Boat from Santa Cruz
The cheapest option
Isabela is the largest inhabited island in the Galápagos, yet remains far less developed than Santa Cruz or San Cristóbal. Much of its charm comes from the laid-back atmosphere of Puerto Villamil, with its small local restaurants and beachside bars. From the town's sandy streets, it's only a short walk to the water, where you can snorkel alongside Galápagos penguins, a species found nowhere else on Earth.
The Galápagos has a reputation for being expensive, which can make planning a trip daunting. This guide brings together everything you need to explore Isabela independently, including things to do, where to stay, how to get around and what to budget.
Where Is Isabela Island?
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Plan Your Trip to Isabela
Everything worth making time for while you're here
Cycle to the Wall of Tears
Cycle past beaches and viewpoints to the Wall of Tears, built by prisoners in the 50s, with a chance to spot giant tortoises along the way.
Distance12 km / 7.5 mi return
Time3–5 hours with stops
CostFree
GearBike (approx US$15)
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Snorkel at Concha de Perla
A sheltered snorkelling pool reached by a mangrove boardwalk, where you might see sea turtles, sea lions, rays and even Galápagos penguins.
Time1–2 hours
CostFree
GearSnorkel (approx US$5)
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See Flamingos at Poza de los Flamingos
A shallow lagoon near town where flamingos feed beside a wooden boardwalk, particularly in the early morning or before sunset.
Time30 minutes
CostFree
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Relax at Puerto Villamil Beach
A long white-sand beach beside town, where you can swim, watch marine iguanas resting on the sand and stay for sunset.
TimeAs long as you like
CostFree
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Hike Sierra Negra Volcano and Volcán Chico
Follow Sierra Negra's enormous crater rim towards Volcán Chico, where black lava fields and colourful volcanic rock replace the island's coastal scenery.
Distance16 km / 10 mi
Time6–7 hours
CostUS$70–90
GuideRequired
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Visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre
See giant tortoises from tiny hatchlings to adults at this conservation centre, reached by a boardwalk through the wetlands near Poza de los Flamingos.
Time45–60 minutes
CostUS$10
GuideIncluded
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Hike to Minas de Azufre
A guided hike into Sierra Negra's crater, where bright yellow sulphur deposits and steaming fumaroles offer a closer look at the island's volcanic activity.
Distance4 km / 2.5 mi
Time5–6 hours
CostUS$70–110
GuideRequired
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Snorkel at Los Túneles
Snorkel among volcanic arches and sheltered channels, with chances to see sea turtles, reef sharks, rays and seahorses on this guided boat excursion.
Time4–6 hours
CostUS$135–185
GuideRequired
Take a Boat and Snorkelling Tour to Las Tintoreras
A short boat trip to volcanic islets where marine iguanas gather and white-tip reef sharks rest in narrow channels, followed by snorkelling.
Time2–3 hours
CostUS$55–80
GuideRequired
Kayak around Puerto Villamil Bay
Paddle around Puerto Villamil Bay and the volcanic islets near Las Tintoreras, looking out for sea lions, marine iguanas, penguins and turtles.
Time2–3 hours
CostUS$50–75
GuideRequired
From affordable guesthouses to beachfront hotels
Puerto Villamil is the only town on Isabela Island and where virtually all accommodation is located. It's a small, laid-back coastal town with sandy streets, local restaurants and a long white-sand beach. Everything is within walking distance, making it an easy base for exploring the island.
Looking for a place to stay?
Hostel
Posada del Caminante
Isabela, Galápagos
Budget hotel
Hotel La Gran Tortuga
Isabela, Galápagos
Beachfront hotel
Hotel La Jungla
Isabela, Galápagos
Mid-range hotel
Hotel La Laguna
Isabela, Galápagos
Boutique beachfront hotel
The Isabela Beach House
Isabela, Galápagos
Luxury boutique hotel
Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel
Isabela, Galápagos
Unique places I’d eat and drink at again
Tania Bajo el Puente
A small, family-run restaurant serving homemade Ecuadorian food, including grilled chicken, seafood and corviche. Originally known for its makeshift setup under a tarp beside the beachfront pier.
Hornados Albita (Albita Grill)
A local favourite for traditional Ecuadorian almuerzos, where you can get a filling meal of soup, a main course and a drink for just a few dollars.
