Isabela Island is the largest of the Galápagos Islands, yet it remains one of the least developed and most untouched. As a tourist, you can only explore a small portion of the island, as much of it is protected for conservation. This travel guide highlights the some amazing things to do on Isabela Island Galapagos and why it’s a must-visit destination.

We spent two short days on Isabela, and it simply wasn’t enough. Compared to the more built-up and busier Santa Cruz Island, Isabela had a laid-back, authentic charm. We instantly fell in love with it.

The town sits right on the beach, making it easy to soak in the island’s beauty from the moment you arrive. What stood out the most was the abundance of wildlife—it wasn’t just present, it was everywhere and easy to spot. Marine iguanas basked on the sand, sea lions lounged by the docks, and sea turtles swam around the water just offshore.

Someday, we’ll return to explore all the activities we didn’t have time for.

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What Makes Isabela Special To Visit?

The Galápagos Islands are famous for their incredible biodiversity and the unique species that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Each island offers something different, from volcanic landscapes to world-class snorkeling and wildlife encounters.

While Santa Cruz serves as the main hub with a lively town and more infrastructure, Isabela remains a quieter escape. It is perfect for those looking to experience the Galápagos in a more relaxed and natural setting.

With limited roads, sandy streets, and fewer visitors, Isabela offers an off-the-beaten-path experience where nature takes center stage. Whether you’re snorkeling with sea turtles, hiking to breathtaking viewpoints, or spotting the blue footed boobies, Isabela offers unforgettable adventures.

How To Get To Isabela Island, Galapagos

Since you can stay on Isabela Island, getting there is relatively straightforward. The most common way to reach the island is by ferry from Santa Cruz, which runs twice daily.

You can purchase your tickets from one of the small stands near the pier. We booked our trip with Gaviota.

That said, be prepared for a rough ferry ride. Sitting at the back of the boat means getting splashed, while the front offers a relentless up-and-down motion with the waves.

If you’re prone to seasickness, take precautions. Isaac learned this the hard way. 😬 Luckily, they do provide bags for motion sickness, just in case.

Another option is to fly to Isabela Island, as the island does have a small airport. Flights are quick but expensive, with strict weight limits.

If you’re flying from Santa Cruz, keep in mind that departures are actually from Baltra Island. This requires a 45-minute drive from Puerto Ayora, followed by a ferry ride across the channel, and a bus transfer to the airport. In our opinion, the added hassle and cost make the flight not worth it—especially when compared to the ferry.

However, flights between San Cristóbal and Isabela are a different story. Since both airports are close to their respective towns, this 45-minute flight might be a better alternative for those looking to avoid a long ferry ride between these islands.

What To Do On Isabela Island Galapagos

Isabela Island offers a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and incredible wildlife experiences.

In this guide, you’ll find the top things to do on Isabela Island Galapagos. These include thrilling land-based activities, stunning beaches to explore, the best spots for wildlife encounters, and Isabela Island tours that are truly worth the price. Whether you’re seeking adventure or a peaceful escape, this island has something for everyone. Seriously it is our favorite!

Isla Isabela’s Hub – Puerto Villamil

The town of Puerto Villamil is the main hub of Isabela Island. Here you’ll find accommodations, restaurants, and the starting point for many tours and activities.

This small, charming town sits right on the beach, offering a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere that perfectly complements the island’s natural beauty. With sandy streets, ocean breezes, and a peaceful vibe it is oozing with relaxed beach vibes.

We absolutely loved our time in Puerto Villamil. It’s a quiet, welcoming town where the locals are friendly and helpful, and the scenery is nothing short of breathtaking. If you enjoy slow-paced beach destinations that aren’t overrun with tourists, this is the perfect place to unwind.

There are plenty of things to do on Isabela Island Galapagos right in town, including:

• Relaxing on the expansive beach – Just steps from the main street, the pristine Puerto Villamil beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or simply enjoying the view.
• Snorkeling at Concha de Perla – A short walk from town, this crystal-clear lagoon is home to sea lions, sea turtles, and vibrant marine life. More information on this later in the blog!
• Visiting the Flamingo Lagoon – A peaceful spot where you can observe these elegant birds in their natural habitat.
• Sipping a cocktail at a beachfront restaurant – Unwind with a tropical drink in hand while watching the sunset over the Pacific.
• Seeing baby turtles at Arnaldo Tupiza Chamaidan – Take a walk to the giant tortoise breeding center, where you can see baby tortoises and learn about the conservation efforts to protect these incredible creatures. The center rescues and incubates eggs laid in the wild, ensuring the survival of the Galápagos’ iconic giant tortoises.

