Welcome to the final word journey information to Isabela Island Galapagos! From beautiful seashores to volcanic landscapes teeming with wildlife, Isabela provides a wealth of experiences for nature fanatics.
Throughout my three-week keep on Isabela Island Galapagos, I found the best excursions and actions, starting from snorkelling with marine iguanas and sea turtles to mountaineering sulphur calderas to exploring lava tunnels. Swim in turquoise waters, trek to rugged volcanic viewpoints, and encounter the long-lasting species of the Galapagos. Have I satisfied you but?
Let’s uncover the highest adventures and must-see sights on Isabela Island – a real wildlife haven of the Galapagos Islands. This information is full of recommendation on planning your itinerary, the best way to get there, the place to remain and the perfect time to go to.
About Islabela Island
Isabela Island information
- Isabela Island was shaped by the becoming a member of of six protect volcanoes: Ecuador, Wolf, Darwin, Alcedo, Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul.
- Isabela Island is the most important within the Galápagos, with an space of 4,586 km² and a size of 120 km.
- It lies within the jap Pacific Ocean 600 miles (965 km) west of mainland Ecuador.
- The island is formed like a seahorse.
- Inhabitants is roughly 2,200 (formally, it was 1748 in 2006 census)
Isabela Island historical past
Isabela Island, previously Albemarle Island, acquired its identify from Ambrose Cowley, an English pirate and one of many earliest guests to the islands in 1684. The pirates used to dock in Tagus Cove to restock with provides, water and meals which included big tortoises. Later, it was renamed in honour of Queen Isabela of Spain, who had backed Christopher Columbus’ 1492 expedition, ensuing within the discovery of the New World.
Antonio Gil, a distinguished Guayaquileño, arrived within the Galápagos in 1893 and established Puerto Villamil on Isabela’s southern coast. Later, he based Santo Tomás within the highlands. Villamil, named after freedom fighter José de Villamil, initially targeted on lime manufacturing from coastal coral. In the meantime, Santo Tomás thrived as a sulphur mining centre inside the caldera and featured a close-by espresso plantation.
In 1946, the island was used as a penal colony the place 300 convicts had been shipped over to construct the Wall of Tears as a punishment.
With the prohibition of sulphur mining, Puerto Villamil emerged as Isabela Island’s major port for settlement and the primary arrival level for vacationers.
Itinerary Planning for Isabela Island Galapagos
Throughout my three-week volunteer stint on Isabela Island, I took benefit of native tour businesses to organise my weekends and afternoons. With only one or two streets housing these businesses, it’s a fast course of, although not at all times clean. Sadly, my plans to scuba dive on the final weekend fell by means of because of the solely dive store taking a bunch out for the weekend.
Many travellers to Isabela Island Galapagos don’t have the posh of sluggish journey and are on a decent schedule to maintain prices down, so reserving prematurely is advisable. Alternatively, do your analysis earlier than arrival on which excursions you wish to achieve this you may hit the tour businesses while you get off the ferry. Upon getting your excursions booked, there are a number of free actions comparable to Concha de Perla and El Estero to pad out your free time.
Helpful Hyperlinks for Isabela Island Excursions
Greatest excursions on Isabela Island Galapagos
Discover The Tunnels (Los Túneles)
Los Túneles or Cabo Rosa is one tour you may’t miss on Isabela Island and needs to be on the prime of your checklist.
The boat tour features a journey previous Union Rock (Roca Union), a cluster of rocky outcrops rising from the ocean. It’s a favoured fishing floor for pelicans and Nazca boobies, whereas sea lions use it to relaxation from the crashing waves.
Time for half-hour of exploration by foot to find the traditional lava tunnels and bridges. Shaped hundreds of thousands of years in the past when molten lava from the island’s volcanoes met the water and solidified. I noticed nice blue herons, sally lightfoot crabs and marine iguanas right here.
