Isabela Island Travel Guide: Wildlife, Volcanoes & Adventure in the Galápagos

As your local travel guide, let me welcome you to Isabela Island, the largest and arguably most fascinating island in the Galápagos. Shaped like a seahorse, formed by the merger of six volcanoes, and teeming with rare wildlife, Isabela is where nature reigns supreme.
 

Unlike the more developed Santa Cruz Island, Isabela feels untouched and wild. Here, black lava fields contrast with white sandy beaches, flightless cormorants dry their wings, and marine iguanas bask in the sun. It’s a dream destination for eco-travelers, adventurers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
 

Let’s take a deep dive into everything you need to know to explore this Galápagos gem.

📍 Where Is Isabela Island?

Isabela Island (Isla Isabela) lies on the western edge of the Galápagos archipelago and makes up over half of the total landmass of the islands. Despite its size, it has a relatively small population and only one main town: Puerto Villamil.

🛬 You can reach Isabela via:

Speedboat from Santa Cruz (2–2.5 hours)

Flights from Baltra or San Cristóbal

🧭 Why Visit Isabela Island?

If you're looking for raw nature, volcanic landscapes, and unique wildlife not found anywhere else — Isabela is the place to be.

🌋 1. A Land of Volcanoes

With six shield volcanoes, including Sierra Negra, Isabela is a geological marvel.

🐢 2. Wildlife You Can’t See Elsewhere

Isabela is the only Galápagos island where all five species of Galápagos tortoises coexist.

🏖️ 3. Unspoiled Beaches

Long stretches of beach like Playa Puerto Villamil offer crystal-clear waters and solitude.

🦎 4. Underwater Paradise

Snorkel with penguins, sea turtles, and white-tip reef sharks at Los Tuneles and Concha de Perla.

🗺️ Top Things to Do on Isabela Island

Here’s your curated guide to the best adventures and experiences:

🏞️ 1. Hike Sierra Negra Volcano

This is one of the largest volcanic craters in the world (over 10 km wide!). The Sierra Negra hike offers:

Epic views over the caldera

A walk through dramatic lava landscapes

A chance to see endemic birds

📍 Guided tours required
🎒 Bring sun protection, water, and good shoes

🌊 2. Snorkel at Los Tuneles

Los Tuneles (The Tunnels) is a surreal marine landscape of lava arches, shallow waters, and abundant sea life.

Expect to encounter:

🐢 Giant sea turtles

🦈 Reef sharks and rays

🐧 Galápagos penguins

🐠 Tropical fish in crystal-clear visibility

🎟️ Must be booked with a licensed tour operator.

🦎 3. Visit the Tortoise Breeding Center (Centro de Crianza Arnaldo Tupiza)

Learn about conservation efforts to protect endangered tortoise species. The center is home to baby and juvenile tortoises of different subspecies.

📍 Walkable from Puerto Villamil
🌱 Great for families and educational trips

🏖️ 4. Relax at Playa Puerto Villamil

One of the most beautiful beaches in the Galápagos, Playa Puerto Villamil features:

Soft white sand

Shallow, swimmable waters

Sunbathing marine iguanas

Beachfront bars with hammocks

Tip: Go early in the morning for a peaceful sunrise walk.

🐧 5. Explore Tintoreras Islets

A short boat ride from Puerto Villamil, Tintoreras is a haven for wildlife.

You’ll likely see:

🐧 Galápagos penguins

🦈 White-tip reef sharks resting in channels

🐦 Blue-footed boobies

🦎 Marine iguanas in large colonies

📸 This is one of the best photo spots on the island.

🐠 6. Snorkel or Kayak at Concha de Perla

Just steps from the town’s harbor, Concha de Perla is a natural lagoon ideal for:

Swimming with sea lions

Kayaking across mangrove-lined shores

Spotting rays and turtles in clear waters

🆓 Free entry — bring your own gear or rent locally.

🥾 7. Hike to the Wall of Tears (El Muro de las Lágrimas)

A haunting historical site, The Wall of Tears was built by prisoners in the 1940s and 50s as forced labor.

Along the trail you may also spot:

Flamingos in lagoons

Giant tortoises in the wild

Stunning coastal views

🚶 Trail distance: ~5 km each way
🎒 Ideal for biking or walking

🛏️ Where to Stay on Isabela Island

All accommodations are centered in Puerto Villamil. Options range from cozy guesthouses to beachside hotels.

🏨 Luxury:

Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel – beachfront, infinity pool

Casa Marita – artistic charm and ocean views

🏠 Mid-Range:

Hotel Albemarle – Spanish colonial style, on the beach

La Casa de Marita – local art and garden vibes

💰 Budget:

Hostal Galápagos Morning Glory

Posada del Caminante

🍽️ Where to Eat on Isabela Island

Though quieter than Santa Cruz, Isabela has excellent food options:

Coco Surf – seafood and cocktails with a view

Shawarma Hot – affordable and tasty wraps

Booby Trap – American-style burgers and seafood

El Cafetal – good breakfasts and fresh juices

💡 Local Tip: Try fresh-caught lobster (in season, Sept–Dec)!

📅 Best Time to Visit Isabela Island

You can visit Isabela year-round, but seasons affect conditions.

☀️ Warm Season (Dec–May)

Hot and humid

Calmer seas

Ideal for snorkeling and boat tours

🌥️ Cool Season (June–Nov)

Cooler temperatures

Rougher seas, more marine life

Best for diving and birdwatching

🐢 Tortoise nesting: January–April
🐧 Penguin activity: June–November

🎒 What to Pack for Isabela Island

Pack light, but smart:

Water shoes or sandals for lava trails

Snorkel gear (optional, available to rent)

Reef-safe sunscreen

Lightweight, quick-dry clothes

Insect repellent (especially for lagoons)

Waterproof bag for boat trips

Binoculars or camera with zoom

🛬 How to Get to Isabela Island

You have two options:

🚤 By Boat:

From Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora)

Takes ~2–2.5 hours

Leaves daily, morning and afternoon

✈️ By Plane:

Flights from Baltra or San Cristóbal

Small planes (12–20 seats), scenic route

Duration: ~30–45 minutes

Note: Flights are pricier but more comfortable.

🔐 Entry Requirements and Rules

$100 Galápagos National Park Fee (paid on arrival in Galápagos)

$20 Transit Control Card (purchased before flight from mainland Ecuador)

No plastic bags, no touching wildlife, no littering

Certified guides required for most excursions

🧭 Suggested 3-Day Itinerary on Isabela Island

📅 Day 1:

Arrive in Puerto Villamil

Visit Tortoise Breeding Center

Sunset walk on Playa Villamil

📅 Day 2:

Morning hike to Sierra Negra Volcano

Afternoon snorkeling at Concha de Perla

Dinner at Coco Surf

📅 Day 3:

Morning boat tour to Los Tuneles or Tintoreras

Afternoon rest on the beach

Explore El Muro de las Lágrimas (if time allows)

📸 Wildlife You Might Encounter on Isabela Island

🐢 Five species of giant tortoises

🦎 Marine iguanas and lava lizards

🐧 Galápagos penguins

🦈 Reef sharks and rays

🦅 Galápagos hawks

🐦 Flightless cormorants and finches

💬 Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love Isabela Island

Isabela Island is a living museum of natural history. It’s quieter, more remote, and more authentically Galápagos than any other island. Whether you're hiking a volcano, swimming with penguins, or watching tortoises lumber through the highlands — you'll feel the wonder of nature at every turn.

"If Santa Cruz is the Galápagos' heart, Isabela is its wild soul."