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About this trip
Volcano landscape and Galápagos penguin
One of the western, largest and most amazing volcano landscapes is found on Isabela Island – it even looks like a seahorse! It is settled by six large shield volcanoes fused into one island (Ecuador, Wolf, Darwin, Alcedo, Sierra Negra (active!) and Cerro Azul). Each of them is populated with different species of tortoise. The archipelago`s highest point is located at Wolf Volcano (1,707 m; 5,600 ft). This volcano was active in 2015, giving visitors the chance to see how the islands grew and turned into what we know today, the Galápagos Islands. Also, Sierra Negra volcano situated on the west of the archipelago is the second biggest active crater in the world. The island is home to penguins, flightless cormorants, marine and land iguanas and many marine birds. The small human population is settled in Puerto Villamil, in the south of the island. Commonly, day tour adventurers visit just attractions around Villamil Pier where it is possible to find pink flamingos feeding on tiny shrimp larva, zigzagging penguins, frigate birds posing on the endemic trees. From the small trail one has the chance to notice a variety of giant tortoises and the snorkel time gives the opportunity to swim next to blue sharks at Tintoreras tiny islets shore, whose name is honoring these sharks.
What’s included
- - Lunch (local restauran
- - Naturalist Tour Guide
- - Shared transportation
- - Purified water
- - Snorkeling equipment (
- - Comfortable speed boat
What’s not included
- - Wetsuit (available at
- - Entry fee to Isabela $
- Puerto Ayora dock occupa
- - Propina
Available Packages
Itinerary
Itinerary
Departure: at 6:30 am from Puerto Ayora Pier
Returning time: approximately at 5:00 pm
Travel Time: speed boat ride takes around 2 hours (August – October the seas can be quite rough). Adventurers with back or neck injuries are not advised to take this journey.
Difficulty Level: intermediate
Highlight activity: walking and snorkeling
Transportation: speed boat
Description
The departure is going to be at 6:30 am from the Puerto Ayora Pier where our guests will embark on an amazing marine and land wildlife expedition on Isabela Island, the largest of the Archipelago. First, passengers will be able to spot the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center where the naturalists will explain and show closely five different species of tortoises from the different volcanoes on Isabela, it is also possible to see different kinds of tropical birds. Then, we will go to Flamingo lagoon where all the visitors have the chance to see hundreds of sea lions and obviously the pink flamingos. Last but not least, Las Tintoreras, which is a paradise for the tipped reef sharks. This small bay is where the Galápagos penguins like to frequent as well. It is also possible to observe playful lava heron and gulls. This place is magical for snorkeling, but the adventurers have to be quick to get a glimpse of the penguins underwater. The biggest island journey offers the opportunity to watch closely several species of finches. The hot lunch will be enjoyed at one of the town’s restaurants.
It is recommended to wear a wetsuit in order to neutralize the sea temperature because it falls under 20ºC from September to December and it is up of 27ºC from January to August.