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Sea turtles swimming in the waters of Los Tuneles, Galapagos Islands.

Things to do in  Puerto Villamil

Anything but a booby prize

A gateway to one of the Galapagos’ most enchanting islands, Puerto Villamil is the starting point for Isabela Island—where sea lions and marine iguanas lounge on white sand and jet-black basalt rock. The small town is home to a beach, bakeries serving banana bread, and restaurants serving lobster. The excursions leaving from Puerto Villamil are the top things to do here. Swim among spotted eagle rays and reef sharks at Concha de Perla, wander lava-formed landscapes at Los Tintoreras, and snorkel with sea turtles at Los Tuneles.

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When to visit

The best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is December–February, which marks the start of the warm season. This is the beginning of the breeding season for sea turtles and when land birds, penguins, and sea lions are most active. It is also the busiest and most expensive time. For fewer crowds, visit at the end of the warm season in May, when the landscapes are in full bloom and temperatures are still comfortable.

Getting around

There’s no airport on Isla Isabela, so most arrive at the island at Puerto Villamil passenger port, a 15-minute walk from the town center. Speedboats depart for Isabela Island from the transport hub of Santa Cruz; the journey takes around two hours and is nearly always bumpy. The compact town is highly walkable. The Concha de Perla snorkel spot is a 15-minute walk away, but you'll need a boat to reach Los Tuneles and Las Tintoreras.

Traveler tips

A trip to Las Tintoreras is a highlight of every traveler’s visit to Isla Isabella. Tours depart from the pier at Puerto Villamil and take you to the rocky cluster of islets via a 20-minute speedboat ride (prepare for bumps). You’re likely to see blue-footed boobies perched on the rocks and sea turtles swimming in turquoise pools. The volcanic landscapes are dotted with cacti and are home to natural arches and other formations, making epic photographs.

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People Also Ask
Q:What are the must-see attractions in Puerto Villamil?
A:

The must-see attractions in Puerto Villamil are Concha de Perla, a natural lagoon home to marine life, including marine iguanas, sea turtles, and rays; the Wall of Tears (El Muro de las Lágrimas), built by prisoners in the mid-1900s; and the Sierra Negra volcano crater, a birdwatching hot spot.

Q:What outdoor activities can you do in Puerto Villamil?
A:

Outdoor activities in Puerto Villamil include snorkeling at Concha de Perla and Los Tuneles, where you can swim through lava tubes; hiking through the caverns of Cueva de Sucre; and catching some of Ecuador’s best waves at Barahona Point, where you’ll likely be sharing the water with sea lions.

Q:What are the best beaches to visit in Puerto Villamil?
A:

The best Puerto Villamil beaches to visit are Playa Puerto Villamil, a stretch of white sand that’s within minutes of the town center and home to several bars; Playa del Amor (Beach of Love), more secluded with volcanic rock pools; and Playa Isabela, located beside the Concha de Perla lagoon.

Q:How long should you spend in Puerto Villamil?
A:

To experience the best of Isla Isabela, spend three days using Puerto Villamil as your base. Use two days to take day trips to Las Tintoreras and Los Tuneles and another day to either relax on the beach or hike to the Sierra Negra crater in search of rare birds.

Q:What kinds of wildlife can you see in Puerto Villamil?
A:

On the Galapagos Islands, there’s wildlife everywhere you look. On land, you’ll see sea lions, marine iguanas, and Sally Lightfoot crabs, plus penguins and blue-footed boobies on the islets. When you snorkel, you have a high chance of seeing sea turtles, reef sharks, seahorses, and rays.

Q:What kind of accommodation options are there in Puerto Villamil?
A:

Accommodation options in Puerto Villamil are typically mid-range. You won’t find any highrise hotels in this archipelago. Hotels are typically 3-star, and some feature pools and sea-view balconies. There are also some backpacker hostels if you’re on a tight budget.

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