Villamil, Isabela, Galapagos

Approaches



There are banks off Villamil, which break in a heavy swell, even at 10 m depths. This can make the approach rather tense. The shallowest section, on the recommended track, has a least depth of 7 or 8 m. However, this are is partially protected by the offshore banks and is unlikely to break except in extreme conditions. The waves lift and peak with a heavy swell, but the passage is smooth in normal conditions.

Steer a course of about 295°T, parallel to the breakers on the banks, keeping in at least 40 m of water, until the first green buoy bears about 345°T. Alter course for the buoy and leave it about 100 m to port. Alter course to pass between the red and green buoys at the entrance to the anchorage: steer about 045°T. The depths are about 7 or 8 m in this area and again, the swell can lift and peak in heavy conditions, but are unlikely to break.

Anchorage

The anchorage is sheltered by islands. Anchor in about 4 m.