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Concha de Perla (Pearl Shell)

Discover Concha de Perla: A natural snorkeling paradise near Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island, teeming with unique Galapagos marine life.

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Concha de Perla, or Pearl Shell, is a natural lagoon near Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island, Galapagos, offering calm, clear waters ideal for snorkeling and observing diverse marine life without a guide. Accessible via a short boardwalk through mangroves, it's a must-visit spot for nature lovers.

Plan your visit

A brief summary to Pearl Shell

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

Plan your visit

📍
22QV+427, Puerto Villamil, EC
Monday
6 am-6 pm
Tuesday
6 am-6 pm
Wednesday
6 am-6 pm
Thursday
6 am-6 pm
Friday
6 am-6 pm
Saturday
6 am-6 pm
Sunday
6 am-6 pm

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    Getting There

    Walking

    From anywhere in Puerto Villamil, walk towards the main pier. Before reaching the pier, look for a wooden boardwalk to the left. Follow the boardwalk through the mangroves for a few minutes until you reach Concha de Perla.

    Taxi

    Take a taxi from anywhere in Puerto Villamil to the main pier. The taxi ride should cost around $1-2. From the pier, walk along the wooden boardwalk to the left, through the mangroves, until you reach Concha de Perla.

    Local tips

    Visit during low tide for the best visibility while snorkeling.
    Bring your own snorkeling gear as rentals may not be readily available at the site.
    Keep an eye out for sea lions lounging on the wooden benches near the harbor.
    Wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect the delicate marine ecosystem.

    Discover more about Pearl Shell

    Concha de Perla (Pearl Shell) is a serene, natural pool located a short distance from Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island, the largest of the Galapagos Islands. This tranquil lagoon is a prime spot for snorkeling, offering visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the unique marine ecosystem of the Galapagos without the need for a guide.The lagoon's calm and crystalline waters are sheltered from ocean waves by a ring of trees and volcanic rocks, creating an ideal habitat for a variety of marine species. Snorkelers can observe sea turtles, sea lions, marine iguanas, and even penguins in their natural environment. A diverse array of tropical fish and other fascinating marine creatures also call Concha de Perla home.To reach Concha de Perla, visitors can take a pleasant walk from Puerto Villamil towards the boat port. Just before reaching the pier, a small boardwalk on the left leads through a mangrove forest to the lagoon. This short, scenic walk enhances the experience, providing glimpses of the island's unique flora and fauna.Concha de Perla is not only a haven for marine life but also a place of tranquility and natural beauty. The surrounding mangrove forest provides a habitat for various bird species, adding to the area's rich biodiversity. The lagoon's clear waters and shallow depth make it suitable for snorkelers of all skill levels.

    A brief summary to Pearl Shell

    Use Pearl Shell as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.

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