Isla Isabela is the largest island within the Galapagos, occupying a larger territory than all the opposite islands mixed. Isabela Island was shaped roughly 1 million years in the past by merging six volcanoes – Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra, and Wolf Volcano. And nearly all of them—besides Ecuador—are nonetheless energetic.
This makes the island of Isabela one of many most volcanically energetic locations on earth.
Regardless of being the biggest island by space, Isla Isabela is dwelling to solely 2,200 residents. However that’s what makes it the last word Galapagos paradise, the place nature and wildlife dominate the panorama!
Image excellent Isabela, Galapagos
Who mentioned benches have been for individuals?
On account of its location, Isla Isabela just isn’t at all times visited on Galapagos cruises or included in Galapagos tour itineraries, which is an absolute disgrace! Isabela was our favorite island within the archipelago and a vacation spot you’ll be able to’t miss whereas within the Galapagos! After scrolling via the next Isabela Island actions, you’ll quickly discover out why!
High Issues to Do on Isabela Island within the Galapagos Islands
Go to the City of Puerto Villamil
Isabela’s most important city, Puerto Villamil, is a small port village with sandy streets, a couple of regionally run eating places, and motels. It’s considerably much less touristy than Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, and thus, Isla Isabela retains a laid-back vibe.
Seashore bar on Isabela Island
We beloved exploring the island in the course of the day and spending the evenings chilling out at one of many seashore bars watching the solar go down with a cocktail in hand. There are hammocks and palm timber and every part it is advisable to chill out and take within the stunning environment.
Swim With Marine Iguanas at Las Tintoreras Islet
Distance from Puerto Villamil: 10 minutes by boat
Las Tintoreras is an islet situated simply off the southern coast of Isabela Island by the bay of Puerto Villamil. It’s a part of Galapagos Nationwide Park (which signifies that a information is required to accompany you in your go to) and is an space teeming with wildlife.
On a ship journey across the islet, we noticed the lovely Galapagos penguins, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, sea lions, marine turtles, blue herons, and many sally lightfoot crabs.
Ah-ah lava fields on Tintoreras islet close to the island of Isabela
Blue footed booby eyeing a crimson crab on the lava rocks of Isabela Island
Loving life! Las Tintoreras, Isabela, Galapagos
Galapagos penguins on the rocks on Isabela Island
We then jumped within the water and received an opportunity to snorkel with sea turtles, whitetip reef sharks, and a slew of different fish! Las Tintoreras is without doubt one of the most superb spots on Isla Isabela!
Go to the Wall of Tears (Muro de las Lágrimas)
Distance from Puerto Villamil: 25 minutes by automotive
This distinctive historic website, referred to as El Muro de las Lágrimas in Spanish, is a stark reminder of Isabela’s darker instances when a penal colony existed on the island between 1944 and 1959. The wall, constructed out of huge rocks by prisoners within the penal colony, is about 25 m (65 ft) tall and is situated roughly 5 km (3 miles) exterior of Puerto Villamil city.
It’s mentioned that there was no actual purpose for the development of the wall and that it was constructed purely as a solution to punish the prisoners. Supposed to interrupt the prisoners bodily and spiritually, some locals on the town imagine that the wall is a haunted place. Many declare that they will nonetheless hear the cries of those that died in the course of the wall’s building at evening.
We reached the Wall of Tears by bike, however it’s also attainable to get there on foot by way of a 2-3 hour return hike that gives a distinct perspective on the historical past of Isabela Island.
Hike to Sierra Negra Volcano
Distance from Puerto Villamil: 15 km (9 miles) hike
Sierra Negra (or Cerro Negro) is the solely accessible volcano on Isabela Island. It has the biggest caldera of all of the volcanoes within the Galapagos Islands and is without doubt one of the most energetic volcanoes within the area.
Wanting into the caldera of Cerro Negro volcano on Isabela Island, Galapagos
The path to the caldera is about 16 km (9.9 miles) return resulting in the dry, moon-like panorama on the high. Today you’ll be able to’t go to with out a information, however in our opinion, you wouldn’t even wish to. There’s heaps to be taught in regards to the geology and pure habitat within the space that can assist you additional perceive the formation and evolution of the Galapagos Islands. And that is the place to do it!
