Isabela’s top tours pack a powerful punch, cutting straight to the heart of what makes the Galápagos special. The standout Sierra Negra volcano hike delivers jaw-dropping views and an up-close look at one of Earth’s largest volcanic craters. We love the half-day Tintoreras trip – it’s perfect for wildlife spotters who want to see penguins, sea lions, and marine turtles in their natural habitat. For the ambitious traveler, the 5-Day Classic Isabela tour hits all the highlights efficiently. The Lava Tunnels excursion really impressed us with its combination of volcanic landscapes and incredible snorkeling opportunities – you’ll swim alongside tropical fish, rays, and even sea turtles. Let’s explore these outstanding options in detail.
Key Points
- The Sierra Negra and Chico Volcano Walking Tour offers a 10-15 km hike to explore lava fields from the 2028 eruption, led by a professional guide.
- The Half Day Tintoreras Tour provides a 2.5-hour snorkeling excursion to see diverse marine life, including sea lions, turtles, iguanas, stingrays, and Galápagos penguins.
- The Tour to Tintoreras Bay is a 3-hour group tour featuring opportunities to see blue-footed boobies, sea turtles, and iguanas, with snorkeling equipment provided.
- The 5 Day Classic Isabela Island Tour offers a comprehensive experience, with activities such as snorkeling, swimming, hiking, and wildlife observation across 19 islands.
- The Full Day Lava Tunnels Tour is a small group excursion that includes exploration of volcanic tunnels, snorkeling with unique marine life, and opportunities to see pelicans and Nazca boobies.
Walking Tour to Sierra Negra Volcano and Chico Volcano From Isabela Island
One of the most popular tours in Isabela Island is the walking tour to the Sierra Negra Volcano and Chico Volcano. This 10-15 km hike provides an opportunity to explore the lava fields from the 2028 eruption and learn about the geological features and history of the island.
The tour starts at 7:30 am and includes a box lunch, as well as transportation to and from the meeting point or hotel within the urban perimeter of Puerto Villamil.
The tour is led by a professional guide and has a maximum group size of 15 people. Guests can expect to enjoy panoramic views from the top of the volcanoes.
The tour is priced at $72.00 per person and has received an impressive 4.2-star rating based on 6 reviews. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate.
Guests are advised to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
Read our full review: Walking Tour to Sierra Negra Volcano and Chico Volcano From Isabela Island Review
Book now: Check availability
Half Day Tintoreras Tour From Isabela Island
Exploring the diverse marine life of Isabela Island, the Half Day Tintoreras Tour offers visitors an immersive snorkeling experience. This family-friendly excursion, limited to a maximum of 10 people, promises a thrilling adventure in the turquoise waters off the coast of Isabela.
During the approximately 2.5-hour tour, guests will have the chance to spot an array of captivating wildlife, including sea lions, sea turtles, sea iguanas, stingrays, colorful fish, whitetip sharks, blue-footed boobies, and even Galápagos penguins.
Led by a professional guide, the boat tour includes snorkeling, providing participants with the opportunity to enjoy the vibrant underwater world.
Inclusions such as snorkeling equipment, hotel pickup, and transportation make this tour a convenient and hassle-free experience. While wet suits aren’t included, they can be rented.
Reviewers have praised the exceptional wildlife sightings and knowledgeable guides, though some have suggested adjusting the tour schedule to improve visibility during snorkeling.
Read our full review: Half Day Tintoreras Tour From Isabela Island Review
Book now: Check availability
Tour to Tintoreras Bay From Isabela Island
What better way to experience the stunning marine life of Isabela Island than the Tour to Tintoreras Bay? This 3-hour group tour offers an immersive journey through the bay, culminating in a visit to the iconic Las Tintoreras.
With morning hotel pickup included, travelers will enjoy live commentary from a professional bilingual guide, learning about the local wildlife along the way.
During the water tour, sightings may include blue-footed boobies, sea turtles, and iguanas, among other fascinating creatures. Snorkeling equipment is provided, allowing guests to fully engage with the underwater world.
The tour also includes a delicious lunch, and tips and municipal taxes are covered.
Booking in advance is recommended to guarantee a spot, with a maximum of 15 people per booking and 10 travelers per tour.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers, though those with heart problems or serious medical conditions should exercise caution.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours before, this tour offers a hassle-free way to discover the wonders of Tintoreras Bay.
