Things to Do on Isabela, Galapagos: Best Tours and a 3-Day Plan

Isabela is the largest island in Galapagos and one of the most peaceful: sandy streets, flamingos in the lagoons and penguins swimming near the dock. As a local agency, we tell you what to do on Isabela, which tours are worth it and how to plan 2 or 3 days on the island.

🚤 How to get to Isabela

Isabela has no direct flights from the mainland. The usual way is to fly to Santa Cruz and take the Santa Cruz – Isabela ferry, which takes about two hours. There are also inter-island small planes if you prefer to save time. We recommend staying at least two nights to make the most of the tours.

🌋 The best tours on Isabela

Los Tuneles: the best snorkeling on the island

Lava arches and bridges in the middle of the sea, where you snorkel with sea turtles, reef sharks, rays and seahorses. On the way it is common to see blue-footed boobies. It is the most requested tour on Isabela and has limited spaces. See the Los Tuneles tour.

Sierra Negra and Chico Volcano

A hike in the highlands to the rim of one of the largest calderas in the world, and then across colorful lava fields to Chico Volcano. Bring good shoes, water and sunscreen. See the Sierra Negra tour.

Tintoreras Islet and Concha de Perla

Short tours close to the port: at Tintoreras you walk among marine iguanas and see white-tip reef sharks resting in a channel; at Concha de Perla you snorkel with sea lions and, with luck, penguins. You can also do it by kayak. See the Tintoreras tour · See kayak and Concha de Perla.

Wall of Tears and Breeding Center

A bike ride along the coast to the Wall of Tears, a historic site of the old penal colony, and the giant tortoise Breeding Center. Ideal for the afternoon of your arrival day. See the tour.

For adventurers

If you like hiking, there is also Trillizos Volcano, the Sulfur Mines and the organic farm in the highlands.

📅 Example: 3 days on Isabela

1. Day 1: ferry from Santa Cruz, check-in and an afternoon bike ride to the Wall of Tears and the Breeding Center.
2. Day 2: Los Tuneles tour with snorkeling.
3. Day 3: morning at Sierra Negra Volcano or Tintoreras, and the return ferry in the afternoon.

Want an all-inclusive plan? The Adventure Package combines Santa Cruz and Isabela with hotel, ferry and tours. You can also build your day-by-day itinerary with our trip planner.

💡 Tips from our guides

• Isabela has few ATMs: bring enough cash from Santa Cruz.
• Book Los Tuneles in advance; spaces fill up fast.
• If you get seasick on boats, take your pill 30 minutes before the ferry.
• Isabela tours depart from Isabela: you need to stay overnight on the island to do them.

Can we help with your Isabela trip? Message us on WhatsApp with your dates and we will put together your plan with hotel, ferry and tours.