Elizabeth Bay

Isabela Island is one of the largest in the Galapagos and also one of the youngest. It is home to a number of active volcanoes, which helps give the island a diverse geology, perfect for enjoying a wide range of wildlife. There are more species of tortoise on Isabela than any other Galapagos Island, so be sure to look out for them. Elizabeth Bay itself is on the east coast and is a series of islets which you can explore on a Zodiac. You’ll discover a wealth of wild birds, including Blue-footed Boobies, Cormorants and more, along with other species such as Sally Lightfoot crabs, sea lions and penguins.

It’s a popular spot for snorkelling if you’re able, with exotic schools of fish along with the occasional shark if you’re lucky. In Elizabeth Bay, you’ll also see intriguing growths of red and black mangroves. These trees have built up a resistance to the harsh coastal conditions and now thrive, giving sea turtles a place to rest and feed in the shelter. You can also head out to sea on a kayak if you want to try and spot the whales that occasionally visit the region.

Elizabeth Bay is 6 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT -6).