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Isabela Island

Are you dreaming of an adventure to a unique island full of wildlife and stunning landscapes? Isabela Island is the largest in the Galapagos archipelago, offering many incredible sites and activities.

Location and geography​

Isabela Island is the largest island in the Galapagos archipelago. It covers 1,771 square miles of land. The island was formed by five young volcanoes joining together. These volcanoes made a mountainous terrain and unique land formations.

The highest point on the island reaches 5,599 feet above sea level. “This volcanic formation creates stunning landscapes,” say many visitors who come to explore its topography. Isabela’s geographic location also means it has rich island geology and diverse ecology.

Visitor Sites

Isabela Island has many amazing places to visit. Each spot offers something unique and exciting for travelers.

Albemarle Point
Albemarle Point is at the northern tip of Isabela Island. This spot once held a radar base during World War II. Bird lovers will like this area. Flightless cormorants nest here, and you can see marine iguanas basking on rocks. Look out for the stunning pahoehoe lava flow. Visitors can take a dinghy ride around the point. The trip is easy with no landings required.
Elizabeth Bay
Elizabeth Bay sits on the east coast of Isabela Island. It has many small islets that are best seen by dinghy or panga rides. This area does not allow landings, making it easy to explore from the water. The bay is rich in wildlife, including penguins and Blue-footed Boobies. Snorkeling here offers a chance to see diverse marine life. A two-hour dinghy ride gives plenty of time to take in all the sights with little effort needed.
Sierra Negra Volcano
Sierra Negra Volcano has the largest basaltic caldera in the Galapagos. It measures 9 by 10 kilometers. The last eruption happened on its north side in 2005. You can see fresh lava flows and amazing geological formations. This site offers hiking trails with moderate difficulty. Visitors will walk across lava fields and see stunning views from the caldera's rim. "Exploring this volcano is like stepping on another planet.".
The Wall of Tears (El Muro de las Lágrimas)
The Wall of Tears is a historical landmark on Isabela Island. It stands 65 feet tall and was built between 1945 and 1959 by prisoners. This wall marks a tragic history where thousands died during its construction. Visitors can hike to the site. The trail is easy, with dry landings along the way. Locals say that you might hear eerie cries near the wall, making it both an outdoor adventure and a memorial site.
Urbina Bay
Urbina Bay sits at the base of Alcedo Volcano on Isabela's west coast. A major uplift in 1954 raised the land over 16 feet and expanded the coastline by half a mile. This area is known for its easy landing site and offers both snorkeling and dinghy rides. Two hiking trails are available: one short trail (0.6 miles) and one long trail (1.9 miles). The difficulty ranges from easy to moderate, making it accessible for most visitors. Next up is Tortuga Islet, another must-see spot on Isabela Island’s visitor sites list.
Cape Marshall
Cape Marshall is a top spot for exploring underwater on Isabela Island. Beneath the water, there are vertical walls teeming with marine life. Divers can see manta rays and large schools of salema fish here. The depth ranges from 10 to 35 meters (33 to 98 feet). This site is not for beginners. Strong currents make it challenging. Only advanced divers should explore here, needing at least an Advanced Open Water certification and 30 previous underwater excursions. The average water temperature varies between 17°C and 23°C (63°F-73°F) based on the season.
Flamingos Lake
Flamingos Lake lies west of Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island. It has many saltwater and brackish lagoons. Here, you can see the largest group of flamingos in the Galapagos Islands. Birdwatching and walking are popular activities at Flamingos Lake. The trails are easy to walk, making it great for all ages. Visitors can enjoy dry landings as part of their boat tours.
Moreno Point
Moreno Point is near Elizabeth Bay on Isabela Island's west coast. Visitors can enjoy panga rides along rocky shores to see Galapagos Penguins and shore birds. Snorkeling and dinghy rides are also popular activities here. A 1.2-mile hike adds adventure to the trip, with a dry landing making it easier to start exploring. The difficulty of these activities ranges from moderate to difficult, depending on your boat's itinerary.
Tagus Cove
Tagus Cove is on Isabela Island, near Fernandina Island. It sits by the Bolivar Channel. Many boats stop here as part of their itinerary. Visitors can enjoy long hikes, snorkeling, and dinghy rides at Tagus Cove. The landing type is dry, making it easier to get ashore. The hike can be moderate to difficult but offers great views. Punta Tortuga lies north of Tagus Cove and has a sandy beach surrounded by mangroves.
The Wetlands
The Wetlands sit just outside Puerto Villamil. They consist of lagoons, swamps, and mangroves. These areas support unique bird species like common stilts, whimbrels, white-cheeked pintails, and gallinules. Visitors can hike through the easy trails to see these birds up close. The type of landing here is dry landing. The difficulty level is easy due to smooth paths and boat itineraries. Birdwatching fans will love this spot for its rich variety of birds and natural beauty.
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List of Wildlife on Isabela Island

