Isabela (Ecuador)

Isabela Island, known by its Spanish name of Isla Isabela and less commonly by its English name of Albemarle Island, is the largest of the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador.

Understand
In the western part of the archipelago, Isabela is larger than all of the rest of the islands combined. Comprising six volcanos, the island is about 120 km long and covers 4,585 square km. Its highest point on Wolf Volcano rises 1,700 m above sea level. Due to most of the visitor sites being on the western side of the island, far from Santa Cruz, only the longer (and hence more expensive) boat tours visit this island.

See the Galapagos wildlife page for information on the flora and fauna of the islands.

By boat
There are public speedboats operated by Ferry Galapagos, running twice a day from Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz), departing at 7am and 3pm. Persons subject to seasickness should take appropriate precautions for this often bumpy ride. The four seats at the end of the boat are less bumpy than the side ones. It is best to buy tickets at least one day in advance. It costs $30 each way (Nov 2022), plus 2x $1.00 in taxiboats. When departing from Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz) you will also need to pay $1.50 port fee. You must arrive 30-60 minutes prior to departure as your bags will be subject to an agricultural search. On arrival in Isabela, foreigners must pay a $10 entrance fee ($5 for Ecuadorians). The public speedboat back to Santa Cruz departs some time in the morning and at 3pm. Again, you must arrive 30 minutes prior to departure. The transfer between Isabela and Santa Cruz is 2 hours.

By plane
Inter-island flights are available from EMETEBE Airlines, which operates nine seater aircraft to transport passengers and their luggage from San Cristobal Airport to Isabela, Santa Cruz and Baltra islands. Bookings can be done directly through EMETEBE's website or a travel agent.

Here is the schedule of flights:


 * From San Cristobal to Isabela: depart 07:30; arrive 08:00
 * From San Cristobal to	Baltra: 07:30-08:05
 * From Isabela to San Cristobal: 13:30-14:00
 * From Isabela to Baltra:	 08:30-09:05
 * From Baltra to San Cristobal:	 11:00-11:35
 * From Baltra to Isabela:       12:30-13:05

Get around
Most streets lack adequate street signs, but a civic improvement project is changing this, at least in the center of town. New sidewalks with lava pavers are also being added. The roads in the town are still unpaved though. The town is small enough to explore in an hour. Local children are glad to help you find your destination.

Standard price for a taxi ride is $1.00 (and $5.00 to get you the airport). A line of taxis is waiting in front of the harbor when speedboats arrive.

Do

 * Diving - there is only one diving center on the island which offers dives for 120-140$.
 * Snorkeling - snorkeling around Las tintoreras or Concha de Perla is excellent. You might also ask a local panga owner to take you out to "Los Tuneles", or "The Tunnels", a wonderful area of eroded lava islets filled with sea life.
 * Diving - there is only one diving center on the island which offers dives for 120-140$.
 * Snorkeling - snorkeling around Las tintoreras or Concha de Perla is excellent. You might also ask a local panga owner to take you out to "Los Tuneles", or "The Tunnels", a wonderful area of eroded lava islets filled with sea life.
 * Snorkeling - snorkeling around Las tintoreras or Concha de Perla is excellent. You might also ask a local panga owner to take you out to "Los Tuneles", or "The Tunnels", a wonderful area of eroded lava islets filled with sea life.
 * Snorkeling - snorkeling around Las tintoreras or Concha de Perla is excellent. You might also ask a local panga owner to take you out to "Los Tuneles", or "The Tunnels", a wonderful area of eroded lava islets filled with sea life.

Buy
Shops in Puerto Villamil sell food, supplies, and souvenirs. A good place to buy fresh fruit and vegetables is around Mercado Municipal.

Money
There is one ATM (Cooperativa de ahorra y credito) in Puerto Villamil. It's located in calle Escalecias next to the supermarket "el familion". Very few locations accept credit cards, make sure to bring plenty of cash in case the ATM is not working.

Eat
The town of Puerto Villamil at the southern end offers lodging and food to visitors wanting to stay on the island. There are several restaurants and bakeries in Puerto Villamil. Most restaurants serve rice, beans and a piece of meat for around 2 dollars.
 * Encantado de Pepa is a wonderful little cafe serving good food on a clean and charming patio adjacent to the town's main square. They have lunch and dinner menus for $8 each. La Pepa is one of the most entertaining characters in the Galapagos.
 * Cesar's is a restaurant just next to Encantado de Pepa. They also serve both lunch and dinner menus for $8. There is Wi-Fi available there (ask them to turn the router on if it doesn't work).

Drink
The nightlife is pretty sedate in Puerto Villamil.
 * Bar de Beto is a beachfront bar popular with locals and travelers, good to grab a beer and chill out.
 * Pink Iguana is a spacious bar located directly on the beach, very popular. Drinks for $6-$8. Happy hour 5pm-8pm - 2 drinks for $10.

Splurge

 * La Casa de Marita is the first upmarket place in town.
 * Hotel Albermarle the newest and most upscale hotel in town.
 * Hotel Albermarle the newest and most upscale hotel in town.
 * Hotel Albermarle the newest and most upscale hotel in town.

Connect
As of 2022, Internet connectivity on Isabela is significantly worse compared to Santa Cruz or San Cristobal. This applies to guest houses as well as the mobile network. Claro offers 3G connectivity in Puerto Villamil whereas Movistar has only 2G (GSM/EDGE) coverage. Take that into account when buying a SIM card.

It is not common for restaurants, cafes and bars to offer Wi-Fi access.

Go next

 * Fernandina
 * Santiago