Concha de Perla
A natural shallow bay ringed by mangroves beside the harbor, where you can snorkel for free and often see sea lions, sea turtles, and penguins swimming nearby.
Concha de Perla lies beside the Puerto Villamil dock, a few minutes’ walk along a boardwalk through the mangroves. It is a calm, shallow bay enclosed by lava reefs, 1 to 4 m deep, where you can snorkel for free without booking a tour. Sea lions often rest on the boardwalk platform and swim with people in the water. Sea turtles, parrotfish, and stingrays are common underwater, and with luck you may spot Galápagos penguins and whitetip reef sharks. Masks, fins, and wetsuits can be rented in town. It is open roughly 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The platform has no shade, so bring sunscreen. Do not touch the animals or swim past the outer edge of the reef, as the open sea has strong waves.
Opening hours
06:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Puerto Villamil Beach
- Las Tintoreras
- Poza de los Flamencos
- Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center
- Wall of Tears
- Cuatro Hermanos Islets
- Los Túneles
- Sierra Negra & Volcán Chico