Isabela Island Galapagos Multisport
Isabela Island – Galapagos Multisport Adventure
Isabela Island is one of the Galapagos’ great untouched treasures, and a fantastic destination for a land-based program, or to combine with a shorter cruise. The largest island in the archipelago, Isabela boasts volcanic landscapes, pristine shorelines, an abundance of wildlife and a peaceful village free from the tourist crowds on Santa Cruz Island. Puerto Villamil, the village on Isabela Island, fronts a long white beach edged by palm trees, with the best lodging options located right on the beach.
With exciting multisport activities like kayaking, snorkeling, horseback riding and plenty of hikes, a land-based program on Isabela Island is a unique way to explore the Enchanted Isles, without sacrificing on wildlife viewing opportunities. This is an ideal option for adventurous families, or for couples looking to get away from the tourist crowds. Isabela Island can also be combined with a 4 or 5 day cruise. It’s best to arrange the Isabela portion post-cruise due to flight logistics.
Isabela is best visited from November through early June, when days are warm and sunny.
Iguana Crossing
This new luxury boutique hotel offers an unparalleled Galapagos experience for discerning travelers, and those celebrating special occasions. Located at the end of the town of Puerto Villamil, and just feet from a pristine white sand beach, this hotel is the top end option on Isabela Island. Rooms & suites are spacious, and offer views of Sierra Negra Volcano or the ocean. Marine iguanas can be spotted crossing from the wetlands behind the hotel to the beach.
- All rooms offer color TV, telephones, toiletries, mini-bar, safety box and air conditioning.
- Volcano View Suites of 350 sq. ft. with king or two queen beds and view to Sierra Negra Volcano.
- Ocean View Suites of 450 sq. ft. with king or two queen beds and views to the ocean.
- Junior Suites of 500 sq. ft. with king bed and ocean views.
- Master Suite of 600 sq. ft. with king bed and ocean views.
- Pool with ocean views, large terrace and bar.
- Gourmet restaurant.
- Rooftop Jacuzzi with panoramic views.
Casa Marita Hotel
This hotel is on the beach in the heart of Puerto Villamil. This cozy hotel is a great option for families or more budget-minded travelers. There are eight suites and 11 standard rooms, all with colorful, welcoming décor and attractive artwork. Rooms have different sleeping configurations, with twin or queen beds. Each room is unique – some have small living areas or kitchenettes, and the suites can generally sleep several guests. The hotel is owner-operated, and offers excellent, personal service. The hotel has a dining room with international menu and ocean views. There is Internet access, and a living room, library and bar. There is an open-air Jacuzzi with ocean view for relaxing.
Suggested Land-Based Itinerary:
Days | Activities |
Day 1 | Baltra Island and flight to Isabela Island. Transfer to your hotel, and afternoon visit to the Tortoise Breeding Center where you’ll see various species of Galapagos tortoises being raised. |
Day 2 | Full day exploring the heights of Sierra Negra Volcano, which has the second-largest volcanic caldera in the world. You’ll also have the option to hike to Chico Volcano, whose recent volcanic activity shows a unique Galapagos landscape. |
Day 3 | Morning adventure at Las Tintoreras, where you can snorkel with napping white-tipped reef sharks (harmless!), spot the tiny Galapagos penguins, and view sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and colorful sally lightfoot crabs. Afternoon at your leisure. |
Day 4 | Mountain bike to the Wall of Tears, built by prisoners when Isabela was a penal colony back in the 1940s and 50s. There is a lovely hill, with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and the route provides opportunities to see Galapagos wildlife. Afternoon at your leisure. |
Day 5 | Spend a full day snorkeling at Los Tuneles, one of the top snorkeling spots in the Galapagos Islands. There is an abundance of wildlife, like Galapagos penguins, white-tipped reef sharks, colorful tropical fish, marine iguanas, and more. |
Day 6 | Flight to Baltra, and return to mainland. |
Pricing:
6D/5N: From $2,200 per person based on double occupancy Ocean View Suite at Iguana Crossing / US$ 1,550 per person based on double occupancy Garden View Room at Casa Marita
Includes – round trip flights from Isabela Island to Baltra Island, Galapagos National Park fees, acommodations, tours, breakfast
Suggested Cruise + Land-Based Itinerary:
Days | Activities |
Day 1-5 | Spend 5 days and 4 nights cruising the Galapagos – we suggest the Cormorant, Ocean Spray, Athala II, Corals, Explorer II, Legend, or Tip Tops. |
Day 5 | Disembark from cruise and short flight to Isabela. Transfer to your hotel, and afternoon adventure at Las Tintoreras, where you can snorkel with napping white-tipped reef sharks (harmless!), spot the tiny Galapagos penguins, and view sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and colorful sally lightfoot crabs. |
Day 6 | Full day exploring the heights of Sierra Negra Volcano, which has the second-largest volcanic caldera in the world. You’ll also have the option to hike to Chico Volcano, whose recent volcanic activity shows a unique Galapagos landscape. |
Day 7 | Spend a full day snorkeling at Los Tuneles, one of the top snorkeling spots in the Galapagos Islands. There is an abundance of wildlife, like Galapagos penguins, white-tipped reef sharks, colorful tropical fish, marine iguanas, and more. |
Day 8 | Flight from Isabela to Baltra, and connect with mainland flight. |
Pricing depends on cruise selected. Please contact us for more details.