Things To Do + Best Tours
Welcome to the ultimate travel guide to Isabela Island Galapagos! From pristine beaches to volcanic landscapes teeming with wildlife, Isabela offers a wealth of experiences for nature enthusiasts.
During my three-week stay on Isabela Island Galapagos, I discovered the finest tours and activities, ranging from snorkelling with marine iguanas and sea turtles to hiking sulphur calderas to exploring lava tunnels. Delve into turquoise waters, trek to rugged volcanic viewpoints, and encounter the iconic species of the Galapagos. Have I convinced you yet?
Join me as I uncover the top adventures and must-see attractions on Isabela Island – a true wildlife haven of the Galapagos Islands. This guide is packed with advice on planning your itinerary, how to get there, where to stay and the best time to visit. Let’s go!
Galapagos penguin at Los Tintoreras
About Islabela Island
Isabela Island facts
Isabela Island was formed by the joining of six shield volcanoes: Ecuador, Wolf, Darwin, Alcedo, Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul.
Isabela Island is the largest in the Galápagos, with an area of 4,586 km² and a length of 120 km.
It lies in the eastern Pacific Ocean 600 miles (965 km) west of mainland Ecuador.
The island is shaped like a seahorse.
Population is approximately 2,200 (officially, it was 1748 in 2006 census)
Isabela Island history
Isabela Island, formerly Albemarle Island, received its name from Ambrose Cowley, an English pirate and one of the earliest visitors to the islands in 1684. The pirates used to dock in Tagus Cove to restock with supplies, water and food which included giant tortoises. Later, it was renamed in honour of Queen Isabela of Spain, who had backed Christopher Columbus’ 1492 expedition, resulting in the discovery of the New World.
Antonio Gil, a prominent Guayaquileño, arrived in the Galápagos in 1893 and established Puerto Villamil on Isabela’s southern coast. Later, he founded Santo Tomás in the highlands. Villamil, named after freedom fighter José de Villamil, initially focused on lime production from coastal coral. Meanwhile, Santo Tomás thrived as a sulphur mining centre within the caldera and featured a nearby coffee plantation.
In 1946, the island was used as a penal colony where 300 convicts were shipped over to build the Wall of Tears as a punishment.
With the prohibition of sulphur mining, Puerto Villamil emerged as Isabela Island’s primary port for settlement and the main arrival point for tourists.
Sunset at Isabela Island
Itinerary Planning for Isabela Island Galapagos
During my three-week volunteer stint on Isabela Island, I took advantage of local tour agencies to organise my weekends and afternoons. With just one or two streets housing these agencies, it’s a quick process, though not always smooth. Unfortunately, my plans to scuba dive on the last weekend fell through due to the only dive shop taking a group out for the weekend.
Many travellers to Isabela Island Galapagos don’t have the luxury of slow travel and are on a tight schedule to keep costs down, so booking in advance is advisable. Alternatively, do your research before arrival on which tours you want to do so you can hit the tour agencies when you get off the ferry. Once you have your tours booked, there are several free activities such as Concha de Perla and El Estero to pad out your free time.
Handy Links for Isabela Island Tours
Best tours on Isabela Island Galapagos
Explore The Tunnels (Los Túneles)
Los Túneles or Cabo Rosa is one tour you can’t miss on Isabela Island and should be at the top of your list.
The boat excursion includes a journey past Union Rock (Roca Union), a cluster of rocky outcrops rising from the sea. It’s a favoured fishing ground for pelicans and Nazca boobies, while sea lions use it to rest from the crashing waves.
Time for 30 minutes of exploration by foot to discover the ancient lava tunnels and bridges. Formed millions of years ago when molten lava from the island’s volcanoes met the water and solidified. I spotted great blue herons, sally lightfoot crabs and marine iguanas here.
