The Wooden House Lodge
The Wooden House Lodge: A Galapagos Island Retreat
Concha de Perla: A Snorkeler's Paradise
Discover Concha de Perla in Puerto Villamil: a natural lagoon where you can snorkel with sea lions, penguins, and marine iguanas in the Galapagos.
Concha de Perla, or Pearl Shell, is a natural lagoon near Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island, Galapagos, offering calm, clear waters perfect for snorkeling. Accessible via a short boardwalk, it's a unique, free spot to swim with sea lions, penguins, sea turtles, and marine iguanas in their natural habitat.
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
Other nearby places you may find interesting
Explore places near Pearl Shell
Getting There
Walking
From the Puerto Villamil town center, head towards the main pier. Just before reaching the pier, you'll find a small boardwalk on the left. Follow this boardwalk for about 3 minutes through a mangrove forest, and it will lead you directly to Concha de Perla. The walk from the town center to the start of the boardwalk is approximately 20 minutes.
Taxi
From anywhere in Puerto Villamil, you can take a taxi to the main pier area. Tell the driver you want to go to 'Concha de Perla'. The taxi will drop you off near the start of the boardwalk leading to the lagoon. From there, it's a short 3-minute walk along the boardwalk to the snorkeling site. A taxi ride within Puerto Villamil typically costs $1-2 per person.
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 penguins perched on the rocks or swimming in the water.
✓
Take a leisurely walk along the boardwalk through the mangroves to spot various bird species.
✓
Be respectful of the wildlife and maintain a safe distance to avoid disturbing the animals.
Discover more about Pearl Shell
Concha de Perla, also known as Pearl Shell, is a serene, natural pool located a short distance from Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island. This sheltered lagoon, fringed by a mangrove forest, offers a unique and accessible snorkeling experience without the need for a guide, setting it apart from many other sites in the Galapagos.Visitors can easily reach Concha de Perla via a wooden boardwalk that meanders through the mangroves, creating a tranquil approach to this natural wonder. The lagoon's calm and crystalline waters provide excellent visibility, making it an ideal spot to observe a diverse array of marine life. Snorkelers can swim alongside playful sea lions, graceful sea turtles, and unique marine iguanas. Galapagos penguins are also frequent visitors, adding to the lagoon's charm.Beyond snorkeling, Concha de Perla offers a peaceful setting for relaxation and wildlife observation. The surrounding mangroves provide habitat for various bird species, including brown pelicans and Darwin's finches. The lagoon's shallow waters and sheltered location make it a safe and enjoyable destination for families and snorkelers of all skill levels. Whether you're an avid snorkeler or simply seeking a tranquil escape into nature, Concha de Perla promises an unforgettable glimpse into the Galapagos' remarkable marine ecosystem.
A brief summary to Pearl Shell
Use Pearl Shell as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
Get the app
Your all‑in‑one travel companion app
Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.
More about Southwest Coast
Discover the Southwest Coast of Ecuador: A treasure trove of cultural richness, breathtaking landscapes, and coastal adventures.
Tell me more about Southwest Coast