Subsequent up on the tour is snorkelling across the underwater world of Los Túneles. Let me inform you, it was merely unbelievable. I encountered sea horses, faculties of golden rays, octopuses, Galapagos penguins, blacktip reef sharks and vibrant fish. The last word spotlight was seeing astonishingly giant sea turtles, the most important I’ve ever seen in my life!
|| Los Túneles excursions final approx. 5 hours | BOOK your Los Túneles Tour
Hike Sierra Negra + Chico Volcanos
Mountain climbing Sierra Negra and Chico on Isabela Island is a cool journey by means of volcanic landscapes. Sierra Negra is the one volcano you may hike on the island and one of many world’s largest volcanic craters.
Heading into the highlands of Isabela Island, you can be met with a drop in temperatures. Whether or not you catch a glimpse of the huge caldera is dependent upon the mist clearing. The hike continues to Chico Volcano, the place you’ll witness surreal lava formations, vibrant landscapes and the hardy Candelabra Cactus.
Wildlife sightings are fewer on this trek, but we managed to identify the Vermilion Flycatcher, Darwin Finches, and Mockingbirds. The presence of the invasive Black Rat threatens the hatchlings of endemic chicken species and tortoises. The invasive Black Rat appears cute, nonetheless, they predate on ground-nesting species comparable to endemic birds, reptiles and tortoises placing many on the Critically Endangered checklist.
|| PNG (Parque Nacional Galápagos) information for Sierra Negra is obligatory | SEARCH Sierra Negra Excursions
Climb down the Trillizos Volcano
If, for any loopy cause, you wish to change the continuous wildlife to a unique expertise on Isla Isabela Galapagos, why not rappel 105m into an extinct volcano? Simply don’t put on a pale blue T-shirt for this tour like me!
Within the depths of Volcán Trillizos, you may discover the underground tunnels shaped by flows of petrified lava created hundreds of years in the past, discovering the totally different colors of rocks together with gold and quartz!
|| BOOK your half-day Volcán Trillizos journey or full day with the Sulfur Mines + Volcán Trillizos
Take a tour of Las Tintoreras
The tour of Las Tintoreras on Isabela Island begins with a 10-minute boat journey to stroll on the volcanic islet led by educated guides to be taught concerning the island’s geological historical past.
Snorkelling within the crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life by no means disappoints. Highlights embrace encounters with Galapagos penguins, marine iguanas, turtles, sea lions, and whitetip reef sharks lurking within the lava canals.
|| Las Tintoreras excursions final 3 hours departing every day (7 am or 2 pm) | BOOK your Las Tintoreras Tour
Kayaking round Los Tintoreras
Spanning 900 metres in size and 100 metres vast, it’s potential to kayak round Los Tintoreras supplying you with a brand new perspective on exploring this volcanic rock. You get the chance to be at eye-level with swimming penguins or sea lions, see the purple Sally Lightfoot crabs scampering round and watch the marine iguanas basking within the sunshine.
Visiting Los Tintoreras requires a information to be current. I employed a kayak from the seaside by the boat pier (reverse aspect to the ferry and Concha de Perla). The kayak huts are a preferred spot for a lot of sea lions to sleep within the shade.
|| My tour had no landings. It’s potential to guide a Kayak and Snorkeling Tour of Los Tintoreras.
Discover the Sulphur Mines of Sierra Negra
Minas de Azufre was considered one of my favorite excursions on Isabela Island Galapagos. Positioned on the west aspect of the Sierra Negra Volcano, it was unbelievable to enter the caldera to see the misty, sulphuric panorama.
Within the early 1900s, miners exploited the sulphur however that is now not permitted. Sierra Negra is a part of the Parque Nacional Galápagos (PNG) and due to this fact requires a information.
After snorkelling in blue waters, seeing plentiful animals and having fun with seaside life, seeing one other worldly panorama on Isabela Island was a refreshing expertise!
|| My tour was booked with an official GNP information on the Sundown Bar. There are not any ensures that their schedule suits if you happen to organise on arrival, so I’d contemplate reserving the Minas de Azufre tour prematurely.
Greatest issues to do on Isabela Island Galapagos
Snorkel in Concha de Perla Lagoon
Concha de Perla is a novel snorkelling web site that lies past the confines of the Nationwide Park, granting you the liberty to discover it independently, with no need a information. Inside the protected lagoon, you may effortlessly swim alongside sea lions, penguins, sea turtles, iguanas, and faculties of glimmering fish.
