise. Its highest point is located at Wolf Volcano (1,707 m; 5,600 ft). This volcano and the Sierra Negra (west) are the most active craters in the world. Our adventures visit just attractions around Villamil Pier where it is possible to find pink flamingos feeding on tiny shrimp larva, zigzagging penguins, frigate birds posing on the endemic trees. From the small trail one has the chance to notice a variety of giant tortoises and the snorkel time gives the opportunity to swim next to blue sharks at Tintoreras tiny islets shore. Another site is Los Tuneles, large quantities of seabirds and penguins, eagle rays, sea horse, white tip sharks, and the colorful desert vegetation heaven. 

What’s included

  • Boat
    Comfortable speed boat
  • Guide
    Galapagos Nationa Park accredited tour guide
  • Pick up
    Pick up at your hotel
  • Snorkeling gear
    Mask, tube, flippers & wetsuit
  • Meal
    Box lunch (aboard)
  • Snack
    Purified water, fruit & cookies
  • Tax
    Online tax payment

What’s not included

  • Interisland transport
    Speed boat
  • Accomodation
    Hotel / hostel
  • Meals
    Breakfast or dinner
  • Island entrance fee
    Isabela entrance fee $10
  • Insurance
    Medical insurance
  • Souvenirs
    Personal acquisition
  • Beverage
    Alcoholic beverage
  • Tip
    Voluntary recognition
  • Pictures & videos
    Pictures & videos

Available Packages

Los Tuneles Day Tour

  Volcano landscape and Galapagos penguin


$165

Itinerary

Los Tuneles Day Tour
Volcano landscape and Galapagos penguin

Description:  

Early in the morning, at 07:15 or11:00 am, after wondering a delicious breakfast, you will embark on a must-do day trip to one of the most biodiverse sites in the Galapagos, Los Tuneles -or The Tunnels in English- also known as Cabo Rosa. They are unique geological formations, a series of arcs and tunnels underneath and above the water, located 1 hour riding from Puerto Villamil Pier. The first spot is in Roca Union a small islet located in the open sea were watching majestic pelicans, blue footed boobies and Nazca Boobies and, occasionally, sea lions resting on the rocks makes your terrific journey. This site is an ideal place for snorkeling due to its crystal-clear and shallow waters, so there is possible to swim next to sea turtles, white-tipped sharks, trumpetfish and surgeon fish. It is also able to see eagle and golden rays. The second and principle spot is in Los Tuneles where you will be allowed to do more snorkeling and enjoy some short trail observing the landscape and teeming wildlife. Cabo Rosa is heaven to sea turtles, marine iguanas, sea lions, blue footed boobies, royal frigate, eagle rays, penguins, lobsters, sea snakes, a variety of birds, among other species. Hot box lunch will be served aboard. 

It is recommended to wear a wetsuit in order to neutralize the sea temperature, because it falls below 20ºC from June to November and it is up to 27ºC from December to May. 

Departure: at 7:15 am or 11:00 am from Puerto Villamil Pier

Returning time: approximately at 1:30 pm or 5:00 pm

Travel Time: speed boat ride takes around 1 hour (August – October the seas can be quite rough). Adventurers with back or neck injuries are not advised to take this journey. 

Difficulty Level: intermediate

Highlight activity: walking and snorkeling

Transportation: speed boat


.. //..

Confirmation and payment policy: Payments are due based on the following schedule. All reservations require a deposit to confirm. 

• 61 to 91+ days in advance  Deposit 30% of program’s cost (or $100.00)

• 31 to 60 days in advance    Deposit 50% of program’s cost

• 30 days in advance        Deposit 100% of program’s cost

Cancellation Policy: Reservations are subject to the following cancellation schedule.

• 90+ days before trip    No penalty 

• 60 to 89 days before trip Fine 30% of program’s cost (or $100.00) 

• 30 to 59 days before trip Fine 50% of program´s cost

• 0 to 29 days before trip   Fine 100% of program´s cost

Discounts & benefits:

• For tour leaders is a 50% discount off meals and lodging for groups of 1 – 4 guests. For groups of 5 guests or more, meals and lodging are complimentary. 

