Isla Isabela is the largest but the most unexplored island of the Galapagos archipelago and has some of the most stunning landscapes and wildlife in the world. Here are the top adventurous things to do on Isabela Island; all will leave you breathless – from snorkelling and wildlife watching to hiking the world’s third-most active volcano, Sierra Negra.
The Galapagos Islands are certainly among the top 3 destinations I have visited when traveling the world. They are exceptional in every way!
The island is one of the world’s most biologically rich environments.
Things to do on Isabela Island.
Can you believe – fifteen years ago, almost no tourists reached Isabela Island in the Galápagos.
First of all, I highly recommend coming to the island independently, not with a cruise (like most tourists). It’s a very safe part of the world and it’s easy to organise various adventurous things to do on Isabela Island. Besides, the island is safe and not crowded.
This island is a peaceful natural environment and the majority of the area is covered by a national park. A few years back, most of the inhabitants were fishermen. Since the island has become a more popular tourist destination, they had to change their profession, and now most of them work as tour guides.
How to get to Galapagos Islands?
The easiest way to get to the Galapagos is by flying from the Ecuadorian mainland. You can get affordable prices if you book flights in advance. For the best deals, check on SkyScanner.com.
There are two ways to get to Isabela Island:
- Take a FLIGHT from Baltra Airport to Isla Isabela Airport – Puerto Villamil.
Taking a boat from Santa Cruz to Puerto Villamil. The trip takes 2 hours.
If you booked a guesthouse in Puerto Villamil, you will be able to reach it on foot; it shouldn’t take longer than 20 minutes. If you decide to take a taxi, it’s 1$/per person.
A few facts about Isabela Island in the Galapagos.
- Isla Isabela is the biggest island of the Galapagos Archipelago.
- The Galápagos are considered polution/plastic free.
- The island is almost 120 km long.
- There are 1700 residents on the island.
- The island is a protected area under the Galápagos National Park.
Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island, Galapagos.
Port Village is the main port town located on the southeastern edge of Isla Isabela.
It’s a quiet and beautiful spot with plenty of restaurants, cash machines and small shops in the area. However, I would highly recommend carrying some cash! Card payments are not always accepted; cash is much more preferred.
Food is quite cheap – an average dinner costs around 15 $. Sometimes it even includes a drink or cocktail. Galapagos cuisine is delicious! Try ceviche – fresh shrimp and fish marinated in lime sauce.
Breakfasts are widely served in the morning for $6-$7. Food tasting was one of my favourite activities on Isla Isabela 😉 Galapagos offers high-quality seafood. Grilled lobster costs $30, and there’s a good choice of the best fish and crab species.
Hotels on Isabela Island, Galapagos.
Most of the stays are located in Puerto Villamil. We stayed in a mid-range guesthouse, the host was super friendly. Some recommended stays:
Low-to-mid-range:
- Hotel La Jungla – exceptional with paradise beach within few steps from the hotel
- Hostal Punta Arena – lovely budget stay
- Hospedaje Mother Family
- Galapagos Isabela Hotel Loja – mid-range
Luxury:
- Mi Playa Beach Front Isabela – top place
- The Isabela Beach House – fabulous.
- Cormorant Beach House – wonderful place.
What to do on Isabela Island?
This island is a pure paradise. I would highly advise spending at least 4-5 days exploring this spectacular land.
Lots of the attractions are located in the harbour – Puerto Villamil, within a 15-minute walk from the main beach.
There are lots of bike rentals, so go ahead and explore the coastal road on a bike. The islands are formed by the juncture of three tectonic plates: the Pacific, Cocos and Nazca. The main Galapagos island and a few small nearby islands are gradually sinking, while others keep changing their shape.
CHECK: The best things to do in Santa Cruz, Galapagos.
The best things to see in Santa Cruz Galapagos Islands.
Flamingo Lagoon – bird watching!
One of the top adventurous things to do on Isabela Island is exploring Flamingo Lagoon. It’s easily reachable from the main port. Take a short walk through a long wooden bridge, located just 15 minutes from the harbour beach.
This is an amazing bird-watching area. You’ll spot giant marine iguanas everywhere on the bridge and swimming in the river.
