Best of Isla Isabela

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Isla Isabela
The largest island in the Galapagos, Isabela is home to six active volcanoes and an abundance of wildlife, including unique species (like the mangrove finch) that you won’t find on other islands. The small seaside village of Puerto Villamil makes a relaxing base for experiencing the island, and at nearby spots you can see marine iguanas, sea lions, flamingos, penguins and many other species.   

Guided hikes take you along the east side of the impressive Sierra Negra Volcano, which has one of the largest craters on earth. Here you’ll see powerful geologic forces that have shaped the island, and enjoy magnificent views after the fog has cleared. Some top snorkeling sites are just off Isabela: near the islet of Los Tintoreras, you can often see sharks, manta rays, sea turtles and Galapagos penguins (the world’s smallest penguin species). Kayaking is another great way to spy wildlife (and get in a good workout). You can see a rare perspective of the island on a rappelling trip inside Los Trillizos volcano.
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Discover the lava tunnels of Isla Isabela as you explore the Galápagos Islands
Map of Highlights of Quito & the Galápagos Islands - 9 Days
Highlights of Quito & the Galápagos Islands - 9 Days

On this nine-day adventure, you'll fly into Quito, tour the city, then head to Isla Santa Cruz for your first look at Galápagos giant tortoises. Hike to Tortuga Bay Beach for wildlife spotting and visit an interpretation center to learn more about Galápagos National Park, then fly to Isla Isabela. You'll tour natural rock formations, see spectacular marine life, visit a tortoise breeding center, and hike up Sierra Negra volcano before returning to Isla Santa Cruz for more exciting excursions.

Swim with sea turtles in the Galápagos
Map of First Class Galápagos Island Hopping  - 6 Days
First Class Galápagos Island Hopping - 6 Days

Explore three Galápagos Islands via private yacht on this six-day tour of the archipelago's standout sights. Start on Santa Cruz, where you'll come face-to-face with giant tortoises in the lush highlands, soak up the sun on the sands of Tortuga Bay Beach, and discover a world of natural history and conservation at the Charles Darwin Research Station. After a day spent hiking the grasslands and caves of Floreana, head to Isabela to snorkel the turquoise waters of Tintoreras alongside penguins, sea lions, and sea turtles.

Marine iguanas pause for their close-up on Tortuga Bay Beach
Map of Gems of the Galápagos Islands & Quito: Isla Santa Cruz & Isla Isabela - 8 Days
Gems of the Galápagos Islands & Quito: Isla Santa Cruz & Isla Isabela - 8 Days

Your eight-day holiday begins in Ecuador's capital, Quito, where you'll get a dose of culture as you visit its key landmarks. Next, jet off to Isla Santa Cruz in the Galápagos Islands to observe giant tortoises and various bird species. Take speedboat rides as you island-hop with grand ocean views, and go snorkeling off Isla Isabela to spot penguins and whitetip sharks. Finally, laze on the beach alongside playful sea lions and colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs.

Hike through prickly pear forests to reach Tortuga Bay
Map of Jewels of the Galápagos: Isla Santa Cruz & Isla Isabela - 8 Days
Jewels of the Galápagos: Isla Santa Cruz & Isla Isabela - 8 Days

Enjoy a week-long escape from civilization as you explore the Galápagos Islands. Visit the Santa Cruz highlands and Charles Darwin Research Station and learn all there is to know about giant tortoises and their conservation. Explore an uninhabited island and snorkel to discover an underwater world where you'll swim with fish and sea turtles. Hike the Sierra Negra volcano and bike along the coast of Isla Isabela. Learn about the islands' coffee and enjoy the sea breezes of Tortuga Bay.

Spot diverse wildlife, like playful (and napping) sea lions on your rugged Galápagos adventure
Map of Rugged Galápagos Islands Adventure: Isla Santa Cruz & Isla Isabela - 6 Days
Rugged Galápagos Islands Adventure: Isla Santa Cruz & Isla Isabela - 6 Days

Spend six days in the Galápagos Islands to enjoy all its natural beauty. Start on Isla Santa Cruz to learn about its star resident, the giant Galápagos tortoise. Island hop to Isla Isabela to go snorkeling at Los Túneles for breathtaking rock formations. Hike the Sierra Negra volcano to witness its stunning lava landscapes. Lounge on lava rocks as you rub shoulders with sea lions at Tintoreras Islet. Explore Puerto Villamil by standup paddleboard before lazing on nearby sandy beaches.