Mountaineering on Cerro Negro volcano on Isabela Island, Galapagos
We have been fortunate to listen to the primary account story of its final eruption from our Galakiwi information, Pablo, who was residing on Isabela Island on the time of the incident. Listening to the story whereas searching onto the black caldera made the expertise a lot extra surreal and impactful!
Pablo main us on a hike to Cerro Negro Volcano, Isabela Island, Galapagos
Discover Lava Tunnels at Los Tuneles
Distance from Puerto Villamil: half-hour by boat
Once we arrived at Los Tuneles on one in all our excursions on Isabela Island, we felt like we had landed on one other planet. Los Tuneles is a geological formation with crystal clear canals flowing via lava rock archways lined in cacti. The canals are dwelling to a wide range of marine life, starting from sea turtles to sharks and sea lions.
Exploring the Lava Tunnels on Isabela Island
We arrived at Los Tunnels by boat and explored on foot, typically discovering ourselves peeking into the waters and simply standing nonetheless, admiring the unbelievable panorama round us.
Go to the Galapagos Tortoise Breeding Middle (Centro de Crianza Tortugas Gigantes)
Distance from Puerto Villamil: 20-minute stroll
Whereas there are a lot of alternatives to see wild tortoises on Isabela Island, a go to to the Tortoise Breeding Centre provides an alternative to search out out a lot extra about these stunning creatures.
Roaming across the heart, you’ll be able to see Large Tortoises all through all of the levels of life and from varied components of the Galapagos. An interactive show inside offers additional information on their life journey.
Child tortoises on the Tortoise Breeding Centre on Isabela Island, Galapagos
If you’re visiting with a information, like we did throughout our tour with Galakiwi, they’ll be capable to share extra details about the breeding practices on the heart. Plus, they’ll even present you the assorted levels of tortoise growth contained in the egg. So cool!
See Flamingos Grazing at Poza de los Flamingos
Distance from Puerto Villamil: 5-minute stroll
In your means again from the Isabela Island Tortoise Breeding Middle, stroll via the wetlands on the boardwalk. The boardwalk leads again into city and passes via a couple of completely different lagoons the place flamingos spend their days.
When you’re again on the town, wander over to Poza de Los Flamingos for an opportunity to see extra flamingos grazing. They’re most energetic within the early morning or night hours, which aligns nicely with the gorgeous Galapagos sunsets you’ll be able to see from right here.
Stroll the Mangroves of El Estero
Distance from Puerto Villamil: 45-minute stroll
Simply west of city, the mangrove forests of El Estero are surrounded by lava rocks and crystal clear lagoons. The realm is dwelling to heaps of wildlife and has a wide range of air, land, and sea animals. You’ll see land iguanas sunning themselves on the lava rocks whereas sea turtles swim and blue-footed boobies soar.
El Estero is a beautiful place to have a picnic and funky off on a sizzling day. The water across the mangroves is shallow and clear and makes for a pleasant enjoyable plunge. Earlier than you go, make sure you try the Tunel del Estero, a cave on the finish of the path.
Go to the Marine Iguanas of Playa del Amor
Distance from Puerto Villamil: 40 minute stroll
On the opposite facet of Tunel de Estero lies Playa del Amor, or Love Seashore. Certain, this seashore has good views and loads of locations to swim, however the actual attraction is the marine iguanas.
You won’t discover them at first since they mix in with the volcanic rocks, however there are a whole bunch of them. They’ll normally be sunbathing on the nice and cozy shore earlier than plunging into the ocean. Hold your eyes peeled for blue-footed boobies and sea turtles within the water as nicely.
Child marine iguanas
Go Snorkelling at Concha de Perla
Distance from Puerto Villamil: 15-minute stroll
For those who haven’t guessed already, snorkelling is without doubt one of the high issues to do in Isabela Island. At Concha de Perla, sea lions, sea turtles, and Galapagos penguins are all native residents. Hop within the mangrove-wrapped pool to snorkel with them and different marine life like rays and starfish.
