Puerto Villamil - Activities, Attractions & Shopping
Yachtgala is a local agent based in the Galapagos Islands for cruisers, we assist cruisers in all the services they required during their stay in Galapagos Islands with the most competitive prices.
We provide services such as obtaining entry permit to Galapagos waters, technical services, tours etc.
Contact Yachtgala on Ph: +593 98 157 0856 or cruisers@yachtgala.com.ec.
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CloseSnorkeling off your boat and in the reef area with white-tipped sharks.
Diving
There is a dive shop in town, Isabela Diving. The 2014 price for a dive trip in the Galapagos seems to be around $150 for a 2 tank dive. However, groups can likely negotiate. Tortuga Island is a popular dive site.
Guided Kayak Tour
Hire a guide from Wooden House B&B (Minino) for $25 and $5 each per hour for kayaks (2010). To a little offshore island and coves along the coast. Alfredo Bolivar (Minino), ga_viye@yahoo.com, phone 05-252-9008.
Bike Rentals
At Bazar Veronica on main street just past hospital (heading west). Cost 2010, $4 for 3 hrs. Roads are all sand so traffic moves slowly.
Surfboard Rentals
There is a surf shop in town that rents surfboards.
Concha de Perla (Free)
Walk along the wooden raised walkway from the main dock, through ancient mangroves to a tranquil pool with a small dock. Nice protected snorkeling or at a squeeze (no beach) a nice place for a picnic. You will probably see turtles, reef sharks and a lot of fish.
Las Tintoreas ($40 per person with a guide – 2014)
This is a trail around the reef and islets surrounding the anchorage. Wildlife includes penguins, turtles, marine iguanas, white tipped reef sharks, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies. The steps are in the center opening in the reef that many fishing pangas take to the open sea –just watch them. Unofficially, yacht crew often go in their own dinghies after 4 pm when the tours are finished, for free.
A colony of Penguins that live here and visit your boat to feed.
Centro de Crianza (Free).
Follow the main road west to sign (at the Iguana Crossing). Follow the trail and raised walkways to tortoise rescue and breeding center. Most of the endangered species endemic to Isabela are represented here.
Muro de Lágrimos (Wall of Tears), Mirador and Nature Trails.
The wall is six km (3.7 miles) out along the beach road and was built after WWII by inmates of a penal colony. From there, go to the Mirador (overlook) and then walk along trails. Lava tubes, Playa del Amor (covered in marine iguanas), lagoons with pink flamingos (6 pm when they return from feeding). You can arrange a taxi for $12 to take you 6km to the Wall, wait, take you to the Mirador, wait, take you to the first set of trails, from which you visit the others and walk back to town. Biking is a nice option.
Tour to the volcanoes Cerro Negro and Volcan Chico.
All day trip by truck and horseback. Even if it is cloudy and rainy in the anchorage, it will more than likely be clear at the volcanoes (or vice versa). Ask about conditions before you go to avoid disappointment.
Cabo Rosa/Los Tuneles
A number of cruisers report this to be the best tour in the Galapagos. This is a 40 km (25 mile) panga ride to Cabo Rosa, with a brief stop at Roca Union. Cabo Rosa (or Los Tuneles) is an unbelievable lava landscape which is negotiated by the panga driver through a series of narrow channels and arches with cactus growing on them. The collapsed lava has created many tunnels and bridges that are magical. Snorkeling possible too. Take a USB Stick with you, as many guides take underwater pictures and share them at the end.
Puerto Morteno (2014 prices)
Fabricio organizes this “once in a lifetime” full day trip, but needs 8-10 people at $150 ahead, so you will need to organize a group yourselves. The trip includes snorkeling with wildlife, sightings of flightless cormorants and a stop-off at Los Tuneles on the way back. Fishing and fresh ceviche (if you catch anything) is included. Cell: 0980927845 located on Av Antonio Gil, E-mail: fabricio_morocho@hotmail.com
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Next Section: Shore Services: Restaurants, Bars & Nightlife
Related to following destinations: Galapagos, Isabela, Puerto Villamil
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Hi
Good experiences on this island, friendly people v helpful. Visit ‘booby trap’ great atmosphere, brilliant food cold beer and the best wifi we found on the island. Run by Jim and marline from the U.S. nothing is too much trouble
Andy
Sent from my iPhone
Reported by Karsten Staffeldt:
A Danish yacht just arrived Villamil without a prior Autographo and requested a transit call. Had a clearance from Panama with next port Marquesas. Appointed
de Soto as an agent, granted a 20 days stay no problems but a very extensive inspection of the yacht, all equipment and stores/provisions on board. Also reported quite expensive – the total cost close to US$ 1000.
A new Port Captain was appointed in Puerto Villamil mid-March 2014, and to begin with, was interpreting the rules differently and not permitting boats without an Autographo to clear-in there. However, this has now been resolved and boats without an Autographo can once more clear-in at Isabela and be granted a one-island 20-day stay. See the main Galapagos formalities page for further information.