Concha de Perla may be simply reached from Puerto Villamil. Take a left simply earlier than the pier, and observe the small boardwalk to the tip while you arrive on the lagoon.
It’s possible you’ll prefer to learn extra about snorkelling in Concha de Perla.
|| Concha de Perla is free to enter | LOCATION
Uncover the Flamingo Lagoon
In Puerto Villamil, take a stroll to look at the flamingos at Pozo de Los Flamingos from the boardwalk across the edge. These elegant birds reside, breed, and forage within the saltwater lagoons.
They’re current year-round though throughout nesting season from March to July, it’s possible you’ll witness their courtship dances or hatchlings. I visited a couple of occasions and the time of day didn’t appear to make a lot distinction within the variety of sightings.
|| Pozo de los Flamingos is free | LOCATION
Go to the Big Tortoise Breeding Heart
Go to the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Heart devoted to the conservation of 5 species of big tortoises by means of captive breeding packages geared toward preserving these magnificent creatures for future generations.
The large tortoise breeding centre is among the prime Isabela vacationer sights for good cause. Watch the light giants from infants and juveniles to maturity, all housed in several pens based on age and species. Find out about their life cycles within the museum and from the knowledgable guides.
I hung out volunteering on the centre to assist look after and contribute to the preservation of those iconic creatures which was a real honour. Any donations from guests assist fund this system.
|| Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Heart is $10 per individual for the information | LOCATION
Cycle to the Wall of Tears
Head to the historic Wall of Tears (El Muro de las Lágrimas) on two wheels. It’s a straightforward DIY journey from Puerto Villamil, and there are a couple of locations to rent bikes within the city.
This daunting construction of the Wall of Tears was constructed by prisoners within the Forties. It’s now a logo of human struggling and resilience, reflecting the cruel situations endured through the island’s penal colony period.
Pedal previous the seashores (Puerto Villamil and La Playita), by means of the wetlands (Los Humedales), and across the volcanic landscapes. Make stops to have a dip in El Estero or climb the viewing factors of Cerro Orchilla Hill and El Radar. Hold your eyes on the trail as it’s possible you’ll flip the nook and see an enormous tortoise.
The biking journey to the Wall of Tears might take 2 hours or it might take 5, relying in your tempo and what number of occasions you cease.
|| Wall of Tears is free to discover | LOCATION
Stroll on Puerto Villamil seaside
In case you are questioning what to do on Isabela Island Galapagos with a spare afternoon, the 4km of white sandy Puerto Villamil Seaside (Playa Isabela) is a tranquil oasis of pure magnificence and, after all, the wildlife recognizing alternatives don’t disappoint.
Teams of marine iguanas sunning themselves and lava lizards scamper on volcanic rocks, lava lizards whereas playful sea lions frolic within the surf. Birdwatchers enjoyment of recognizing blue-footed boobies hovering overhead, and American oystercatchers and whimbrels feeding on the water’s edge.
Proceed to El Estero, a lush mangrove estuary brimming with biodiversity, the place herons wade and generally penguins may be noticed swimming on this coastal sanctuary. Relying on the tide you may stroll round within the water by means of the mangroves, simply be sure that to keep away from it if it’s too excessive.
|| Puerto Villamil Seaside is free to discover | LOCATION OF EL ESTERO
Discover the primary plaza at Puerto Villamil
The primary plaza in Puerto Villamil serves as a group hub, that includes a kids’s play space and a statue honouring Charles Darwin. Relaxed eating places line the sq., in addition to the best ice cream store.
Sadly, the culinary choices on Isabela Island within the Galapagos aren’t as numerous as one would possibly hope, notably with the scarcity of greens in lots of dishes. Nevertheless, it’s possible you’ll want to give Cesar’s and El Caeftal a strive. El Dorado has a fantastic menu and the strongest WiFi. For a style of the Ecuadorian best-loved road meals, go to Empanadas de Belén.
