The Great Galápagos Escape: Where to Go & What to Do on Isabela Island
A top Galápagos destination, visitors to Isabela can enjoy outdoor adventures, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and welcoming locals.
- By:
Rebecca Braak
Visitors from all over the world flock to the Galápagos Islands to marvel at their rich biodiversity. They come to witness exotic animals in their natural environment, like giant tortoises, waved albatrosses, and more. Plus, there are nature hikes, volcano treks, and scuba/snorkeling tours to keep travelers busy during their stay.
And one of the best places to enjoy all these activities is Isabela. It’s both the largest island in the Galápagos and the youngest at a mere one million years old. Besides the abundant wildlife here, like Galápagos penguins and flightless cormorants, Isabela is home to the massive Sierra Negra Volcano, as well as otherworldly lava tunnels. Sound enticing? Then keep reading, because below are the top highlights of what to do on Isabela Island.
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Isabela Island: The People and the Community
The cultural experience on Isabela is a delightful departure from the hustle and bustle of urban life. In the charming town of Puerto Villamil, the island’s capital, modern technology takes a back seat, and genuine human connections thrive. And with a mere 3,000 inhabitants, there’s an intimacy here, as Isabela’s happy locals embrace visitors like family. This convivial atmosphere is found everywhere, from the town’s main street to the bars serving up refreshing beers after a day of nature hikes.
Must-Visit Spots on Isbalea Island
These spots encapsulate the natural beauty and diverse wildlife that make Isabela Island a prized destination for Galápagos explorers.
Concha de Perla
Located at the south end of Puerto Villamil, the mangrove lagoon of Concha de Perla is a haven for snorkelers and nature enthusiasts. The sheltered, calm waters and clear visibility here turn the area into an aquatic wonderland. The lagoon’s proximity to Puerto Villamil ensures easy accessibility for swimmers/snorkelers, who can expect to see a wide variety of marine animals. These include graceful sea turtles, playful sea lions, Galápagos penguins, and, of course, plenty of tropical fish.
Los Tuneles
Situated on the southern coast of Isabela, Los Túneles is one of the most famous geological marvels in the Galápagos. This formation of lava tunnels and arches creates clear pools and lagoons, which, like at Concha de Perla, are great for snorkeling. Swimmers can expect to find sea turtles, manta rays, sea lions, and harmless tintoreras (white-tipped reef sharks).
There are also plenty of exotic land animals that reside around Los Túneles. These include colonies of blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas. Lucky visitors might even spot the elegant great blue heron.
Sierra Negra Volcano
For those interested in exploring the rugged interior of Isabela Island, visiting the famous Sierra Negra volcano is a must. It’s one of the most active volcanoes in the Galápagos and offers a challenging hike to the rim of its massive caldera, which is 6.2 miles (10 km) long and 4.3 miles (7 km) wide. The views from the top are breathtaking, as you can peer out from the green hills of the rim over the you can witness the dramatic volcanic floor.
Wall of Tears
Travel 6 km (3.7 miles) west of Puerto Villamil, and you’ll find this somber historical site. The Wall of Tears is a 330-foot (100-meter) stone wall built by prisoners of an island penal colony in the 1940s. There was no purpose to constructing the wall other than as punishment, and even today, some locals swear they can still hear the ghostly cries of the long-dead prisoners. Come and feel the heavy atmosphere for yourself.
Top 5 Activities on Isabela Island
With its laid-back atmosphere and rich biodiversity, Isabela offers a well-rounded taste of island life. In other words, it’s the perfect Galápagos island to visit if you like both relaxation and exploration. There are many activities not to miss here, such as:
1. Snorkeling/Diving
Among its many attributes, Isabela Island offers world-class snorkeling. There are many prime sites with great visibility all around the island. These include Los Tuñeles, Tintoreras Islet, Tortuga Island, and the mangrove lagoon at Concha de Perla. Here, you can swim with famous marine animals like sea turtles, marine iguanas, and Galápagos penguins, which have the distinction of being the only penguin species found north of the equator. Experienced scuba divers can head to Punta Vicente Roca and Cape Marshall, where giant manta rays and hammerhead sharks abound.
However, no matter if you’re diving, snorkeling, or just swimming along the coast, you might find yourself face-to-face with playful sea lions. Hardly shy, these marine mammals have no fear of humans and are happy to approach swimmers in a friendly way. Don’t forget your GoPro!
2. Cycling
To get a taste of the island’s diverse landscapes, consider renting a bike and exploring Isabela on two wheels. Various thrilling routes will take you over sandy roads and alongside pristine beaches, and be sure to keep an eye out for the Galápagos giant tortoises that sometimes cross your path. Remember to carry enough water and protect yourself from the equatorial rays with sunscreen.
3. Nature Hikes
To see just as much of Isabela’s stunning landscapes and wildlife (albeit at a slower pace), you can lace up your hiking boots. You’ll find that Isabela Island’s best hikes traverse lava fields teeming with wildlife. Sierra Negra Volcano is a 12–16 km (7.5–10 mi) guided trek to the vast crater and Volcán Chico, taking 5–7 hours. The Wall of Tears is a flat 6 km (3.7 mi) round-trip walk, lasting 3–5 hours. Urbina Bay offers a short 1 km (0.6 mi) coastal trail in 30–60 minutes.
4. Wildlife Tours/Birding
Isabela is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. Everywhere you look, you’ll spot unique creatures. Besides the friendly sea lions and iguanas sunbathing on the beach, visitors can expect to see the iconic blue-footed boobies performing intricate mating rituals. But that’s not the only famous bird here — keep an eye out for flightless cormorants, Darwin’s finches, and frigatebirds. You’ll even see American flamingoes wading in Isabela’s saline lagoons.
5. Tortoise Encounters
Perhaps the most famous resident in the Galápagos Islands is the endemic giant tortoise. You’ll have the opportunity to witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat. They’re commonly found in the wild, particularly along the trail to the Wall of Tears. You can also visit them at the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center, which is a short walk/drive from Isabela’s main town of Puerto Villamil.
Contact us to create your customized trip. If you have special requests, like a complete private tour with services and hotels chartered, a honeymoon trip, a family trip, or a very short tour, just contact our Destination Experts and we will help.
Things to Do on Isabela Island: FAQs
What is unique about Isabela Island in the Galápagos?
Isabela Island is known for its relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, pristine beaches, and sandy roads. It has a small population of only 3,000 inhabitants, which fosters a strong sense of community between locals and visitors.
What are the main activities on Isabela Island?
The island offers a variety of activities, including snorkeling at Concha de Perla, hiking and biking through the wetlands, and wildlife watching. A popular option is to hike the Sierra Negra Volcano for stunning views.
What kind of wildlife can I see on Isabela?
Isabela Island is rich in wildlife. You can expect to see creatures like sea lions, marine iguanas, Galápagos penguins, and giant tortoises in their natural habitat.
What are some top spots to visit on Isabela Island?
Top spots to visit include Concha de Perla for snorkeling with sea lions, Los Túneles for unique geological lava formations, and Sierra Negra Volcano for hiking and panoramic views.
What is the atmosphere like in Puerto Villamil?
The main town of Puerto Villamil has a welcoming community where human connections are prioritized. People often gather at a single bustling bar, creating a fun sense of camaraderie.
Further Reading
- Best Travel Apps When Visiting Ecuador & Galapagos
- Traveling to the Galapagos with Infants and Toddlers: A Complete Guide
- National Parks in Colombia: Top Nature Reserves
