Concha de Perla
A free, natural lagoon in a mangrove forest perfect for snorkeling with playful sea lions and diverse marine life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calmer waters & wildlife
Concha de Perla
Best Time
Calmer waters & wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, natural lagoon in a mangrove forest perfect for snorkeling with playful sea lions and diverse marine life.
"Had better snorkelling here than some of the tours we did!"
Bring your own gear
Rent snorkel gear in town for a lower cost than at the entrance.
Swim left for safety
Avoid strong currents on the right; swim left and around buoys for a safer experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Playful Sea Lions
Mangrove lagoon
Young sea lions often swim and play with snorkelers, creating unforgettable, interactive wildlife moments.
Diverse Marine Life
Snorkeling area
Encounter sea turtles, various fish species, pufferfish, and even blacktip reef sharks in this vibrant underwater ecosystem.
Mangrove Snorkeling
Entrance to the lagoon
Experience unique snorkeling within a protected mangrove forest, offering a different perspective on marine habitats.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Wildlife Encounters
Navigate the Currents Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring your own gear
Rent snorkel gear in town for a lower cost than at the entrance.
Swim left for safety
Avoid strong currents on the right; swim left and around buoys for a safer experience.
Early bird gets wildlife
Visit early for a chance to see swimming sea lions and turtles.
Embrace the murkiness
Water can be chilly and murky, but still offers great sightings.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring your own gear
Rent snorkel gear in town for a lower cost than at the entrance.
Swim left for safety
Avoid strong currents on the right; swim left and around buoys for a safer experience.
Early bird gets wildlife
Visit early for a chance to see swimming sea lions and turtles.
Embrace the murkiness
Water can be chilly and murky, but still offers great sightings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Concha de Perla is a highly recommended, free snorkeling spot offering incredible wildlife encounters, especially with playful sea lions. While water visibility can vary and currents can be strong on one side, most visitors find the experience rewarding and often better than paid tours.
"Had better snorkelling here than some of the tours we did! :) went twice - once was awful visibility but still lots of fish
If you have ur own snorkel u may as well. Current can be quite strong on the right side but you get in by the steps and swim left, around the buoys at the front and then back again and it’s quite good. To the right I would only go if you’re a strong swimmer (that’s where I saw a HUGE ray!🫶) as the current can be quite strong and some other people were struggling to swim back"
Ames B
"The water was murky and chilly, but I still had a great time! Snorkel gear rental right at entrance, $8 for set. Sea lions competing with tourists for the bench seat. Saw lots of fish and a very large ray!"
d fairch
"We hired snorkelling masks for next to nothing in town and then walked to the lagoon. The water was crystal clear which allowed us to see lots of aquatic life, but the highlight was the young sea lions playing with us in the water!"
Benjamin Moye
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Concha de Perla is a short walk from Puerto Ayora on Isabela Island. Head towards the pier and follow the path along the coast. It's a free spot to access.
There is no dedicated parking as it's a natural lagoon accessible by foot. You'll likely walk from your accommodation in Puerto Ayora.
While taxis are available in Puerto Ayora, it's a very short and pleasant walk, so most visitors opt to walk.
You enter the water via steps. For the best experience, swim left and around the buoys, rather than directly to the right where currents can be stronger.
The path to Concha de Perla is generally flat and suitable for walking. Cycling is also an option for part of the way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Concha de Perla is a free natural attraction. You don't need to purchase an entrance ticket.
As a natural lagoon, Concha de Perla doesn't have official opening hours. It's accessible during daylight hours. Visiting early morning is recommended for wildlife.
The entry to Concha de Perla is free. However, you can rent snorkel gear for around $8 USD if you don't bring your own.
Yes, snorkel gear rental is available right at the entrance to Concha de Perla for approximately $8.
No guided tours are required. You can explore and snorkel independently. Some visitors find it better than paid tours.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You can see sea turtles, various fish species, pufferfish, blacktip reef sharks, and marine iguanas. Sea lions are also very common and playful.
Yes, it's a popular spot for snorkeling, offering a chance to see diverse marine life in a mangrove setting. Visibility can vary.
Currents can be strong, especially on the right side. It's advised to swim left and around buoys for a safer experience.
Wear a swimsuit and consider a rash guard for sun protection. Water shoes can be helpful for entering and exiting.
Yes, sea lions are often present and may swim and play with snorkelers. It's a highlight for many visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture playful sea lions, colorful fish, sea turtles, and the unique mangrove environment. Early morning light is ideal.
Use a waterproof camera or a waterproof case for your phone if you plan to take photos while snorkeling.
Expect shots of marine life like pufferfish, sharks, and turtles, as well as interactions with sea lions.
There are no specific restrictions on photography, but always be respectful of wildlife and other visitors.
Early morning offers softer light and potentially more active wildlife, making it ideal for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the currents can be a concern, sticking to the left side of the lagoon and supervising children closely will ensure a safe and fun outing. The abundance of fish and the sheer excitement of seeing sea lions up close make it a memorable adventure for the whole family. Pack some snacks and water, as there are no facilities directly at the lagoon.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack your own water and snacks to avoid purchasing them at inflated prices. The experience of swimming with sea lions and seeing diverse marine life without a hefty price tag is a major draw. It's a perfect example of the incredible natural wonders the Galapagos offers that are accessible to everyone.
🐢 Wildlife Enthusiasts
Visiting early in the morning is key to observing the most active behaviors of the animals. Be prepared for varying water visibility, but the sheer density and proximity of the wildlife often make up for it. This spot provides an authentic, unguided encounter with the Galapagos' incredible biodiversity, often rivaling or surpassing more organized tours.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Currents and Safety
For those who are not strong swimmers or are less experienced with snorkeling, sticking to the designated safer areas is paramount. The presence of marine life, while exciting, can sometimes lead to distraction, so maintaining awareness of your surroundings and the water's movement is key. Always assess the conditions before entering the water and consider if you feel comfortable with the current.
If you're concerned about currents or are a beginner, consider visiting during calmer periods or seeking advice from locals or other snorkelers on-site. The reward for navigating these conditions safely is the incredible opportunity to interact with the abundant marine life that calls Concha de Perla home.
Wildlife Encounters: What to Expect
Beyond the sea lions, the lagoon is teeming with other fascinating creatures. You can expect to see sea turtles gliding through the water, various species of fish, including colorful parrotfish and the distinctive pufferfish.
+1 For those lucky enough to explore further or during specific times, sightings of blacktip reef sharks and marine iguanas are also possible. To maximize your chances of seeing the most active wildlife, visiting early in the morning is highly recommended. This is when sea lions are often seen swimming, and the water conditions tend to be calmer.
Maximizing Your Snorkeling Experience
Secondly, explore the entire area. Don't just stay in one spot. Following the rocks with coral on them and making your way around the lagoon can lead to different sightings.
Finally, be prepared for varying water conditions. The water can sometimes be murky and chilly, but this doesn't detract from the incredible marine life you can encounter.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit