Ecuador’s Isabela Island offers incredible natural beauty, unique wildlife, and a variety of exciting activities, making it a must-visit destination.
Isabela Island is one of the hidden gems of the Galapagos Islands located in Ecuador. Known for its stunning natural beauty, incredible wildlife, and rich history, Isabela Island is the ideal place for an unforgettable nature adventure.
With active volcanoes, stunning beaches, and the chance to see a variety of rare species, Isabela Island offers a truly diverse travel experience. Here are some of the main attractions, interesting activities, and important information about this beautiful island.
Also Read
Isabela Island Attractions
Isabela Island has several natural attractions and wildlife that make it one of the most attractive destinations in the Galapagos Islands.
1. Sierra Negra Volcano
One of the main attractions of Isabela Island is the Sierra Negra Volcano, which is famous for having the largest basaltic caldera in the Galapagos Islands. This mountain has a spectacular natural panorama.
The caldera has a diameter of more than 10 kilometers and offers extraordinary views from above. To reach the top, visitors must drive and continue the journey by hiking or even riding a horse.
Apart from the stunning natural scenery, visitors can also see various kinds of sparrows that adorn the area around the volcano. This natural beauty makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations on Isabela Island.
2. Elizabeth Bay
Located on the east coast of Isabela Island, Elizabeth Bay is a great place for snorkeling. The clear waters allow visitors to enjoy the rich marine life, including sea lions, sharks, brightly colored fish, and the occasional whale.
Visitors can also see Galapagos penguins occasionally diving for food, as well as blue-footed boobies that are often seen on the surrounding rocks. Elizabeth Bay is also home to a variety of other wildlife species, such as sea turtles, herons and stingrays.
3. Urbina Bay
For nature enthusiasts looking to get up close to wildlife, Urbina Bay is a must-visit. Located on the southwest side of Isabela Island, Urbina Bay offers trails that lead to drier, rockier areas. Here, tourists can see giant tortoises and land iguanas that often roam along the beach and in the surrounding area. One of the main attractions in Urbina Bay is the chance to see the flightless cormorants, a very unique species that can only be found in the Galapagos Islands.
4. Wall of Tears
For those interested in human history on Isabela Island, the Wall of Tears is a fascinating place to visit. Located about 6 kilometers from Puerto Villamil, the Wall of Tears has a tragic story linked to the island’s past.
From 1945 to 1959, a penal colony was built on the island, and prisoners were forced to build a 25-meter-high stone wall. Many lives were lost during the construction of this wall, and this dark history provides insight into the dark side of Isabela Island’s past.
Interesting Activities in Isabela Island
Isabela Island also offers a variety of exciting activities that allow tourists to enjoy the natural beauty while seeing rare wildlife.
1. Wildlife Observation
Isabela Island is an excellent place to observe rare and protected wildlife. At Tagus Cove, visitors can observe a variety of land-dwelling birds, including sparrows, yellow warblers, and Galapagos hawks.
It is also not uncommon to see land iguanas relaxing in the sun, as well as giant tortoises that are very old.
In addition, visitors can also enjoy a unique experience when seeing marine iguanas and various species of birds that are only found in the Galapagos Islands. For bird watchers, Isabela Island is a paradise to spot the various rare bird species that live here.
2. Snorkeling and Diving
With rich marine life, snorkeling and diving are very popular activities on Isabela Island. In Elizabeth Bay and other snorkeling spots, visitors can enjoy the beauty of coral reefs, colorful tropical fish, and various marine species, such as sea turtles, sharks, and stingrays. The clear sea water allows visitors to see the underwater life very clearly.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
The weather in the Galapagos Islands, including Isabela Island, is influenced by two main seasons: the dry season and the wet season.
1. Dry Season (June to December)
The dry season in the Galapagos, which lasts from June to December, is the best time for wildlife watching.
During this season, the skies are clear and rain is very rare, providing the perfect opportunity to wander around and observe the many species that live on Isabela Island.
Some of the animals that can be seen during the dry season include giant tortoises, humpback whales, blue-footed boobies, cormorants, and penguins.
For divers, the dry season is also the best time to dive, as water temperatures tend to be cooler and sea conditions more stable.
2. Rainy Season (January to May)
The rainy season in the Galapagos lasts from January to May, with warmer temperatures and more frequent rain. Despite the warmer water temperatures, this season is still enjoyable for those interested in snorkeling and diving, as the sea temperature is more comfortable.
During the rainy season, tourists can observe various other species such as marine iguanas, sea turtles, and various types of birds that come to the island to nest.
Isabela Island Wildlife
One of the biggest attractions of Isabela Island is the diversity of wildlife that can be found here. Isabela Island’s unique ecosystem is influenced by extensive lava fields, which create vegetation and habitats that are different from the other Galapagos islands.
1. Giant Tortoise
Isabela Island is famous for its giant tortoises, the symbol of the Galapagos Islands. The subspecies of giant tortoises that live on this island have evolved in a unique way due to the presence of lava fields that hinder their movement.
These tortoises can be found in many places on the island, including Urbina Bay and Tagus Cove.
2. Galapagos Penguins
Isabela Island is also home to the Galapagos penguin, the only penguin species that lives close to the equator. These penguins can be seen diving in the cold waters around the island, especially around Elizabeth Bay.
3. Land and Marine Iguanas
Isabela Island is a perfect place to see both land and marine iguanas. Land iguanas can be found roaming along the beaches, while marine iguanas are often seen basking on hot rocks or diving for food in the surrounding waters.
Isabela Island in Ecuador is the perfect destination for nature and wildlife lovers. With stunning volcanoes, rich marine life and a variety of exciting activities such as snorkeling, horse riding and wildlife watching, the island offers an unforgettable travel experience.
Whether in the dry or rainy season, Christmas Island always offers stunning natural beauty and the opportunity to explore one of the most unique places in the world.