Isabela Island is full of life. Many unique animals call this place home.

  1. Giant Tortoises: These big, slow creatures can live for over 100 years.
  2. Large Marine Iguanas: They swim in the ocean and eat seaweed.
  3. Flightless Cormorants: These birds can’t fly but are great divers.
  4. Penguins: The only penguins found north of the equator live here.
  5. Cactus Finch: A small bird that feeds on cactus flowers and seeds.
  6. Dark-billed Cuckoo: Known for its dark bill and loud calls.
  7. Galapagos Dove: Has a lovely red-brown color with white spots on its wings.
  8. Galapagos Flycatcher: This bird is curious and often comes close to visitors.
  9. Galapagos Hawk: A top predator on the island with keen eyesight.
  10. Galapagos Mockingbird: Famous for its varied songs and social behavior.
  11. American Oystercatcher: Recognizable by its bright orange beak and loud call.
  12. Black-necked Stilt: Long legs help it wade through shallow waters to hunt for food.
  13. Blue-footed Booby: Easily spotted due to its bright blue feet used in mating dances.
  14. Brown Noddy: A seabird often seen near cliffs and rocky shores.
  15. Brown Pelican: Plunges from heights to catch fish with its large bill pouch.
  16. Cattle Egret: Often seen near grazing animals, catching insects they disturb.
  17. Galapagos Green Turtle: Endangered species; they mostly stay in warm waters but come ashore to lay eggs.
  18. Galapagos Snake-Biserialis: Small yet fearsome reptile slithers across Isabela’s landscape.
  19. Galapagos Tortoise: Massive, iconic island creature lives more than a century on Isabela’s lush greenery.
  20. Lava Lizard: Swift little reptiles dart over sunbaked rocks for insect prey daily via agile moves.
  21. Land Iguana: Golden-hued, strong desert specialist consumes cacti during dry seasons for survival.
  22. Marine Iguana: Unique seaweed-grazing swimmer only found in Galápagos regions today also thrives abundantly within Isabela sites, regarded as natural habitats crucial for maintaining ecological balance since earliest times, significantly valued from a conservatory perspective globally given its massive importance efficiently and practically.

Looking for an unforgettable adventure? Isabela Island, the largest in the Galapagos, offers diverse landscapes and wildlife. Explore active volcanoes, lush highlands, and pristine beaches. Spot giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and Galapagos penguins. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters and discover vibrant marine life. It’s a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventurers.

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Frecuently Asked Questions

Isabela Island is the largest island in the Galápagos. It has unique wildlife, including giant tortoises and marine iguanas.

You can reach Isabela Island by plane or boat from other islands in the Galápagos archipelago.

Visitors can snorkel, hike, and explore volcanic landscapes. They can also visit historical sites and see diverse animal species.

The best time to visit Isabela Island is during the dry season from June to December for mild weather and clear skies.

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This travel guide is updated on a regular basis, we try to make sure all information is accurate, yet we cannot be liable for any mistakes.

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