Our most recommended things to do in Isabela Island, Galapagos Islands

Isabela Galapagos: Tintoreras snorkel tour.

1. Isabela Galapagos: Tintoreras snorkel tour.

On this half-day tour, dive into the world of the Galapagos with a naturalist guide by your side. Experience this unique biosphere on a hike around the lava-rock landscape of Las Tintoreras to see iguanas, penguins, and sea lions. Later, snorkel in the clear waters with your small group. Begin your tour in Puerto Villamil with the convenience of hotel pickup. Once you've met your guide, prepare for your tour by selecting your snorkeling gear before you head to the water. Then, embark the vessel and chart a course for the small islets of Las Tintoreras. Continue your adventure as you disembark and begin exploring the islands on foot. During your hike, watch for unique fauna, including marine iguanas, Galapagos penguins, and blue-footed boobies. Admire the scenic natural beauty of the island landscape. After your hike, don your snorkeling gear and hit the water for a refreshing swim. The clear waters around the islets offer a stunning window into the underwater realm of the Galapagos. Along the way, you may see sea lions and turtles sunning themselves on the rocks. Once you've explored the islets, return to Puerto Villamil with your group to conclude your tour.

Conquer Sierra Negra Volcano! Expedition to the lava fields

2. Conquer Sierra Negra Volcano! Expedition to the lava fields

Get ready to be captivated into the fascinating realms of volcanology, plant life, captivating landscapes, intriguing history, and incredible adventures awaiting you in the Galápagos at the third active largest caldera in the world. During this immersive half-day excursion spanning 6 hours, you'll hike 16 kilometers with an expert bilingual tour guide where you will explore the active zone of the volcano, observe the enormous cracks inside of the caldera, walk over volcanic formations, lava tunnels, be inside of the tuff cones and scenic formations of the northern flank of the volcano. You will feel like you are inside of the moon, totally different experience. At the end viewpoint you will observe the north side of the island and a 360 view of the majesty and energy of the volcano with different colors. We've taken care of all the essentials for your comfort and convenience during the tour. Your package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an expert tour guide, transportation, and a delicious box lunch with options suitable for various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. We kindly ask you to inform us of any specific dietary restrictions you may have.

From Isabela: Cabo Rosa Tunnels, Hiking and Snorkeling Tour

3. From Isabela: Cabo Rosa Tunnels, Hiking and Snorkeling Tour

Enjoy a day tour to Cabo Rosa Tuneles, which is the result of lava platforms that collapsed into the sea, which created hundreds of lava tunnels and bridges of lava, above and below the water. The tunnels are a marine paradise and are an amazing place to spot marine life while snorkeling in the clear waters surrounded by scenic lava formations of different colors and a clear blue sky. This place is home to many species such as white-tip reef sharks, manta rays, seahorses, penguins, sea turtles, sea lions, giant mantas, colorful fish, and blue-footed boobies. Discover the flora and fauna of this unique and best spot for snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands

Los Tuneles Day Tour (Isabela Island)

4. Los Tuneles Day Tour (Isabela Island)

Description: Early in the morning, at 07:15 or 11:00 am, after wondering a delicious breakfast, you will embark on a must-do day trip to one of the most biodiverse sites in the Galapagos, Los Tuneles -or The Tunnels in English- also known as Cabo Rosa. They are unique geological formations, a series of arcs and tunnels underneath and above the water, located 1 hour riding from Puerto Villamil Pier. The first spot is in Roca Union a small islet located in the open sea were watching majestic pelicans, blue footed boobies and Nazca Boobies and, occasionally, sea lions resting on the rocks makes your terrific journey. This site is an ideal place for snorkeling due to its crystal-clear and shallow waters, so there is possible to swim next to sea turtles, white-tipped sharks, trumpetfish and surgeon fish. It is also able to see eagle and golden rays. The second and principle spot is in Los Tuneles where you will be allowed to do more snorkeling and enjoy some short trail observing the landscape and teeming wildlife. Cabo Rosa is heaven to sea turtles, marine iguanas, sea lions, blue footed boobies, royal frigate, eagle rays, penguins, lobsters, sea snakes, a variety of birds, among other species. Hot box lunch will be served aboard. It is recommended to wear a wetsuit in order to neutralize the sea temperature, because it falls below 20ºC from June to November and it is up to 27ºC from December to May. Departure: at 7:15 am or 11:00 am from Puerto Villamil Pier Returning time: approximately at 1:30 pm or 5:00 pm Travel Time: speed boat ride takes around 1 hour (August – October the seas can be quite rough). Adventurers with back or neck injuries are not advised to take this journey. Difficulty Level: intermediate Highlight activity: walking and snorkeling Transportation: speed boat Important: day before of the tour all passengers must be at 5:00 pm in the Galapagos Path for wetsuit fitting.

Sulfur fumaroles spectacle: Inside the volcano expedition

5. Sulfur fumaroles spectacle: Inside the volcano expedition

Sulfur Fumaroles Spectacle: Inside the Sierra Negra Volcano Expedition is a captivating adventure that takes you deep into the heart of an active volcano with the 3rd active largest caldera in the world in Isabela Island. This is a 4h30 exploration perfect for thrill-seekers, nature enthusiasts, and those with a passion for Earth's geological marvels, this expedition promises an adventure like no other. 1. Explore the Unknown: Embark on a journey into the mysterious world beneath the Earth's surface, where you'll encounter otherworldly sulfur fumaroles and lava formations, we will drive along the flanks of the volcano and see the enormous caldera. 2. Surreal Sulfuric Landscapes: Witness surreal landscapes as you navigate through the volcanic terrain, petrified ferns, endemic tree ferns, where billowing sulfuric clouds and steaming vents create an eerie, ethereal atmosphere. 3. Expert Guided: Led by experienced guides, this expedition ensures safety while offering fascinating insights into the geological and scientific wonders of volcanic activity. 4. Up-Close Encounters: Get up close and personal with active sulfur vents, we will start the exploration walking 4 km total inside of the caldera of the volcano, allowing you to witness the raw power and beauty of nature's forces. 5. Observe closer the volcanic rock composed by iron, silica and sulfur and the crystal formation. After the exploration, we will have a picnic in front of the caldera to eat a delicious lunch included in your tour. You will be in a group with a tour guide who will share unique insights about the unique volcanology of Galapagos and this active volcano.

Frequently asked questions about Isabela Island, Galapagos Islands

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