Isabela Island Travel Guide
The most volcanically active island in Galapagos
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Also known as Albemarte Island, Isla Isabela is the largest island of the Galapagos and also the youngest. Straddling the Equator, directly on top of the archipelago’s volcanic hotspot, Isabela is one of the most volcanically active islands in the world, the most recent eruption being Sierra Negra in October 2005. The island itself is the fusion of five active and one dormant volcanoes – Alcedo (1,100 m), Cerro Azul (1,250 m), Darwin (1,280 m), Ecuador (600 m), Sierra Negra (1,500 m) and Wolf (1,650m). Here, numerous eruptions have seen molten lava pour from each, solidifying into barren, inhospitable “impassable zones” which have kept land lovers on the island entirely apart, resulting in five different endemic subspecies of giant tortoise.
Being such a young island, Isabela is fascinating from a geological perspective and equally so for its interesting flora and fauna. Besides a few pioneering plants, the lava fields do not offer sufficient nutrients for much in the way of plant life, but small pockets of shrubbery taking hold in some areas and woodland on the southern slopes of Sierra Negra, offer evidence of plant succession.
The nutrient rich Cromwell Current from the west results in seas full of marine life. Some 16 species of whales have been identified in these waters, including humpback, sperm, minke and orca, as well as dolphin, an incredible variety of fish and the Galapagos penguin. Along the rocky shores and inland lagoons live Sally Lightfoot crabs, endemic Darwin finches, Galapagos hawks, flightless cormorants, Galapagos doves, pelicans, blue herons and the pink flamingo.
Attractions in Isabela Island
Once a favourite pirate hideaway, Isabela, named by Columbus after the Spanish Queen, is home to some of the most fascinating wildlife on the archipelago, but as most of the landing sites are on the far west coast it is only really accessible to people on the longer trips, or spending some time staying in the small town of Puerto Villamil on the south of the island.
Activities in Isabela Island
Isabela Island offers some of the best options for activities in Galapagos. Besides the standard landings and snorkelling, you can also hike, horse ride or hire some bikes. In recent years camping and kayaking have also been an option, but current restrictions by the Galapagos Park Service mean you should check locally before planning your trip around this.
Relaxing
After a tough morning of marvelling at nature and a decent lunch, curl up on the deck of your boat – or find a hammock on the veranda of your cosy hotel in Puerto Villamil – for a short siesta and contemplate the enchanted isles.
Getting Around
If visiting sites away from the town of Puerto Villamil, your Galapagos vessel will bring you to the island, and a smaller motor boat will carry you to shore.
There are more options around Puerto Villamil, including taxi, hired boat, foot, horseback, bus and bike. Find out more in the ‘Great Places to Visit’ profile for this tiny little town.
Daily flight serves Puerto Villamil from Baltra (subject to demand) and there is also a daily boat shuttle to Puerto Ayora.
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