Isabela is the largest island in the Galápagos, but it's also the least visited of the three primary islands. That's a shame, because Isabela has some of the archipelago's most dramatic volcanic landscapes, a laid-back town in Puerto Villamil, and some of the best snorkeling and hiking day tours anywhere in the islands. Here's everything worth doing, whether you're staying on-island or heading out for a day trip.
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Puerto Villamil
Puerto Villamil is the only town on Isabela, and it feels noticeably smaller and sleepier than Puerto Ayora or Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Sandy streets, a laid-back beach town vibe, and far fewer crowds. It's a nice change of pace if you've already spent time on the busier islands.
The town itself sits along a sandy beach, and it's an easy home base for exploring on foot or by bike, with many tour operators clustered near the waterfront.
Concha de Perla
Concha de Perla is a sheltered lagoon just a short walk from the edge of town, reached via a wooden boardwalk through the mangroves. It's completely free to visit and doesn't require a guide, which makes it one of the best DIY snorkeling spots on the island.
The water here is calm and clear, and it's common to swim alongside sea lions, sea turtles, and rays. Bring your own snorkel gear, or rent a set from one of the shops in town before you head out.
Wall of Tears & the Wetlands
The Wall of Tears (Muro de las Lágrimas) is a grim but fascinating piece of Isabela's history - an 80 foot wall built by prisoners during the island's decades as a penal colony. The wall was made from stacked, sharp volcanic rock without mortar, built under brutal conditions. It's a sobering stop for sure, but worth the trip.
You can walk or bike there from town. The full out-and-back route through the wetlands (Los Humedales) is about 10 miles round-trip. The trail passes through mangrove forests, tidal lagoons, and a few good viewpoints along the way. Bikes can be rented in town, and it's a flat, easy ride. You can get the full trail map on AllTrails.
Tortoise Breeding Center (Centro Arnaldo Tupiza)
About one mile outside of town, and right along the route to the Wall of Tears, is Isabela's giant tortoise breeding center, officially named the Centro de Crianza Arnaldo Tupiza-Chamaidan.
It's dedicated to protecting and repopulating the island's own subspecies of giant tortoise, and it's an easy, free addition if you're already walking or biking out toward the wetlands.
Popular Day Tours from Isabela Island
Isabela's best sites are offshore or up in the volcanic highlands, and most require a certified naturalist guide by law. These are the three tours worth prioritizing if you're staying on the island.
Los Tuneles
Los Tuneles is often called the crown jewel of Isabela, and it's easy to see why. It's a series of unique arched lava tunnels and formations, both above and below the waterline. It cab be reached by a roughly one hour speedboat ride from Puerto Villamil.
Along the way, most tours stop at Roca Unión, a small islet where you can sometimes spot pelicans, blue-footed boobies, and Nazca boobies resting on the rocks.
The snorkeling at Lose Tuneles is exceptional - sea turtles, white-tip reef sharks, eagle and golden rays, seahorses. And if you're very lucky, you may even see Galápagos penguins darting through the water. It's a full day out, so plan accordingly.
Book it: Los Tuneles Day Tour (Isabela Island) - covering both Roca Unión and Los Tuneles, with lunch included.
Las Tintoreras
Las Tintoreras is a cluster of small islets just a 10-minute boat ride from Puerto Villamil, making it the easiest and shortest guided excursion on the island. This is a good option if you don't want to commit to a full day tour. The name comes from the resident white-tip reef sharks, which are often seen resting in a narrow shallow channel that cuts through the lava rock.
Tours typically combine a walk over the volcanic terrain - where you'll spot marine iguanas and nesting seabirds - with a snorkel stop, where sea lions, rays, and (with a bit of luck) Galápagos penguins are often sighted.
Book it: Half Day Tintoreras Tour from Isabela Island - a short, 2.5-hour outing that's easy to fit around other plans for the day.
Sierra Negra Volcano
Sierra Negra is one of the largest active volcanic craters in the world, over 6 miles wide, and hiking its rim is one of the best things to do in the entire Galápagos. This is a land-based hike, not a boat tour, but it still requires a certified guide.
Transportation takes you to the trailhead at El Cura, and from there it's roughly 10.5 miles round-trip across lush highland terrain and out onto the stark, black volcanic landscape of the caldera itself.
It's a full day and a genuine workout, but the views into the crater make it worth the effort!
Book it: Puerto Villamil: Hiking Tour to Sierra Negra Volcano - including transportation, a guide, and a box lunch.
More Galapagos Trip Planning Resources
Isabela rewards a slower pace - it's the least crowded of the main islands, and between the free snorkeling right off the beach and the volcanic hikes up in the highlands, it's easy to fill two or three days here without ever feeling rushed.
Still planning the rest of your Galapagos trip? Here's some more resources that you may find helpful:
- How to Choose a Galapagos Cruise - ship classes, budget, and itineraries, if you're pairing this with a cruise
- Things to Do on Santa Cruz Island - the main hub island, and its own great day tours
- Things to Do on San Cristóbal Island - the other major entry point, with some of the best snorkeling in the islands
- Galapagos, Island by Island - a full breakdown of every other island and visitor site in the archipelago
- Galapagos Islands: Getting There & Getting Around - flights, fees, ferries, and money logistics
- What to Pack (and not pack) for a Galapagos Cruise! - our real packing list
- Our Ecogalaxy Cruise Review - a day-by-day look at what a Galapagos cruise actually looks like
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