Isabela Island
Isabela Island
5
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Duration: More than 3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
95 reviews
Excellent
79
Very good
13
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Peter
Rotterdam, The Netherlands75 contributions
Apr 2022
When I first arrived at Isabela Island, I almost regretted it. Sandy roads and almost no people in sight (except for, of course, a few tourists). But it quickly changed when I found a nice place to spend the night (Cerro Azul) and booked a tour at Tortuga Tours, located in the main square of Puerto Villamil. The girl who helped me there was named Lady and she was sweet and funny and really took her time for me. After I was done with my activities I met her again and she told me she was going to play some game on the beach. I joined her a little later to watch the game. Then I walked around Puerto Villamil a bit more and it surprised me how lively it had become. People were all relaxing or enjoying themselves by playing soccer or basketball. The atmosphere on the island was so amazing, I fell in love with it.
Of the three islands I've visited in the Galapagos (the others being San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz), this one pleasantly surprised me the most. :-)
Of the three islands I've visited in the Galapagos (the others being San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz), this one pleasantly surprised me the most. :-)
Written May 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lauraselvait
Bologna, Italy33 contributions
Dec 2019
Before travelling I was not sure if staying all our days in the town of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz island where most tours start from or staying some days on the smaller town on Isabela island too. Fortunately I decided to stay 3 days on Isabela and I will never forget it. All landscapes are fantastic, Puerto Villamil is a very small town but very relaxing and full of services. Animals are everywhere and you can make some amazing tours (Los Tuneles first of all) and some wonderful experience for free too (wonderful snorkelling in Concha la Perla and relaxing walking to lagunas)
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debora D
Ottawa, Canada1 contribution
Dec 2022
I stayed at Cuatro Hermanos (mary_jaramillo@live.com) - clean, safe, affordable, and only 5 minute walk from the beach and within walking distance of many of the sites. The hostess was phenomenal and exceptionally welcoming. Meals there were delicious. Be sure to visit Concha de Perla and take a trip to Los Tuneles, and the Tortoise Centre
Written January 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RockyQ
Yorkshire, UK122 contributions
Jul 2020
Stayed on this island during our Galapagos trip, along with 3 other islands in a land based holiday travelling between islands by private speed boat. Absolutely brilliant trip ! Saw loads of unique wildlife in their natural habitat - iguanas, sharks, tropical fish, sea lions, green turtles and of course giant tortoises etc. Isabela is the largest island and has several volcanoes, one of which we climbed to the rim where the views were stunning ! Trip of a lifetime !
Written June 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bernard W
Dallas, TX1,914 contributions
Mar 2022
We did a tender ride around Punta Moreno and then took about a mile walk over a very rocky lava rock field. Watch your step. We saw both prickly pear and candelabra cacti growing in the lava cracks. Fascinating. We saw sea grass and ventured on to a pool with fish and large Green Pacific Sea turtles. Very enjoyable.
We also went on a walk at Urbina Bay. Though it rained, it was very rewarding to see land iguanas and many Giant Land turtles as well as finches.
We also went on a walk at Urbina Bay. Though it rained, it was very rewarding to see land iguanas and many Giant Land turtles as well as finches.
Written April 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian D
London, UK129 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Okay….seals, iguanas, flamingos, more iguanas, turtles, bird life. A small but thoroughly exciting place to spend time. We stayed in an hotel overlooking the sea and sunsets. We walked to all the restaurants, bars and many attractions. Apparently there is no atm so we took enough cash but I think I’d check that. Rubbish WiFi at times but that adds to the charm and honestly gives us all a break. We visited as the last part of our trip and the third major island in the Galápagos arriving by public speedboat and we really enjoyed our time there.
Written January 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
301lisa33
Coventry, UK2,014 contributions
Nov 2019
This island is less developed than some others. However it is huge and offers a wide range of areas to explore (although thee are few roads). Much of the island is (apparently) barren volcanic lava but there is life if you go and look
Written May 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
clark5662
Saint Louis, MO180 contributions
Jul 2021
We traveled to three islands in the Galapagos (Santa Cruz, Isabela, and San Cristobal). Isabela Island was my favorite! It wasn't easy to get here. The ferry was a HORRIBLE experience, but it was worth it. There are less people, which equals more animals. Don't expect the same experience as the more populated islands. This island is remote (Sand roads, dogs constantly running around looking for food, limited resources) but it also has the nicest people. I would visit again!
Written July 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jorit N
West Melton, New Zealand109 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
We only wanted to stay a couple of days at the beginning but stayed a whole week in the end. Such a nice place and our favourite spot in the Galápagos Islands. Such a relaxed feeling, a beautiful long beach to walk along, perfect snorkelling spots close and so much more to do and explore. ATM and lots of nice restaurants on offer as well. Book a few extra days!
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dianedinky
Dunfermline, UK1,346 contributions
May 2023
Not as busy as Santa Cruz and very little in the way of souvenir shops but...this is your picture perfect Galapagos Island that you dream of. Golden sands are lapped by clear blue waters and there are plenty of marine iguanas to be seen. I hardly saw any sea lions but maybe they were all in Santa Cruz and San Cristobal?!
Not only a lovely place to stay as a base but the boat trips from Isabela give you wonderful opportunities to view blue footed boobies and the Galapagos penguins (we saw many) as well as sea turtles and lovely bird life in the wetlands.
A beautiful island with its own highlights.
Not only a lovely place to stay as a base but the boat trips from Isabela give you wonderful opportunities to view blue footed boobies and the Galapagos penguins (we saw many) as well as sea turtles and lovely bird life in the wetlands.
A beautiful island with its own highlights.
Written June 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, I was hoping someone could give me some advice. we arrive at Baltra at 12.17pm and need to get to Isabela. I’ve read there is a boat that goes from puerto ayora to isabela but I’m not sure what times the boat leaves? Any help would be much appreciated!
Written March 30, 2019
Hi, boats usually leave around 7:30 AM and 2:30 PM.
Written April 3, 2019
Hi! I'm curious if anyone knows if you can do a day trip to Punta Vicente Roca from Isabela Island or is that snorkel location only available via liveaboards? Thanks!!
Written January 20, 2019
Hi there, sadly there's no way to go Punta Vicente Roca in a day trip. You will have to take a cruise for it.
But there are some cheap cruise options, you can check one of those while you're in Santa Cruz but remember, always look for some references about the travel agency before you book.
Written January 24, 2019
Hola, cómo estas? te cuento que estare alojando en Isla Santa Cruz, sabes de algun tour que vaya a Isabella por el día? hay alguna agencia o contacto que me puedas dar?
Muchas gracias
Written January 9, 2018
Hola, me gustaria saber si existe algun tour a Isabella por el día o en su defecto, dos días.
Tengo pensado ir a principios de Febrero y me gustaria conocer lo mejor del archipielago.
Gracias
Written January 9, 2018
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