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Things to do in Isabela Island

• Wildlife Wonderland: Tintoreras Islet Adventure

  
  

  Prepare for an unforgettable wildlife experience on Tintoreras Islet, a small volcanic island located just off the coast of Isabela. This area is home to a remarkable variety of animals that are remarkably accustomed to visitors. The tour begins with a boat ride around the bay, where you can observe unique lava formations and spot wildlife such as nesting pelicans, swimming marine iguanas, and Galápagos penguins resting on the rocks. Blue-footed boobies are also often seen diving for fish nearby.

  Following the cruise, there is an opportunity to explore the islet on foot. Along the trail, you may encounter young marine iguanas and sea lions resting along the beach. A shallow channel on the island frequently hosts white-tipped reef sharks gliding through the clear water. The surrounding volcanic landscape adds a dramatic backdrop to the walk, highlighting the island’s rugged beauty.

  The experience concludes with snorkeling in the nearby waters. Equipped with snorkel gear, you can swim alongside sea turtles, rays, schools of vibrant fish, and occasionally playful sea lions. The clear water offers excellent visibility, making it easy to appreciate the abundant marine life. This excursion provides a comprehensive introduction to the Galápagos ecosystem through a combination of boating, hiking, and snorkeling, while encouraging visitors to respect and observe wildlife from a careful distance.

  
  
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• Hike Sierra Negra Volcano

  
  

  Sierra Negra Volcano is a must-visit for anyone coming to Isabela Island. This active volcano boasts the second-largest crater in the world, stretching an impressive 6 miles across. The hike to the rim is a moderate trek that takes you through ever-changing landscapes, from lush vegetation to stark volcanic terrain.

  As you climb, keep an eye out for the unique Galápagos wildlife that calls this area home. You might spot Darwin's finches flitting between bushes or a Galápagos hawk soaring overhead. The views from the top are absolutely breathtaking - on a clear day, you can see across the entire island and out to the sparkling Pacific Ocean.

  For the more adventurous, there's an option to continue on to Volcan Chico, where you can walk on relatively recent lava flows and feel the heat still radiating from the ground. The otherworldly landscape here will make you feel like you've stepped onto another planet.

  
  

• Explore Tintoreras Islet

  
  

  Exploring around Tintoreras Islet offers an experience similar to drifting through a wildlife documentary. This small group of islands, located just off the coast of Isabela, is home to a rich variety of marine life. As you move through the clear, calm waters, it is common to spot white-tip reef sharks resting in the shallow channels, which is how the islet earned its name, "Tintoreras."

  Beyond the sharks, the area is full of wildlife encounters. Galápagos penguins often swim gracefully nearby or rest along the rocky shores. These penguins are the only species living north of the equator. You may also see blue-footed boobies diving for fish and marine iguanas gliding between the islands.

  The waters around Tintoreras are calm and sheltered, making exploration smooth and accessible. It is an ideal way to observe wildlife closely while respecting their natural environment. Bringing a waterproof camera is recommended to capture the sights of this remarkable setting.

  
  

• Relax on Puerto Villamil Beach

  
  

  After a full day of hiking and observing wildlife, taking time to relax on the beach can be a welcome change of pace. Puerto Villamil Beach offers an ideal setting for this, with its wide expanse of white sand and calm, inviting waters. Located conveniently close to town, it is considered one of the most scenic beaches in the Galápagos.

  The gentle waves make it a pleasant spot for swimming or simply cooling off in the water. For those who want to stay active, kayaks and paddleboards are available for rent. Many visitors prefer to settle under the shade of a palm tree with a book, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. As the day ends, the sunsets cast vivid shades of orange and pink across the sky, creating a striking view.

  Even while relaxing, the presence of wildlife remains a constant. Marine iguanas often bask on the sand, while pelicans can be seen diving into the water nearby. Just beyond the beach, there is a lagoon where flamingos sometimes wade through the shallow waters. It is a quiet place to pause and appreciate the distinct beauty of the islands.

  
  

• Snorkel with Sea Turtles

  
  

  Concha de Perla is a little slice of paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts. The crystal-clear waters are teeming with marine life, but the real stars of the show are the graceful sea turtles. As you glide through the water, you'll likely spot these gentle creatures swimming alongside you, completely unbothered by your presence.

  The lagoon is protected from strong currents, making it perfect for swimmers of all levels. Besides sea turtles, you might also encounter playful sea lions, colorful tropical fish, and even the occasional marine iguana taking a dip. The water is so clear that you can often spot wildlife without even putting your face in the water!

  Don't forget to bring your underwater camera if you have one. The memories you'll capture here will last a lifetime. After your snorkel session, you can relax on the wooden deck and soak up some sun while watching the waves roll in.

  
  

• Dive at Cabo Marshall

  
  

  For experienced divers, Cabo Marshall offers some of the best underwater experiences in the Galápagos. This dive site on the northeastern coast of Isabela Island is known for its large schools of fish and the chance to see some bigger marine life.

  As you descend into the blue, you'll likely be surrounded by huge schools of salema and black-striped salema. The sheer number of fish can be almost overwhelming! But the real stars of the show here are the manta rays. Cabo Marshall is one of the best places in the Galápagos to spot these graceful giants gliding through the water.

