Isabela Island Day Tour from Santa Cruz
Galapagos Island Hopping Experience
Discover the largest island in the Galapagos with a full-day tour to Isabela Island from Santa Cruz. Explore volcanic landscapes, wetlands, and mangroves, visit a giant tortoise breeding center, and snorkel with marine wildlife at Las Tintoreras Islet.
This Galapagos island hopping experience combines wildlife, adventure, and scenic beauty, making it one of the most complete day tours in the archipelago.
Tour Overview
Departure
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Duration
Full day
Location
(Puerto Villamil)
Price
From $379
Tour Description
Isabela Island is the largest island in the Galapagos, formed by six merged volcanoes and known for its dramatic landscapes and rich biodiversity. This full-day tour begins with a speedboat ride from Santa Cruz to Puerto Villamil, offering a unique island-hopping experience.
Once on the island, you will visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center, where you can learn about conservation efforts and observe giant tortoises. Continue with a guided walk through wetlands and mangrove ecosystems, home to flamingos, marine iguanas, and migratory birds.
The adventure continues with a visit to Las Tintoreras Islet, where you will walk across lava formations and observe sea lions, iguanas, and reef sharks. The tour also includes a snorkeling session, allowing you to swim with diverse marine life.
This tour offers a complete experience of Isabela Island, combining wildlife observation, snorkeling, and cultural exploration.
Itinerary
Note: The itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions and Galapagos National Park regulations.
Morning
Meeting point
transfer to the pier in Puerto Ayora
Morning
Speedboat ride to
Puerto Villamil (Isabela Island)
Morning
Visit to Arnaldo Tupiza
Tortoise Breeding Center
Midday
Guided walk
through wetlands and mangroves
Midday
Wildlife
observation
Midday
Lunch
at a local restaurant
Midday
Boat ride
to Las Tintoreras Islet
Midday
Guided walk
over lava formations
Midday
Snorkeling
session
Afternoon
Return
boat ride to Santa Cruz
What’s Included
- Round trip transportation (Santa Cruz – Isabela)
- Speedboat transfers
- Land transportation
- Water taxis
- Certified bilingual naturalist guide
- Snorkeling equipment (mask and fins)
- Lunch in Isabela
- Coffee, tea, and purified water during navigation
- Excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- Isabela Municipal Tax ($10 per person)
What’s Not Included
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Additional alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Galapagos National Park entrance fee
- Transit Control Card (TCT)
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guide and crew
- Fuel surcharge (if applicable)
Recommendations
- Comfortable walking shoes for uneven terrain
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Light clothing and swimsuit
- Towel
- Reusable water bottle
- Waterproof bag for personal items
- Motion sickness pills (recommended for speedboat)
Why Visit Isabela Island
Isabela Island offers one of the most diverse landscapes in the Galapagos, combining volcanoes, wetlands, mangroves, and rich marine ecosystems. It is one of the best destinations to observe wildlife, including flamingos, giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and reef sharks.
This tour is ideal for travelers looking for a complete island-hopping experience that includes both land exploration and snorkeling in a single day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isabela Island Tour
How do you get to Isabela Island from Santa Cruz?
The tour includes a speedboat ride from Puerto Ayora to Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island.
What wildlife can I see on this tour?
You can see giant tortoises, flamingos, marine iguanas, sea lions, reef sharks, and tropical fish.
Is snorkeling included in the tour?
Yes, snorkeling is included at Las Tintoreras Islet and equipment is provided.
Is the speedboat ride rough?
The ride can be rough depending on sea conditions, so motion sickness medication is recommended.
Is this tour suitable for everyone?
This tour is suitable for most travelers, but it involves boat transfers and moderate walking.