2025 Isabela Island Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

Isla Isabela is one of those rare places on Earth that feels untouched and wild, sitting right in the middle of the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Mexico. This remote island is home to colonies of blue-footed boobies that let you get incredibly close, and its rocky shores are filled with iguanas warming in the sun. Beneath the surface, the scuba diving is spectacular—crystal-clear waters, schools of colorful fish, and volcanic reefs full of life. Reaching Isla Isabela isn’t simple: you either book a tour from Puerto Vallarta or, for the adventurous, sail across the open sea as we did. That journey makes the experience even more rewarding, because when you finally step ashore, it feels like entering a secret world where nature rules. #IslaIsabela #MexicoTravel #ScubaDiving

[Encounter with Blue-footed Booby | Blue-footed Booby 🐦] — Encounter with wild seabirds on Isabela Island — 📍 [Where to meet them] They are often seen on the rocks around Punta Morena and the Tintoreras Islands, and on the coast around Puerto Villamil  . ✨Recommended points – Their trademark is the bright light blue feet on their feet, which is irresistible for wild bird fans! – Their dance, their posture on land, and their behavior are truly adorable and moving – You also have the chance to see them flying and diving into the sea while snorkeling or on a boat tour! 🎒 Tips – Bring binoculars and a telephoto camera so you can enjoy their expressions – Walking on the rocks is slippery, so wear comfortable shoes – Boobys are especially active during the breeding season. The best time to go is June to August! #Absolutely free trip #Galapagos Islands #Isabela Island

[Sunset on Isabela Island | A moving moment of nature in the Galapagos] — Sunset on Isabela Island is the moment when the earth gently breathes. The sea and sky blend together to create a breathtaking view. — 📍[Location and Timing] Beautiful sunset spots are dotted on the west coast of the island, such as Puerto Villamil and Elizabeth Bay. The sun slowly sinks to the west, and a fantastic color show begins around 18:05-18:10 (June). ✨Recommended points • The sun setting over the Pacific Ocean has a gradation of orange to purple. The light reflected on the shore dyes the water like a canvas. • Wild iguanas can be seen standing on the beach at dusk. You can feel a quiet collaboration with nature. • The silhouettes of volcanoes such as Sierra Negra emerge in the background, creating a dramatic evening scene. • The sound of waves and chirping of birds is the background music. It's the best time to take a deep breath and relax while watching the sunset. 🎒Tips - Get ready at the beach or pier before 6pm! The best time is the 15 minutes before sunset. - Bring a light jacket. The sea breeze is cold, so it feels chilly especially after the sun goes down. - When taking photos with a camera or smartphone, it's best to compose your shot with the horizon and the reflection of the sea in mind. The silhouette looks great. - It's also nice to view it from a cafe or hotel along the sea. You'll feel the fatigue of your trip slowly melt away. #AbsolutelyFreeTrip #GalapagosIslands #IsabelaIsland

[PearlShell (ConchadePerla) | A natural snorkel pool surrounded by mangroves to enjoy on Isabela Island 🌿] — A clear seawater pool quietly nestled in the mangroves, close to Puerto Villamil — 📍 [Location / Access] A 5-minute walk from downtown Puerto Villamil, or a short bike or taxi ride away. Arrive by walking along a wooden boardwalk. Free admission, no guide needed.  ⸻ ✨ Recommended points • Enjoy snorkeling casually in the clear, quiet sea • There is a chance to encounter a variety of marine life, including sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, penguins, and small sharks • A healing space where you can feel close to nature in a calm atmosphere surrounded by mangroves ⸻ 🎒 Tips It is best to visit early in the morning or in the morning. The water is very clear and the creatures are very active.  The water temperature can be cold, so it's best to wear a wetsuit or rash guard. You can rent snorkeling equipment in Puerto Villamil. Bring light gear with you. Be careful as the wooden pier and water's edge are slippery. #AbsolutelyFreeTrip #GalapagosIslands #IsabelaIsland

Isla Isabela, the largest of the Galapagos Islands, is an island where you can live in nature and get extremely close to wild animals. The highlight of this island is the free snorkeling spot where you can swim with sea lions. As you swim, the curious sea lions will approach you and you can have the dreamlike experience of swimming side by side. ⸻ 📍Main experience spots ・Concha de Perla → Accessible from near the port/Free snorkeling spot with high transparency → Area where sea lions, marine iguanas, sea turtles, etc. normally swim ・Galapagos penguin observation → Penguins live on the coast of Isabela Island, even though it is directly under the equator → You can encounter wild penguins in the water or on the rocks ・Beach & Sunset → The beaches on the island are untouched and are great spots for watching the sunset. ⸻ 🕰️Visiting Information ・Visits are possible all year round/The sea is calm and suitable for snorkeling from December to May (warm and highly transparent) 💸Estimated costs (as of 2024) ・Concha de Perla: Free ・Snorkel mask rental: 5 to 10 US dollars per day ・Isabela Island entrance fee: 10 US dollars (paid in cash when entering the island) ⸻ 🌟Points ・Wild animals and humans are very close, but it is important to be aware of coexistence ・The number of penguins is limited, so you are very lucky if you can see them ・It is rare even in the Galapagos to be able to experience authentic snorkeling for free ・Sunset time is a luxurious time just to sit on the beach and watch ・Although it is a tourist destination, the atmosphere of island life, which retains a rustic atmosphere, is also attractive ⸻ #IsabelaIsabela #Galapagos Islands #Swimming with sea lions #Galapagos penguins #Peru trip #South American nature #Around the world

