Isabela’s top tours cut straight to the heart of what makes the Galapagos special. The Sierra Negra Volcano hike delivers the most bang for your buck – a 6-hour trek along the world’s second-largest volcanic crater with sweeping views. Small-group wetland tours offer intimate wildlife encounters, while the historic Wall of Tears trail tells a compelling human story. The real winner is the 5-day island-hopping experience, combining volcanic landscapes with prime snorkeling spots where you’ll swim alongside sea turtles and rays. Each tour includes local guides and hassle-free transportation.
Let’s check out the best tour options on Isabela…
Key Points
- The Sierra Negra Volcano Walking Tour offers a scenic 4-hour hike along the crater rim with knowledgeable guides and a maximum group size of 15 travelers.
- The Walking Tour to Sierra Negra and Chico Volcanoes provides a 10-mile round-trip trek showcasing volcanic landscapes, with a small-group tour and a complimentary box lunch.
- The Full Day Lava Tunnels Tour features a small-group exploration of Isabela’s volcanic tunnels, including snorkeling with diverse marine life and a guided experience.
- The Half Day Tintoreras Tour offers a personalized exploration of the Tintoreras islets, with snorkeling, professional guides, and a chance to encounter Galapagos wildlife.
- The 5 Day Classic Isabela Island Tour provides a comprehensive island-hopping experience covering 19 islands, with accommodations, meals, activities, and a local naturalist guide.
Sierra Negra Volcano Walking Tour in Isabela Island
Though relatively young at only 14 years since its last eruption, the Sierra Negra Volcano on Isabela Island offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore an active volcanic landscape.
The 4-hour Sierra Negra Volcano Walking Tour takes travelers on a hike along the crater rim, allowing them to observe the local flora and fauna while learning about the volcano’s geology and volcanic processes from a knowledgeable guide.
With a maximum group size of 15 travelers, the tour provides an intimate experience. Pickup from any hotel in Puerto Villamil and drop-off at the meeting point in Puerto Villamil are included.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and not recommended for those with serious medical conditions, a moderate fitness level is required.
The tour is a popular choice due to its scenic views of the caldera and surrounding islands, as well as the guide’s expertise.
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Walking Tour to Sierra Negra Volcano and Chico Volcano From Isabela Island
The Walking Tour to Sierra Negra Volcano and Chico Volcano From Isabela Island provides visitors a comprehensive exploration of the geological marvels within the Galapagos Islands. This small-group tour, limited to 15 people, offers an immersive experience of the region’s natural beauty and volcanic features.
The 10-mile round-trip trek allows participants to witness the awe-inspiring Sierra Negra and Chico Volcanoes firsthand. Along the way, a professional guide shares insights into the area’s history and culture, enhancing the overall experience.
The tour includes a freshly prepared box lunch, ensuring travelers are well-fueled for the journey. With free cancellation available up to 24 hours prior, the tour offers flexibility for those with changing plans.
Pickup and drop-off services within the Puerto Villamil urban area add to the convenience. Participants are advised to dress appropriately and bring necessary supplies like water and snacks, as the trail may encounter muddy conditions.
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Full Day Lava Tunnels Tour From Isabela Island
What better way to explore Isabela Island’s volcanic and underwater landscapes than the Full Day Lava Tunnels Tour? This small-group tour takes you on a captivating journey, allowing you to observe Isabela’s unique wildlife, including pelicans, Nazca boobies, and more at Roca Union.
Led by a professional guide, you’ll explore the island’s volcanic tunnels, gaining insights into their formation and geology.
But the adventure doesn’t stop there – you’ll also have the opportunity to snorkel among a diverse array of marine life, such as sea horses, sea turtles, and eagle rays.
The tour includes complimentary use of snorkeling equipment and a box lunch to fuel your explorations.
With hotel pickup and drop-off within Puerto Villamil’s urban perimeter, this full-day experience is a seamless way to learn about Isabela’s captivating natural wonders.
Don’t miss the chance to uncover the island’s volcanic and underwater secrets on this unforgettable tour.
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Half Day Tintoreras Tour From Isabela Island
Why not explore the stunning Tintoreras islets on a half-day tour from Isabela Island? This immersive experience offers the chance to snorkel in turquoise waters and observe a wealth of Galapagos wildlife.
The small group size, limited to 10 participants, ensures an intimate and personalized tour. Included in the tour are professional guides, snorkeling equipment, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a delicious breakfast. Wet suits can be rented separately.
The tour begins with pickup from your hotel or a designated meeting point in Puerto Villamil, and ends at the Puerto Villamil Dock. During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to encounter sea lions, sea turtles, sea iguanas, stingrays, and even the elusive whitetip shark.
Most travelers can participate in the snorkeling activity, making it suitable for families. Reviews highlight the fantastic wildlife experience, with suggestions to book the tour in the morning for better visibility.
With a starting price of $83 per person and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is a must-do on your Isabela Island visit.
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5 Day Classic Isabela Island Tour
A classic 5-day, 4-night island-hopping tour in the Galapagos Islands allows visitors to explore 19 islands that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution.
The tour includes accommodations, meals, activities, and inter-island transfers, plus an optional flight from Quito. Travelers can observe exotic wildlife like giant tortoises, iguanas, fish, finches, and dolphins, and enjoy activities such as snorkeling, swimming, and volcano hiking.
The tour includes a local naturalist guide, airport pickup/drop-off, and 24/7 assistance in multiple languages.
However, it excludes return flights from mainland Ecuador, park fees, and some additional costs. Travelers should book early flights and be prepared for potential delays, bring small luggage, and notify any dietary or medical restrictions.
Reviews are mixed, with some reporting excellent guides and accommodations, while others faced challenges with organization, hidden costs, and itinerary changes.
Ultimately, this classic Isabela Island tour offers the chance to explore the stunning Galapagos, but travelers should be aware of potential issues and plan accordingly.
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Wetlands Tour With Wall of Tears From Isabela Island
The Wetlands Tour with Wall of Tears from Isabela Island offers visitors a chance to explore the stunning natural wonders of the region. Operated by Perfect Destiny, this immersive tour takes travelers on a journey through the island’s wetlands and to the iconic Wall of Tears.
With a maximum of 15 participants, the tour promises an intimate and personalized experience. The tour includes a professional guide, hotel pick-up, box lunch, breakfast, and transportation to the entry point of the Galapagos National Park.
Bicycles are provided throughout the tour, allowing visitors to navigate the landscape with ease. The tour starts at 7:00 PM and returns to the meeting point, ensuring a seamless experience.
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 1 review, the Wetlands Tour with Wall of Tears is a must-do activity for those visiting Isabela.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour offers flexibility and convenience for travelers.
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Sum Up
Isabela Island offers a range of captivating tours that allow visitors to explore its diverse natural wonders. From hiking to the majestic Sierra Negra and Chico volcanoes to discovering the island’s lava tunnels and Tintoreras islets, there’s an adventure to suit every traveler. With a 5-day classic tour and a wetlands tour also available, Isabela provides an exceptional opportunity to take in the Galapagos’ remarkable landscapes and wildlife.