The main beach of Isabela is located just a few minutes walking from anywhere in town, since Puerto Villamil is small and flat.
It is one of the longest and most peaceful beaches in Galápagos, with white sand, palm trees and calm waters. Here you can swim, relax, walk along the shore and observe sea lions, marine iguanas and coastal birds.
It is an excellent place to enjoy the sunset, as the sun sets directly in front of the ocean.
From the town center you only need to walk toward the main dock (where the boats from Santa Cruz arrive). Before entering the pier you will see a wooden path to the right.
You walk through mangroves for about 3 to 5 minutes along the trail.
At the end you will find a protected natural lagoon, ideal for free snorkeling if you bring your own equipment. In this site it is common to swim with sea turtles, sea lions, tropical fish and occasionally rays.
It is recommended to visit during high tide for better visibility.
A few minutes walking from the center, following the path toward the west side of town, a small brackish water lagoon surrounded by vegetation appears.
This is one of the easiest places in Galápagos to observe flamingos in the wild.
They are usually feeding slowly in the shallow water. They are not always in large groups, but there is almost always at least one present. The soft morning light or late afternoon is the best time to see them active. It is a short stop but very special because it happens literally next to the town.
The first point appears just a few minutes after starting.
A small hidden beach between black lava where marine iguanas and coastal birds usually rest.
It is quiet, almost always empty, and works as an introduction to the type of landscape that will dominate the rest of the route: open nature without constructions.
After continuing the path, the terrain changes and a calm water area surrounded by vegetation appears: the estuary.
Here the environment is completely different from the open coast. The water remains almost still reflecting the sky, while small birds walk along the shore searching for food. Sometimes fish trapped by the tide can be seen and, with luck, small rays.
It is an ideal point to stop for a few minutes, slow the pace of the walk and observe quietly.
During the walk to the Wall, you can detour to several natural viewpoints such as Mirador el Mango and other elevated points overlooking the beach and the ocean. These detours add between 20 and 30 extra minutes but offer spectacular views of the volcanic landscape and the coast of Isabela.
Finally a large wall of volcanic rock appears in the middle of the vegetation.
It was built by prisoners in the penal colony of the 1950s carrying stones under the sun during long working days. Today it remains as a silent historical site.
After the entire natural route, the human presence becomes striking and the place invites visitors to remain in silence for a few minutes before returning.
Walking around town is an activity by itself. You can explore the boardwalk, the dock, the quiet streets and observe sea lions resting on benches or sidewalks, something very typical of Isabela.
It is a perfect place to enjoy the relaxed island atmosphere and take photographs.
Download offline maps on Google Maps before leaving.
Check tides with a tide app (especially for snorkeling).
Bring at least 1 liter of water per person for long walks.
Use comfortable or sport shoes for trails.
Keep at least 2 meters distance from animals.
Feeding or touching wildlife is prohibited.
Do not bring food to beaches or protected areas.
12%
Your discount code:
GALAPAGOS2026
Promotion valid from September to November 2026.
