This island was named in honor of Queen Isabela. Shaped like a sea horse, it is the largest island of the chain. Located to the far west of the archipelago Isabela was formed by the merging of 6 volcanoes, 5 of which are still active. Isabela is the only Galapagos Island to straddle the equator and it’s well known for its untouched and rugged beauty.
Tagus Cove, which was a favorite early pirate and whaler anchorage, from where a high point can be reached for an impressive view of the cove and the lave flowing out the Darwin volcano. Around this spot you’ll be able to experience an incomparable wildlife observation of two of earth’s rarest animals, the endemic flightless cormorant and the tiny Galapagos penguin.
The islet Las Tintoreras has a small bay of completely calm turquoise waters and there you can observe hundreds of marine iguanas, sea turtles, sea lions, rays and even white tip sharks.
Humedales, Wetlands, is a place where you can see series of lagoons, mangrove species, flamingos and numerous migratory birds.
In The Breeding Center, you can observe tortoises of different ages and sizes and learn about their reproduction. Punta Vicente Roca is a place inhabited by plenty of sea lions, marine iguanas, blue footed, masked boobies and flightless cormorants. Urbina Bay it’s a great location to observe a coral area, land iguanas, flightless cormorants and giant tortoises.