Overview
The remarkably-shaped Isabela Island was originally called Albemarle Island by the first Galapagos explorers in 1684. It is the largest of all the islands at 120 km long, and its total area is larger than that of all the other islands put together! The northwestern side of the island features Tagus Cove, a notorious anchorage used originally by pirates and buccaneers, and later by whalers and fishermen.
Isabela was visited by Charles Darwin in 1835 when he arrived on the Beagle. Near the end of the 19th century, Isabela Island started to be properly colonized with the founding of the town of Puerto Villamil on the south coast, and later the inland settlement of Santa Tomas in the highlands. Isabela was a centre for lime production in the islands, which was made by burning coral that had been collected from the abundant coastal waters. Santa Tomas was home to a sulphur mine that was based in the volcanic crater. The lack of much fresh water on the islands meant neither of these businesses thrived and the island never become too developed. One of the younger islands in the Galapagos, Isabela Island was formed by the joining up of six volcanoes, all bar one of which are still classed as active. Amongst them is the famous Wolf Volcano, whose summit is the highest point on the whole archipelago.
The island's population has grown slowly over the years and now stands at over 1,750. The majority of Isabela islanders make their living by fishing, farming, and from tourism. Most of them live on the southern coast at Puerto Villamil. The island has many relatively new lava fields, and the surrounding soils have not yet broken down to develop enough nutrients to support the variety of habitats found on some of the other Galapagos islands. However, the Isabela wildlife is amongst the richest to be found anywhere in the Galapagos. Isabela is home to more wild tortoises than all the other islands put together, and each of its 6 volcanoes boasts a separate species. On her west coast, Isabela is hit by the nutrient-rich Cromwell Current, which rises up from the depths and creates a bountiful feeding ground for fish, whales dolphins and seabirds. Isabela has the reputation as the best spot for whale watching in the archipelago, with 16 species seen in the seas around her.
Photos of Isabela Island
Fast Facts about Isabela Island
- The island was formed when 6 volcanoes joined together
- 16 species of whale have been seen in the waters around Isabela
- Wolf Volcano on Isabela is the highest point in the whole Galapagos
- Isabela is bigger than all the other islands put together!
Animals on the island Isabela
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Galapagos Frigatebirds
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Blue-Footed Booby
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Galapagos Sea Lion
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Galapagos Giant Tortoise
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Galapagos Marine Iguana
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Greater Flamingo
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Darwin's Finches
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Galapagos Hawk
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Galapagos Mockingbird
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Nazca Booby
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Flightless Cormorant
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Galapagos Penguin
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Galapagos Land Iguana
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Galapagos Green Turtle
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Galapagos Fur Seal
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Galapagos Sharks
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Galapagos Sting Rays
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Vermilion Flycatcher
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Galapagos Red Bat
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Galapagos Hoary Bat
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Galapagos Lava Lizard
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Galapagos Dove
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Galapagos Shearwater
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Galapagos Petrel
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Galapagos Rail
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Whales & Dolphins
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Galapagos Sea Robin
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Galapagos Martin
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Brown Pelican
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Great Blue Heron
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Galapagos Lava Heron
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Yellow-crowned Night Heron
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White-cheeked Pintail
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Galapagos Short-eared Owl
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Red-lipped Batfish
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Sunfish
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Mobula Rays
Highlights

Albemarle Point
Nesting site of flightless cormorants
Possibile Activities
Panga ride

Elizabeth Bay
Sheltered waters, teaming with life
Possibile Activities
Panga Ride

Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Center
See Giant Tortoises hatching
Possibile Activities
Hiking

Moreno Point
An eerie landscape of lava fields and lagoons
Possibile Activities
panga ride, hiking

Tagus Cove
Follow in the footsteps of buccaneers!
Possibile Activities
Hiking, Snorkeling, Panga Ride

Las Tintoreras
Close encounters with sharks in the lagoon
Possibile Activities
Snorkeling, Panga Ride

Urbina Bay
Visit the arid zone, and a recent land uplift
Possibile Activities
Hiking, Snorkeling

Vicente Rock Point
Rated as one of the best snorkeling sites
Possibile Activities
Snorkeling

Wall of Tears
A testament to a time of cruelty on Galapagos
Possibile Activities
Hiking

The Wetlands
A haven for wildlife just outside town
Possibile Activities
Hiking

Cowley Islet
Excellent diving off the coast of Isabela
Possibile Activities
Diving


Puerto Villamil
The most beautiful town in Galapagos
Possibile Activities
Snorkeling, panga ride, hiking

Sierra Negra Volcano
The most impressive volcano in Galapagos
Possibile Activities
Hiking


Concha de Perla
A wonderful place to snorkel in Isabela
Possibile Activities
Snorkeling, relaxing at the beach
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