If you’re heading to the Galápagos, chances are someone will tell you that you have to visit Isabela Island, and they’re right. Isabela feels laid-back and very peaceful. We arrived to iguanas stretched out on park benches and sea lions asleep in the middle of the pier, completely unfazed by anyone walking past.
It’s the largest island in the archipelago, yet it feels like the quietest. Life moves slowly here. There’s a small-town vibe, long open beaches, and just enough to do without feeling busy. If you’re coming from Santa Cruz, here’s what to know before you go, how to get there, what to do, and why Isabela feels so different from the rest of the islands.
Getting to Isabela Island from Santa Cruz
There are two ways to get to Isabela: by speedboat or plane. The ferry between Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora) and Isabela (Puerto Villamil) runs twice a day at around 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM, and costs about $30 USD each way. The trip takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on weather and sea conditions.
If you’re prone to seasickness, take something before you go (trust me on this one). The boats are small, the water can be rough, and it’s a long ride when you’re not feeling great. A little planning here makes a big difference. If you’d rather skip the waves, there are small inter-island flights from Baltra Airport or from San Cristóbal. They’re pricier, about $180–$220 one way, but only take 30–40 minutes and offer stunning aerial views of the islands.
Tip: Buy your ferry ticket at least a day in advance and be sure to carry cash. You’ll pay a $1 water taxi fee on both ends, plus a $10 municipal port fee when you arrive on Isabela.
Arrival at Isabela Island: Puerto Villamil
When we pulled up to the dock, we saw sea lions sleeping on the boats. Then they started waddling up the pier, weaving past people and settling in next to giant iguanas like this was all completely normal. It was quite the greeting.
From the dock, you’ve got options. There are plenty of taxis waiting to take you into town, but you can also walk it; we did. It’s about a 20-minute walk along the one main road that leads straight into Puerto Villamil, flat and easy, just follow the ocean. Once you arrive, everything slows down. There are no big hotels, no cruise crowds, just sandy streets, small cafés, and bikes everywhere. There’s a feeling that you don’t need to be anywhere in a hurry.
Top Things to Do On Isabela Island
1. Concha de Perla Snorkeling
Just a five-minute walk from the port, this natural lagoon is one of the best free snorkeling spots in the Galapagos. It was incredible. The water was crystal clear, and I ended up swimming alongside a five-foot turtle, watching him calmly chomp on coral and glide past like I wasn’t even there.
The lagoon is full of sea lions, turtles, fish, and marine iguanas, all moving around you as you swim.
Tip: Rent your snorkel gear right at the dock. There are plenty of shops in town, but this saves you from schlepping equipment around.
2. Visit the Tortoise Breeding Center
A short walk or bike ride from town, the Centro de Crianza Arnaldo Tupiza Chamaidán has hundreds of giant tortoises. You can see babies being cared for before they’re released into the wild. It’s fascinating and worth the visit.
3. Bike the Wall of Tears (El Muro de las Lágrimas)
This 6 km trail takes you past lagoons, lookout points, and eventually to the Wall of Tears, a historic site built by prisoners in the 1940s. You can rent a bike in town for about $10 – $15 USD and make a day of it. You’ll pass wild tortoises, marine iguanas, and impressive beach views along the way.
4. Explore the Flamingo Lagoon
Near the breeding center, you’ll find Laguna de los Flamencos, where bright pink flamingos wade through shallow waters. Early morning or sunset is best for photos, and there’ll be fewer crowds.
5. Take a Day Tour to Los Tuneles
If you splurge on one thing on Isabela Island, make it Los Tuneles. The half-day snorkeling tour is the most popular tour on the island. You move through lava arches, tunnels, and shallow turquoise pools that are packed with sea life. You’ll see white-tipped reef sharks resting below, giant sea turtles, rays gliding past, and blue-footed boobies nesting right above you. Tours usually include wetsuits, snacks, and snorkeling gear.
Important Tip: If you’re visiting Isabela just for the day, you’ll need to book this in advance. The tours meet you right off the ferry, and you won’t have time to sort it out once you arrive. This is the one to plan ahead for, and this tour covers everything.
6. Watch the Sunset on Playa Isabela
End your day at Playa Grande, right in front of town. It’s one of the most peaceful beaches in the Galapagos and is long, wide, and there’s no effort required to get there. There are plenty of beachfront restaurants where you can grab an empanada or a cold drink, then settle in and watch the sunset. It’s simple, relaxed, and exactly what we needed after a full day.
