Isabela is the largest and one of the youngest Galápagos islands. It’s also one of the least populated, combining wild landscapes of immense volcanoes, lava fields, and wildlife-rich seas in a beautifully remote location.
The laid-back town of Puerto Villamil—the only place to stay—sits beside a long white-sand beach with impromptu games of volleyball. The beach bars are perfect for a sundowner, or gazing at basking marine iguanas or scampering Sally Lightfoot crabs.
Those that stay on the island can enjoy a 5-6 hour hike to the vast caldera of Sierra Negra, one of Isabela’s active volcanoes, and across lava fields to Volcan Chico.
Unmissable snorkels include the extraordinary lava arches and clear-water channels of Los Túneles, replete with sea turtles, rays, white-tipped reef sharks, seahorses, and occasionally Galápagos penguins.
Closer to Puerto Villamil, Las Tintoreras offers snorkelling among lava channels inhabited by penguins, marine iguanas, turtles and reef sharks. Other activities available include biking, kayaking, and visiting the Arnaldo Tupiza Chamaidan Tortoise Breeding Centre.
Isabela combines adventure with plenty of downtime, making it particularly good for active travellers, families, and anyone seeking a land-based Galápagos stay with adventure, space, and tranquillity.
Cruise visitors can also reach Isabela’s remote western coast, where Punta Vicente Roca offers superb snorkelling beneath towering cliffs. Urbina Bay is one of the archipelago’s best places to walk among wild giant tortoises and colourful land iguanas. Nearby Tagus Cove provides amazing snorkelling and the chance to see whaler and sailor etchings on the cliffs, a fascinating insight into human history on Isabela.
