Galapagos

Highlights

Isabela and nearby western islands

Isabela Island (Albemarle)
Isabela is the largest of all the islands, over 130km. from north to south. It has five of the biggest volcanoes including Wolf the highest of all at 1700m. Despite its size much of Isabela is barren lava with few places to disembark. There have been recent eruptions. Alcedo volcano has the largest tortoise population.

Tagus Cove (Isabela): An impressive natural harbour whose cliffs are covered in mariners' graffiti going back hundreds of years. The trail curves up a steep gully past a circular crater lake - Darwin lake. Good views of several volcanoes at the top.

Urvina Bay (Isabela): A circular trail to an uplifted beach and remains of a coral reef. (flightless cormorants, tortoises, land iguanas, hermit crabs, finches, warblers, and mockingbirds). Elizabeth Bay: A dinghy ride into a lagoon hidden by the largest mangrove trees in the archipelago (herons, turtles, rays).

Sierra Negra: Some tours organize expeditions to this active volcano (partially on horseback). The 10Km crater is second only in size to Ngorongoro. Steaming fumaroles, vermilion flycatchers, wild donkeys.

Fernandina (Narborough) Island
Fernandina is probably the largest pristine island in the world - no introduced organisms. Punta Espinosa: A promontory with a magnificent position surrounded by six volcanoes on Isabela. Unique attractions such as the majestic cone, barren lavas, thousands of iguanas, curious flightless cormorants and penguins.

Fernandina. Enlarge image

During January to June the marine iguanas breed and lay eggs in the sand. The flightless cormorants stand around drying their 'wings' and offering nesting material to each other. Though low in numbers they seem to be unaffected by human visitors. Nearby tide-pools are a favoured place for Sally lightfoot crabs, great blue herons, oystercatchers, and in the pools young marine turtles often seek refuge.