7 Best Things to Do on Isabela Island, Galápagos
Isla Isabela is the biggest island in the Galápagos, accounting for over half the archipelago’s landmass. The best things to do on Isabela Island include snorkeling at Los Túneles, hiking Sierra Negra and exploring the coast around Puerto Villamil.
I enjoyed some great snorkeling, a hike at an active volcano and delicious local cuisine. This guide keeps those trip experiences, with separate practical boxes to help you plan a visit today.
Which Isabela tour should you book?
Choose Los Túneles for a longer boat and snorkeling outing among lava formations, Las Tintoreras for a shorter excursion near town, or Sierra Negra for a guided hiking day. You do not need to book every water activity: compare routes and snorkeling stops before paying.
These are individual tours starting on Isabela, not packages including your journey to the island, hotel or Galápagos entry fees. Check equipment, pickup, cancellation and fitness requirements for the selected date. Keep paid outings off transfer days.
Isabela at a glance
- Base: Puerto Villamil, on the south coast.
- Stay: Three nights give two full activity days; four nights leave more room for both volcano and water excursions.
- Best mix: One guided water outing, one volcanic hike and flexible coastal time.
- Times below: Editorial estimates unless tied to a specific tour listing. Schedules and access can change.
For the full island-hopping route, see our 10-day land-based Galápagos itinerary.
1. Guided Paddling and Snorkeling
When I heard there was a tour on Isla Isabela called “Paddle to the Penguins”, I knew I couldn’t miss out. The Galapagos penguins are something of an oddity.
Galápagos penguins are the only penguin species found north of the equator. Other penguin species also live outside Antarctica, so their northern range is the distinction here.
I really enjoyed the opportunity to see these majestic birds for myself up close. The tour group was small. There were just four of us and the very experienced local guide.
We paddled to a known penguin spot, where we saw penguins, two manta rays and sharks dozing in underwater caves.
On my trip, all the equipment was included in the tour price: wetsuits, snorkeling gear and fins.
Our guide even took photos and GoPro footage that he offered to everyone for free at the end of the day.
That describes my earlier “Paddle to the Penguins” experience. Before booking a current outing, confirm whether it uses a stand-up paddleboard or kayak, where you paddle and snorkel, and which equipment is included. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
Practical information
- Location: Puerto Villamil coastal waters; exact route depends on the operator.
- Costs and inclusions: Ask for the current total and whether wetsuit, fins, mask and photos are included. Historic inclusions above are not a current offer.
- Access: Guided departures depend on weather, sea conditions and authorized routes.
- Allow: Half a day including preparation is a planning allowance; confirm actual duration.
- Planning tip: Best for active travelers comfortable on small craft. Check swimming requirements and whether the snorkeling stop overlaps with Concha de Perla or Tintoreras.
2. Wall of Tears and the Wetlands Route
Did you know that Isla Isabela once hosted a penal colony?
The penal colony closed in 1959. The Wall of Tears, or “Muro de las Lágrimas,” remains a memorial to that period.
Prisoners were forced to build this huge wall out of volcanic stone.
The wider route includes viewpoints such as Cerro Radar. Use only marked paths that are open when you visit.
On its own, the Wall of Tears isn’t actually too fascinating (at least not beyond its historical significance).
However, you can stop by lagoons, beaches and viewpoints on your trip to the wall. Follow marked routes and check which paths are open.
If you are lucky, you might even see a giant tortoise or two along the road.
Practical information
- Location: Wetlands route west of Puerto Villamil, ending at Muro de las Lágrimas.
- Costs and inclusions: Budget separately for bicycle rental or any arranged transport; verify local access conditions.
- Access: Daylight outing on open marked trails. Check park notices locally; bring water and sun protection.
- Allow: Allow roughly half a day with stops; cycling and walking take different amounts of time.
- Planning tip: Choose the route for history, lagoons and landscapes. Lava paths and viewpoint climbs are uneven; return before dark.