Being so near city, Concha de Perla can get fairly busy in comparison with different snorkelling spots. It’s nice to take a look at earlier within the day or within the night to chill off after an extended stroll or bike journey. Don’t overlook your snorkel gear!
Go to Punta Moreno
Distance from Puerto Villamil: 1 hour by boat
Located between two volcanoes, Punta Moreno is an off-the-beaten-path vacation spot on Isabela Island. The distinctive panorama is roofed in lava rocks and dotted with pure swimming pools frequented by land and marine birds.
The flightless cormorant is understood to go to the volcanic space, together with blue herons and brown pelicans. Attending to Punta Moreno is normally greatest on Isla Isabela excursions of the western coast. It’s not removed from Elizabeth Bay and has putting views of Fernandina Island.
Punta Moreno, Isabela Island
Seek for Wildlife at Elizabeth Bay (Bahía Elizabeth)
Distance from Puerto Villamil: 1.5 hours by boat (no touchdown)
On the west coast of Isabela Island, Elizabeth Bay is surrounded by mangrove forests and rocky islets. There are no touchdown websites within the bay, so that you’ll must preserve your eyes peeled for wildlife from the boat.
A well-liked exercise in Elizabeth Bay is kayaking, which makes for a good way to see land and marine life. Scan the shore for Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, and marine iguanas. Within the water, you might even see marine turtles, sea lions, sharks, and eagle rays.
Spend the Day at Urbina Bay (Bahía Urbina)
Distance from Puerto Villamil: 1.5 hours by boat
Within the shadows of Alcedo Volcano, Urbina Bay is a good place to see big tortoises within the wild. Whereas there is probably not as many as on Santa Cruz, big tortoises roam the arid panorama set again from the water. Land iguanas and mockingbirds be a part of them whereas marine iguanas wander the seashores.
What’s particularly attention-grabbing about Urbina Bay is how not too long ago developed it’s in comparison with different components of the Galapagos. The towering heads of coral have been solely pushed above land within the Nineteen Fifties when a sudden uplift raised the seabed by 5 meters. Now, the coral is slowly weathering away as the weather run their course.
A day at Urbina Bay is greatest spent mountain climbing and snorkelling, with loads of alternatives to chill out and birdwatch. You’ll additionally discover a number of endemic plant species right here, just like the Manzanillo and poison-apple tree. Pack your digital camera and strolling footwear, and be looking out for a large tortoise!
Large tortoise sighting at Urbina Bay, Isabela Island
Disguise Out Like a Pirate in Tagus Cove
Distance from Puerto Villamil: 2 hours by boat
On the northwestern coast of Isabela Island, Tagus Cove is a surprising seascape with a vibrant previous. Earlier than the Galapagos Islands turned Galapagos Nationwide Park, guests would carve their names into the rocky partitions. This was an ode to the pirates and whalers that used to cover out within the protected cove alongside the Bolivar Channel.
Together with pirates, Charles Darwin additionally visited the cove in 1835 on his first journey to the Galapagos. Now, it’s a incredible place to see land birds and sea life whereas reef fish flood the shores.
Most individuals go to Tagus Cove on a west coast tour or from Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island. The touchdown is dry and surrounded by stunning mangrove forests.
Disembarking at Tagus Cove on Isabela Island
Views of Tagus Cove on Isabela Island
Go Birdwatching at Punta Tortuga
Distance from Puerto Villamil: 2 hours by boat
Punta Tortuga is a black sand seashore on the west coast of Isabela, simply north of Tagus Cove. It provides glorious views of Volcán La Cumbre on Fernandina Island and superb wildlife viewing. The seashore sits on the foot of the Darwin Volcano and is black and gray from volcanic exercise.
The shores of Punta Tortuga are lined in mangrove forests, that are dwelling to the mangrove finch. They’re not at all times simple to identify, however these artful birds are endemic to the Galapagos Islands. It’s no shock that chicken watching is without doubt one of the greatest actions in Isabela Island!
