ISABELA ISLAND GALAPAGOS
TRAVEL & CRUISES
Shaped like a sea horse, Isabela is the largest of the the islands in the Galapagos, more than 4 times larger than Santa Cruz the next largest. Isabela is 80 miles (100 km) in length and though it is remarkably beautiful it is not one of the most visited islands in the chain. Its visitor sites are far apart making them accessible only to faster boats or those with longer itineraries.
One of the youngest islands, Isabela is located on the western edge of the archipelago near the Galapagos hot spot. At approximately 1 million years old, the island was formed by the merger of 6 shield volcanoes - Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra and Wolf. All of these volcanoes except Ecuador are still active making it one of the most volcanically active places on earth. Visitors cruising past Elizabeth Bay on the west coast can see evidence of this activity in the fumaroles rising from Volcan Chico on Sierra Negra.
Two of the volcanoes Ecuador and Volcan Wolf lie directly on the Ecuador.
TOURS AND EXCURSIONS IN ISABELA
Sierra negra volcano
Sierra Negra is located 13 miles from Puerto Villamil and boasts the world's second largest volcanic crater, measuring 6 miles in diameter and 300 metres deep. This volcano has three visitor sites:La Bocanilla
Volcan Chico
Volcan de Azufre
El estero
The trail to the Estero
allows you to closely observe the mangrove
eco systems unique to Isabela and the largest
black mangrove trees in Galapagos.
It is one of the most unique, interesting
visitor sites in the archipelago. Here a
fresh water spring forms a river during low
tide that flows into a sandy bay where various
sea birds and marine life can be observed.
Los tuneles
Los Tuneles are located
approx. 60 minutes by boat from Puerto Villamil.
This site is one of the most spectacular
places for snorkelling in Isabela as the
water is shallow, clear and calm. This marine
sanctuary is characterized by its unique
geologic formations.
A series of lava flows have produced a number
of arches and tunnels both under and above
water, where you find a number of animal
species that have taken up residence in
these magnificent formations.
The entry into this site is shallow and
the waves can be quite strong, for this
reason it is not always feasible to enter
this site. The best season to visit is between
the months of January .
Wall of tears
The Wall of Tears is a
historic site in Isabela. Between 1946 and
1959 Isabela was a penal colony, where prisoners
were made build a wall with huge blocks
of lava as punishment.
The wall is 100 metres long and 7 metres
high. Due to the arduous labour and harsh
conditions in which the prisoners lived,
this site is known as the wall of tears.
A set of stairs provides a bird's eye view
of the wall and the surrounding landscape.
You can still see the cement foundations
of the USA base dating back to the Second
World War.
Giant Tortoise Breeding Center
A 1.2km trail passes from
Puerto Villamil to the Breeding Center through
various ecosystems. Along the trail you
will see many different types of plants
and animals in the lagoon and mangrove,
dry forest and lava ecosystems that are
found only on Galapagos.
In the Breeding Centre you will be able
to observe tortoises of all ages and sizes.
You will also learn about the reproduction
and rearing of giant tortoises and see all
the work that is being carried out to help
recover the wild populations of these species.
There is also a visitor's centre and a gift
shop where local handmade products are sold.
Las Tintoreras
A short distance from Puerto Villamil is
the small island known as 'Las Tintoreras'.
Here a colony of white tip sharks can often
be seen resting in a lava canal. You can
snorkel or swim in the unique habitat of
these animals.
Nearby hundreds of marine iguanas can be
observed, as 'Las Tintoreras' is one of
their main breeding sites. On the nearby
sandy beaches, sea lions play and relax
in the sun. This is one of Isabela's most
beautiful visitor sites.
Concha de Perla
This is the perfect spot for those who love swimming or snorkelling! Concha de Perla is a shallow, calm bay with crystal clear water that allows you to enjoy the fascinating marine life of Galapagos. If you are lucky you will be able to swim with sea lions and penguins.
ISABELA ISLAND GALAPAGOS CRUISES
SIERRA NEGRA VOLCANO
POZA ESCONDIDA
CONCHA DE PERLA
WALL OF TEARS
LOS TUNELES
