|  This
1,800sqft island is the largest and most volcanically active
island in the archipelago, Isabella, can be accessed directly
from Santa Cruz, by boat from Puerto Ayora (8 hours to get to
Isabella via Florena; about 4 hours to return) or by plane from
Baltra (30 minutes). Puerto Villamil, Isabella's main town is
a much mellower version of Puerto Ayora and the most popular
port after Puerto Ayora to hang out in a hammock and watch the
boobies fly by. True to island attitude, expect only the most
basic tourist accommodations, restaurants and bars.
The Island is more than 100km long, very narrow and was created
by the lava of 6 volcanoes flowing together. Some of them are
as high as 1,700m (5,600ft). The Sierra Negra Volcano has the
second largest crater in the world, measuring 10km (6 miles)
in diameter. There are various sites to visit around the island.
A two-day trek up Alcedo Volcano will lead you to some
of the last of the wild tortoises found in the islands.
In
the north of Isabela there is a small promontory known as Punta
Vicente Roca, on the southwestern edge of Volcano Ecuador.
The point presides over a pair of jewel-like coves. The coves
lie on either side of the eroded remains of a volcanic ash cone,
which make up the point. The sheltered bay is a popular anchorage
for boats and visitors may have a look around in dinghies. The
surrounding cliffs are actually the interior walls of a fallen
volcano and there is a partly flooded cave.
The
area is also very good for scuba diving. Its abundant ocean
life is the product of cool, nutrient-rich waters up welling
off the volcano's steep submarine slopes. On the other side
of the point is a secluded cove, accessible from the sea only
through water-filled subterranean passages. Sea lions travel
through these passageways and gather on the protected beaches
of the hidden waters. Large numbers of blue-footed and masked
boobies inhabit the point and the sheer cliffs, and flightless
cormorants can be seen along the shoreline. Well-known
sites on Isabella are Targus Cove, Elisabeth Bay, Las Tintoreras
and Urvina Bay.
Targus
Cove: This
was a favourite site of pirates and early whalers, who left
their ship names and historical graffiti carved on the high
cliff. You can go ashore and visit a saltwater lagoon and the
lava fields of Darwin Volcano. You will also have magnificent
views over the ocean. Go along the cliffs with a launch and
see the exclusive Galapagos penguins, the flightless cormorants
and many other sea birds.
 Elisabeth
Bay: Located
on Isabela´s west shore, this is extremely interesting for observing
marine life. You can motor or kayak past a few islands where
you usually see penguins. One of the best areas to take their
photos. Through a small passage lined with mangroves you emerge
into an enclosed cove. Turn your motor off and look in the sheltered
waters for marine turtles, rays, flightless cormorants and others.
Las Tintoreras:
Here you can observe the white tipped shark. It needs only a
5 min drive in a dinghy from Port Villamil. There is also a
trail that allows you to see other plants and animals.
 Urvina
Bay: at the
western coast of the island at the foot of Alcedo Volcano. The
whole area was uplifted from the sea in 1954. Corals and other
marine formations distinguish this site. Flightless cormorants
and brown pelicans nest along the coast. You can also find large
marine iguanas, rays, marine turtles, seashells and the plant
Darwiniothamnus tenuifolius.
In
the south of the island, close to Port Villamil, there is a
project of the Galapagos National Park. They study the reproduction
process of the subspecies of Geochelone elephantopus gunteri
(tortoise). |