Snorkel or Dive at Punta Vicente Roca
Distance from Puerto Villamil: 2 hours by boat
Punta Vicente Roca is without doubt one of the hottest dive websites within the Galapagos archipelago and tops the checklist of Isabela Island sights. It’s all the best way on Isabela’s northern peninsula on the base of the Ecuador Volcano.
Entry to Punta Vicente Roca is by moist touchdown solely for these searching for spectacular diving with considerable wildlife. Being within the Bolivar Channel, these waters are among the richest in marine life, from sea horses to bullhead sharks.
Guests can go on a deep-water snorkelling route that hugs the rocky shoreline and dips into two underwater caves. For among the most spectacular diving within the Galapagos Islands, make sure you add Punta Vicente Roca to your checklist!
Cruise for Sea Birds at Punta Albemarle
Distance from Puerto Villamil: 2.5 hours by boat
As soon as a World Conflict II radar base, Punta Albemarle is on the northern tip of Isabela. The identify nods to Albemarle Island, which is one other identify for Isabela Island. With just about nothing however open ocean surrounding it, Punta Albemarle is the best level of all the primary islands.
The purpose’s mangrove forests and seashores are wealthy in marine life and shore birds. Dry landings are attainable the place you’ll be able to stroll the shore alongside flightless cormorants and Galapagos penguins. What’s extra, Punta Albemarle is dwelling to the biggest marine iguanas within the Galapagos Islands.
Albemarle Lodge on Isabela Island
Dive the Coral Reef of Cabo Marshall
Distance from Puerto Villamil: 2 hours by boat
For glorious wall diving on the northeast coast of Isabela, head to Cabo Marshall, or Cape Marshall. The realm has depths of as much as 40 m (130 ft) and large volcanic “partitions” plummeting to the seafloor.
This can be a moist landing-only dive website geared for skilled divers with numerous superior dives beneath their belt. If that calls your identify, you’ll be handled to a wealth of sea life that isn’t widespread somewhere else. Assume hammerhead sharks, manta rays, and faculties of barracudas.
Try our video highlights from Isabela Island!
Isabela Island from above within the Galapagos
Lengthy stretch of seashore alongside the Malecon on Isabela Island Galapagos
The place to Keep on Isabela Island, Ecuador
Being one of many few Galapagos islands with any human inhabitants, the resort choices might be restricted. However there’s sufficient option to go well with each kind of traveller with incredible sustainable choices too.
Hostal Galapagos by Bar de Beto
Hostal Galapagos by Bar de Beto is only a stone’s throw away from the seashore and a very good budget-friendly choose. The family-owned resort is inside strolling distance of every part alongside Antonio Gil, with terrace views of the flamingo lagoon. Visitors can use the hammocks and seashore bar throughout the road and benefit from the natural meals and native paintings. Rooms at Hostal Galapagos begin at USD $32 per evening.
Isabela Seashore Home
For those who fancy waking up within the morning and having breakfast on the seashore, then try the Isabela Seashore Home. It combines backyard, terrace and seashore multi functional and is only a quick stroll from the middle of Puerto Villamil, the city sq., many eating places and the port. Plus, you’ll be able to relaxation simple figuring out the property makes aware decisions to scale back waste, preserve water, and work with native guides. Rooms on the Isabela Seashore Home begin at USD $130 per evening.
Chez Manany Galapagos Ecolodge 225
For travellers aware of their impression on their vacation spot, then Chez Manany Galapagos Ecolodge is a good way to assist sustainable practices on Isabela Island. This family-run eco-lodge was constructed from pure supplies by native craftsmen and is totally self-sufficient for energy and water. It’s additionally 400m from the Concha de Perla, one of many greatest dive and snorkel spots on Isla Isabela. Rooms at Chez Manany Galapagos Ecolodge begin at USD $180 per evening.
Have you ever visited Isabela Island within the Galapagos Islands? What was your favorite expertise throughout your go to?