• Flexible Cancellation
Paddle with Penguins:
Tintoreras Islet Kayak Tour
A two-hour kayak tour across the calm bay of Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island. Because there is no motor, you can drift within metres of Galápagos penguins, marine iguanas and sea lions without pushing them off the rocks.
What to Expect on the Tintoreras Kayak Tour
Tintoreras Islet sits just south of Puerto Villamil bay on Isabela Island, 12.4 hectares of black lava and mangrove channels. Paddling it is the quietest way to see the place. A kayak makes no engine noise and throws no wake, so the wildlife stays where it is: marine iguanas piled on the rocks, pelicans folded up on the mangroves, and the Galápagos penguin — the only penguin species that lives north of the equator — fishing along the shoreline. Look down through the water and you will often catch sea turtles, reef fish and rays passing under the hull.
This is a surface tour, so bring what you would bring to a paddling trip rather than a snorkeling one. If you want to get in the water at the same site, book the Tintoreras snorkeling tour instead, or combine both across two days. Other Isabela options: Los Túneles at Cabo Rosa for the lava arches, and the Sierra Negra volcano hike for a full day inland.
Tintoreras Kayak Tour Itinerary
Pickup & Safety Briefing
We collect you from your hotel in Puerto Villamil and take you to the launch point. A professional instructor runs the safety briefing and covers basic paddling technique for whichever craft you take, kayak or paddleboard.
Paddling Across Puerto Villamil Bay
Push off from the beach into the sheltered bay. The water here is protected and usually flat, and sea lions frequently come out to swim alongside the kayaks.
Around the Tintoreras Islet
Work your way around the volcanic perimeter of the islet. This is where the penguins fish, the marine iguanas sunbathe in colonies, and blue-footed boobies sit on the higher rocks.
Return to Shore
After roughly 1.5 to 2 hours on the water we paddle back to the beach at Puerto Villamil, where our transport is waiting.
What’s Included
- ✓ Hotel Pickup in Puerto Villamil
- ✓ Professional Kayak Instructor / Guide
- ✓ High-quality Kayaks or Paddleboards
- ✓ Life Jackets & Safety Gear
Not Included
- ✕ Soft drinks or bottled water
- ✕ Tips and Gratuities
- ✕ Snorkeling Equipment (this is a surface tour)
What to Bring on the Kayak Tour
You are on open water in direct sun for up to two hours, and you will get splashed:
- Sun Protection – Reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and polarized sunglasses to cut the glare and see into the water.
- Appropriate Clothing – Swimwear, board shorts or quick-drying activewear. A long-sleeve rash guard beats sunscreen for the paddling.
- Waterproof Gear – A dry bag for your phone or camera.
- Hydration – A reusable water bottle you can secure to the kayak.
- Footwear – Water shoes or sandals you don’t mind soaking.
Tintoreras Kayak Tour: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous kayaking experience?
Will we be snorkeling on this tour?
Are Galápagos penguins really visible from the kayak?
Can I choose between a single or double kayak?
Is this activity safe for children?
What wildlife will I see from the kayak?
Cancellation Policy for the Kayak Tour
• Full Refund: Guaranteed for cancellations made at least 15 days before the departure date.
• No Refund: Cancellations made within 14 days or “No Shows” incur a 100% penalty.
• Safety First: If the port captain restricts bay access due to strong swells, we offer free rescheduling or a full refund.