The biggest island among the Galapagos Islands is called Isabela Island. It has a land area of 4640 square kilometers (1790 square miles) and spans over a length of 100 kilometers (62 miles). In comparison, it is almost four times bigger than the second-largest island, Santa Cruz, in the archipelago.
The island’s initial name was the Duke of Albemarle, but it was later named after Queen Isabella of Spain. Isabel Island is located right on the equator.
Isabela Island, situated on the western edge of the Galapagos archipelago near the Galapagos hotspot, is one of the youngest islands in the chain. It was formed by the merging of six shield volcanoes, making it nearly one million years old.
In 1893, the settlements of Santo Tomas and Puerto Villamil were established on the island. As time passed, by the year 1905, the population of the island had grown to 200 people.
Back in the day, exports mainly consisted of coral-made lime and sulfur extracted from fumaroles. Moreover, tortoises were utilized for their meat and oil.
Some of the most well-liked sights to see on Isabela Island are the Flamingo Lagoon and El Muro de las Lagrimas wall. The wall was constructed by prisoners who were being held on the island when it functioned as a penal colony. These two attractions are situated in the southern portion of the island.
The port of call for cruises to Isabel Island is the dock at Puerto Ayora, located on the southern coast of Santa Cruz Island. This is where the ships anchor and passengers can disembark to explore the island.
This map displays the itineraries of Galapagos Islands cruises, highlighting the primary routes and every stop at the islands’ ports and landing sites.