Read our full review: Tour to Tintoreras Bay From Isabela Island Review
Book now: Check availability
5 Day Classic Isabela Island Tour
The Day Classic Isabela Island Tour offers travelers a comprehensive exploration of the island’s diverse natural wonders. Over the course of 5 days and 4 nights, you will have the opportunity to discover 19 islands renowned for their exceptional biodiversity and significance in Darwin’s evolutionary theory.
Activities include snorkeling, swimming, hiking, and observing the island’s renowned wildlife, such as giant tortoises, iguanas, dolphins, and colorful fish.
The tour package includes accommodations, meals, airport transfers, and a knowledgeable naturalist guide who can provide insights in both English and Spanish.
While the tour generally receives positive feedback, travelers should be aware of potential hidden costs, such as the Galapagos National Park entrance fee, Migratory Control Card, and water taxi fares.
Plus, it’s essential to take precautions against food-borne illnesses and ensure adequate travel insurance coverage.
Read our full review: 5 Day Classic Isabela Island Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Sierra Negra Volcano Walking Tour in Isabela Island
For travelers seeking a more adventurous and geological experience on Isabela Island, the Sierra Negra Volcano Walking Tour offers an engaging 4-hour hike along the rim of this massive volcanic crater.
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars based on 9 reviews, the tour allows visitors to observe the local flora and fauna in the island’s rugged terrain while learning about the volcano’s geology and volcanic processes from a knowledgeable guide.
The hike covers a total distance of 9 miles, requiring a moderate level of physical fitness. Meeting in Puerto Villamil, the tour provides hotel pickup within the urban perimeter.
Lasting from 7:30 AM to the meeting point, the tour isn’t suitable for those with certain medical conditions or pregnant travelers, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
With a maximum of 15 travelers per tour, visitors can expect fantastic caldera views and positive feedback highlighting the great experience and knowledgeable guides.
Read our full review: Sierra Negra Volcano Walking Tour in Isabela Island Review
Book now: Check availability
Wetlands Tour With Wall of Tears From Isabela Island
Although the Sierra Negra Volcano Walking Tour offers an adventurous geological experience, the Wetlands Tour with Wall of Tears from Isabela Island provides a unique opportunity to explore the island’s diverse ecosystems.
Operated by Perfect Destiny, this tour takes visitors on a journey through the island’s wetlands, culminating in a visit to the iconic Wall of Tears. Priced from $271.00 per person, the tour includes a professional guide, hotel pickup, box lunch and breakfast, and bicycles for transportation.
With a maximum of 15 travelers, the tour ensures a personalized experience. Pickup is from the hotel lobby or designated meeting point in Puerto Villamil, and the tour starts at 7:00 PM.
While not wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate. Travelers should plan for motion sickness medication, as the tour involves travel by boat.
With a 5.0 overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews, this tour is an excellent choice for those seeking to enjoy Isabela’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: Wetlands Tour With Wall of Tears From Isabela Island Review
Book now: Check availability
Full Day Lava Tunnels Tour From Isabela Island
What better way to take in Isabela’s volcanic and underwater landscapes than the Full Day Lava Tunnels Tour? This small-group excursion, limited to just 10 participants, offers a comprehensive exploration of the island’s natural wonders.
Accompanied by a professional guide, travelers will observe a vibrant array of wildlife, including pelicans and Nazca boobies, at Roca Union.
The highlight of the tour, however, is traversing the island’s volcanic tunnels and snorkeling among its unique marine life, such as sea horses, sea turtles, and eagle rays.
The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, a box lunch, and snorkeling equipment.
While wetsuits are available for rent, comfortable shoes are recommended for the walking portions.
With a low price point and flexible cancellation policy, this tour provides an unforgettable experience for most travelers, including children accompanied by an adult.
Read our full review: Full Day Lava Tunnels Tour From Isabela Island Review
Book now: Check availability
Recap
Isabela Island offers a variety of tours that allow visitors to explore its natural wonders. From hiking to volcanoes and lava tunnels to cruising through Tintoreras Bay, there’s something for all. Whether you’re looking for a half-day excursion or a multi-day adventure, Isabela Island‘s tours provide a chance to discover its unique landscapes and wildlife.