Next up on the tour is snorkelling around the underwater world of Los Túneles. Let me tell you, it was simply incredible. I encountered sea horses, schools of golden rays, octopuses, Galapagos penguins, blacktip reef sharks and vibrant fish. The ultimate highlight was seeing astonishingly large sea turtles, the biggest I have ever seen in my life!
|| Los Túneles tours last approx. 5 hours | BOOK your Los Túneles Tour
Hike Sierra Negra + Chico Volcanos
Hiking Sierra Negra and Chico on Isabela Island is a cool adventure through volcanic landscapes. Sierra Negra is the only volcano you can hike on the island and one of the world’s largest volcanic craters.
Heading into the highlands of Isabela Island, you will be met with a drop in temperatures. Whether you catch a glimpse of the vast caldera depends on the mist clearing. The hike continues to Chico Volcano, where you’ll witness surreal lava formations, colourful landscapes and the hardy Candelabra Cactus.
Wildlife sightings are fewer on this trek, yet we managed to spot the Vermilion Flycatcher, Darwin Finches, and Mockingbirds. The presence of the invasive Black Rat threatens the hatchlings of endemic bird species and tortoises. The invasive Black Rat looks cute, however, they predate on ground-nesting species such as endemic birds, reptiles and tortoises putting many on the Critically Endangered list.
|| PNG (Parque Nacional Galápagos) guide for Sierra Negra is mandatory | SEARCH Sierra Negra Tours
Climb down the Trillizos Volcano
If, for any crazy reason, you want to change the non-stop wildlife to a different experience on Isla Isabela Galapagos, why not rappel 105m into an extinct volcano? Just don’t wear a pale blue T-shirt for this tour like me!
In the depths of Volcán Trillizos, you can explore the underground tunnels formed by flows of petrified lava created thousands of years ago, discovering the different colours of rocks including gold and quartz!
|| BOOK your half-day Volcán Trillizos adventure or full day with the Sulfur Mines + Volcán Trillizos
Climbing down Volca -Trizillos
Take a tour of Las Tintoreras
The tour of Las Tintoreras on Isabela Island starts with a 10-minute boat trip to walk on the volcanic islet led by knowledgeable guides to learn about the island’s geological history.
Snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life never disappoints. Highlights include encounters with Galapagos penguins, marine iguanas, turtles, sea lions, and whitetip reef sharks lurking in the lava canals.
|| Las Tintoreras tours last 3 hours departing daily (7 am or 2 pm) | BOOK your Las Tintoreras Tour
Blue Footed Booby at Los Tintoreras
Kayaking around Los Tintoreras
Spanning 900 metres in length and 100 metres wide, it is possible to kayak around Los Tintoreras giving you a new perspective on exploring this volcanic rock. You get the opportunity to be at eye-level with swimming penguins or sea lions, see the red Sally Lightfoot crabs scampering around and watch the marine iguanas basking in the sunshine.
Visiting Los Tintoreras requires a guide to be present. I hired a kayak from the beach by the boat pier (opposite side to the ferry and Concha de Perla). The kayak huts are a popular spot for many sea lions to sleep in the shade.
|| My tour had no landings. It is possible to book a Kayak and Snorkeling Tour of Los Tintoreras.
Galapagos penguins swimming by Los Tintoreras
Explore the Sulphur Mines of Sierra Negra
Minas de Azufre was one of my favourite tours on Isabela Island Galapagos. Located on the west side of the Sierra Negra Volcano, it was incredible to enter the caldera to see the misty, sulphuric landscape.
In the early 1900s, miners exploited the sulphur but this is no longer permitted. Sierra Negra is part of the Parque Nacional Galápagos (PNG) and therefore requires a guide.
After snorkelling blue waters, seeing abundant animals and enjoying beach life, seeing another worldly landscape on Isabela Island was a refreshing experience!
|| My tour was booked with an official GNP guide at the Sunset Bar. There are no guarantees that their schedule fits if you organise on arrival, so I’d consider booking the Minas de Azufre tour in advance.
Minas de Azufre (Sulphur Mines)
Best things to do on Isabela Island Galapagos
Snorkel in Concha de Perla Lagoon
Concha de Perla is a unique snorkelling site that lies beyond the confines of the National Park, granting you the freedom to explore it independently, without needing a guide. Within the protected lagoon, you can effortlessly swim alongside sea lions, penguins, sea turtles, iguanas, and schools of glimmering fish.
