Los Túneles (Cabo Rosa) is a snorkeling site on the southern coast of Isabela Island in the Galápagos, where old lava flows have hardened into a maze of arches and tunnels above and below the waterline. Sheltered from the open swell, the inner lagoon is shallow—roughly 2–6 m—and calm enough for beginners, with visibility usually around 8–15 m. Green sea turtles turn up on almost every trip, along with white-tip reef sharks resting under lava ledges, elusive seahorses, golden, eagle and manta rays, and—if you're lucky—Galápagos penguins. As of 2026 it remains a protected zone reachable only on a guided tour led by a certified national-park naturalist.
A maze of lava arches and tunnels running above and below the surface
Green sea turtles on nearly every visit, with wildlife that shows little fear of people
White-tip reef sharks resting in groups under the lava ledges
Seahorses your guide knows where to find (very hard to spot on your own)
Galápagos penguins—among the world's smallest—plus golden, eagle and manta rays
Blue-footed boobies seen on the short land walk before you get in the water
Good to know
SafetyThe water is cool—around 20–25°C and colder from May to December. Long sessions can chill you toward hypothermia, so wear the wetsuit and get out if you start shivering.
SafetyThe narrow channel into the lagoon can see strong surf and swell, and the small boat rolls, so motion sickness is common. Once in the water, stay with your guide and group and don't fight the current; beginners should use a float or life vest and be ready for mask fog and panic.
SafetyShallow lava rock is sharp and can cut you if you stand on or brush against it, and sea urchins can sting. The white-tip sharks resting under the ledges are docile—keep your distance and don't corner them.
SeasonTours run year-round. The cool 'garúa' season (June–November) brings nutrient-rich water and more active wildlife but colder temperatures needing a thicker suit; December–May is warmer and calmer. Whether the boat can enter the channel depends on that day's swell, and the captain makes the call.
RulesThis is a protected national-park zone, entered only on a guided tour with a certified naturalist. Don't stand on or touch the coral or lava formations, use reef-safe sunscreen, and avoid flash photography and littering.
MannersStay at least 2 m from turtles, penguins and sharks—never touch, chase or feed them, and simply watch quietly even if an animal approaches you. Breaking this rule can end the tour with no refund.
CautionBook only with a park-authorized operator. Unusually cheap, unlicensed tours may skimp on safety gear and insurance, so check the license, what's included, and the passenger cap (usually 12).
Practical info
Reached only by boat from Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island—roughly 1–2 hours each way—on a half-day guided tour (typically 5–6 hours, with gear, a short wetsuit, life vest and lunch included) led by a certified park naturalist. Tours run year-round, but the water is colder May–December (a thicker wetsuit is advised) and warmer December–April. Prices, departure times and whether the boat can enter the channel (the captain decides based on the swell) vary by season, so confirm the latest details before booking.
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