Isla Isabela: The Ultimate Galápagos Experience
Isla Isabela, the largest of the Galápagos Islands, is a true natural paradise. From breathtaking lava tunnels to serene beaches and awe-inspiring wildlife, this island offers the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility for travelers. Below, we share a full guide to help you uncover the beauty of Isla Isabela, including must-see activities, accommodation tips, and essential budget information to plan your trip.
If you’re visiting the Galápagos, Isla Isabela is a destination you won’t want to miss. Spending 3 to 4 days here will allow you to explore its diverse landscapes and wildlife. Below is a comprehensive guide to discover the island's best activities, tours, accommodation options, and how to manage your budget. Please note that upon arrival at the pier, there is a $10 entrance fee per person.
1. Las Túneles
By far the most popular activity on Isla Isabela, Las Túneles is a must for every visitor. Walk across lava tunnels, spot the famous Nazca and blue-footed boobies, and enjoy a boat ride where you’ll see manta rays and eagle rays from above. The real magic happens when you go snorkeling in crystal-clear waters filled with sea turtles, vibrant fish, and even seahorses (we saw two!). You might also spot harmless whitetip sharks. This tour is only available via organized tours, and we had an excellent experience with Tropical Agency, who provided snorkeling gear, wetsuits, and even filmed us with a GoPro, sending the footage free of charge.
Price: $95 to $130 depending on the season
Location: Isla Isabela's west coast
How to get there: Accessible only via organized tours
2. Concha de Perla Beach
For those looking for free snorkeling, Concha de Perla is a perfect spot. Here, you can swim with sea lions, whitetip sharks, and schools of colorful fish in calm waters. Although the snorkeling here is free, you’ll need to bring your own mask and snorkel or rent one from a local shop. A wetsuit is also recommended, as the waters can be cold.
Price: Free
Location: Near the pier
How to get there: A 15-minute walk from the city center or by taxi or bicycle
3. La Playita
As you move further from the city, you’ll experience more of the island’s wildlife. La Playita is particularly known for its abundance of giant iguanas—the largest we encountered in the Galápagos. It’s a peaceful spot that gets quieter the further you walk.
Price: Free
Location: West of Puerto Villamil
How to get there: A 45-minute walk from the city center or by bicycle
4. Playa del Amor
This secluded beach offers a tranquil environment to relax and take in the beauty of the Galápagos. It’s a bit of a walk from La Playita, but it’s worth it for the peace and quiet.
Price: Free
Location: West of Puerto Villamil
How to get there: A 55-minute walk from the city center, past La Playita
5. Sierra Negra Volcano
One of the island’s most famous landmarks, the Sierra Negra Volcano offers breathtaking views of the second-largest volcanic crater in the world. The hike is moderately challenging but offers a unique opportunity to see the island’s volcanic landscape up close.
Price: $35 to $50, depending on the season
Location: South of Isla Isabela
How to get there: Only accessible via organized tours
6. Centro de Crianza
This giant tortoise breeding center is an essential stop for learning about the conservation efforts on the island. Visitors can observe different species of tortoises at various stages of development. A guide is mandatory for all visitors.
Price: $10 per person
Location: Near Puerto Villamil
How to get there: A 20-minute walk from the city center or by taxi or bicycle
7. Flamingo Lake
Located right in Puerto Villamil, Flamingo Lake offers the chance to spot flamingos in their natural habitat. It’s an easy and relaxing stop that doesn’t require a lot of time.
Price: Free
Location: In the city center
How to get there: A 5-minute walk from the central plaza in Puerto Villamil
Where to Stay in Isla Isabela
Puerto Villamil is where all the accommodations are located, just 15 minutes walking distance from the pier. The town is safe, and there are a variety of options to fit every budget. Below are some well-rated places to stay:
Rincón de Georges $ (Our stay, highly recommended)
Casa Marita $$
How to Get to and Around Isla Isabela
By plane:
Isla Isabela does not have an airport. The closest airport is on Baltra Island, so travelers need to arrive there first.
you can have a look on the availabe flight here using SkyScanner, most of the flights are operated by Avianca
By ferry:
The only way to get to Isla Isabela is by boat from Santa Cruz Island (from Puerto Ayora). The ferry ride takes about 2 hours and costs $30 per person. Boats depart twice daily, at 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., and it’s recommended to book tickets in advance to avoid them being sold out.
By bus: No buses operate in Puerto Villamil, as the town is very small.
By renting a bicycle: Many tourists rent bicycles for around $15 per day. This is a great way to explore the western parts of the island.
Where to Eat in Puerto Villamil, Isla Isabela
In Puerto Villamil, you’ll find two types of dining options. Restaurants offering an à la carte menu have dishes starting from $8 and can go up to $30 for specialty items like lobster. The other option is the menu del día, a budget-friendly choice that costs $6 and includes a soup, main dish, and a drink. These budget-friendly restaurants are located near the mercado municipal.
À la carte restaurants:
Isabela Grill $
El Faro $$
Booby Trap $$
Coco Surf $$
Menu del día options:
La Choza $
Las Delicias de Isabela $
Comedor Popular $
Restaurante Antojitos $
This guide should give you everything you need to know to have an unforgettable adventure on Isla Isabela!