Spot 10-legged, brightly colored Sally Lightfoot crabs against the black lava rock of the Galápagos
Map of Galápagos Islands in Darwin's Footsteps: Quito, Isla Santa Cruz & Isla Isabela - 8 Days
Galápagos Islands in Darwin's Footsteps: Quito, Isla Santa Cruz & Isla Isabela - 8 Days

Soak up a little culture in Ecuador's capital before heading to the Galápagos Islands and enjoying all the wild archipelago has to offer. Start in Quito, where you'll visit key colonial highlights; then, it's off to Isla Santa Cruz, where you'll mingle with and learn about giant tortoises. Explore uninhabited islands and rub shoulders with blue-footed boobies before hiking Sierra Negra volcano and snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking near Las Tintoreras and Garrapatero Beach.

Spot flamingoes posing in the Galápagos
Map of Ecuador's Culture & Nature: Quito, Otavalo & the Galápagos - 12 Days
Ecuador's Culture & Nature: Quito, Otavalo & the Galápagos - 12 Days

On this 12-day Ecuadorian adventure, you'll start with a dose of culture in Quito and a glimpse of the Andean highlands in Otavalo, then jet off to the Galápagos for rare wildlife and stunning scenery. Sandy beaches and curious penguins await on Isla Santa Cruz, where you'll explore its coast by bike and discover remote, uninhabited islands by yacht. Speedboat off to Isla Isabela for snorkeling and kayaking, then return to Santa Cruz to mingle with giant tortoises and learn about their habitat.

Enjoy a morning in the inviting waters of Tortuga Bay, Isla Santa Cruz
Map of Best of the Galápagos: Isla Santa Cruz & Isla Isabela - 9 Days
Best of the Galápagos: Isla Santa Cruz & Isla Isabela - 9 Days

Explore the stunning Galápagos archipelago with this nine-day itinerary. Begin in Isla Santa Cruz and visit a research station to see giant tortoises, then head to an uninhabited island. Go kayaking, learn how coffee is made at an organic coffee farm, and take a day trip to a nearby island before transferring to Isla Isabela for snorkeling, volcano hiking, and biking. Keeping an eye out for the islands' unique flora and fauna along the way, you'll return to Isla Santa Cruz for one last beach visit before your departure.

Dive, swim, and snorkel the wildlife-rich Galápagos Islands
Map of Galápagos Under the Sea Adventure - 8 Days
Galápagos Under the Sea Adventure - 8 Days

Experience the highlights of the Galápagos Islands both above and below the water on this eight-day adventure. It begins on Isla Santa Cruz, where you'll meet the local wildlife on dive tours and at the famous Charles Darwin Research Station. After enjoying kayak and boat tours, you'll hop over to Isla Isabela for snorkeling and wildlife excursions before returning to Santa Cruz for a bit of R&R before heading home.

Bartolomé Island in the Galapagos
Galapagos Island Hopping in Style: Santa Cruz & Isabela - 10 Days

White-sand beaches, secluded lagoons, and a spectacular array of wildlife await on this luxurious 10-day adventure in the Galápagos. It begins in Quito with sightseeing in the colonial center. Then fly to Isabela Island, where you’ll stay in high-end lodgings and enjoy daily hikes, cycling, and snorkeling excursions. The journey continues on Santa Cruz Island, where you'll walk with giant tortoises and visit uninhabited islands. Here you can observe rare wildlife and relax on the beach before heading home.

A blue-footed boobie in the Galapagos
Map of Highlights of the Galapagos Islands: San Cristobal Island, Isabela, & Santa Cruz - 10 Days
Highlights of the Galapagos Islands: San Cristobal Island, Isabela, & Santa Cruz - 10 Days

Visit three of the most famous islands in the Galapagos archipelago — San Cristobal, Isabela, and Santa Cruz — on this 10-day adventure. You'll hike volcanoes, snorkel around rock formations, and explore each island in-depth, keeping your eyes open for giant Galapagos tortoises and marine iguanas. The itinerary involves travel by plane and speedboat, making it possible for travelers to see far-flung areas of the famous archipelago.

A giant Galápagos tortoise
Island-Hopping in the Galápagos: Santa Cruz & Isabela - 7 Days

During this Galápagos Islands adventure, you will explore the famous archipelago, swim with playful sea lions, and see giant tortoises up close. The itinerary is land-based, meaning you'll sleep on the islands instead of on a yacht. But you'll still spend plenty of time on the water as you navigate to various islands by speedboat, enjoying hiking, snorkeling, and guided wildlife viewing walks along the journey.

Sea lions on Santiago Island
Map of Highlights of the Galapagos Islands: San Cristobal Island, Isabela, & Puerto Ayora - 14 Days
Highlights of the Galapagos Islands: San Cristobal Island, Isabela, & Puerto Ayora - 14 Days

Spend two magical weeks island-hopping around the Galapagos on this highlights tour of the archipelago. Start at San Cristobal Island, where you'll observe sea lions, go snorkeling, and hike to see rare birds in their natural habitats. Then you'll head to Isabela Island to swim next to iguanas and sea turtles, hike a volcano, and relax on the beach. The trip ends on Santa Cruz Island, where you'll get up close with giant tortoise residents and learn about conservation efforts in the region.