A hanging landmark in Puerto Villamil is the trendy church, Iglesia Cristo Salvador. stained-glass home windows showcase native wildlife, whereas a mural depicts Jesus on the cross towards a sundown backdrop, flanked by hovering frigate birds. Statues of Mary and Jesus stand amongst work of marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and Galapagos penguins.
Sunsets at Completely happy Hour
Nothing feels extra serene than the fantastic thing about a seaside sundown. I’ll have indulged in blissful hour on the seaside awaiting the golden hour, and it didn’t occur each evening.
The climate could be a bit unpredictable through the El Niño interval once I visited with some nights being excellent for watching the golden hour and others not fairly aligning with expectations. When it does occur, the yellow hues paint the sky, casting a mesmerising glow over the ocean.
|| Completely happy hours happen every day from 5 pm. My two favorite bars are Pink Iguana and Sundown Bar.
Strive browsing the waves
Isabela Island Galapagos is rising as a browsing hotspot within the Galapagos with waves appropriate for each rookies and skilled surfers. In style spots embrace Puerto Villamil, Tongo Reef, Quinta Ola and Playa Barahona supply constant breaks and breathtaking surroundings.
It’s price noting that browsing may be cancelled final minute relying on the ocean and the way skilled the group is. Sadly, the day I signed up was a type of days so if you happen to solely have a couple of days on Isabela, it’s price 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 well-liked as it’s the one tour you are able to do with out a cruise. The dive web site is legendary for sightings of hammerheads and big manta rays.
In the event you’re decided to go diving, I counsel checking their schedule beforehand, as they had been totally booked for the weekend I had in thoughts.
|| BOOK with Pahoehoe Galapagos and Galapagos Dive Heart
Get a photograph on the Isabela Signal
If luck was not in your aspect with seeing the Galapagos Penguins, the Isabela signal on Puerto Villamil Seaside is your ultimate probability. The expansive backdrop of the golden sand, crashing waves of the jap Pacific Ocean and volcanos within the distance at all times makes a cracking picture!
Discover the highlands of Isabela Island
Go to Cueva de Sucre
Cueva de Sucre is a pure volcanic formation positioned within the Agricultural Zone of Isabela Island Galapagos. Enterprise inside this small lava tunnel with glistening rocks of darkish and golden colors, and lichen wedded to the floor.
The cave is ready amongst a peaceable forest and there’s a picnic space if you wish to keep a bit of longer.
|| Cueva de Sucre is free to enter | 14 km from Puerto Villamil | LOCATION
|| The way to go to Mango Mirador, Cueva de Sucre, and Campo Duro? I employed a taxi for $50 to go to 3 websites with 3 pals which lowered the associated fee.
Panoramic views at Mango Mirador
The Mango Mirador is a 360 viewpoint of Isabela’s panorama formed by volcanic exercise, from the Cerro Pipon to the mighty Sierra Negra. On clear days, Santa Cruz and Floreana islands are seen on the horizon.
So why is it referred to as Mango del Mirador? Fairly merely, there’s an previous mango tree alongside the trail and ‘mirador’ means ‘viewpoint’ in Spanish.
|| Mango Mirador is free to enter | 9 km from Puerto Villamil | LOCATION
Go to Campo Duro eco lodge
Campo Duro champions eco-tourism and conservation within the foothills of Sierra Negra. Established in 1990, Campo Duro collaborates with the Galapagos Nationwide Park to protect numerous tortoise species native to Isabela Island, offering a novel alternative to witness them in near-natural situations.
The flourishing grounds at Campo Duro are a cool place to discover with an enormous Kapok tree, endemic orchids and an array of sustainable crops comparable to espresso, pineapples, and papayas. It’s the perfect place on the island to take pleasure in freshly squeezed juice within the out of doors restaurant and a banana straight from the tree!
In the event you fancy spending longer at Campo Duro, they’ve volunteering packages in addition to glamping amenities. You’ll be able to even pitch your tent for a price.
|| Verify costs to remain at Campo Duro | Campo Duro is a small price to go to | LOCATION
Journey planning for Isabela Island Galapagos
Greatest Locations to remain on Isabela Island
Puerto Vilamil is the primary metropolis on the island though it has extra of a small port city type of really feel. This information will allow you to discover the place to remain on Isabela Island Galapagos for price range travellers and those that like a spot of luxurious lodging. These choices had been both skilled personally or beneficial by fellow travellers.
