Isabela Island

Isabela Island, the Galapagos Archipelago's largest, stretches 120 km in length and surpasses the combined size of all other islands, encompassing an area of 4,670 square kilometers (1,803 sq. mi). It is four times larger than Santa Cruz Island, the second largest in the chain.

Originally, it was named Albemarle, after the Duke of Albemarle. The island crosses the equator and stands as one of the youngest, situated on the archipelago's western edge.

This explains why it hosts some of the most active volcanoes in the Americas: Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Sierra Negra, and Wolf (Isabela's highest point at 1707 m/5,600 ft).

Ecuador volcano, now considered extinct, also lies here, and together with Wolf volcano, they both sit on the equatorial line. Isabela serves as a prime illustration of the geological processes that formed the islands, including uplifts at Urbina Bay and the Bolivar Channel, tuff cones at Tagus Cove, and pumice on the Alcedo and Sierra Negra volcanoes, the latter boasting the world's second-largest crater after Tanzania's Ngorongoro.

Approximately 2000 Isabela residents sustain themselves through agriculture, fishing, and primarily tourism. Most reside in Puerto Villamil, a small coastal town in the island's southern region. Charles Darwin visited Tagus Cove in 1835. In 1893, Antonio Gil, a notable Guayaquil citizen, journeyed to the Galapagos and, after touring the other islands.

He chose to settle and develop southern Isabela, establishing the town of Puerto Villamil, and later Santa Tomás in the highlands.

Isabela Island:
Full-day tour departing from Pto. Ayora (Sta. Cruz)

The Isabela Island tour commences at 6:30 AM with a hotel pickup by our guide. A brief walk leads to the Puerto Ayora pier, where a local water taxi ferries us to the Galapagos Element Wind Speed Yacht for our voyage to Pto. Villamil on Isabela Island. The 3-hour journey presents excellent opportunities to spot marine turtles, manta rays, diverse marine bird species, and possibly whales. Upon arriving at Pto. Villamil, a local water taxi will take us to the pier from where our private transport will take us to the Isabela Tortoise Breeding and Interpretation Center where our guide will describe the various initiatives undertaken by the National Park to safeguard this delicate ecosystem.

Here, we can also observe giant Galapagos Tortoises of varied species and sizes. Subsequently, we commence our walk to the area known as "Humedales" (Wetlands). The path is well-kept, offering views of this stunning landscape featuring lagoons and rocks. It is surrounded by 4 species of mangroves and local trees. In the lagoons, we might spot flamingos and migratory birds such as the Galapagos gull, the Blue-winged teal, etc. The walk concludes on one of the main streets, near the beach. Close by, you'll find the Iguana Crossing Restaurant, our lunch spot with a splendid view of the Pacific Ocean.

Following lunch and a brief rest, we'll visit Las Tintoreras; a picturesque locale with marine iguana and sea lion colonies, and the chance to view Tintoreras (White-tipped reef sharks) resting in lava flow channels, one of the main draws. Later, we might snorkel alongside sea lions, penguins, and marine turtles. Near the pier, we'll have time to unwind and enjoy the beach before boarding our Galapagos Element Wind Speed Yacht for the return trip to Puerto Ayora.

Note: The small town of Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island has one of the most stunning beaches among the inhabited Galapagos islands.