One of the largest and most amazing volcano landscapes is found on Isabela Island – it even looks like a seahorse! It is settled by six large shield volcanoes fused into one island (Ecuador, Wolf, Darwin, Alcedo, Sierra Negra (active!) and Cerro Azul). Each of them is populated with different species of tortoise. Its highest point is located at Wolf Volcano (1,707 m; 5,600 ft). This volcano and the Sierra Negra (west) are the most active craters in the world. Our adventures visit just attractions around Villamil Pier where it is possible to find pink flamingos feeding on tiny shrimp larva, zigzagging penguins, frigate birds posing on the endemic trees. From the small trail one has the chance to notice a variety of giant tortoises and the snorkel time gives the opportunity to swim next to blue sharks at Tintoreras tiny islets shore. Another site is Los Tuneles, large quantities of seabirds and penguins, eagle rays, sea horse, white tip sharks, and the colorful desert vegetation heaven. 

Description:  

Early in the morning, you will pick up at the hotel located in Isabela at 7:15 am or 11:00 am, then from Puerto Villamil Pier you will embark on a must-do trip to one of the most biodiverse sites in the Galapagos, Los Tuneles -or The Tunnels in English- also known as Cabo Rosa. They are unique geological formations, a series of arcs and tunnels underneath and above the water, located 1 hour riding from Puerto Villamil Pier. The first spot is in Roca Union a small islet located in the open sea were watching majestic pelicans, blue footed boobies and Nazca Boobies and, occasionally, sea lions resting on the rocks makes a terrific journey. The second and main spot is in Los Tuneles where you will be allowed to explore blue footed boobies, pelican, frigate birds and it is a wonderful volcano landscape view. It offers you an exclusive time to see green marine turtles while you are walking along the millions of years volcano arcs. Cabo Rosa, its crystal-clear and shallow waters make a perfect place to snorkeling with sea turtles, white-tipped sharks, trumpetfish, surgeon fish, marine iguanas, sea lions, golden rays, penguins, sea snakes, quiet sea horses, and more variety of species. Hot box lunch will be served aboard. 

It is recommended to wear a wetsuit in order to neutralize the sea temperature, because it falls below 20ºC from June to November and it is up to 27ºC from December to May. 

Departure: pick up at the hotel located in Isabela at 7:15 am or 11:00 am.

Returning time: approximately at 12:45 pm or 5:00 pm 

Travel Time: speed boat ride takes around 1 hour (August – October the seas can be quite rough). Adventurers with back or neck injuries are not advised to take this journey. 

Difficulty Level: intermediate

Highlight activity: walking and snorkeling

Transportation: speed boat

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Confirmation and payment policy: Payments are due based on the following schedule. All reservations require a deposit to confirm. 

• 61 to 91+ days in advance        Deposit 30% of program’s cost (or $100.00)

• 31 to 60 days in advance    Deposit 50% of program’s cost

• 30 days in advance        Deposit 100% of program’s cost

Cancellation Policy: Reservations are subject to the following cancellation schedule.

• 90+ days before trip       No penalty 

• 60 to 89 days before trip Fine 30% of program’s cost (or $100.00) 

• 30 to 59 days before trip Fine 50% of program´s cost

• 0 to 29 days before trip          Fine 100% of program´s cost

Discounts & benefits:

• For tour leaders is a 50% discount off meals and lodging for groups of 1 – 4 guests. For groups of 5 guests or more, meals and lodging are complimentary. 

• For tour leaders, tour guide, or any companions we don’t offer discounts off navigation journeys.

• Kids under 2 are free. For ages 2 – 6, we offer a 10% discount off of meals, lodging, and navigation journey. Kids aged 7 or older pay the standard rates.

• We don’t offer discounts for senior citizens.

• We may be able to offer additional discounts for tour companies who send tour groups to the Galapagos Islands on a recurring basis. Contact us for more details.  

Recommendations & clarifications:

• It is required the traffic control card issued by Galapagos Governing.

• Guests with medical conditions and/or special dietary restrictions must make them known to us in sufficient time for us to accommodate their request.

• Guests are strongly encouraged to: wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes with sturdy, rugged soles.

• Bring sun protection such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat.

• Bring insect repellent. 

• It is recommended to wear a wetsuit in order to neutralize the sea temperature, because it falls below 20ºC from June to November and it can be chilly at times so we recommend also bringing a windbreaker, hat, and scarf.

• Galapagos and Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar as its official currency.

• Most vendors accept cash. We recommend that guests bring U.S. dollars with them if they might want to buy souvenir.

• The prices are according to the double/triple/quadruple room.

• Accommodations in our hostel/hotel are subject to availability. If the hostel/hotel is full, we will arrange for our guests to stay in a hotel of an equivalent category and provide transfers.

• Photography is encouraged always keeping mind the Galapagos National Park Rules for Visitors.

• All itineraries, dining options, accommodations, and journey experiences are subject to change without notice due to factors such as climate conditions, season, host availability, operational issues, and guest security.

• The described species in the program can be encountered during the tours but it is not guaranteed that always will be encountered as it depends on natural factors, climate, seasons, and marine currents.