• For tour leaders, tour guide, or any companions we don’t offer discounts off navigation journeys.

• Kids under 2 are free. For ages 2 – 6, we offer a 10% discount off of meals, lodging, and navigation journey. Kids aged 7 or older pay the standard rates.

• We don’t offer discounts for senior citizens.

• We may be able to offer additional discounts for tour companies who send tour groups to the Galapagos Islands on a recurring basis. Contact us for more details.  

Recommendations & clarifications:

• It is required the traffic control card issued by Galapagos Governing.

• Guests with medical conditions and/or special dietary restrictions must make them known to us in sufficient time for us to accommodate their request.

• Guests are required: wear mask, use hand sanitizer, and practice social distancing as required.

• Guests are strongly encouraged to: wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes with sturdy, rugged soles.

• Bring sun protection such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat.

• Bring insect repellent. 

• It is recommended to wear a wetsuit in order to neutralize the sea temperature, because it falls below 20ºC from June to November and it can be chilly at times so we recommend also bringing a windbreaker, hat, and scarf.

• Galapagos and Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar as its official currency.

• Most vendors accept cash. We recommend that guests bring U.S. dollars with them if they might want to buy souvenir.

• The prices are according to the double/triple/quadruple room.

• Accommodations in our hostel/hotel are subject to availability. If the hostel/hotel is full, we will arrange for our guests to stay in a hotel of an equivalent category and provide transfers.

• Photography is encouraged always keeping mind the Galapagos National Park Rules for Visitors.

• All itineraries, dining options, accommodations, and journey experiences are subject to change without notice due to factors such as climate conditions, season, host availability, operational issues, and guest security.

The described species in the program can be encountered during the tours but it is not guaranteed that always will be encountered as it depends on natural factors, climate, seasons, and marine currents.  

Your Organizer


GP
Galapagos Path
5 reviews
Our sustainable tourism commitment plans your exclusive eco-friendly and responsible trip which allows you to explore the Galapagos Islands, discover Andean communities, and live an unique experience into the Ecuadorian mainland nature and culture.

Reviews

Everything was amazing! Perfect organization and precision, I highly recommend Galápagos Path tours.
By Camilla C for Dicovering Galapagos Peguin Path 6 Days 5 Nights on Aug 27, 2024
Die Insel ist toll. Der Guide hat alles super erklärt! Pinguine und Seelöwen direkt neben uns beim Schnorcheln! Großartig
By Cornelia T for BARTOLOME DAY TOUR on Nov 23, 2023
Es war ein toller Ausflug! Der Guide war großartig, das Boot Windrose spektakulär und die 2 Inseln toll. Vögel, Leguane, Seeroben, Krabben- der Ausflug ist sehr zu empfehlen 👍👍👍
By Cornelia T for NORTH SEYMOUR & SOUTH PLAZAS DAY TOUR on Nov 23, 2023
Get ready to see amazing fish,turtles, sharks in this deep water snorkelling. One of the most amazing fish I have seen and I was nervous at start but very soon the guide made me feel comfortable and I was snorkeling on my own. Two great snorkeling opportunities. We saw blue footed boobies. Delightful. The boat ride is rough but worth it. Again Galapagos path and Jorge was so good to deal with. He arranged a pick up and drop from our hotel, was so helpful with our every need. I will be recommending Galapagos path to all my friends and family.
By Sarah C for FLOREANA CORMORANT POINT DAY TOUR on Nov 02, 2023
An amazing day out to the island. I will give Galapagos path all the credit. They took care of every detail. Jorge was fantastic and it was my first time snorkeling and it was a good introduction to it. Jorge set us up with wet suits etc. pick up and drop to our hotel etc. the boat was beautiful.
By Sarah C for BARTOLOME DAY TOUR on Nov 02, 2023

References

Highly recommend planning your activities in Galapagos with Jorge. He is well informed, kind, generous, and what he says comes true. Any activity he booked for me, was happening on time, as expected and described. He even reminded me daily of my upcoming commitments.
By Julia E on 22 Mar, 2024