A Travel Guide To Las Tintoreras Islet In Ecuador

Las Tintoreras Islet, a part of the Galapagos Islands, is a small islet with a huge biodiversity. The animals have natural habitat here, so there is no need to tour a zoo separately. The islet is 900 meters in length and 100 meters in width.

Isabela is the largest island in the Galapagos islands. Puerto Villamil is the largest settlement on the Southeast coast which is gorgeous but deserted with white sand beaches. Las Tintoreras Islet is located to the south of the Puerto Villamil Bay, Isabela Island.

How to arrive at Las Tintoreras Islet?

As Tintoreras Islet is connected to the larger Isabela Island you need to get to Isabela to reach here. [Read more: Isabela Island, things to do, places to stay and how to reach]

At low tide, the bay is connected to a tiny superficial pool of clear water where you can have a wonderful time watching sharks swim in front of your eyes. This is one of the best things to do on this islet.

The greenish blue colour water of the bay is sheltered, provides a perfect see-through spot for sea turtles, sea lions, stingrays, reef sharks and marine iguanas.

Where to stay in Las Tintoreras Islet?

There are many five, four, three-star hotels, and resorts in and around the Las Tintoreras Islet in Isabela Island. You can accommodate according to your budget and availability of rooms.

For a keen-eyed observer, many small animals can be seen among the rocks. It is the easiest spot to spot crabs. The Sally Lightfoot crab is the most easily identifiable creature. This crab with its bright orange-red shell with hues of golden, orange and light blue are distinctive in nature. Especially as it shines on the black volcanic rock.

Sally Lightfoot Crab on the Galapagos Island, Las Tintoreras Islet
Sally Lightfoot Crab on the Galapagos Island

The Galapagos Islands are part and the largest islands of Ecuador located in the Pacific Ocean over 1,000 km from South America. The islands emerged from the bottom of the sea in the form of amazing volcanic upheavals. This extensive group of islands consists of 19 islands – 13 large and 6 small – and dozens of islets and rocks that cover 45,000 square kilometres. Wildlife in the Galapagos Islands is one of the best sights to behold and amongst the topmost reasons to visit.

The Most enjoyable activity in Las Tintoreras Islet

Tintoreras Galapagos Snorkeling Tour in Isabela Island is famous. This islet is one of the most amazing snorkelling sites on Isabela island. Island-hopping makes it possible to witness the entire range of wildlife from stingrays and sharks to marine iguanas, Blue-footed boobies, and sea lions.

The sight of penguins playing and nesting depends on the time of your travel itinerary. The duration of the play is about 2-3 hours approximately.

It is advisable to wear light clothing, sturdy walking shoes and a waterproof jacket. Carry sunscreen, hat, water shoes, mosquito and insect repellent, water bottle, towel, swimwear, snacks and a wetsuit (if diving).

Snorkelling and diving equipment and a bilingual professional guide are usually available for hire. Short hike, snorkelling, swimming are the list of activities here. The difficulty level is expected to be moderate, however, it depends on one’s physical condition.

Sea lion pup on beach. Galapagos Islands, Las Tintoreras Islet
Sea lion pup on a beach. Galapagos Islands
Things to keep in mind

Located in the equator, Ecuador is a 24*7 destination. The average temperature is bearable with safety measures. The dry season runs from June to September whereas wet season runs from October to May.

There are many national safety measures and travel advisories. While taking part in any water activity you should be careful about the waves because they are unpredictable.

Life jackets are quite essential in sailing. Illegal drugs intake or smoking marijuana or opium is entirely prohibited. Buy travel insurance and keep a copy with you. Altitude, seasickness, yellow fever, and other infectious diseases should be checked out before planning your island tourism.

Galapagos Islands – four incredible things

Four things that make the Galapagos Islands exceptional are – its remote location, endemic species, islands beauty, unique climate and oceanic currents. The Galapagos Islands are sprawled over 1000 km from mainland Ecuador.

Plants and animals have a unique life due to geographic isolation. Volcanic activity formed the Galapagos Islands. Panama, Humbolt, Cromwell are the major currents affecting the Galapagos Islands. There are many endemic species here, found nowhere else on earth. You can experience four ecological zones such as coastal, dry, humid and transitional.

Read more: Other islands of Galapagos

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here