The famed Kicker Rock
Galapagos Nature Cruise - 5 Days

Get off the beaten path on this 5-day cruise around the Galapagos archipelago. This short but fascinating journey offers world-class wildlife viewing at lesser-known points of interest throughout the islands. You'll sail from one rocky beach to another, disembarking for short guided hikes to see blue-footed boobies, cormorants, penguins, and flamingoes in their natural habitats. In the evenings, relax on the boat with a cold drink as the sun goes down.

Swim, kayak, and hik the rugged islands of the Galápagos
Map of Land & Sea of the Galápagos & Guayaquil - 13 Days
Land & Sea of the Galápagos & Guayaquil - 13 Days

Experience the best of the Galápagos Islands by land and sea on this 13-day grand tour. You'll begin in Guayaquil, on mainland Ecuador, before jetting off to the Enchanted Islands, where the adventure kicks off with wildlife excursions on Isla Sant Cruz and snorkeling at Kicker Rock. Continue to Isla Isabela, where you'll take boat tours, hike volcanoes, kayak off the coast, and much more.

Meet Galápagos tortoises in the highlands at a breeding center
Map of Peru & the Galápagos Islands - 13 Days
Peru & the Galápagos Islands - 13 Days

Explore two of the grandest highlights of South America: Peru and the Galápagos Islands. In the former, you'll follow the ancient Incas' footsteps as you tour Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and of course, Machu Picchu. Then jet off to the famous Galápagos Islands for eight days of adventures that include wildlife tours, diving excursions, boat trips, uninhabited islets, and much more.

Isla Isabela, Galápagos
Map of Galápagos Islands Land-Based Adventure Tour: 10 Days
Galápagos Islands Land-Based Adventure Tour: 10 Days

This 10-day trip will take you to the best the Galápagos has to offer. Immerse yourself in the wildlife, culture, and unique ecosystem of the archipelago as you see the sights by bike, by foot, and in the water. This extraordinary week includes snorkeling with sea lions, tropical fish, and beautiful manta rays. On land, there will be numerous chances to observe giant tortoises and other amazing creatures in this one-of-a-kind destination.

A blue-footed booby in the Galapagos
Galapagos Islands & Machu Picchu Adventure - 10 Days

Combine two of South America's most iconic destinations into a single trip on this 10-day tour of the Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu. You'll start in Ecuador, spending several days island-hopping, snorkeling, hiking, and wildlife viewing in the Galapagos. Then you'll cross the border to Peru, spending a night in Lima, another in Cusco, and finally taking the scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. A visit to the famed "lost city of the Incas" is the perfect way to end this diverse adventure.

Observe wildlife as you explore the smaller islands of the Galápagos, like Isla Floreana
Map of Galápagos Small Island Adventures: Isla Santa Cruz, Isla San Cristóbal & Isla Isabela - 9 Days
Galápagos Small Island Adventures: Isla Santa Cruz, Isla San Cristóbal & Isla Isabela - 9 Days

Get familiar with the small untamed islands of the Galápagos on this nine-day adventure. Discover environment conservation projects in Isla Santa Cruz and get to know giant tortoises and their habitat. Explore smaller islands like Isla Floreana and Isla Pinzón, where you can swim, snorkel along secluded coves, and lounge with sea lions and marine iguanas. Revel in Isla San Cristóbal's diverse landscapes and stunning marine life. Kayak and swim with penguins, sea lions, and rays off Tintoreras Islet.

Sunset along the waterfront on Isla San Cristóbal
Map of Galápagos Island Hopping: Santa Cruz, Isabela & San Cristóbal - 8 Days
Galápagos Island Hopping: Santa Cruz, Isabela & San Cristóbal - 8 Days

On this eight-day trip, get to know the unique and extraordinary wildlife of three Galápagos islands. You'll begin on Isla Santa Cruz, where you'll see giant tortoises, go kayaking, and tour the island's scenic bays. Then head to Isla Isabela for snorkeling, a volcano hike, and more wildlife spotting. Finish your journey in Isla San Cristóbal, where you'll relax on beautiful beaches, enjoy more snorkeling, and keep an eye out for tropical fish, sea turtles, marine iguanas, and rays.

Kayak to the sea lions or let them come to you on your Galápagos holiday
Map of Active Galapágos: Santa Cruz, Isabela & San Cristóbal - 13 Days
Active Galapágos: Santa Cruz, Isabela & San Cristóbal - 13 Days

Get ready for 13 days of active excursions and wildlife outings across the famous Galápagos Islands. You'll hop around the most popular sites on this volcanic archipelago as you enjoy snorkeling adventures, cycling, and encounters with exotic wildlife. After rappelling into a dormant volcano, you'll continue to Isabela and San Cristóbal islands for more diving, kayaking, and outdoor fun.

