Step off a wooden dock into a warm, crystalline lagoon where sea lions play inches from your mask, Pacific green sea turtles graze on algae below you, and Galápagos penguins dart past like torpedoes. The ultimate free-entry snorkel — but best experienced with a private naturalist at golden hour.
What to expect
A five-minute walk from the Puerto Villamil pier leads to a sheltered mangrove-fringed lagoon of extraordinary clarity. Sea lion juveniles treat snorkellers as playmates, spiralling around fins and blowing bubbles at your mask. Below, Galápagos green sea turtles methodically crop algae from the rocky floor, utterly unbothered by human presence. Visibility averages 10–15 m, and the late-afternoon light turns the water gold. Your naturalist identifies the resident species and explains the mangrove ecosystem.
Good to know
Just 15 minutes' walk from the pier — ideal if all-aboard is early. Lagoon access is free; arrange your private guide in advance. Bring your own reef-safe sunscreen; rental snorkel gear is available at the dock but quality is variable — luxury guests should request premium gear through their guide.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Elizabeth Bay (Isabela) — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.