Galapagos Islands cruises visitor site - Puerto Villamil

Located on the southeastern coast of Isabela in the Galapagos Islands. Puerto Villamil is the main settlement areas on Isabela Island. A small peaceful town with a laid back atmosphere offers quite a different experience than the tourist shops on Puerto Ayora.

Villamil and the neighboring settlement of Santo Tomas were founded in 1897 by Antonio Gil. Villamil began as the center of a lime production operation. The lime produced by burning coral found off Isabela. Santo Tomas served as a sulfur mine and coffee plantation. The ventures were only somewhat profitable due to water limitations in the Galapagos Islands.

Together Villamil and Santo Tomas now have a population of approximately 1000 people.

There are a variety of rooms available for visitors and equipment and supplies available for those climbing the near by Sierra Negra Volcano.

Villamil is often considered the most beautiful site in the Galapagos with its long white sand, palm lined beaches. Behind Villamil are several brackish water lagoons where Pink Flamingoes, Common Stilts, Whimbrels, White-Cheeked Pintails, Gallinules are usually seen. The lagoons are nesting areas between November - April. The beaches and lagoons near Villamil are home to the best migratory bird viewing in the Galapagos Islands.