Short answer: Las Tintoreras is a group of small lava islets a short boat ride from Puerto Villamil on Isabela. A short loop trail over the lava passes nesting marine iguanas and a narrow crevice where whitetip reef sharks rest by day, and the calm bay has sea turtles, sea lions and rays. Half-day tours take 2.5 to 3 hours and start from about $82 per person.
- IslandIsabela, off Puerto Villamil
- AccessShort boat ride, guided
- TrailShort loop over lava
- Day tripAlso on Isabela day tours from Santa Cruz
What you will see
The boat takes you out to the islets, where a small bay of calm turquoise water holds sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas and rays. The bay connects to a shallow crevice of clear water where whitetip reef sharks rest during the day. The loop trail is mostly on lava, past the marine iguana nesting area.
Whitetip reef shark
Rest in the shallow crevice during the day.
Marine iguana
Nest on the islet; part of the trail closes in nesting season.
Green sea turtle
In the calm turquoise bay.
Galápagos sea lion
In the bay and on the rocks.
Galápagos penguin
Tours from Puerto Villamil list penguins; not every trip.
How to get there and what it costs
Half-day tours leave from the pier in Puerto Villamil, many with hotel pickup. If you are not staying on Isabela, some full-day Isabela tours from Santa Cruz include Tintoreras, but they spend about two hours each way on the boat.
The park closes part of the trail during the marine iguana nesting and hatching season to protect the nests, so the walk may be shorter then.
Tours that go to Tintoreras start from about $82 per person (3 listings compared below). The national park entrance fee is paid once, on arrival in the islands: entrance fee and entry rules.
Best time to visit Tintoreras
Tintoreras is good all year. Marine iguanas breed from about December to March, when part of the trail may close to protect the nests. The cool season brings the most active marine life.
- Dec to Mar Marine iguana breeding season; males colour upCoasts of all main islands; Española males most colourful
- Jun to Oct Cool-season upwelling: marine life most active, best snorkellingWestern and central islands
Weather, sea temperature and wildlife for every month: month-by-month guide.
Tours that go to Tintoreras
Isabela Island & Tintorera Islet Day Tour
Tintoreras Islet: Penguins & Blue-Footed Boobies
Half-Day Tintoreras Snorkeling Tour
Prices and ratings as listed in November 2026; the price at checkout is what counts. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosure
Compare every day trip on all islands: day-tour finder.
See Tintoreras on the 3D map →
Nearby: more visitor sites from Isabela
Isabela island guide · All visitor sites · Itinerary planner · Ferry board
Questions about Tintoreras
Where are the sharks at Tintoreras?
In a shallow crevice of clear water connected to the bay, where whitetip reef sharks rest during the day. They are usually there, lying on the bottom.
How long is the Tintoreras tour?
Half-day tours from Puerto Villamil take 2.5 to 3 hours and start from about $82 per person.
Is the whole Tintoreras trail always open?
No. The park closes part of it during the marine iguana nesting and hatching season.
Sources:Galápagos National Park and Governing Council, Galápagos Conservancy, Charles Darwin Foundation. More numbers:facts and figures.
Updated 2026-11-07. Fees, boat times and prices change, so confirm with the operator before you travel.