3. Las Tintoreras
Las Tintoreras takes its name from the whitetip reef sharks known locally as tintoreras, rather than meaning “the chasms.” The islets are a place to observe Galápagos wildlife in its natural habitat.
The islets are a short boat ride from Puerto Villamil on the southern coast of Isabela.
Visit on an authorized guided excursion and check whether your booking includes an islet walk, snorkeling, kayaking or a combination.
Volcanic activity created the underwater channels, and the nooks and crannies in the lava landscape shelter many species.
Possible sightings include penguins, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and resting sharks. Watch where you step: iguanas blend in with the volcanic rock. Sightings depend on conditions and animal movements.
Practical information
- Location: Las Tintoreras islets, reached by boat from Puerto Villamil.
- Costs and inclusions: The linked tour lists boat, guide, snorkeling equipment and pickup. Its wetsuit is extra; check the selected departure.
- Access: Authorized guided excursion; landings and snorkeling depend on conditions.
- Allow: The linked listing advertises three hours, plus your preparation time.
- Planning tip: A shorter water excursion than Los Túneles. Check water confidence, boarding and age requirements; do not assume a kayak tour has the same itinerary.
4. Los Túneles
Recommended by Nicky from Go Live Young
A trip to Los Túneles on Isabela Island was one of the highlights of our visit to the Galápagos Islands.
Los Túneles offers the possibility of seeing reef sharks, rays, sea lions, turtles, penguins, pelicans and blue-footed boobies. Think of that as a wildlife wish list, not a checklist every tour will complete.
A series of lava flows have produced unique geological formations, arches, and tunnels above and below the water, between mangroves and the open sea.
We reached the area by boat from Puerto Villamil and were lucky enough to see reef sharks, manta rays, sea lions, turtles and even seahorses in the shallows.
The highlight for us was the whitetip reef sharks which were hiding in the lava tunnels. Initially my boys were terrified but soon calmed down – their first shark experience!
Pelicans and blue-footed boobies can be seen above the water on the arches formed by the lava flows.
The lava formations are also visible from the boat. If you do not snorkel, ask the operator whether its particular itinerary accommodates non-swimmers; do not assume the boat experience is an equivalent substitute for the water activities.
Practical information
- Location: Los Túneles/Cabo Rosa, a boat excursion from Puerto Villamil.
- Costs and inclusions: The linked package lists guide, snorkeling gear, wetsuit and lunch. Check date-specific inclusions and any separate charges.
- Access: Sea conditions can change or cancel access. Read the cancellation terms before booking.
- Allow: The linked listing advertises 5.5 hours; allow the main part of your day.
- Planning tip: Choose this for lava formations and snorkeling. Confirm swimming ability, boat boarding and pickup; avoid an onward island transfer that afternoon.
5. Snorkeling at Concha de Perla
Concha de Perla is a small cove where I saw lots of small fish and sea lions while snorkeling. Water clarity and conditions vary, so assess the water on the day rather than expecting consistently easy snorkeling.
How do you get there?
Right before the pier, where you probably arrived on Isla Isabela by ferry, you’ll find a small path on the left that leads to Concha de Perla.
Give marine iguanas and sea lions space. Keep at least two meters from wildlife, never step over an animal blocking the boardwalk, and wait for a clear route.
Practical information
- Location: Boardwalk near Puerto Villamil’s passenger pier.
- Costs and inclusions: Independent access does not include equipment or guiding. Budget for rentals and check local access notices.
- Access: Check tides, current, visibility and the open access route on the day. Wildlife can temporarily block the boardwalk.
- Allow: Allow one to two hours as an editorial estimate, adjusting to conditions.
- Planning tip: Enter only within your ability and do not snorkel alone. A sheltered-looking cove is not a guarantee of calm water or step-free access.
