• Flexible Cancellation
The Lava Crevice Sanctuary:
Las Tintoreras Snorkeling Tour
A three-hour half-day tour from Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island. Walk the lava trail above the crevice where whitetip reef sharks rest, then snorkel the sheltered cove with sea turtles, sea lions and Galápagos penguins.
What to Expect on the Las Tintoreras Tour
Las Tintoreras sits a fifteen-minute boat ride from Puerto Villamil and takes its name from the whitetip reef sharks, tintoreras in Spanish, that gather in its shallow lava channels. The centrepiece is a narrow crevice of still, clear water where the sharks stack up to rest during the day: you look straight down at them from the trail above. The islet also holds one of the densest marine iguana colonies on Isabela, blue-footed boobies on the higher rocks, and Galápagos penguins along the shoreline. The cove on the far side is protected and shallow, which makes it one of the easiest good snorkeling sites in the archipelago.
This is the version with the walk and the snorkel. If you would rather stay on the surface and paddle the same water, book the Tintoreras kayak tour. Elsewhere on Isabela, Los Túneles at Cabo Rosa has the lava arches and seahorses, and the Sierra Negra volcano hike fills a full day inland.
Las Tintoreras Tour Itinerary
Boarding & Crossing the Bay
Meet your guide at our office or get picked up at your hotel, then transfer to the pier for a 15-minute crossing of Puerto Villamil bay.
Lava Trail & the Shark Crevice
A short walk over the lava field to the crevice where whitetip reef sharks rest in the still water below. Sea lion pups and iguana hatchlings are common along the same path.
Snorkeling the Sheltered Cove
Into the water on the protected side of the islet. Sea lions, sea turtles, rays and reef fish are all regulars here, and penguins sometimes shoot past underwater.
Return to Puerto Villamil
After roughly three hours we head back to the main pier, in time for the next thing on your day.
What’s Included
- ✓ English/Spanish Licensed Guide
- ✓ Round-trip Boat Transportation
- ✓ Full Snorkeling Equipment
- ✓ Hotel Pickup in Puerto Villamil
- ✓ Light Snacks on Board
Not Included
- ✕ Neoprene Wetsuit (available for rent)
- ✕ Gratuities & Personal Expenses
- ✕ Alcoholic Beverages
What to Bring on the Tintoreras Tour
Three hours split between a lava trail and the water, so pack light but cover both:
- Swimwear – Wear it before boarding; there is no changing room on the islet.
- Sun Protection – Reef-safe sunscreen, a cap, and sunglasses.
- Camera – An underwater camera earns its place at the crevice and in the cove.
- Towel – A light, quick-dry towel for after the snorkel.
- Hydration – Personal reusable water bottle.
- Footwear – Sandals or water shoes; the lava trail is uneven.
Las Tintoreras Tour: Frequently Asked Questions
Are the whitetip reef sharks dangerous?
What is the difference between this tour and the Tintoreras kayak tour?
Should I take the morning or the afternoon departure?
Do I need to stay on Isabela to take this tour?
Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Will I see Galápagos penguins?
Is a wetsuit necessary?
Cancellation Policy for the Tintoreras Tour
• Full Refund: Guaranteed for cancellations made at least 30 days before departure.
• Partial Refund: 50% refund for cancellations made between 30 and 15 days prior.
• Weather Guarantee: In case of official port closure, we offer a full refund or date rescheduling.