Island Hopping-Isabela Island We first took a boat from Santa Cruz Island to Isabela Island. Upon arrival, we transferred to a small boat for a one-hour tour, where we saw Galapagos penguins, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, cormorants, sea lions, and sea turtles. Afterward, we visited a small island and walked along a volcanic rock path, where we could see many nurse sharks waiting in the channel by the shore and sea turtles swimming back and forth. Finally, we returned to the dock by boat, then traveled by car to the residential area of Isabela Island for lunch. After the meal, we visited the Giant Tortoise Conservation Center and Flamingo Lake (which had only a few flamingos), before returning to the Isabela Island dock by car and then taking a boat back to Santa Cruz Island. Images 2-7: Marine iguanas are primarily found in the Galapagos Islands and are the only semi-marine lizards in existence. They have special physiological structures adapted for marine life, including a flat tail, sharp claws, developed muscles, and fierce eyes. The spiny crest on their back is clearly defined, indicating they are formidable creatures not to be messed with. Despite their fierce appearance, they have remarkably gentle temperaments and never attack humans unprovoked. Their favorite activity is sunbathing while dozing off. According to the IUCN Red List, they are classified as "Vulnerable." Images 10-14: Blue-footed Boobies The Sulidae family includes nine species, such as blue-footed boobies and Cape gannets, mainly distributed in tropical and temperate seas. Blue-footed boobies inhabit the islands of the eastern Pacific. The most distinctive feature of blue-footed boobies is their pair of bright blue feet. These colorful webbed feet play an important role in courtship: during breeding season, males attract females by lifting their legs high, displaying their blue feet, spreading their upturned wings, touching the female's beak, and picking up twigs or stones to place on the ground. They generally practice monogamy. Images 15-16: Blue-footed booby and Galapagos penguin Images 17-19: Volcanic rock island Image 20: Cormorant

The Galapagos Islands in South America are known for Darwin's theory of evolution, and are a world-famous island that often appears in "The World's Most Breathtaking Sights You Should Visit Before You Die". This island was separated from the continent long ago and lived as an isolated island in the middle of the ocean for a long time. Many of the wild animals are endemic to this island, and the entire island is now protected as a World Heritage Site. As a result, the animals are not afraid of humans at all, and you can leisurely observe them at a close range. *However, touching or feeding them is prohibited. From the moment you arrive at the port, you will be greeted by a family of seals and giant iguanas, which will get you excited, but surprisingly, after an hour you will get used to the sight and the excitement will fade. It's scary how quickly humans get used to things. The tourist bases of the Galapagos Islands, which consist of 19 islands, are mainly the largest island, Isabela Island, and Santa Cruz Island, where the airport is located (more precisely, , and an international airport is on Baltra Island, located north of Santa Cruz Island) Santa Cruz Island is a paradise for giant tortoises, and Isabela Island is home to wild animals such as seals, iguanas, pelicans, and flamingos, as well as volcanoes. The Galapagos is now a major resort, so prices and everything are extremely high. However, there are low seasons (September to November, February, and April to June), and if you choose those, the cost will be slightly cheaper. In particular, tours have last-minute discounts, so they are a good target as they can be significantly discounted. There are several travel agencies on site. Then, you will need to pay $100 per person as an entrance fee at the airport. The boat fare from island to island is separate. It costs a lot, but more than that, there are many experiences that you can only experience in the Galapagos, so it is especially recommended for animal lovers. #trip overseas travel #Ecuador #Galapagos #breathtaking views #world heritage site #island trip #wildlife

The Galápagos Islands, a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, are one of the most pristine and biologically diverse areas on the planet. Located about 1,000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador, this unique collection of islands is celebrated for its endemic species, which inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. What to Expect Visitors to the Galápagos Islands can encounter an array of wildlife that has no fear of humans, making it possible to observe and photograph animals up close. The archipelago hosts unique species such as giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and numerous types of finches. Each island offers its own distinct ecosystem with striking volcanic landscapes, beautiful beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Experiences and Recommendations Island hopping is the best way to experience the diversity of the Galápagos. Popular activities include snorkeling and diving, which reveal colorful marine life such as sea turtles, sharks, and countless tropical fish. Hiking on islands like Isabela and Fernandina offers encounters with land-based species, while a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz provides insights into conservation efforts and the chance to see giant tortoises up close. Kayaking and paddleboarding are great for exploring the coastlines and mangroves. Tips and Tricks Traveling to the Galápagos involves strict regulations to protect the local environment. Most visitors arrive by plane from mainland Ecuador to one of the two airports on the islands. Booking a tour with a certified naturalist guide is often required to visit many of the islands. Lightweight, breathable clothing, sturdy shoes, and a good sun hat are essential due to the equatorial sun. Always remember to stay at least two meters away from the wildlife, and follow all guidelines set by the Galápagos National Park. #GalapagosAdventure #WildlifeWonderland #NaturePhotography #IslandExploration #EcoTravel #DarwinsIslands #mytravelhacks#historicallandmarks#localguides

#galapagosislands#Islaisabela If you do one tour on the Galápagos Islands then please go for the Los Túneles tour on the island of Isla Isabela. An unforgettable tour including an hour long boat ride along the coast to visit this stunning diving spot where you will encounter penguins, sea horses, giant sea turtles and of course the white tipped reef sharks. You will not regret this amazing experience for as long as you live. Snorkels are provided, the guide will take photos and share them however bring your own camera/phone with a waterproof case/pouch to take your own photos. Average Price per Person:$120

On Isabela Island in the Galapagos Islands, sea lions lie around on the road, penguins come up to you when you swim in the sea, and large sea turtles swim around. You can interact with lots of sea animals! The sea is also incredibly beautiful, and it's a wonderful place where time flows at a leisurely pace. I want to go again. #remote island trip #photogenic spot #Galapagos #overseas trip #around the world