6. Sierra Negra and the Volcán Chico Hike
While on Isla Isabela, I chose to partner with a local tour company, Isatourex, to check out one of the best hikes on the island.
The tour took us up Sierra Negra and along the edge of its broad volcanic caldera.
After Sierra Negra, we hiked across an old lava field and pressed on to Volcán Chico, a volcanic area on Sierra Negra’s flank.
The last couple kilometers of this trail gave us glimpses of some incredible volcanic features, including several lava tubes.
This is a great hike to pick for a tour that arranges transportation, as it’s a bit of a drive from town. I’d also recommend that you stay flexible when you pick a day for this hike.
Weather and park access conditions can change the route. Confirm the authorized itinerary with your guide before setting out.
Practical information
- Location: Sierra Negra highlands, reached by road from Puerto Villamil.
- Costs and inclusions: The linked current tour lists guiding, transport and a box lunch. Confirm pickup location and included route before paying.
- Access: Book an authorized guided hike; weather and park restrictions govern access.
- Allow: The linked Sierra Negra outing advertises six hours. A Volcán Chico extension changes distance and effort.
- Planning tip: Bring walking shoes, water, sun and rain protection. Confirm explicitly whether Volcán Chico is included. This booking is not presented as my original Isatourex tour.
7. Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center
About 1.5 kilometers away from Puerto Villamil, the largest town on Isla Isabela, you’ll find the tortoise breeding center “Centro de Crianza Arnaldo Tupiza.”
This facility spearheads efforts to defend and repopulate the endangered species of tortoise that live on the islands.
On our visit, we saw tortoises at many different ages, from eggs and new hatchlings to ones that were almost as old as us! The center also had a small museum with text in Spanish and English.
If you choose to walk to the center from Villamil, I’d also recommend checking out the nearby lagoons.
They’re not only a soothing walk, but you can also spot flamingos and other exotic island birds.
Practical information
- Location: Centro de Crianza Arnaldo Tupiza, outside central Puerto Villamil.
- Costs and inclusions: Confirm current admission and any guiding arrangements with the park locally; do not assume older free-entry advice still applies.
- Access: Check opening hours and whether the wetland approach is open before setting out.
- Allow: Allow around one to two hours for the center and nearby lagoons, excluding a longer walk from your hotel.
- Planning tip: Good for conservation context alongside wildlife outings. Keep distance from animals and verify the specific route if you need step-free access.
Where to Eat in Puerto Villamil
My favorite restaurant on that trip was “Palmeras,” a small local place where I enjoyed the lunch and dinner menus.
For 6 USD on that earlier visit, I enjoyed soup, a main course, dessert and fresh fruit juice. This is a trip memory, not a current menu price.
The main-course choices then were chicken, beef and fish. If you like seafood, the fish was my favorite.
I enjoyed the food here so much, I returned three times.
From my old notes: Cactuy y 16 de Marzo. Confirm the restaurant’s current location, opening and menu locally before making a special trip.
Restaurant planning
The Palmeras description is a personal recommendation from an earlier trip. Its current opening hours, address and prices could not be verified from a primary source. Check locally and compare menus around Puerto Villamil before choosing where to eat.
Where to Stay on Isabela
Puerto Villamil is the practical base for this guide. If beach access matters, Hotel Albemarle is an option to compare. Check the room category, total rate, cancellation and pickup arrangements rather than assuming every room or package has the same features.
Choose your base
Allow time between the hotel, pier and tour meeting point. Ask about luggage storage on transfer days and specific access needs. Compare options in our Galápagos hotel guide.
Getting to Isabela and Planning Your Stay
Transfers and entry costs
Confirm a passenger boat from Santa Cruz or a date-specific inter-island flight with Emetebe. Check boarding times, luggage, local landing charges and all connections. Do not make a mainland or international flight depend on a same-day island boat.
For the standard foreign adult category, budget US$200 for Galápagos park entry plus US$20 for the separate TCT. Other categories differ. These are Galápagos arrival costs, not a fresh charge for every island outing. Check current payment instructions and biosecurity requirements before departure.