Concha de Perla can be easily reached from Puerto Villamil. Take a left just before the pier, and follow the small boardwalk to the end when you arrive at the lagoon.
You may like to read more about snorkelling in Concha de Perla.
|| Concha de Perla is free to enter | LOCATION
Concha de Perla Lagoon on Isabela Island
Discover the Flamingo Lagoon
In Puerto Villamil, take a stroll to observe the flamingos at Pozo de Los Flamingos from the boardwalk around the edge. These elegant birds reside, breed, and forage in the saltwater lagoons.
They are present year-round although during nesting season from March to July, you may witness their courtship dances or hatchlings. I visited a few times and the time of day didn’t seem to make much difference in the number of sightings.
|| Pozo de los Flamingos is free | LOCATION
Flamingo Lagoon on Isabela Island
Visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center
Visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center dedicated to the conservation of five species of giant tortoises through captive breeding programs aimed at preserving these magnificent creatures for future generations.
The giant tortoise breeding centre is one of the top Isabela tourist attractions for good reason. Watch the gentle giants from babies and juveniles to adulthood, all housed in different pens according to age and species. Learn about their life cycles in the museum and from the knowledgable guides.
I spent time volunteering at the centre to help care for and contribute to the preservation of these iconic creatures which was a true honour. Any donations from visitors help fund the program.
|| Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center is $10 per person for the guide | LOCATION
Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center
Cycle to the Wall of Tears
Head to the historic Wall of Tears (El Muro de las Lágrimas) on two wheels. It is an easy DIY trip from Puerto Villamil, and there are a few places to hire bikes in the town.
This daunting structure of the Wall of Tears was built by prisoners in the 1940s. It is now a symbol of human suffering and resilience, reflecting the harsh conditions endured during the island’s penal colony era.
Pedal past the beaches (Puerto Villamil and La Playita), through the wetlands (Los Humedales), and around the volcanic landscapes. Make stops to have a dip in El Estero or climb the viewing points of Cerro Orchilla Hill and El Radar. Keep your eyes on the path as you may turn the corner and see a giant tortoise.
The cycling adventure to the Wall of Tears could take 2 hours or it could take 5, depending on your pace and how many times you stop.
|| Wall of Tears is free to explore | LOCATION
Wall of Tears on Isabela Island
Stroll on Puerto Villamil beach
If you are wondering what to do on Isabela Island Galapagos with a spare afternoon, the 4km of white sandy Puerto Villamil Beach (Playa Isabela) is a tranquil oasis of natural beauty and, of course, the wildlife spotting opportunities do not disappoint.
Groups of marine iguanas sunning themselves and lava lizards scamper on volcanic rocks, lava lizards while playful sea lions frolic in the surf. Birdwatchers delight in spotting blue-footed boobies soaring overhead, and American oystercatchers and whimbrels feeding on the water’s edge.
Continue to El Estero, a lush mangrove estuary brimming with biodiversity, where herons wade and sometimes penguins can be spotted swimming in this coastal sanctuary. Depending on the tide you can walk around in the water through the mangroves, just make sure to avoid it if it’s too high.
|| Puerto Villamil Beach is free to explore | LOCATION OF EL ESTERO
Explore the main plaza at Puerto Villamil
The main plaza in Puerto Villamil serves as a community hub, featuring a children’s play area and a statue honouring Charles Darwin. Relaxed restaurants line the square, as well as the finest ice cream shop.
Unfortunately, the culinary options on Isabela Island in the Galapagos aren’t as diverse as one might hope, particularly with the shortage of vegetables in many dishes. However, you may wish to give Cesar’s and El Caeftal a try. El Dorado has a great menu and the strongest WiFi. For a taste of the Ecuadorian best-loved street food, go to Empanadas de Belén.