Biking To The Wall Of Tears

One of our favorite activities on Isabela Island was biking to the Wall of Tears. The tour company we used for all of our excursions, Agora Tours, helped us rent bikes in Puerto Villamil. The even had smaller bikes for the boys, making it a perfect family-friendly adventure.

If you’re looking for what to do on Isabela Island, Galápagos, this scenic bike ride is an unforgettable experience.

The trail winds through Galápagos National Park. It offers plenty of stops along the way to admire beautiful beaches, lagoons, caves, and viewpoints before reaching the historic Wall of Tears.

The ride is a mix of coastal beauty and rugged terrain. It gives you a chance to see diverse landscapes and wildlife along the way. We saw many marine iguanas and Galapagos tortoises along the way.

We only had three hours to explore, which is the maximum time the National Park allows in this part of the island. Since we weren’t sure how long it would take to reach the end, we rode straight there first.

The trail becomes slightly steeper toward the end, but nothing too difficult. When the incline became noticeable, the boys opted to park their bikes and walk. This was easy enough to do.

What Is The Wall Of Tears?

The Wall of Tears was built by hand in the 1940s and 1950s by inmates of a penal colony on Isabela Island. Under brutal conditions, prisoners were forced to carry heavy lava rocks from a quarry, enduring the scorching heat with little relief.

To make matters worse, the wall served no real purpose. It was constructed solely as a form of punishment and suffering. This somber piece of history offers a powerful reminder of the island’s past and provides perspective on what life in the Galápagos was once like.

When we arrived at the Wall of Tears, we took some time to explore, snap a few photos, and even spotted a giant tortoise off to the side.

Wanting to see more, we continued our journey up the steep staircase leading to the viewpoint, Mirador de Las Lagrimas. After pushing through three false summits, we finally reached the top, and the view was absolutely breathtaking.

From there, we could truly appreciate the sheer size of Isabela Island and its vast, untouched landscapes. It was well worth the climb!

After soaking in the incredible views, we hiked back down and hopped on our bikes. The ride back was a breeze as we glided down the trail, weaving through groups of marine iguanas basking in the sun and even passing a land tortoise along the way!

Other Stops Along The Trail

We made several stops to take in the sights. Below are the list of the scenic areas to visit. In my opinion, the ones on the oceanside of the trail are much better than the wetlands.

Worth A Stop

• El Estero – A mangrove-lined lagoon perfect for spotting wildlife like marine iguanas, shorebirds, and even the occasional sea turtle. The calm waters make it a great place to relax before continuing your journey.
• El Tunel – A natural lava tunnel formed by volcanic activity, offering a glimpse into the geological history of Isabela Island. It’s a fascinating stop for those interested in the island’s volcanic origins.
• Playa del Amor – Also known as Love Beach, this secluded black sand beach is a beautiful spot for a quick rest. It’s known for its dramatic coastal scenery and is a popular nesting site for marine iguanas. – One of our favorites!
• La Playita – A small, quiet beach where you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and spot local wildlife. It’s a great place to take a break and appreciate the natural beauty of the Galápagos. – Also a favorite and pictured below on the right.

If we had the chance to do it again, I would dedicate one day to biking to the Wall of Tears, taking our time to explore a few stops along the way like the Cerro Orchilla Hill Viewpoint.

The next day, I’d go back to visit more of the scenic spots we missed and spend extra time enjoying the beautiful beaches along the trail.

Scroll through this series of photos to see some other stops along the trail:

Snorkeling At Concha De Perla

Another one of the amazing things to do on Isabela Island Galapagos is to go snorkeling. Snorkeling at Concha de Perla is a fantastic option for families introducing little ones to snorkeling or for travelers on a budget.

We experienced this as part of our Tintoreras Tour, but it’s also completely free for anyone with their own snorkel gear. It’s an amazing way to get a glimpse of Galápagos marine life without spending a dime!