Shawarma Hot
A change from the usual seafood and Ecuadorian dishes, with generous shawarmas, falafel wraps, burgers and fresh fruit juices. One of the better options in town for vegetarians.
The Mangrove Restaurant
A slightly more upscale restaurant serving fresh seafood, particularly tuna tataki and ceviche. Its open-air upstairs seating makes it a nice change from the casual restaurants around town.
Yummy Yummy
A little beachfront stand selling freshly made beef, chicken and cheese empanadas. Grab a couple to eat on the beach, but don't leave it too late as they can sell out.
Isabela Grill
A charcoal grill where seafood and steak are cooked at your table, with the grilled lobster tail and octopus the dishes to order. A little pricier than the restaurants around it, but a different evening from the rest of the island.
Pink Iguana Bar
A lively beachfront bar with hammocks, music and tables set directly on the sand. A popular place to watch the sunset, meet other travellers and enjoy a cocktail with marine iguanas wandering nearby.
Zaroa Brewery
A small local craft brewery experimenting with tropical flavours such as passion fruit, coconut and lemongrass. You can sample different beers in its relaxed courtyard, which also has games.
Bar de Beto
A rustic, family-run beach bar with a much quieter atmosphere than Pink Iguana. Known for its cold beers, margaritas and simple beachfront setting, with views straight out over the ocean.
Boats, small planes and exploring without a car
To visit Isabela Island, you'll need to already be in the Galápagos, as there are no direct transport services from mainland Ecuador. The only direct ferry to Isabela departs from Santa Cruz Island, although flying from Baltra or San Cristóbal is also an option. Use the cards below to choose the journey that suits you best.
Plane from Baltra (Santa Cruz Island)
The quickest option
Plane from San Cristóbal
Avoid the detour through Santa Cruz
Book your ferry in advance
From
Santa Cruz
To
Isabela
Departure date
Travellers
Motor vehicles are tightly regulated to protect the Galápagos environment, and car or scooter rentals aren't generally available on Isabela. Explore the options below to see how else you can get around the island.
Walking
Everything within easy reach
Bike rental
Explore beyond the town centre
Taxis
For longer journeys and transfers
What the island is like throughout the year
Isabela can be visited year-round, with two main seasons and a transition between them. Each offers a different experience, so use the cards below to decide which time suits you best.
★ Best Balance
May
Warm weather with fewer drawbacks- Warm, pleasant days without the intense heat and humidity of the hotter months, making it more comfortable to explore the island.
- Rainfall begins to ease, but the island's vegetation is still relatively green following the wetter months.
- Seas are generally calmer and the water remains relatively warm, making boat crossings and water-based activities more enjoyable.
- May falls between the busiest holiday periods, so Puerto Villamil is generally quieter, with accommodation and tours easier to organise.
Warmest & Calmest
December to April
Warm and wetter season- Expect hot, humid days with plenty of sunshine, although short, heavy rain showers are common, particularly from January to April.
- Seas are generally at their calmest and the water is warmer, making this one of the most enjoyable periods for swimming, snorkelling and boat trips.
- The island becomes greener following the rain, although the heat and humidity can make exploring on foot or by bicycle more tiring.
- Christmas, New Year and Easter are popular holiday periods, so accommodation and tours can book out earlier and cost more.
Cooler
June to November
Cooler and drier season- Expect cooler, less humid days with more cloud cover and occasional light mist, although heavy rainfall is uncommon.
- Colder, nutrient-rich ocean currents attract more marine life, but the water is noticeably cooler and visibility can be reduced.
- Seas are generally rougher, particularly from August to September, making boat crossings less comfortable and occasionally affecting tours.
- The island gradually becomes drier and less green, particularly around the coast, while the highlands can remain misty.
- June to August can be busy with holiday visitors, while September to November is generally quieter.
High-level plans for however much time you have
Day 1
Arrive on Isabela and Explore Puerto Villamil
Catch the morning ferry from Santa Cruz and drop your bags at your accommodation. Spend some time on Puerto Villamil Beach, then visit Poza de los Flamingos and the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre. Finish with an afternoon snorkel at Concha de Perla and sunset on the beach.
- Getting there
-
- Take the 7 am ferry from Santa Cruz
- Walk between attractions
- Why this order
- These sights are close together, so you can visit them after arriving without committing to a full-day tour.
