4 Day Isabela Island Adventure Tour: Kayak, Snorkeling & Wildlife

A short bus ride takes you to the Itabaca Channel, where you’ll cross by ferry to Santa Cruz Island. From there, enjoy a scenic drive through the highlands to Puerto Ayora, passing lush forests and volcanic landscapes. At the port, board a speedboat for the 2–2.5 hour journey to Isabela Island, keeping an eye out for seabirds and, occasionally, dolphins along the way. Upon arrival in Puerto Villamil, you’ll be transferred to your hotel to settle in and relax.

Upon arrival in Puerto Villamil, you’ll be transferred to your hotel to settle in and relax.

Discover a maze of lava arches, crystal-clear channels, and vibrant marine life at Los Túneles. After a scenic boat ride along Isabela’s coast, explore calm waters teeming with sea turtles, whitetip reef sharks, rays, seahorses, and playful sea lions. Above water, photograph blue-footed boobies and dramatic lava formations; below, enjoy exceptional visibility for unforgettable snorkeling in one of the Galápagos’ most unique marine habitats.

Journey into the volcanic heart of Isabela with a guided hike to the sulfur fumaroles near the Sierra Negra and Volcán Chico area. The adventure begins with a trek across volcanic landscapes, from black lava fields to panoramic ridgelines overlooking the island’s coast. As you approach the fumaroles, the ground shifts to vivid yellows, oranges, and reds — mineral-rich deposits created by centuries of geothermal activity. Steam rises from cracks in the earth, carrying the distinctive scent of sulfur, a reminder that this volcano is still very much alive. Your naturalist guide will share insights into the island’s volcanic origins, its role in shaping the Galápagos ecosystem, and the unique species adapted to this harsh environment. The combination of lunar-like scenery, dramatic colors, and sweeping views makes this one of Isabela’s most surreal and unforgettable experiences.

Paddle across the calm, turquoise waters of Puerto Villamil on a guided kayak tour to Las Tintoreras, a small islet rich in wildlife and volcanic beauty. As you glide over the water, look down through the clear shallows to spot marine iguanas swimming, sea turtles resting, and Galapagos penguins darting by. Along the black lava shoreline, blue-footed boobies and pelicans perch while playful sea lions may approach your kayak for a closer look. Your guide will lead you into narrow channels where whitetip reef sharks, known locally as tintoreras, often rest. This low-impact adventure combines gentle exercise with intimate wildlife encounters, offering a unique perspective of Isabela’s coastal ecosystem.

Begin your journey back to Santa Cruz with an early morning 5 AM speedboat ride from Puerto Villamil. As we leave Isabela behind, watch the sunrise paint the ocean and nearby islets in soft golden light. The 2–2.5 hour crossing offers chances to spot seabirds in flight and, occasionally, dolphins or manta rays breaking the surface. Upon arrival at Puerto Ayora, you’ll be assisted with your luggage and transferred to your hotel or onward destination, carrying with you the unforgettable memories of Isabela’s unique wildlife and volcanic landscapes.

et you at the dock and assist with luggage. You’ll travel by vehicle through the lush highlands of Santa Cruz, where you may spot giant tortoises along the way. At the north end of the island, cross the Itabaca Channel by ferry to Baltra Island. From there, a short bus ride takes you directly to the airport for your departing flight, completing your Galápagos journey with the scenery fresh in your mind.