Los Tuneles Isabela Galapagos

Exploring the lava arches and snorkeling with Sea Horses

Los Tuneles (also referred as Cabo Rosa, or The Tunnels in English) is a nature snorkeling spot on the south coast of Isabela Island, popular for its lava arches, underwater tunnels, and close encounters with sea turtles, reef sharks, sea lions, and Galapagos penguins. If you are staying at Isabela, it is perfect for a day tour.

Why Los Tuneles is special

• Los Tuneles is a protected coastal area, where ancient lava flows created a maze of natural arches, lava tunnels, and submerged caverns that allow visitors snorkeling at an incredible scenario.
• The site is widely considered as one of the best snorkeling locations in the Galapagos because of its abundant wildlife.
• It is roughly 1-hour away from Isabela by boat, making it a nearby destination manageable if you are spending few days in Isabela.

Wildlife you can see

• From the time you are on the boat, you will watch emblematic Galapagos species, such as the Galapagos penguin and the blue-footed booby.
• While snorkeling, expect close encounters with sea turtles, sea lions, reef sharks, manta rays, and octopuses. You may find Galapagos penguins and blue‑footed boobies also below the surface.

How to visit

• At the moment, booking a tour (be it a day tour from Isabela or part of your Galapagos package) is the only way to visit Los Tuneles.
• Prices are around USD 120 and USD 160. There could be last-minute opportunities that offer more convenient prices.
• The tour is by boat. When you arrive at the spots defined by your tour operator, you will either have time for snorkeling or for a small hike, depending on the spot.
• Tours generally include a guide, snorkeling gear (including wetsuit), and lunch.
• Most of the tours last about 5 to 6 hours, so it is recommendable you reserve the whole day for this activity, and let the rest of the day for activities that do not require prior booking.
• Make sure to book in advance during high season to secure a spot (they are limited), especially if you prefer a specific time slot (there are schedules more prone to being sold out).
• The dynamics of most of the tours is the following: the tour day, either you will be picked up from your hotel or will have to go to the operator’s office. Once there, if your package includes snorkeling gear and wetsuit (most of them include it within the tour price), you will be provided with your snorkeling gear kit and will have time to try on a wetsuit that fits you well.
• After you have the necessary kit, you will be taken by car to the dock, from where you will ride on the tour boat. The tour ends back at the operator’s office.

Best time to go

• Morning departures are common and often best for calmer seas and clearer visibility.
• If you would like to use a wetsuit, confirm with your operator they will provide a wetsuit, prior to departure.

Practical tips

• Packing. Bring reef‑safe sunscreen, the snorkel gear (your own or the one provided by the operator), towel, a camera, a jacket, hydration, snacks, and anything else you might need besides what your operator provides.
• Safety. Always follow your guide’s instructions; currents can be strong in channels. Since you will be snorkeling/swimming through mazes, it is possible you get lost, so follow the guide and the group while in the water, do not separate from them. Also in water, be careful when you enter a tunnel, because some them are low and you may hit your head. Moreover, while on land, watch carefully where you walk, for there is lava, uneven, and rocky terrain.
• Respect wildlife. Keep adequate distance, do not touch or feed animals, and avoid stepping on coral or lava rock. Deactivate flashes from your camera.
• Booking. Operators will require you to pay before the activity; make sure to do it on time and have the confirmation that your spot is reserved. Confirm what the package includes and ask before the tour day whether you have to go to the office or will be picked up.
• Photos. Your guide will probably have a go pro camera or similar, with which they will take photos during the snorkeling activities. At the end of the tour, once you are in the operator’s office, they will provide the photos (if you want to), normally with no additional fee. In addition, ask your guide for a photo in land spots (when time allows it); there are dreamlike backgrounds where guides recommend taking a photo.

If you would like help planning your next adventure to Los Tuneles or any other Ecuadorian destination, contact us!