BUDGET ($) – El Rincón de George is positioned close to the flamingo pool and provides non-public rooms with a kitchenette, and dorms with a shared kitchen and terrace.
MID-RANGE ($$) – Hostal Tero Actual gives non-public and household rooms in a cute backyard setting with a breakfast choice to start out the day.
LUXURY ($$$) – The Picket Home Lodge is a family-run seaside resort with an outside swimming pool and rooms with backyard views.
The way to get to Isabela Island Galapagos
To get to Isabela Island Galapagos, you usually have to observe these steps:
- Fly to Baltra or San Cristobal Island: From Quito or Guayaquil, you’ll have to take a home flight to both Baltra Island (Seymour Airport – GPS) or San Cristobal Island (San Cristobal Airport – SCY). These are the 2 fundamental entry factors to the Galapagos.
- Take a Boat to Isabela Island: The ferry solely leaves from Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) to Puerto Vilamil (Isabela), and again. The ferries function twice a day between the islands at 7 am and three pm. The journey takes roughly 2 to 2.5 hours and might fluctuate relying on climate situations.
It’s important to plan your journey, particularly reserving home flights and boat transfers, as they’ll refill shortly, particularly throughout peak vacationer seasons. Additionally, contemplate coordinating your arrival and departure occasions with the boat schedules to and from Isabela Island.
Greatest Time to Go to Isabela Island Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands are a year-round vacation spot, with every season presenting distinctive experiences. Think about your priorities, comparable to climate preferences, wildlife pursuits, cultural festivals and desired actions, when planning your go to to Isabela Island.
- Peak vacationer seasons (June to August, December to January) are typically busier and pricier.
- The dry season (June to December) often known as the Garúa season brings cooler temperatures, much less humidity, and plentiful wildlife exercise.
- The hotter season (January to Could) gives lush landscapes and alternatives to witness breeding seasons for numerous species, making Isabela Island a year-round vacation spot.
- El Niño, described because the “warm phase”, happens within the Pacific Ocean roughly each seven years. With hotter ocean temperatures and elevated rainfall, the El Niño interval harms marine species and advantages sure terrestrial species.
Throughout my go to to Isabela Island Galapagos in August-September 2023, amidst El Niño, the situations bucked the development. The temperatures had been fairly scorching and humid, and I observed heat water which is often cooled throughout these months. Whereas marine iguanas had been plentiful, I additionally noticed some carcasses, possible because of the shortage of sea algae, their major meals supply, throughout El Niño intervals, and their vulnerability to temperature fluctuations.
Security suggestions for Isabela Island
Isabela Island Galapagos exudes a relaxed, tranquil environment, the place security issues are minimal each day and evening. Whereas the island feels secure total, it’s important to train warning as you’d in any vacation spot.
The first concern would possible revolve round unintended incidents, comparable to being caught in excessive tide (I had a scary second in Concha de Perla). It’s essential to be accountable travellers and observe guides’ directions concerning wildlife encounters, sustaining a secure distance to mitigate any potential dangers throughout your go to.
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FAQs Isabela Island Galapagos
What’s particular about Isabela Island?
Isabela Island stands as the most important landmass within the Galapagos archipelago, resembling the form of a seahorse. What units Isabela aside is its six volcanoes, a particular characteristic not discovered on the opposite islands.
The place can I see big tortoises on Isabela Island?
The prime spots for observing big tortoises of their pure habitat on Isabela Island Galapagos embrace the path to the Wall of Tears and Campo Duro within the highlands. For a assured sighting, go to the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Centre.
The place can I see penguins on Isabela Island?
Isabela Island is a haven for Galapagos penguin sightings. From Puerto Villamil, you may spot them at Concha de Perla, Los Tintoreras, Los Tuneles, and El Estero. Cruises across the island’s north additionally supply alternatives for penguin encounters.
PIN NOW – BEST THINGS TO DO ON ISABELA GALAPAGOS
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