• Flexible Cancellation
The Lava Labyrinth:
Los Túneles Cabo Rosa Tour, Isabela
A half-day snorkeling tour from Puerto Villamil through a maze of volcanic arches rising out of clear, flat water. Seahorses in the mangrove roots, whitetip reef sharks asleep in the lava caves, and sea turtles at arm’s length.
What to Expect at Los Túneles, Cabo Rosa
Los Túneles, often written Los Tuneles and also known as Cabo Rosa, is what happened when lava flows hit the ocean and cooled mid-collapse: a network of arches, bridges and submerged tunnels running more than 800 metres along the south coast of Isabela. The formations work as a natural breakwater, so while the open Pacific is swelling on the other side, the lagoons inside stay flat and clear. That combination — protected shallow water, mangrove roots and lava caves — is why this site holds species you will not easily find elsewhere: seahorses gripping the roots, whitetip reef sharks stacked asleep in the caves, sea turtles feeding in the shallows, and blue-footed boobies and Galápagos penguins on the rocks above.
Los Túneles is the marquee tour on Isabela and the one worth planning your days around. Pair it with Las Tintoreras in the afternoon, since that one only takes three hours and departs from the same town. For a full day inland instead of on the water, the Sierra Negra volcano hike is the other Isabela essential, and the Tintoreras kayak tour fills a spare half-day.
Los Túneles Tour Itinerary
Departure from Puerto Villamil
We leave from the dock on Isabela Island for a one-hour run down the coast toward Cabo Rosa. The southern shoreline is volcanic and largely uninhabited the whole way.
Stop 1 — Roca Unión Birdwatching
A dramatic rock stack rising straight out of the open ocean, and a reliable perch for pelicans, Nazca boobies and blue-footed boobies. We circle it before continuing.
Stop 2 — Snorkeling at “El Finado”
The main event. A guided snorkel through the clear shallows looking for seahorses in the mangrove roots, rays over the sand, and the resident tintoreras — whitetip reef sharks — resting in the lava crevices.
Stop 3 — Walking the Lava Bridges & Lunch
A short walk across the collapsed lava bridges themselves, past marine iguanas and nesting blue-footed boobies. Box lunch on the boat before the return navigation.
What’s Included
- ✓ Transfer to the Meeting Point
- ✓ Certified Naturalist Guide (Eng/Esp)
- ✓ Box Lunch and Snacks
- ✓ Snorkeling Equipment
- ✓ Short Wetsuit
Not Included
- ✕ Soft Drinks and Alcoholic Beverages
- ✕ Tips for the Crew and Guide
- ✕ Ferry to Isabela Island
What to Bring to Los Túneles
You get in and out of the water more than once, and the boat ride back is exposed:
- Swimwear – Wear it before the tour starts; changing space on board is minimal.
- Underwater Camera – The seahorses and the sleeping sharks are the shots people come back with.
- Sun Protection – Reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
- Light Windbreaker – The hour back up the coast gets cold once you are wet.
- Towel – To dry off between the snorkel and the lava walk.
- Reusable Water Bottle – There is no shade at Cabo Rosa.
Los Túneles Tour: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to stay on Isabela Island to take this tour?
What is the difference between Los Túneles and Las Tintoreras?
Is the water rough inside the tunnels?
Is this tour suitable for beginner snorkelers or children?
Are the whitetip reef sharks dangerous?
Will I definitely see seahorses?
Should I take the 07:30 or the 11:00 departure?
Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Cancellation Policy for the Los Túneles Tour
• Full Refund: Guaranteed for cancellations made at least 15 days before the departure date.
• No Refund: Cancellations made within 14 days of the tour, or “No Shows”, will incur a 100% penalty.
• Weather Guarantee: If the Galápagos Port Authority restricts navigation due to weather, we offer a full refund or date change.