Isabela is the largest island in the archipelago, a seahorse-shaped mass of volcanoes with a small, sandy-streeted town, Puerto Villamil, at its southern tip. A day trip from Puerto Ayora crosses by speedboat in about two hours, spends the day with a naturalist guide and returns by afternoon boat. The highlight is Tintoreras islet, a short boat ride from the town, where white-tipped reef sharks rest in a narrow lava channel, marine iguanas bask on the rocks and penguins and blue-footed boobies are often seen. A short snorkel nearby brings turtles, rays and sea lions. On land, the tour usually visits the lagoons behind the town, where flamingos feed in the shallows, and a giant tortoise breeding centre. Los Túneles, the arches and tunnels of lava off Isabela where turtles and seahorses are seen, is a separate boat outing from Puerto Villamil, usually done on an overnight stay, so check what a given day trip includes.
Why go
Isabela feels wilder and quieter than Puerto Ayora, and a day here shows how different each island can be. The crossing is usually a shared public speedboat, so check in and luggage control apply, and the sea can be lively. Once ashore the day is relaxed, with time on the beach in front of Puerto Villamil, where sea lions rest on benches and marine iguanas cross the sand. The Tintoreras visit is the centrepiece, and the guide explains the lava formations while you walk along the channel and look for sharks.
Planning
The speedboat leaves early in the morning and returns in mid-afternoon, so the day is long. Bring a hat, sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, motion sickness tablets and water. Snorkel gear and wetsuits are usually provided, but check the details. Some local costs, such as a municipal entry charge on Isabela and short water taxi rides, are often not included in the tour price, so carry small bills. The national park entry fee, paid in cash on arrival at the island airport, is separate.
Is a day enough? A day trip gives a flavour, but Isabela rewards a night or two. If you can stay, you can add the Sierra Negra volcano hike, Los Túneles snorkeling and the wetlands at a slower pace. If you only have a day, this is the efficient way to see another island without changing hotels.
Because the ferry runs twice a day under a schedule that can change, book your return seat carefully and arrive at the dock early. The trip works well in any month, though water is cooler and rougher in the dry season, so a wetsuit is worth it.
What to expect
The experience
A guided full-day trip by speedboat to Isabela, with a Tintoreras islet boat tour, a snorkel stop and a land visit to lagoons and a tortoise centre.
Best time
Any month works; the dry season brings cooler, rougher water, so take a wetsuit.
How long
About ten hours door to door, including the roughly two-hour crossing each way.
Tips
Take motion sickness tablets, carry small bills for local fees, and be at the dock early for check-in and luggage control.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want a second island without changing hotels.
- Families
- Possible with older children comfortable on a long boat day; snorkeling is optional.
- Couples
- A varied day with sharks, turtles and flamingos, and a relaxed beach stop in the middle.
- Pair with
- A San Cristobal Kicker Rock day, or stay a night on Isabela for Los Túneles.
- Time needed
- A full day; if you can, add a night on Isabela for a slower pace.
Good questions
How do you get to Isabela from Puerto Ayora?+
By speedboat, which takes about two hours each way. Departures are in the morning and afternoon, and check-in and luggage control are required.
Does the day trip include Los Túneles?+
Los Túneles is usually a separate outing from Puerto Villamil, often done on an overnight stay. This day trip centres on Tintoreras islet, so check the itinerary for details.
Will I see sharks?+
White-tipped reef sharks rest in the Tintoreras channel and are usually visible from the path and the water, along with marine iguanas and sometimes penguins.
Are there extra costs on Isabela?+
Often a small municipal entry charge and short water taxi rides, which are commonly not included in tour prices. Carry small bills.
Is a day enough?+
A day gives a good taste, but Isabela rewards a night or two, especially for the volcano hike and Los Túneles snorkeling.
