Las Tintoreras

About the site

Las Tintoreras

Las Tintoreras is a group of small lava islets just off Puerto Villamil, on the south coast of Isabela, a few minutes by panga from the town's dock. Its name comes from the white-tipped reef sharks, tintoreras in Spanish, that rest in the calm water of a narrow lava channel on the largest islet.

The panga lands you on the black lava for a short walk of about half an hour along a marked trail. From its edge you look down into the channel, where the sharks lie on the sandy bottom or glide slowly through the clear water, best seen at low tide. The trail also crosses one of the largest nesting areas of marine iguanas in the islands: hundreds of them bask on the rocks, so it is important to stay on the path.

Galápagos penguins, sea lions, blue-footed boobies and pelicans are often seen on the rocks around the islets, and sea turtles feed in the shallow, turquoise water. Many visits add snorkeling in the sheltered bay nearby, with sea turtles, rays, reef fish and sometimes penguins.

The walk is easy, but the lava is sharp and uneven, so closed shoes are better than sandals. Las Tintoreras is visited from Puerto Villamil, often on the same day as the town and its surroundings.

Highlights

• Rich Marine Life
• Stunning Turquoise Waters