On the way to the Flamingo Lagoon, we met an amazing guy – Omar, who told us very interesting stories from the past and present life of Isabela Island in Galapagos. He used to be a fisherman, but now he’s an enthusiastic tour guide since the islands became a tourist destination.
He mentioned the country battled with a huge number of fake marriages. People arranged fake marriages to become residents of the Galapagos. But since the government has become aware of that trend it’s very difficult to avoid being caught.
Snorkeling in Isabela Island – Concha Perla.
Concha Perla is one of the best spots for snorkeling near Puerto Villamil.
The waters around Isabela Island are teeming with marine life, making snorkeling at Concha de Perla a must-do activity. This natural lagoon is easily accessible from the town of Puerto Villamil.
The moment you step into the water you are surrounded by colorful fish, sea turtles and playful sea lions. Snorkeling tours are among highly adventurous things to do in Isabela islands.
Concha de Perla Bay is perfect for beginners. Convenient stairs take you to the crystal clear waters of the bay.
CHECK MY POST ON: Best snorkeling spots in Isabela Island, Galapagos.
Wildlife watching on Isla Isabela.
One of the best things to do in the Galapagos is wildlife watching. The difference is you don’t have to come and look for the animals since they will be constantly in your surroundings.
This is the only example on earth where animals did NOT develop fear toward humans. You will travel, swim, walk and eat in their company.
Isla Isabela wildlife is considered exceptional even compared to the rest of the Galapagos islands. The most popular species are:
- Galapagos giant tortoise
- Marine and land Iguanas
- Sea lion
- Flamingos
- Blue footed oobies
- Brown Pelikans.
- and many more!
Playa Peurto Villamil.
Play Perto Villamil is a beautiful long beach near the harbour. Take a walk and meet the wildlife – it’s so fascinating to be surrounded by all these animals. Sea lions are the best – they occupy all best places and benches of the beach.
Kayaking in Isla Isabela.
Kayaking is a very popular activity on Isla Isabela. You can rent a kayak and paddle through the calm waters of the bay or even across the nearby islands and rocky formations that are home to a variety of wildlife, including sea lions, marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies. It’s a peaceful and relaxing way to explore the island’s unique ecosystem.
Hiking on Isabela Island – the Sierra Negra Volcano.
For any active traveler, volcano hiking would be among the top adventurous things to do on Isabela Island. Sierra Negra – the world’s third most active volcano is only reachable with an organized tour. You will need to check the volcanic activity before embarking on this hiking adventure.
The trail is quite demanding, it’s about 10 km long and takes you through stunning landscapes of lava fields. The highlight of the hike is the panoramic view of the Sierra Negra crater, which is one of the largest volcanic craters in the world.
Popular Viator hiking tours:
Visiting the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center.
The Giant Tortoise Breeding Center on Isabela Island Galapagos is a must-visit for anyone interested in the conservation of these magnificent creatures. Here, you can see giant tortoises in all stages of life, from hatchlings to fully grown adults. You can also learn about the center’s efforts to protect and breed these endangered species.
Day trips from Isabela Island.
Isabela Island in Galapagos is a haven for adventurous travelers looking for great experiences in one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet. Apart from volcano hiking there are two fabulous tours you can book on Tripadvisor:
- Day Tour to Isabela Island with Tintorera Islet, Snorkeling Wetlands & Flamingos
- Snorkeling in Cabo Rosa Tunnels Isabela Island
CHECK MY EXPERIENCE FROM: Snorkeling in Isla Isabela in the caves of Los Tuneles in Galapagos.
Snorkelling in Isabela Island in the caves of Los Tuneles.
One of the best things to do on Isabela Island is snorkelling in Los Teneles – the underwater caves! This is one of the most amazing snorkeling trips I’ve done while traveling the world. The lava landscape looks like from another planet! Black rocks covered by giant cactuses sinking in green colour crystal clear waters! The landscape and wildlife are mind-blowing!
The cactuses play a major part in the island’s flora and are very important for the ecosystem. They only grow 1-2 cm per year. You’ll be able to spot lots of the famous Blue Boobies.
In October, the cold currents bring lots of plankton, which means water visibility might not be perfect, but plankton attracts the most diverse and unique marine life.
Check the full video from snorkeling in Los Teneles in Isla Isabela.
CHECK ALSO:
Complete travel guide to Galapagos Islands for adventurous solo traveleres.
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