Things to do in Isabela, Galapagos Islands: The Best Islands

January 24, 2022 Margarita Chappel

The largest of the Galapagos Islands, Isabela is one of the most volcanically active places in the world. Whether this is thrilling or terrifying is up to you. It doesn’t seem to bother the iguanas and penguins of Las Tintoreras, a nearby island cluster and popular snorkeling site. Walk from Puerto Villamil through mangrove forests and saltwater lagoons to reach the Tortoise Breeding Center. Isabela was once used as an exile for prisoners, who built the devastating Wall of Tears as part of their punishment.
Restaurants in Isabela

1. Isabela Island

Galapagos, 010850 Ecuador +593 96 774 2545 http://www.galapagosbestoption.com
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
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5.0 based on 82 reviews

Isabela Island

Reviewed By pfefmeister - San Francisco, United States

Our yacht - Anahi - went around this lovely island from Puerto Ayora, up the west side, around the top, and back. Just an over the top varied selection of wildlife, with great hiking and snorkeling options along the way. Once you leave Puerto Viliamil, you leave civilization, with zero cell service until you return to Baltra. The further up the west coast of Isabella you go, the less ships you encounter, since it becomes too far to go for the day trippers. Make sure the boat you choose does the western route. The ride was also less choppy than trying to get to the further islands across the open ocean.

2. Turtle Island

Puerto Villamil Ecuador
Excellent
91%
Good
9%
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5.0 based on 11 reviews

Turtle Island

Reviewed By Invictus1867

This is a deeper water snorkel. Only 6 people. One boat. Best tour we did on Isabela and we did all the typical ones advertised everywhere.

3. Las Tintoreras

Puerto Villamil Ecuador +593 5-252-9229
Excellent
63%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
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0%
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4.5 based on 865 reviews

Las Tintoreras

Reviewed By Hazel42

We enjoyed this guided tour hiking through lava formations and then snorkeling in the bay, where we saw sea lions, sea turtles, reef fish and baby sharks.

4. Urbina Bay

Ecuador
Excellent
63%
Good
37%
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4.5 based on 19 reviews

Urbina Bay

Reviewed By 220kenq

Another of the wonderful stops on our tour of the Galapagos Islands. It was great to be able to see wildlife so close.

5. Elizabeth Bay

Ecuador
Excellent
67%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
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0%
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4.5 based on 24 reviews

Elizabeth Bay

Reviewed By HarryR140 - Ramat Hasharon, Israel

A lovely zodiac ride through the quiet back channels in this bay. View turtles and rays in the water, and birds on the shore. A lovely, soothing navigation.

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