A striking landmark in Puerto Villamil is the modern church, Iglesia Cristo Salvador. stained-glass windows showcase native wildlife, while a mural depicts Jesus on the cross against a sunset backdrop, flanked by soaring frigate birds. Statues of Mary and Jesus stand amongst paintings of marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and Galapagos penguins.
Sunsets at Happy Hour
Nothing feels more serene than the beauty of a beach sunset. I may have indulged in happy hour at the beach awaiting the golden hour, and it did not happen every night.
The weather can be a bit unpredictable during the El Niño period when I visited with some nights being perfect for watching the golden hour and others not quite aligning with expectations. When it does happen, the yellow hues paint the sky, casting a mesmerising glow over the ocean.
|| Happy hours occur daily from 5 pm. My two favourite bars are Pink Iguana and Sunset Bar.
Beach Sunset at Puerta Villamil
Try surfing the waves
Isabela Island Galapagos is emerging as a surfing hotspot in the Galapagos with waves suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. Popular spots include Puerto Villamil, Tongo Reef, Quinta Ola and Playa Barahona offer consistent breaks and breathtaking scenery.
It is worth noting that surfing can be cancelled last minute depending on the sea and how experienced the group is. Unfortunately, the day I signed up was one of those days so if you only have a few days on Isabela, it is worth having a back-up plan.
|| BOOK with Galápagos Bike & Surf
Diving on Isabela Galapagos
For diving on Isabela Galapagos, the Tortuga Island dive tour is the most popular as it is the one excursion you can do without a cruise. The dive site is famous for sightings of hammerheads and giant manta rays.
If you’re determined to go diving, I suggest checking their schedule beforehand, as they were fully booked for the weekend I had in mind.
|| BOOK with Pahoehoe Galapagos and Galapagos Dive Center
Get a photo at the Isabela Sign
If luck was not on your side with seeing the Galapagos Penguins, the Isabela sign on Puerto Villamil Beach is your final chance. The expansive backdrop of the golden sand, crashing waves of the eastern Pacific Ocean and volcanos in the distance always makes a cracking photo!
Isabela Sign on Puerto Villamil Beach
Explore the highlands of Isabela Island
Visit Cueva de Sucre
Cueva de Sucre is a natural volcanic formation located in the Agricultural Zone of Isabela Island Galapagos. Venture inside this small lava tunnel with glistening rocks of dark and golden colours, and lichen wedded to the surface.
The cave is set amongst a peaceful forest and there is a picnic area if you want to stay a little longer.
|| Cueva de Sucre is free to enter | 14 km from Puerto Villamil | LOCATION
Cueva de Sucre on Isabela Island
|| How to visit Mango Mirador, Cueva de Sucre, and Campo Duro? I hired a taxi for $50 to visit 3 sites with 3 friends which reduced the cost.
Panoramic views at Mango Mirador
The Mango Mirador is a 360 viewpoint of Isabela’s landscape shaped by volcanic activity, from the Cerro Pipon to the mighty Sierra Negra. On clear days, Santa Cruz and Floreana islands are visible on the horizon.
So why is it called Mango del Mirador? Quite simply, there is an old mango tree along the path and ‘mirador’ means ‘viewpoint’ in Spanish.
|| Mango Mirador is free to enter | 9 km from Puerto Villamil | LOCATION
Views from Mango Mirador
Visit Campo Duro eco lodge
Campo Duro champions eco-tourism and conservation in the foothills of Sierra Negra. Established in 1990, Campo Duro collaborates with the Galapagos National Park to preserve various tortoise species native to Isabela Island, providing a unique opportunity to witness them in near-natural conditions.
The flourishing grounds at Campo Duro are a cool place to explore with a huge Kapok tree, endemic orchids and an array of sustainable plants such as coffee, pineapples, and papayas. It’s the best place on the island to enjoy freshly squeezed juice in the outdoor restaurant and a banana straight from the tree!