Where to Eat & Stay on Isabela Island
If you’re eating out on Isabela, look for places offering the local set lunch menu (almuerzo ), they are easily the best value on the island. Almuerzo is usually served midday and typically includes soup, rice, salad, potatoes, fresh fish, and a juice. It’s simple, filling, and a great deal.
Places to Eat:
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Booby Trap – Great fish tacos, solid margaritas, and a front-row seat for sunset.
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Pan & Vino – Good coffee, breakfast bowls, and reliable Wi-Fi
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Coco Surf – Easy, beachside spot for ceviche and fresh juices.
You won’t find fine dining on Isabela, just good Ecuadorian seafood, cold drinks, and everything close enough that you’re never in a rush.
Places to Stay on Isabela
Puerto Villamil has a good mix of small hotels and eco-lodges, most of them low-key and close to town. If you’re choosing where to stay, look for something near the main street so you can walk everywhere and still enjoy quiet evenings.
Cormorant Beach House – Right in front of Puerto Villamil beach, Cormorant Beach House offers rooms with sea views. The town center is 328 feet away.
The Isabela Beach House – The Isabela Beach House provides free WiFi, and guests can enjoy a private beach area, a garden, and a terrace.
Drake Inn – Drake Inn is a 3-minute walk from Puerto Villamil town center. This beach-front property has stunning sea views from the terrace, and a great nature area is just in the back.
Isabela Day Tours
- Isabela full-day from Santa Cruz, with Tintoreras & Flamingos
- Day Trip to Isabela Island and Tintoreras
- Los Tuneles Day Tour: Snorkeling, exploring and swimming with wildlife
- Visit to the Interior of the Triplets Volcano Crater
What to Pack for Isabela Island
- Lightweight clothing (it’s warmer and sunnier here than Santa Cruz)
- Swimsuits and rash guards for snorkeling
- Reef-safe sunscreen – highly recommend Blue Lizard sunscreen
- Water shoes (some beaches have lava rock)
- Cash (ATMs are limited and often unreliable)
- Waterproof bag for boat transfers
- I also have a complete Galapagos Islands packing list
Getting Back to Santa Cruz
You’ll take the same route back, either by ferry or flight. If you’re catching the morning ferry, arrive early. The harbor gets busy, and luggage checks can take time, so allow at least an hour before the ferry is scheduled to depart.
Final Thoughts on Isabela
Isabela isn’t polished like Santa Cruz, and that’s exactly the point. Life feels simpler here with bikes instead of cars, sandy feet, slow meals, and long stretches of wide beaches. This was the place where the Galápagos magic really sank in for me. Not as a checklist, but as a place that’s still doing its own thing. If you’re planning to visit the Galapagos Islands, make time for Isabela Island, as it feels like the heart of what these islands are all about.
My Ecuador Travel Guide: Quito, the Amazon, and the Galápagos
We spent 48 hours in Quito, then traveled deep into the Amazon, and finished in the Galápagos. This guide pulls it all together; it’s clear, practical, and based on how we actually did the trip. I cover how to move between regions, when to book tours, what’s worth planning ahead, and where flexibility helps. You’ll find straightforward advice on routes, cash, packing, and timing, plus what to expect in each place without overcomplicating it. If you’re planning to visit Ecuador and want to feel prepared before you arrive, this series is meant to help you do exactly that.
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- My Ecuador Travel Guide: From the Galapagos to the Amazon
- Ultimate Packing List for the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador
- Complete Guide to Visiting the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador
- 48 Hours in Quito, Ecuador
- Our Stay at Gaia Amazon Eco-Lodge: Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest Adventure
- Complete Galapagos Islands Packing List and Travel Tips
- How to Visit the Galapagos Islands on Your Own
- How to Decide Which Galapagos Islands to Visit?
- Santa Cruz Highlands Tour on Your Own: Insider Tips for a Perfect Day Trip
- Isabela Island, Galapagos: All You Need to Know Before You Go
- Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos: All You Need to Know Before You Go
- How to Visit Bartolome Island from Santa Cruz
- How to Visit North Seymour Island from Santa Cruz
What is your favorite thing to do on Isabela Island?
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