Our Visit to Los Tuneles Cabo Rosa, Isabela Island, Galapagos

Los Tuneles, also known as Cabo Rosa, was formed when lava platforms collapsed into the sea, creating a mesmerizing network of lava tunnels and natural bridges both above and below the water. Snorkeling here feels like stepping into a marine wonderland—you’re surrounded by vibrant lava formations in various colors, all set against a dazzling blue sky.

For us, Los Tuneles was an unforgettable highlight of Isabela Island—a true paradise for scuba diving and snorkeling. The waters here are calm, shallow, and crystal-clear, perfect for getting up close to the marine life and unique rock formations. The lava flows have sculpted beautiful arches and tunnels that feel like nature’s artwork, each one providing shelter for so many iconic Galapagos species. Access can be a bit tricky due to the shallow entry and sometimes strong waves, so we planned our visit between January and May when conditions are usually ideal. It was absolutely worth it.

Los Tuneles tour is the most popular on Isabela Island, so it’s highly recommended to book in advance. We bought ours here, and everything went smoothly.

How to Get to Cabo Rosa Tunnels

The Cabo Rosa Tunnels on Isabela Island are accessible only through a guided tour. Many visitors hope to take this excursion from Santa Cruz Island, but the timing usually doesn’t allow it. So, if you’re planning to explore this incredible spot, it’s best to stay at least one night on Isabela Island. It’s a small adjustment, but it makes all the difference for experiencing Los Tuneles.

Flora and Fauna in Cabo Rosa

Along the banks of Los Tuneles, we were amazed by the variety of seabirds—from albatrosses and flamingos to blue-footed boobies and the majestic frigate birds. And it’s not just birds; we spotted tortoises, iguanas, sea lions, manta rays, penguins, lobsters, and even sea snakes.

The setting itself is unforgettable. The landscape is a mosaic of colors and textures, thanks to the different types of volcanic lava and vibrant desert vegetation. Xerophytic plants like cacti, Palo Santo (holy wood), and carob trees add an otherworldly beauty to the backdrop, making the experience feel like stepping into a natural masterpiece.

Exploring Cabo Rosa

Getting to Los Tuneles is an exhilarating boat ride that leads you to one of the most unique geological sites, a true snorkeling paradise, and a haven for the incredible wildlife of the Galapagos. Although the excursion is mostly focused on snorkeling, we also had the chance to get off the boat for a short walk around the fascinating lava formations. Strolling through the intricate natural bridges and caves while observing the local flora and fauna quickly became one of the day’s highlights.

Los Tuneles was carved by the relentless power of waves against the rock, breaking down settled lava into breathtaking arches, bridges, and caverns. It’s a place that feels alive, shaped by nature’s raw energy, and being there felt like stepping into another world.

The setting at Los Tuneles is almost surreal—rugged lava platforms covered in cacti stretch over tranquil, azure waters. It’s a contrast that feels like something out of a dream. Despite the seemingly harsh volcanic landscape, Los Tuneles thrives with an incredible variety of wildlife. Seeing so much life flourish in this unique environment made the experience even more magical.

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As we stood over one of the tunnels, we watched in awe as half a dozen sea turtles glided slowly beneath us in just a few minutes—a promising sign of the snorkeling adventure ahead. Then, right nearby, we spotted a Blue-Footed Booby with her young, a large, incredibly fluffy white chick that looked nothing like its sleek, blue-footed mother. Moments like these reminded us of the rare and wonderful sights that make the Galapagos so special.

Snorkeling Through Los Tuneles

After spotting a few more bird species, we climbed back on the boat and suited up in our wetsuits, ready for the main event: snorkeling through Los Tuneles.

As I jumped into the water, I quickly noticed the visibility was a bit reduced—likely due to the season we visited the Galapagos. It’s a good reminder to check the seasonal weather before your trip; in our case, a recent storm had left the water a little less clear. But even with the visibility challenges, snorkeling here was still an incredible experience, and the chance to explore Los Tuneles up close was worth it.

Despite the limited visibility, Los Tuneles was brimming with life, making every moment in the water an adventure. We were thrilled to spot rays gliding gracefully beneath us, sea turtles calmly paddling by, and even reef sharks lurking nearby. At one point, I counted a dozen White Tip Reef Sharks, each over a meter long, either cruising along the ocean floor or nestled in shallow caves just below the surface. And yes, the turtles were as plentiful as we’d hoped, swimming around us as if we were part of their world. It was surreal to be surrounded by such a vibrant mix of creatures in one unforgettable snorkeling experience.

As we dove down, we discovered colorful sea horses tucked away among the corals—such a treat to spot these elusive creatures. But my absolute favorite sighting was the rays. Massive schools of Golden Rays and pairs of Spotted Eagle Rays floated by, gliding with gentle, effortless flutters of their wings. These unbelievably elegant creatures seemed to swim in perfect formation, creating a mesmerizing underwater dance. It was one of those moments that felt almost too beautiful to be real.

Emerging from the ocean, freezing but absolutely buzzing with excitement, I can say without a doubt that this has been the best day tour on Isla Isabela. The experience was exhilarating, from start to finish, and one I’ll never forget.

Once again, Los Tuneles tour is the most popular on Isabela Island, so we highly recommended to book in advance. We bought our tour here, and everything went great.

Bottom Line

Cabo Rosa is truly captivating. Snorkeling in Los Tuneles stands out as one of the absolute highlights of our Galapagos adventure—it’s honestly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. If you’re visiting Isabela Island and have room for just one guided tour, make it this one. It’s well worth it and comes highly recommended for anyone seeking an unforgettable day in the Galapagos.

Planning trip to Ecuador?

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