Even though Isabela Island is more than one million years old, it’s still one of the youngest islands in the Galápagos. It's also the archipelago's biggest, and it serves as a convenient base for exploring some of the world’s most biodiverse landscapes. It goes without saying that things to do on Isabela Island revolve around wildlife, whether you’re snorkeling among spotted eagle rays and marine iguanas in the Concha de Perla lagoon, hiking to the colossal crater of the Sierra Negra Volcano, or spotting blue-footed boobies perched on the jet-black volcanic formations of Las Tintoreras.
While wildlife on the Galápagos is abundant year-round, the warm season (which begins in December and runs through May) coincides with sea turtle breeding and is when sea lions, land birds, and penguins are most active. It’s also when sea conditions are at their calmest, an important thing to note if you suffer from sea sickness. Even in the summer, the boat rides between islands can be rocky.
Isabela Island doesn’t have an airport; the main airports in the Galápagos are on San Cristóbal and Baltra islands, just off the northern tip of Santa Cruz Island. Some multi-tour days of the Galápagos will pick you up at the airport, but speedboats also depart regularly for Isabela Island from Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz; the journey takes around two hours. It’s easy to walk around Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island’s main town, but you’ll need transport to explore beyond.
Many travelers think the majority of Galápagos wildlife is confined to the water, but Isabela Island’s volcanic landscapes draw birders from all over the world. Head to the Sierra Negra Volcano to embark on the gentle hike to the crater rim; along the way, you’re likely to see some of the seven finch species. Later, check out the rocky islets of Elizabeth Bay, where you can spot blue-footed boobies and penguins.
