Tours and Attractions on Isabela Island in the Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands are the jewel of a trip to Ecuador. They are located about 1,000 km west of the mainland in the heart of the Pacific Ocean near the equator. The Galapagos archipelago has 18 main islands, 3 small islands, and about a hundred islets and rocks.

This article contains information for travelers to Isabela Island. Information on all the islands, weather, recommended season, getting there, and traveling between the islands can be found in the article: Galapagos Islands Tours and Attractions.

Isabela Island in the Galapagos archipelago is the largest in area of the Galapagos islands with an area of 4,640 square kilometers. Its highest point is Volcano Wolf, which is about 1,700 meters high. This island is the result of the merger of six large volcanoes.

 

 

This is the only island in the Galapagos crossed by the equator. It also has penguins, making it the only place in the Northern Hemisphere where penguins live in the wild.

This is the third most populated island in the Galapagos, concentrated mainly in the town of Puerto Vilamil at its southeastern tip.

Recommended Hotels on Isabela Island:

Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel - A 4-star boutique hotel a 10-minute walk from the town center, close to the beach. The hotel features a swimming pool, restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and air conditioning. Rooms accommodate 2-3 guests and include several suites. Some rooms overlook the volcano and others overlook the sea.

Hotel Iguana - Central location. Most rooms have balconies. Shuttle service, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, personal service. Rooms for 1-3 guests at an attractive price.

The Wooden House Hotel - Central location. Successful breakfast. Wi-Fi and shuttle service. Air conditioning. Rooms for 1-3 guests. The hotel features a swimming pool, restaurant, and bar. Located near the beach.

 

Street in Puerto Vilamil:

Sea lions resting comfortably:

Iguanas swarming everywhere:

Vilamil Port:

Isabela Island is home to the second-largest volcanic caldera in the world: Sierra Negra Volcano, reached by a roughly fifty-minute hiking trail. The last eruption of this volcano was in June 2018.

♦ Booking guided multi-day tours in the Galapagos Islands (via Viator):

(Does not include flights to the islands)

 

Isabela is also home to the second breeding and conservation center for Galapagos giant tortoises: Centro de Crianza Arnaldo Tupiza, where it is worth visiting and seeing the various tortoises at all stages of their development.

The most successful boat tour on Isabela Island from Puerto Vilamil is to Los Tuneles - a wonderful destination for snorkeling among seahorses, sharks, sea turtles, and crowds of fish.

Another successful boat tour is to Las Tintoreras Islet, the best place to view penguins on the island (along with plenty of other wildlife, of course).

At Laguna Salinas, you can spot pink flamingos.

 

Our articles on Ecuador:
Destinations and attractions for a trip in Ecuador
Trips in Otavalo and its surroundings
Tours and attractions in the Galapagos Islands
Trip to the Ecuadorian Amazon
Trips on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos
Trips on San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos
Trip to Isabela Island in the Galapagos
Attractions and trips in the city of Baños in Ecuador