Concha de Perla: A Snorkeler's Paradise

4.7 (991)

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.

A brief summary to Pearl Shell

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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Pearl Shell.

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.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The Wooden House Lodge

The Wooden House Lodge: A Galapagos Island Retreat

The Isabela Beach House

Escape to Serenity at The Isabela Beach House

Pahoehoe Galapagos Tours

Explore the Wonders of Pahoehoe Galapagos Tours

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.

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.