Island Isabella is another big island with the volcano Sierra Negra, many beaches, and perfect places for snorkeling, swimming, and watching sea lions.
How to get there?
You can book a boat from Puerto Ayora to Isabella. The ticket is $25 pP for one way. The ship goes two times a day; you can enter in the morning around 8 am or at midday around 1 pm. This boat ride is a surprise for everyone. First, you have to go to the other side of the island to the harbor in the north part, the same direction as the airport. Over there go have to register, show your ticket and passport. It takes some time till we can board. First, they will take you with a dinghy onto the bigger boat waiting outside anchoring. Those boats are speed boats with three 300PS motors in the back - that's crazy! Watch out for entering this boat with choosing your seat: The ones in the back will get super wet. The ones in the front will be the bumping seats, so don't go here if you get seasick quickly. The side seats are ok. Still, the ride takes around three hours through super bumpy, wavy water, and we got a couple of people getting seasick and started to puke. At least the captain and the crew know what to do. They have plastic bags and air fresheners.
Rent A Bicycle
The easiest way to explore the area, especially if you are there only for a short time, is to rent a bicycle. We found a shop that was renting it for $5 an hour or $15 a day (including a helmet). However, multiple shops offer bike rentals at similar prices. You could also rent surfing equipment for approx—the same day rates. Seeing the south of the island around the small town a day was good. However, if you want to see the volcano Camino Negro or go up more north, I recommend staying at least one day longer.
Wall Of Tears
This place is mainly recommended as an attraction reaching with the bicycle. Following a stony, sometimes sandy path along the coast, through the mangroves, and passing beautiful beaches, you can get to the Wall of Tears after around two hours. This historic site from 1959 was built by prisoners and caused many deaths. It is a reminder of the old prison camp. Seeing it as a goal, it is fun to cycle there, but it is not that impressive. Keep in mind to start early enough
and start the return trip at least two hours before darkness. Otherwise, bring headlamps because the path has no lightning, and it won't be easy to follow back the signs.
La Playita
It is one of the beaches along the coast of Isla Isabela. Not big, but beautiful with white sand, clear water and lots of Iguanas. Suitable for a stroll but not very special. The beaches before that are more extensive, and it's possible to surf and swim there. It is curved like an oversized U, shallow water, and rocky sides. There is even a tiny wooden hut for surfers to change clothes and store the surfboard.
Playa del Amor
Another small beach on the way to the Wall of Tears. Similar to the other ones. Nice to stop and enjoy the view.
El Estero (Mangrove)
This area has multiple small paths to explore the Mangroves. You can park the bicycle and walk around. One way leads to a small hole or tunnel, an old volcano relict. Iguanas are everywhere, watching you and barely moving, just resting and relaxing in the sun.
Poza de los Flamingos
This pond is small but usually lively, visited by flamingos. It is easy to reach on the side of a road with a bicycle or by foot. Unfortunately, we haven't been that lucky and saw only two flamingos in September. Maybe you'll be more fortunate in another season. Still, it is relaxing and confusing at the same time, watching those birds eating and resting in the middle of nowhere.
Pearl Shell
The most famous spot for snorkeling and swimming is Concha de Perla. You can visit it without a guide, on the east side of Puerto Villamil. This place is full of sea turtles, penguins, and iguanas. The beautiful lagoon is connected by a small boardwalk that will take you there in a few minutes. So I was impressed by the variety of marine species. The water is rich in things to see; the sand is full of sea lions, sleeping, resting, on the sand, on benches, or just everywhere. It's a fantastic place to take lots of photos, but better don't approach the sealions too close; they'll start complaining pretty loud. Swimming is best at low tide, to lent snorkeling gear, go to a local shop or ask your hotel. You have to stay in the designated area and watch out for the sea urchins spread on the ground. This lagoon is a highlight of Isla Isabela and unique to see. Here, you get the Galapagos Islands' actual impression presented in documentaries and TV shows.
Centro de Crianza Tortugas
Another big center and breeding station for the giant turtles. Like the one in Santa Cruz, you can see the tortoises at different stages of life, learn about their history and walk around this area. Entry is around $5. We would only recommend this station if you haven't visited any other tortoise center before; otherwise, the information will repeat.
Mirador Volcan Sierra Negra
The central volcano in the south of the island has an 1124 m. The last eruption was in 2018, so it counts as the most active volcanos on the Galapagos. Going there by bicycle takes too long, around 3 hours one way from the city center. So we recommend either taking a bus or a taxi for a visit. You can still hike from the bottom to the top and exhausting but beautiful tour. Depending on the weather, the heat can make it challenging, so it's good to bring enough water. After a drive of around 1.5 hours, you'll reach this unique and special landscape with a breathtaking view over the vulcanos crater and calloused black lava. Also, it is not unusual to meet lots of tortoises walking along the side of the hole.
Not enough? Check out more posts about the Galapagos Islands right here.
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