To get to Concha de Perla, head toward the boat pier in Puerto Villamil. Just before reaching the pier, you’ll see a wooden walkway on your left. Follow it to the end, and you’ll arrive at this beautiful snorkeling spot!

Best Isabela Island Tours

One reason the Galápagos Islands can be expensive for visitors is that most activities require booking through a tour company with a certified naturalist guide. This regulation helps protect and preserve the islands’ unique ecosystems while ensuring a responsible and educational experience for travelers.

With so many tours to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones are worth it. Below are the best Isabela Island tours. They offer some of the top things to do on Isabela Island Galapagos, from incredible wildlife encounters to unforgettable outdoor adventures.

We highly recommend booking your tours through Agora Tours. We had a fantastic experience with them. Their team was super friendly, knowledgeable, and made the entire process seamless.

Whether you’re snorkeling at Los Túneles, hiking Sierra Negra Volcano, or exploring the island’s unique wildlife, they offer well-organized tours with experienced guides.

If you’re looking for a reliable, locally-run company that truly knows the Galápagos, Agora Tours is the way to go!

Tintoreras Tour

On our second day on Isabela Island, we booked an exciting Tintoreras tour with Agora Tours.

Since Tintoreras translates to “shark” in English, we were hoping for a close-up look at these incredible creatures.

While we didn’t spot any sharks, we certainly weren’t disappointed! The tour was filled with amazing wildlife encounters, making it an unforgettable experience.

Kayaking Through The Islets

To start the tour, we met our friendly guide down by the pier and hopped into our kayaks. This tour can be done either by kayak or boat, but we chose kayaking because it sounded like more fun, and it absolutely was!

As we paddled toward our destination, we were immediately greeted by playful sea lions swimming alongside us, leaping out of the water, and showing off. One even followed our kayaks for a while, splashing us playfully as we paddled along. It was an incredible way to experience the wildlife of Isabela Island up close!

Check it out the playful sea lions in the video below:

The tour takes you kayaking around small islets just off the coast, which serve as a habitat for a variety of wildlife. Along the way, we spotted marine iguanas, pelicans, and the famous blue-footed booby.

Our guide mentioned that a few penguins usually make their way to this part of the island in October, but unfortunately, we didn’t get to see them this time.

As we paddled through the water, we saw countless sea turtles gracefully swimming beneath us. Our guide explained that they were in their breeding season and preparing to lay eggs, which is why so many had gathered in the area. It was an incredible sight!

The only downside to kayaking? It was tricky to capture videos while paddling, but the experience was so mesmerizing. We didn’t mind too much!

Here’s the best videos we could get: 

Snorkeling In The Bay

The second part of the tour was snorkeling. We followed a wooden walkway through the mangroves, which led to a small deck overlooking a calm, sheltered lagoon.

The gentle waters made it the perfect spot for the boys’ first snorkeling experience, and they couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to the underwater world of the Galápagos!

Helpful Tip: This area called Concha de Perla is free for anyone looking to snorkel in a relaxed setting on Isla Isabela. Since it is located outside of the National Park, you don’t need to be with a naturalist guide.

More details on how to get here in the Snorkeling In Concha De Perla section above.

Los Túneles

If spotting sharks is on your bucket list while visiting Isabela Island, the tour you’re looking for is Los Túneles. This unique snorkeling adventure takes you through a labyrinth of lava formations and crystal-clear waters, offering an intimate glimpse into the Galápagos’ rich marine life. 

During this tour, you can snorkel inside a lava tunnel alongside adult sharks, sea turtles, rays, and a myriad of colorful fish.​

Sounds intimidating, right? 

The great thing about the Galápagos is that its wildlife is fully protected, meaning these sharks have no interest in humans. With an abundance of natural food sources, they’re far more focused on their usual diet than on you!​

What to Expect on a Los Túneles Tour:

• Boat Ride: The journey begins with a scenic boat ride from Puerto Villamil, offering stunning views of Isabela Island’s coastline.​
• Snorkeling Experience: Upon arrival at Los Túneles, you’ll snorkel through calm, shallow waters amidst lava arches and tunnels, encountering diverse marine species.​
• Wildlife Encounters: Beyond sharks, expect to see sea turtles, eagle rays, seahorses, and the occasional Galápagos penguin.​
• Guided Tour: Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the area’s geology, ecology, and the unique behaviors of its inhabitants.​

This tour offers a rare opportunity to explore one of the Galápagos’ most enchanting marine sites, making it a must-do for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.​

Sierra Negra Volcano

If you’re looking to go hiking while on Isabela Island, a tour to Sierra Negra Volcano should be at the top of your list.