  Depending on the season and your luck, you might also encounter hammerhead sharks, Galápagos sharks, or even whale sharks. The underwater topography is interesting too, with a series of steps dropping down into the deep. The currents can be strong here, so this dive is best suited for those with some experience under their belt. It's an unforgettable underwater adventure that will leave you in awe of the marine life in this special part of the world.

  
  

• Volcanic Adventure: Sierra Negra and Chico Trek

  
  

  Embark on a memorable volcano hike across Isabela Island with a full-day trek to the rim of Sierra Negra, one of the largest volcanic craters on the planet. The journey begins with a short drive from Puerto Villamil to the trailhead, followed by a five-hour round-trip hike. The path is mostly level, with gentle inclines and declines, making it manageable for a range of fitness levels. Along the way, sweeping views of the surrounding landscape accompany each step.

  As the trail follows the edge of the vast crater, the scale of Sierra Negra’s caldera becomes increasingly impressive. The route continues toward Volcán Chico, a smaller but still active volcano within the Sierra Negra complex. Here, visitors can observe steam vents releasing heat from the earth, offering a glimpse into the island’s geothermal activity. The area’s rugged, volcanic terrain and panoramic views of nearby islands and the ocean create a striking, almost surreal atmosphere.

  Throughout the hike, there are many opportunities to capture the dramatic scenery on camera. Guides offer insight into the region’s geology and its distinctive ecosystem, enriching the experience. A packed lunch is usually provided during a rest stop to keep energy levels high. Completing the trek delivers a sense of accomplishment, along with lasting memories of exploring one of the Galápagos Islands’ most extraordinary natural sites.

  
  
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• Hike to Cerro Orchilla

  
  

  For a different perspective on Isabela Island, head to Cerro Orchilla. This small hill offers panoramic views of Puerto Villamil, the surrounding wetlands, and the vast Pacific Ocean. The hike to the top is relatively easy and takes about 30 minutes each way.

  As you climb, you'll pass through some interesting vegetation zones. Keep an eye out for the palo santo trees, which have a distinctive sweet smell, especially after it rains. The trail is well-maintained and has some informative signs about the local flora and fauna.

  Once you reach the top, take some time to soak in the 360-degree views. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Sierra Negra volcano. It's a great spot for birdwatching too - you might spot frigatebirds soaring on the updrafts or finches flitting between the bushes. The summit is also an excellent place to watch the sunset, as the sky turns a beautiful array of colors over the ocean.

  
  

• Visit the Tortoise Breeding Center

  
  

  The Tortoise Breeding Center is doing crucial work to protect and preserve the unique giant tortoises of the Galápagos. Here, you can see these incredible creatures at all stages of life, from tiny hatchlings to full-grown adults that can weigh up to 500 pounds! The center focuses on five subspecies of tortoise native to Isabela Island.

  As you walk through the center, you'll learn about the conservation efforts and the challenges these tortoises face in the wild. It's fascinating to see how the tortoises' shells change shape as they grow, adapting to their specific environments. The little ones are particularly charming, scurrying around their enclosures with surprising speed for creatures known for being slow.

  The center is set in a beautiful location, with a short trail through native vegetation leading up to it. Keep an eye out for land iguanas and Darwin's finches along the way. It's a great place to visit in the morning or late afternoon when the tortoises are most active.

  
  

• Bike to the Wall of Tears

  
  

  The Wall of Tears is a haunting reminder of Isabela's dark past as a penal colony. This massive wall, standing 65 feet high and 300 feet long, was built by prisoners as a form of punishment in the mid-20th century. The bike ride to get there is an adventure in itself, taking you along a scenic coastal path with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife.

  As you pedal, keep your eyes peeled for giant tortoises lounging by the roadside, marine iguanas sunbathing on the rocks, and flamingos wading in the shallow lagoons. The ride is mostly flat, making it accessible for cyclists of all levels. There are several lookout points along the way where you can stop to catch your breath and take in the stunning views.

  Once you reach the Wall of Tears, take a moment to reflect on its somber history. The site has an eerie atmosphere that's hard to shake. On your way back, you might want to cool off with a dip at one of the beautiful beaches you passed on the way out.

  
  

• Explore Los Túneles

  
  

  Los Túneles is hands down one of the coolest spots in the Galápagos. This maze of lava tunnels and arches creates an otherworldly landscape both above and below the water. Getting there is half the adventure - it's about an hour boat ride from Puerto Villamil, and the captain has to navigate some tricky shallow waters to reach the site.

  Once you arrive, you'll have the chance to snorkel in the crystal-clear waters around the tunnels. This is one of the best places to spot sea turtles, and you're almost guaranteed to see several gliding gracefully through the water. Keep an eye out for white-tip reef sharks, eagle rays, and even seahorses hiding among the underwater vegetation.

  Above water, the landscape is just as impressive. You can walk on top of the lava formations, where blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds often nest. The contrast between the black lava rock and the turquoise water is stunning. Don't forget your camera - the photo opportunities here are endless!