 The harbor is frequently full with sailboats, as Villamil is a popular stop for private yachts making their way to the Marquesas Islands as it is the westernmost town in the Galapagos Islands.Puerto Villamil was founded in 1897 by Antonio Gil

Traditionally residents of Puerto Villamil have earned a living either through agriculture or fishing.Over the years the government has made policies to move the population away from fishing and into tourist-based activities.