Day Tours from Puerto Ayora

Isabela Island Tours — Explore the Largest Island in the Galápagos

The largest and most biodiverse island in the Galápagos archipelago. From volcanic craters and lava tunnels to flamingo lagoons and penguin colonies — Isabela offers experiences unlike anywhere else on Earth. Book your tour directly with our local Puerto Ayora team.

📍 Departs from Puerto Ayora Pier
🕖 Departure: 7:00 AM daily
🚤 Ferry: ~2 hours each way
💵 From $75 per person
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Small groups available
🛡 Free rebooking guaranteed
About the Island

Why Visit Isabela Island on Your Galápagos Trip?

Isabela Island is the largest island in the Galápagos archipelago, covering approximately 4,586 km² and shaped by six active volcanoes: Wolf, Darwin, Alcedo, Sierra Negra, Cerro Azul, and Ecuador. It’s one of the most volcanically active places on Earth and home to an extraordinary diversity of wildlife found nowhere else on the planet.

From Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz, Isabela is just a 2-hour ferry ride away — making it one of the most popular and accessible day trips in the Galápagos. Whether you want to snorkel with penguins and reef sharks at Tintoreras, hike to the rim of Sierra Negra volcano, or navigate the surreal lava formations of Los Túneles, Isabela delivers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler.

As a locally based agency in Puerto Ayora, Zambrano Tours accompanies you throughout your entire Isabela Island experience — from the moment you board the ferry to your safe return to Santa Cruz.

🐧 Galápagos Penguins 🦩 Flamingos 🦈 Reef Sharks 🐢 Giant Tortoises 🦎 Marine Iguanas 🌋 Active Volcanoes 🐠 Tropical Fish 🦭 Sea Lions
Choose Your Adventure

Isabela Island Tours & Experiences

All tours depart from Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz. Prices are per person and include ferry, guide, and equipment where applicable.

Full Day
$160 / Person
📍 isabela Island

Isabela Full Day — Tintoreras

Explore the stunning Tintoreras islet, swim with sea turtles and white-tip reef sharks, and visit the flamingo lagoon. A full day immersed in Isabela’s incredible biodiversity.

⏱ Full day 🤿 Snorkeling 🚤 Boat transfer 🦈 Reef sharks
Full Day
$160 / Person
📍 isabela Island

Los Túneles — Lava Formations

Navigate through breathtaking lava tunnels and arches. Snorkel among seahorses, sea turtles, rays, and blue-footed boobies in one of Galápagos’ most unique geological sites.

⏱ Full day 🤿 Snorkeling 📸 Lava formations 🐢 Sea turtles
Full Day
$75 / Person
📍 isabela Island

Volcán Sierra Negra & Chico

Hike to the rim of Sierra Negra, one of the world’s largest active volcanic calderas, and continue to Volcán Chico for dramatic lava fields and panoramic island views.

⏱ Half day 🥾 Hiking 🌋 Active volcano 📸 Panoramic views
Full Day
$260 / Person
📍 isabela Island

Scuba Diving — Tortuga Island & Tintoreras

Two-tank dive at Tortuga Island and Tintoreras. Encounter hammerhead sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, and spectacular coral walls. Certification required.

⏱ Full day 🤿 2-tank dive 🦈 Hammerhead sharks 📋 Certification req.
What You Need to Know

What's Included in Our Isabela Tours

✅ Included

  • Round-trip ferry Santa Cruz ↔ Isabela
  • Certified bilingual naturalist guide
  • Snorkel equipment (full wetsuit & mask)
  • Lunch at local restaurant (full day tours)
  • Water taxi & dock fees
  • 24/7 Zambrano Tours support
  • Free rebooking if tour is cancelled

❌ Not Included

  • Isabela island entrance fee (~$14 USD cash)
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Tips for guides & crew (optional but appreciated)
  • Drinks & snacks
  • Dive certification (required for diving tour)
  • Accommodation in Isabela (available on request)

How to Get from Puerto Ayora to Isabela Island

The only way to reach Isabela Island from Santa Cruz is by inter-island ferry. The ferry departs from the Gus Angermeyer Pier in Puerto Ayora at approximately 7:00 AM daily and takes around 2 hours to reach Puerto Villamil, Isabela’s main port. The return ferry departs Isabela at approximately 3:00 PM.

When you book with Zambrano Tours, we handle all ferry logistics for you — tickets, boarding, and coordination. You don’t need to worry about anything. Our team meets you at the pier and accompanies you throughout the day.

💡

Zambrano Tours tip: Bring cash for the Isabela entrance fee (~$14 USD), sunscreen, a light jacket for the ferry crossing, and seasickness medication if you're sensitive to ocean swells. The crossing can be choppy, especially in the morning.

Best Time to Visit Isabela Island

The only way to reach Isabela Island from Santa Cruz is by inter-island ferry. The ferry departs from the Gus Angermeyer Pier in Puerto Ayora at approximately 7:00 AM daily and takes around 2 hours to reach Puerto Villamil, Isabela’s main port. The return ferry departs Isabela at approximately 3:00 PM.

When you book with Zambrano Tours, we handle all ferry logistics for you — tickets, boarding, and coordination. You don’t need to worry about anything. Our team meets you at the pier and accompanies you throughout the day.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions — Isabela Island Tours

How long is the ferry from Santa Cruz to Isabela Island?

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The inter-island ferry from Puerto Ayora to Puerto Villamil takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours depending on sea conditions. The ferry departs at 7:00 AM and the return from Isabela is at approximately 3:00 PM.

Do I need to know how to swim to join the snorkeling tours?

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Basic swimming ability is recommended. Our guides provide full wetsuits and snorkel equipment and are always present in the water to assist. You don't need to be an expert swimmer — but comfort in the water helps.

What is the entrance fee for Isabela Island?

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There is a local entrance fee of approximately $14 USD per person, payable in cash upon arrival at Puerto Villamil. This fee is not included in our tour price. Please bring cash as card readers are not always available.

Can I book an Isabela tour as a private group?

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Yes! We offer private group tours for families, couples, and small groups. Contact us on WhatsApp and we'll design a customized itinerary with the best pricing available.

What happens if the tour is cancelled due to weather?

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Zambrano Tours offers a full refund or free rebooking on any alternative tour if your trip is cancelled due to weather, mechanical issues, or any force majeure. We communicate with you in real time and always find a solution.

Is the Sierra Negra volcano hike suitable for beginners?

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The Sierra Negra hike is considered moderate difficulty — approximately 9km round trip with some uneven terrain. Moderate fitness is recommended. Wear hiking shoes and bring water and sun protection. Children and older adults in good health typically complete it without issues.
Ready to Explore Isabela?

Book Your Isabela Island Tour Today

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📍 Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz · Mon–Sat 8AM–6PM · 24/7 for active guests