GALAPAGOS ISLANDS · ISABELA
Isabela Island.
Isabela is the largest island, shaped by six volcanoes.
Isabela Island — Reference image only.
01 / THE ISLAND
Six volcanoes, one island
Isabela formed when several shield volcanoes merged into one seahorse-shaped island. Its western coast faces the cold Cromwell Current, which brings the upwelling that feeds penguins, flightless cormorants, whales and dolphins. Mangrove coves like Elizabeth Bay are calm places to watch rays and sea turtles from a panga.
In the south, Puerto Villamil is a small town with a long beach, flamingo lagoons and a giant tortoise breeding center, and it is a base for land-based visitors. Most of the dramatic western sites, like Tagus Cove and Punta Vicente Roca, are reached by cruise on western itineraries.
02 / VISITOR SITES
Visitor sites on Isabela
| Site | Type of visit | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Tagus Cove | Hike and panga | Darwin Lake, penguins, historic graffiti |
| Urbina Bay | Wet landing | Land iguanas, uplifted coral reef |
| Elizabeth Bay | Panga ride | Mangroves, penguins, rays |
| Punta Moreno | Dry landing | Lava fields, lagoons |
| Puerto Villamil | Town | Beaches, tortoise breeding center |
03 / WILDLIFE
Wildlife to look for on Isabela
Flightless cormorants
Giant tortoises
Land iguanas
04 / PRACTICAL
Practical notes
Inhabited
Yes, Puerto Villamil
How to visit
By cruise on western routes, or day tours from nearby towns
Guide
Visitor sites are led by park-accredited naturalist guides.
05 / FAQ
Isabela Island, Galapagos: questions
How big is Isabela?
It is the largest island in the archipelago, formed by several shield volcanoes.
Can I stay on Isabela?
Yes, in Puerto Villamil, but the western coast is reached by cruise.
Which cruises visit Isabela?
Itineraries vary by boat. Email hola@galapagosislands.cruises and we list the boats that include Isabela on your dates.
ISABELA
Want Isabela on your route?
Email hola@galapagosislands.cruises. We find the boats whose itineraries include Isabela on your dates.
Galapagos is unlike anywhere else on Earth: wildlife that does not run from you, islands still shaped by volcanoes, and a park that limits every visit. Tell us how you like to travel and we will match you with the right boat.