Isabela at a glance
Isabela is a volcanic island. Most visitors stay in Puerto Villamil, a small coastal town with a beach, wetlands and a pier where day-trip boats leave. Three outings dominate a stay: Tintoreras, Los Túneles and the Sierra Negra volcano. The Galapagos day tours overview shows how Isabela compares with the other islands.
The island is also the main stronghold of the Galápagos penguin, together with Fernandina. Wildlife and weather decide each day, so keep a spare day in your plan.
General park hours are 06:00–18:00, but individual sites can close earlier or at short notice. Most visits need a licensed operator and a naturalist guide, and you should stay on marked paths and keep at least 2 m from every animal.
Getting to Puerto Villamil
By ferry from Santa Cruz or by small plane.
By ferry
Boats run between Puerto Ayora and Puerto Villamil, and you should check the current timetable. The crossing takes roughly 2–3 hours, and sea conditions add to that. Fares run about $50 to $65 one way as of 2026, depending on the service. Buy at least two days ahead and arrive an hour before departure. There is no direct regular boat from San Cristóbal, so you change at Santa Cruz.
Island hopping guide →By air
A small regional airline flies to Isabela, alongside Baltra and San Cristóbal. Baggage allowance depends on the fare, so check it before you pack.
How to get to Galápagos →The municipal fee
Isabela charges a municipal fee. Foreign visitors pay $10, and nationals pay $5 to $6. This is separate from the national park fee, see the entrance fee guide.
Our pick: Tintoreras
Our take: a short boat trip from Puerto Villamil to the Tintoreras islet.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Isabela tours and day trips
Tintoreras, Los Túneles, Sierra Negra and wetland outings from Puerto Villamil, with live prices and availability.
Sierra Negra and Volcán Chico
The volcano hikes are guided. A typical Sierra Negra outing starts at 07:00, covers about 15 km and takes around 5 hours, and it costs about $50 as of 2026. The Volcán Chico and sulphur mines are further stops on the reservation list.
These hikes need a reservation, which a registered agency makes for you. Keep the QR confirmation ready for checks. Only booked visitors and their assigned guide may enter. Do not expect to join a group on the day. Take water, sun protection and a rain layer for the whole day. Routes open and close, so confirm the route when you book.
Tintoreras and Los Túneles
Tintoreras is a boat, walking and snorkeling outing of about 3 hours, offered in the morning and the afternoon, and it costs about $60 as of 2026. Los Túneles is a longer boat and snorkeling trip of about 5 hours with departures at 07:00 and 11:00, and it costs about $140 as of 2026.
Both depend on sea conditions. Heavy swell can close Los Túneles and the wetlands for a day, so keep a buffer day in your plan. Stay at least 2 m from sea lions and other animals, and do not touch or chase them, whether you are on land or in the water.
The main outings compared
Prices as of 2026, per person.
| Outing | Price example | Length | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tintoreras | $60 | About 3 hours | Boat, walk and snorkel |
| Sierra Negra | $50 | 5 hours, 15 km | Guided volcano hike |
| Los Túneles | $140 | 5 hours | Boat and snorkeling |
For most visitors, Tintoreras is a good first outing on a short stay, and Sierra Negra is the one to add if you like hiking. Los Túneles costs more and suits travelers who want a full snorkeling morning or midday.
Wetlands, penguins and the shore
Close to town, the lagoons and wetlands are good for bird watching. Concha de Perla and the Muro de las Lágrimas can be visited on your own, and Concha de Perla needs no guide and no extra entry fee. Whether a trail is open on a given day can change.
Galápagos penguins live mainly around Isabela and Fernandina, and they are present all year. Sightings are never guaranteed on a single trip.
Plan the rest of your trip
What to combine with Isabela.
Isabela: frequently asked questions
How do I get to Isabela from Santa Cruz?
Take the ferry from Puerto Ayora to Puerto Villamil. It takes roughly 2–3 hours and costs about $50 to $65 as of 2026. A regional airline also serves Isabela, and fares vary.
Do I need a guide for the Sierra Negra volcano?
Yes. The hikes are guided and reserved through an agency, and the group must match the booking. You cannot simply turn up and join.
How much is the Isabela entry fee?
The municipal fee is $10 for foreign visitors and $5 to $6 for nationals. It is paid in addition to the national park fee.
Can I go to Isabela as a day trip?
Yes, boat tours from Puerto Ayora cover Isabela in one long day. A stay of at least one night gives you more time for the volcano and the boat trips.
What if the sea is rough?
Los Túneles and the wetlands can close temporarily in heavy swell. Keep a spare day and ask your operator about the backup plan.
Is this the official Galápagos site?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by the park directorate, the government or any tour operator, so confirm current rules and closures locally.