A realistic three-night plan
- Arrival day: Settle into Puerto Villamil and walk along the town beach.
- First full day: Los Túneles or a shorter Tintoreras outing. Keep the rest flexible.
- Second full day: Sierra Negra, then an easy afternoon if timing and energy allow.
- Departure day: Focus on your confirmed transfer. Add a fourth night for the Wall of Tears and tortoise center without squeezing them around major tours.
Season, packing and access
December to May is generally warmer and often calmer at sea; June to November is generally cooler with garúa mist and potentially rougher crossings. These are tendencies, not guarantees. See Galápagos Conservancy’s planning guidance. Bring sun protection, walking shoes, a rain layer and swimwear. Check each boat boarding and trail separately if you have mobility needs.
Local prices are in US dollars. Compare the full cost of tours including equipment and transfers, not just the advertised starting price.
Continue Your Ecuador Trip
Combine this stay with our Santa Cruz activities guide, San Cristóbal guide and land-based Galápagos itinerary. For mainland time, use our Quito guide and things to do in Ecuador.
Isabela Island FAQs
How many days do you need on Isabela Island?
Three nights allow two full activity days, enough for one main water excursion and Sierra Negra with shorter coastal stops as time permits. Four nights offer a more relaxed schedule and another outing. Arrival and departure days should remain flexible rather than carrying essential prepaid tours.
Is Los Túneles or Las Tintoreras better?
Choose Los Túneles for a longer excursion focused on lava formations and snorkeling. Las Tintoreras is closer to Puerto Villamil and offers a shorter outing. Compare the actual itinerary, equipment and swimming requirements. Wildlife sightings are possible on both but are never guaranteed.
Can you visit Isabela independently?
Yes. You can stay in Puerto Villamil and arrange authorized day tours around independent coastal visits. Independent travel does not mean unrestricted access to protected visitor sites. Check each site’s guide and access requirements, especially for Sierra Negra and boat excursions.
Does a Sierra Negra tour include Volcán Chico?
Not automatically. The route depends on the booked product, park access and conditions. Ask whether Volcán Chico is explicitly included, how far you will walk, and whether transport and lunch are part of the price. The author’s earlier Isatourex outing is not the same booking as the linked alternative.
Can you see penguins on Isabela?
Galápagos penguins occur around Isabela, and the author saw them on a paddling excursion. That personal sighting is not a promise for another tour. Keep at least two meters from wildlife and follow your guide’s directions without approaching or pursuing animals.
How do you get to Isabela Island?
Common planning options are a passenger boat from Santa Cruz or an available inter-island flight. Confirm the actual date, departure point, baggage and local charges. Do not assume a direct scheduled boat from San Cristóbal. Keep a buffer before mainland or international flight connections.
When is the best time to visit Isabela?
December to May is generally warmer and often calmer at sea, while June to November is generally cooler with garúa mist and potentially rougher crossings. These are broad seasonal patterns, not a forecast. Your preferred activities and tolerance for sea conditions matter more than expecting one perfect month.
What should you budget beyond the tours?
Include your island transfers, hotel, meals, rentals and any local landing charges. For the standard foreign adult category, Galápagos park entry is US$200 and the separate TCT is US$20. Other categories differ. These entry costs apply to the Galápagos trip, not as a new fee for each Isabela excursion.
Practical information reviewed October 3, 2026. The personal stories describe an earlier trip. Check prices, access and tour inclusions for your dates.
- About the Author
- More info
Tim Kroeger is the founder and editor of Universal Traveller, covering luxury stays and active travel. Based in Bangkok, he draws on 15+ years of travel across 112+ countries, from reviewing luxury hotels to bikepacking through Southeast Asia. He also writes about luxury wellness and longevity travel at tim-kroeger.com, where he developed the Restorative Index.
