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Isabela Discovery Day


Tortoises, penguins, and lava landscapes on Galapagos’ largest island

11 hr
120 US dollars
Avenue Charles Darwin

Service Description

Isabela Island offers an unforgettable blend of wildlife, conservation history, and dramatic volcanic scenery. Shaped like a giant seahorse and formed by six volcanoes, Isabela is the largest island in the Galápagos—but only a small part is accessible to visitors, making it a pristine and fascinating place to explore. This full-day tour takes you from Puerto Ayora to Puerto Villamil, Isabela’s peaceful coastal town, and includes land exploration in the morning and a snorkeling adventure in the afternoon. 🗓 Itinerary Overview ⏰ Departure: 7:00 a.m. (meet at 6:30 a.m.) ⏱ Travel Time: ~2 hours by speedboat with restrooms onboard (Note: From August to October, seas can be rough. Not recommended for guests with back or neck issues.) 📍 Estimated Return: ~5:30 p.m. 🌿 Morning: Tortoises, Flamingos & Black-Sand Beaches Start your visit with a guided walk through Puerto Villamil, including a stop at the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, where five different species from Isabela’s volcanoes are raised and protected. You’ll learn about the island’s ambitious conservation efforts—like the dramatic eradication of invasive goats—and how the park works to protect native ecosystems. Next, visit the serene Flamingo Lagoon, often dotted with bright pink birds feeding in the shallows. A walk along black-sand beaches will reveal colonies of marine iguanas sunbathing on lava rocks, offering amazing photo opportunities. A traditional lunch is included at a local restaurant before you return to the port. 🐧 Afternoon: Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras In the afternoon, cruise to Las Tintoreras, a chain of volcanic islets and lava channels that serve as a natural nursery for white-tip reef sharks. You’ll have the chance to snorkel in calm, clear waters surrounded by marine life: curious sea lions, gliding green turtles, colorful reef fish, and with some luck, even Galápagos penguins swimming right beside you. This spot is ideal for beginner and intermediate snorkelers—gentle conditions and stunning biodiversity in every direction. ✅ Tour Includes: Certified naturalist guide Lunch and drinking water Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins) Wetsuits available for an additional fee ⚠️ Not included: $10 entrance fee to Isabela (charged by the local municipality) This tour is perfect for travelers who want to combine meaningful wildlife encounters, fascinating ecological history, and a relaxing adventure in one of the Galápagos’ most untouched and beautiful regions.


Contact Details

  • Academy Bay Diving, Avenue Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora, Ecuador

    +593 99 631 3228

    info@oceandeepdiving.com


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