- Food & drink
-
- Lunch: Hornados Albita
- Dinner: Tania Bajo el Puente
- Drinks: Pink Iguana Bar
Day 2
Los Túneles or Sierra Negra Volcano
Start early with your choice of guided excursion: snorkel at Los Túneles to look for turtles, sharks and seahorses, or hike Sierra Negra and Volcán Chico for crater views and lava fields. Both take several hours, leaving some time to relax in Puerto Villamil afterwards.
- Getting there
- Transport will be organised with your tour from Puerto Villamil.
- Why this order
- Your only full day is best for a longer guided tour, avoiding conflicts with arrival and departure ferries.
- Food & drink
-
- Lunch: Check whether your tour includes food.
- Dinner: Shawarma Hot
- Drinks: Zaroa Brewery
Day 3
Cycle to the Wall of Tears and Return to Santa Cruz
Hire a bicycle in the morning and ride to the Wall of Tears, stopping at beaches and viewpoints along the way. Return to Puerto Villamil by lunchtime to eat, collect your bags and reach the pier in time for the 3 pm ferry back to Santa Cruz.
- Getting there
- Hire a bike from the centre of town or from your accommodation.
- Why this order
- Cycling can be shortened if needed, making it safer than a timed tour before your ferry.
- Food & drink
-
- Lunch: Quick meal before your ferry.
- Snacks: Bring water and food for the ride.
Day 1
Arrive on Isabela and Explore Puerto Villamil
Catch the morning ferry from Santa Cruz and drop your bags at your accommodation. Spend some time on Puerto Villamil Beach, then visit Poza de los Flamingos and the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre. Finish with an afternoon snorkel at Concha de Perla and sunset on the beach.
- Getting there
-
- Take the 7 am ferry from Santa Cruz
- Walk between attractions
- Why this order
- These sights are close together, so you can visit them after arriving without committing to a full-day tour.
- Food & drink
-
- Lunch: Hornados Albita
- Dinner: Tania Bajo el Puente
- Drinks: Pink Iguana Bar
Day 2
Snorkel at Los Túneles
Start the morning with a boat tour to Los Túneles, where you'll snorkel among volcanic arches and look for sea turtles, reef sharks and seahorses. After returning to Puerto Villamil in the early afternoon, enjoy some free time at the beach or exploring town.
- Getting there
- Transport will be organised with your tour from Puerto Villamil.
- Why this order
- Booking the boat tour early gives you time to rearrange plans if sea conditions are poor.
- Food & drink
-
- Lunch: Check whether your tour includes food.
- Dinner: Shawarma Hot
- Drinks: Zaroa Brewery
Day 3
Hike Sierra Negra Volcano and Volcán Chico
Spend the day exploring Isabela's volcanic landscape on a guided hike to Sierra Negra and Volcán Chico. Walk along the rim of one of the world's largest volcanic craters before continuing through black lava fields and colourful rock formations. Return to Puerto Villamil in the afternoon to relax.
- Getting there
- Transport will be organised with your tour from Puerto Villamil.
- Why this order
- Following Los Túneles with a land-based tour makes it easier to swap days if seas are rough.
- Food & drink
-
- Lunch: Bring a packed lunch.
- Dinner: The Mangrove Restaurant
- Drinks: Bar de Beto
Day 4
Cycle to the Wall of Tears and Return to Santa Cruz
Hire a bicycle in the morning and ride to the Wall of Tears, stopping at beaches and viewpoints along the way. Return to Puerto Villamil by lunchtime to eat, collect your bags and reach the pier in time for the 3 pm ferry back to Santa Cruz.
- Getting there
- Hire a bike from the centre of town or from your accommodation.
- Why this order
- Cycling can be shortened if needed, making it safer than a timed tour before your ferry.
- Food & drink
-
- Lunch: Quick meal before your ferry.
- Snacks: Bring water and food for the ride.
Day 1
Arrive on Isabela and Explore Puerto Villamil
Catch the morning ferry from Santa Cruz and drop your bags at your accommodation. Spend some time on Puerto Villamil Beach, then visit Poza de los Flamingos and the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre. Finish with an afternoon snorkel at Concha de Perla and sunset on the beach.
- Getting there
-
- Take the 7 am ferry from Santa Cruz
- Walk between attractions
- Why this order
- These sights are close together, so you can visit them after arriving without committing to a full-day tour.