Home to one of the largest volcanic craters in the world, this 16 km (10-mile) hike takes you through a dramatic landscape of lava fields, volcanic rock formations, and breathtaking panoramic views. The terrain shifts from lush greenery to stark, otherworldly expanses, offering a fascinating look at the island’s volcanic past.

The guided group tour lasts about 5–6 hours and includes lunch and expert insights from a local naturalist guide, who will share stories about the region’s geology and unique ecosystem.

For those who prefer a more personal experience, private tours are also available.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to do this tour on our last visit, but it’s at the top of our list for when we return because where else can you hike on an active volcano with views that stretch for miles? Definitely one of the best things to do on Isabela Island Galapagos.

Hotel Recommendations

Hotels On Isabela Island For Families

There were plenty of hotel options when we were looking for a place to stay on Isabela Island. After checking out Booking.com, (our go-to for finding hotels), we decided on  Hotel Coral Blanco.

This mid-priced hotel was perfect for our family. While the room wasn’t huge, it was clean, comfortable, and had hot showers, which is always a win after a long day of exploring.

Breakfast is available for an extra fee, but we opted to grab our own. We paid $93 per night for our stay. We were visiting in the off season, so the rate may vary depending on when you go.

One thing we really appreciated was how accommodating they were even after checkout. They offer a shower and bathroom for guests to use, which was a lifesaver after snorkeling.

Plus, they provide a clean water refill station, another huge perk. We’d definitely recommend staying here!

If you’re looking for something right on Puerto Villamil Beach, another great family-friendly option is Sandy Feet House.

It’s a little more expensive but offers a full house setup, making it ideal for families who want more space and direct beach access. It also has excellent reviews!

Top Restaurants On Isabela Island Galapagos

Where To Eat Breakfast

We tried a few restaurants on Isabela Island, and for breakfast, we highly recommend Las Gaviotas, located right next to Agora Tours and across from the children’s playground.

This spot offers a wide variety of delicious food at affordable prices, making it a great choice to start your day!

Lunch Or Dinner Restaurant Recommendations

For dinner one night and lunch the next day, we ate at Royal Rock Grill. The food was decent, but the real highlight was dining over the water. Unfortunately, the restaurant has since closed.

However, after researching other highly-rated spots on the island, here are some of the best alternatives to check out!

• El Atardecer La Yiya – A cozy, family-owned restaurant serving flavorful grilled skewers with rice and beans at a reasonable price. It’s a favorite among locals, which is always a great sign!
• Las Palmeras – Another family-run gem known for its fresh ingredients, friendly service, and affordable prices. A great option for a casual yet delicious meal.
• Ramsar Safari – A hidden oasis off the beaten path offering a garden-style outdoor dining experience. They focus on using local ingredients and serve a variety of dishes, including vegan and vegetarian options.

These restaurants come highly recommended and are great choices for enjoying fresh, local flavors on Isabela Island!

Best Place For A Snack Or Coffee

The best place to indulge in a sweet treat in Puerto Villamil is, without a doubt, De Churros.

We stopped by one evening, and oh my gosh—absolute perfection! The owner asks if you’d like caramel or chocolate with your churros, and if you choose chocolate, you’ll get a mug of rich, velvety hot chocolate that will knock your socks off.

Everything is made fresh to order, so we sat at a picnic table under twinkling string lights, soaking in the cozy atmosphere while we waited.

This is the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left. Just go—you won’t regret it!

Summery Of Isabela Island Galapagos

Isabela Island was an incredible place to visit! Like the rest of the Galápagos, it’s on the expensive side, but absolutely worth it. It quickly became one of our favorite islands from our time in the Galápagos, and it’s definitely not one to skip.

I hope you get to experience all the amazing things to do on Isabela Island Galapagos. It’s a destination that truly leaves a lasting impression!