If you fancy spending longer at Campo Duro, they have volunteering programs as well as glamping facilities. You can even pitch your tent for a fee.
|| Check prices to stay at Campo Duro | Campo Duro is a small fee to visit | LOCATION
Giant Tortoise at Campo Duro Eco-lodge
Trip planning for Isabela Island Galapagos
Best Places to stay on Isabela Island
Puerto Vilamil is the main city on the island although it has more of a small port town kind of feel. This guide will help you find where to stay on Isabela Island Galapagos for budget travellers and those who like a spot of luxury accommodation. These options were either experienced personally or recommended by fellow travellers.
BUDGET ($) – El Rincón de George is located near the flamingo pool and offers private rooms with a kitchenette, and dorms with a shared kitchen and terrace.
MID-RANGE ($$) – Hostal Tero Real provides private and family rooms in a cute garden setting with a breakfast option to start the day.
LUXURY ($$$) – The Wooden House Hotel is a family-run beach resort with an outdoor swimming pool and rooms with garden views.
How to get to Isabela Island Galapagos
To get to Isabela Island Galapagos, you typically need to follow these steps:
Fly to Baltra or San Cristobal Island: From Quito or Guayaquil, you’ll need to take a domestic flight to either Baltra Island (Seymour Airport – GPS) or San Cristobal Island (San Cristobal Airport – SCY). These are the two main entry points to the Galapagos.
Take a Boat to Isabela Island: The ferry only leaves from Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) to Puerto Vilamil (Isabela), and back. The ferries operate twice a day between the islands at 7 am and 3 pm. The journey takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours and can vary depending on weather conditions.
It’s essential to plan your trip, especially booking domestic flights and boat transfers, as they can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons. Also, consider coordinating your arrival and departure times with the boat schedules to and from Isabela Island.
Best Time to Visit Isabela Island Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands are a year-round destination, with each season presenting unique experiences. Consider your priorities, such as weather preferences, wildlife interests, cultural festivals and desired activities, when planning your visit to Isabela Island.
Peak tourist seasons (June to August, December to January) tend to be busier and pricier.
The dry season (June to December) known as the Garúa season brings cooler temperatures, less humidity, and abundant wildlife activity.
The warmer season (January to May) provides lush landscapes and opportunities to witness breeding seasons for various species, making Isabela Island a year-round destination.
El Niño, described as the “warm phase”, occurs in the Pacific Ocean approximately every seven years. With warmer ocean temperatures and increased rainfall, the El Niño period harms marine species and benefits certain terrestrial species.
During my visit to Isabela Island Galapagos in August-September 2023, amidst El Niño, the conditions bucked the trend. The temperatures were pretty hot and humid, and I noticed warm water which is typically cooled during these months. While marine iguanas were plentiful, I also observed some carcasses, likely due to the scarcity of sea algae, their primary food source, during El Niño periods, and their vulnerability to temperature fluctuations.
Safety tips for Isabela Island
Isabela Island Galapagos exudes a relaxed, tranquil atmosphere, where safety concerns are minimal both day and night. While the island feels safe overall, it’s essential to exercise caution as you would in any destination.
The primary concern would likely revolve around accidental incidents, such as being caught in high tide (I had a scary moment in Concha de Perla). It’s crucial to be responsible travellers and follow guides’ instructions regarding wildlife encounters, maintaining a safe distance to mitigate any potential risks during your visit.
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FAQs Isabela Island Galapagos
What is special about Isabela Island?
Isabela Island stands as the largest landmass in the Galapagos archipelago, resembling the shape of a seahorse. What sets Isabela apart is its six volcanoes, a distinctive feature not found on the other islands.
Where can I see giant tortoises on Isabela Island?
The prime spots for observing giant tortoises in their natural habitat on Isabela Island Galapagos include the trail to the Wall of Tears and Campo Duro in the highlands. For a guaranteed sighting, visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Centre.
Where can I see penguins on Isabela Island?
Isabela Island is a haven for Galapagos penguin sightings. From Puerto Villamil, you can spot them at Concha de Perla, Los Tintoreras, Los Tuneles, and El Estero. Cruises around the island’s north also offer opportunities for penguin encounters.
PIN NOW – BEST THINGS TO DO ON ISABELA GALAPAGOS
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