- Food & drink
-
- Lunch: Hornados Albita
- Dinner: Tania Bajo el Puente
- Drinks: Pink Iguana Bar
Day 2
Snorkel at Los Túneles
Start the morning with a boat tour to Los Túneles, where you'll snorkel among volcanic arches and look for sea turtles, reef sharks and seahorses. After returning to Puerto Villamil in the early afternoon, enjoy some free time at the beach or exploring town.
- Getting there
- Transport will be organised with your tour from Puerto Villamil.
- Why this order
- Booking the boat tour early gives you time to rearrange plans if sea conditions are poor.
- Food & drink
-
- Lunch: Check whether your tour includes food.
- Dinner: Shawarma Hot
- Drinks: Zaroa Brewery
Day 3
Hike Sierra Negra Volcano and Volcán Chico
Spend the day exploring Isabela's volcanic landscape on a guided hike to Sierra Negra and Volcán Chico. Walk along the rim of one of the world's largest volcanic craters before continuing through black lava fields and colourful rock formations. Return to Puerto Villamil in the afternoon to relax.
- Getting there
- Transport will be organised with your tour from Puerto Villamil.
- Why this order
- Following Los Túneles with a land-based tour makes it easier to swap days if seas are rough.
- Food & drink
-
- Lunch: Bring a packed lunch.
- Dinner: The Mangrove Restaurant
- Drinks: Bar de Beto
Day 4
Explore Las Tintoreras and Relax on the Beach
Take a morning boat tour to Las Tintoreras, where you'll walk across volcanic islets, spot marine iguanas and look for white-tip reef sharks resting in the lava channels. Most tours also include snorkelling. Spend the afternoon relaxing at Puerto Villamil Beach or exploring more of the town.
- Getting there
- Transport will be organised with your tour from Puerto Villamil.
- Why this order
- The shorter tour provides a breather after two longer excursions and keeps departure day free of fixed bookings.
- Food & drink
-
- Lunch: Yummy Yummy
- Dinner: Isabela Grill
- Drinks: Pink Iguana Bar
Day 5
Cycle to the Wall of Tears and Return to Santa Cruz
Hire a bicycle in the morning and ride to the Wall of Tears, stopping at beaches and viewpoints along the way. Return to Puerto Villamil by lunchtime to eat, collect your bags and reach the pier in time for the 3 pm ferry back to Santa Cruz.
- Getting there
- Hire a bike from the centre of town or from your accommodation.
- Why this order
- Cycling can be shortened if needed, making it safer than a timed tour before your ferry.
- Food & drink
-
- Lunch: Quick meal before your ferry.
- Snacks: Bring water and food for the ride.
What it’ll actually cost you and where you can save
Your Isabela Island budget
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Your Isabela Island budget in
a day
- Accommodation
- Food
- Transport
- Miscellaneous
- Activities
- Fees and flights
International flights and travel insurance are not included.
Breakdown
Total per person
Want to explore more of the Galápagos?
Galápagos Islands Travel Guide
Typical Costs on Isabela Island
- Accommodation
- US$17–45 / night
- Meals
- US$10–17 / meal
- Ferry from Santa Cruz
- US$50 / one way
- Isabela entry fee
- US$10 / person
- Bicycle hire
- US$10–15 / day
- Guided day tours
- US$90–130 / tour
You can experience some of the best of Isabela without spending a lot. Here are five ways to keep costs down while still enjoying the island.
-
Make the Most of Free Activities
Some of Isabela's best attractions, including Concha de Perla, the Wall of Tears, Poza de los Flamingos and Puerto Villamil Beach, are completely free to visit.
-
Hire a Bicycle
Rather than paying for transport to the Wall of Tears, hire a bicycle for around US$10–15 and explore the beaches and viewpoints along the way at your own pace.
-
Eat Where the Locals Eat
Look for restaurants serving almuerzos, traditional Ecuadorian set lunches that usually include soup, a main course and a drink for a fraction of the price of tourist restaurants.
-
Prioritise Your Paid Tours
Guided excursions are one of the biggest expenses on Isabela. If you're on a tight budget, choose between Los Túneles for marine wildlife and Sierra Negra for hiking rather than booking every tour.
-
Compare Prices Before Booking
Compare ferry and tour prices online and with local agencies, as rates can vary. Some tour operators may also offer a small discount if you pay in cash.
