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

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