Green Sea Turtle
Map of Galapagos Island Hopping: Water, Wildlife, & Wilderness - 14 Days
Galapagos Island Hopping: Water, Wildlife, & Wilderness - 14 Days

The Galapagos Islands are one of the world's biggest ecological hotspots, with some of the highest percentages of endemic species and dozens of uninhabited islands. You'll spend two weeks exploring the biggest islands to see major landmarks—like the Charles Darwin Research Station and Sierra Negra Volcano—while also spending time on some less-known destinations, experiencing the truly remote nature of the rocky archipelago. 

Blue Footed Boobie
Galapagos Island Hopping - 6 Days

Discover spectacular scenery and diverse ecosystems on this whirlwind 6-day tour of the Galapagos Islands. Focusing on three of the archipelago's inhabited islands, you'll hop between them by boat while spotting rare and remarkable wildlife up close. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, meet giant tortoises in the Santa Cruz highlands, hike the Sierra Negra Volcano, and swim in turquoise waters at Tortuga Bay Beach.

See red-bellied frigate birds on a visit to Las Tijeretas Hill
Map of Galápagos Islands Highlights: Isla Santa Cruz, Isla Isabela & Isla San Cristóbal - 11 Days
Galápagos Islands Highlights: Isla Santa Cruz, Isla Isabela & Isla San Cristóbal - 11 Days

Explore the many facets of the Galápagos Islands during this 11-day trip that focuses on three key islands. Start on Isla Santa Cruz to mingle with giant tortoises and kayak with lighthearted sea lions. Explore Isla Santa Cruz by bike before a wildlife tour of Isla Isabela. Hike Sierra Negra volcano and snorkel near Los Túneles. Witness the wildlife at Isla Isabela's wetlands before speed boating to Isla San Cristóbal for sun, swimming, and fun.

Enjoy observing the endearing penguins on Isla Santa Cruz
Map of Explore the Galápagos Islands: San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz & Isabela - 11 Days
Explore the Galápagos Islands: San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz & Isabela - 11 Days

Discover the natural wonders of three islands in the Galápagos—San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, and Isabela—on this 11-day adventure around the archipelago. Highlights along the journey include snorkeling at the iconic Kicker Rock, biking to a historic landmark on Isla Isabela, and hiking at Sierra Negra volcano. Before returning to the mainland, you'll also visit a fourth uninhabited island, home to rare wildlife.

Explore mysterious Isla Floreana and discover its stone sculptures
Map of Galápagos Island Hopping - 12 Days
Galápagos Island Hopping - 12 Days

Pack your bags for a whirlwind island-hopping tour of the Galápagos Islands, one of the most biodiverse places on earth. You'll visit three different isles, beginning with San Cristóbal, where you'll take boat tours, go snorkeling, and embark on wildlife excursions. Then you're off to Santa Cruz and Isabela for volcano hikes, abseiling, a visit to a coffee farm, and much more.

Day trip to Isla Floreana from Santa Cruz in the Galápagos
Map of History & Adventure in the Galápagos Islands - 11 Days
History & Adventure in the Galápagos Islands - 11 Days

This 11-day journey around the Galápagos Islands offers a mix of cultural history and outdoor adventure. Begin the trip by encountering giant tortoises and learning about the archipelago's past. Then kayak in Tortuga Bay, hike around Sierra Negro volcano, and hear the legends of Isla Floreana. Finish the tour on Isla San Cristóbal with an unforgettable dinner by the sea.

Marine iguanas in Tortuga Bay
Galapagos Islands Adventure: San Cristobal Island & Puerto Ayora - 7 Days

Discover the natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands on this weeklong journey around the archipelago. Instead of getting on a yacht, you'll base yourself on dry land, enjoying various excursions from island towns. Snorkel with sea turtles, hike to see blue-footed boobies in their natural habitat, view giant tortoises up close, island-hop on a speedboat, and relax on pristine beaches.

Nazca boobies in the Galapagos
Cruise the Galápagos Archipelago - 10 Days

Explore the Galápagos Islands on a yacht! This 10-day tour takes you around the archipelago to see Humboldt penguins in their natural habitat, snorkel with sea turtles, explore tidal pools, visit Charles Darwin Station, hike to a volcanic crater, and spot blue-footed boobies in the wild. After spending the first night on dry land, you'll island-hop to various islands, including San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, Santa Fé, Plaza Sur, and Seymour Norte, stopping at various natural attractions along the way.