Scalesia Lodge

Some excursions may require pre-registration or incur additional costs. Please contact our trip planners for more details.

Explore the diverse natural wonders of Isabela Island through a variety of guided excursions. Each activity highlights the island’s striking landscapes, unique wildlife, and rich natural history. From hiking volcanic trails to snorkeling in calm bays, these experiences offer an authentic look at the beauty and biodiversity of the Galápagos.

Tintoreras Walk & Snorkel Tour (Monday & Thursday)
Departure Time: 9:30 AM
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

Start with a 15-minute boat ride to Tintoreras Islet, where blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and sea lions can often be seen. Take a guided one-hour hike across lava formations and sandy paths, observing white-tip reef sharks resting in the shallow channels. Then snorkel for about an hour in calm waters teeming with marine life, including reef sharks, sea turtles, rays, and colorful fish. This tour combines scenic coastal exploration with exceptional snorkeling around one of Isabela’s most remarkable islets.

Chico and Sierra Negra Volcano Trekking Tour (Wednesday & Saturday)
Departure Time: 8:30 AM
Duration: 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

Begin with a one-hour hike to Chico Volcano, passing through contrasting landscapes of lush ferns, volcanic rock, and cacti. Observe active sulfur fumaroles and take in panoramic views of Isabela Island. Continue with a 3-hour trek to Sierra Negra Volcano, home to the world’s second-largest volcanic crater measuring 9.6 kilometers / 6 miles wide and 300 meters / 984 feet deep. As one of the most active volcanoes in the archipelago, Sierra Negra offers a striking glimpse into the geological forces that shaped the Galápagos.

Túneles Walk and Snorkel Tour (Tuesday & Friday)
Departure Time: 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Duration: 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

Begin with a 45-minute boat ride along the coast, spotting Nazca and blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and Galápagos penguins. Manta rays are sometimes seen gliding near the yacht. Continue with a 1-hour guided walk across lava and sandy trails to explore striking natural arches and tunnels formed by ancient lava flows. Finish with a 1.5-hour snorkeling session in calm, clear waters where sea turtles, reef sharks, seahorses, and sea lions thrive. Lunch is served on board before returning to the lodge.

Wall of Tears Trekking or Biking Tour (Sunday)
Departure Time: 9:00 AM
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

Visit the Wall of Tears, a historic landmark built by prisoners between 1945 and 1959, located about 5 kilometers west of Puerto Villamil.

Choose between a 3-hour bike ride along an 8-mile sandy and gravel trail that runs parallel to the coast, where giant tortoises can often be seen on the paths, or a 1.5-hour guided hike that includes stops at scenic sites such as Love Beach and El Estero mangroves. Both routes offer a glimpse into Isabela’s natural landscapes and human history.

Concha de Perla Snorkel Tour (Saturday)
Departure Time: 9:00 AM
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy

Concha de Perla is a natural pool accessible through a short 25-minute wooden walkway. The calm, shallow, and clear waters make it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Along the trail, iguanas and sea lions can often be seen resting on the path.

Spend about 1 hour and 30 minutes snorkeling in these sheltered waters and observe marine life such as sea turtles, starfish, seahorses, and playful sea lions. 

Wetlands & Tortoise Breeding Station Visit (Tuesday & Friday)
Departure Time: 2:00 PM
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy

The Wetlands of Isabela Island are located on the outskirts of Puerto Villamil and consist of lagoons, swamps, and mangroves that host a wide variety of species. The walk lasts about 30 minutes along trails surrounded by lagoons and coastal vegetation. Observe marine iguanas, frigatebirds, sandpipers, white-cheeked pintails, gallinules, and the largest concentration of flamingos in the Galápagos.

Continue with a 2-hour visit to the Tortoise Breeding Center, where you can see giant tortoises of all ages and learn about the ongoing conservation programs that protect this endangered species. This easy walk provides an informative and inspiring look at local wildlife preservation efforts.

Sucre’s Cave, El Mango Viewpoint, and Free time at the beach (Wednesday & Sunday)
Departure Time: 1:30 PM
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy

Start the afternoon with a visit to Sucre’s Cave, about 14 kilometers from Puerto Villamil in the island’s agricultural zone. Spend around two hours exploring glowing rock formations on an easy one-hour hike through this volcanic area. Afterward, visit El Mango Viewpoint for an hour to take in panoramic views of southern Isabela and spot finches and other native birds among the trees. End with a relaxing time on the beach in Puerto Villamil, where white sands, turquoise waters, and laid-back cafés offer the perfect place to unwind.

Optional Activities
A range of additional experiences is available for guests who want to explore further. These activities are private, available on request, and come at an additional cost.

Cuatro Hermanos
Visit Cuatro Hermanos, a quiet area known for clear waters and abundant marine life. Snorkel among coral and fish or relax on the pristine shore away from the main tourist areas.

Tortuga Island
Take a boat trip to Tortuga Island for snorkeling and beach walks. The island offers calm waters and a vibrant underwater environment perfect for observing sea turtles, rays, and colorful fish.

Sulfur Mines Tour
Explore the historical Sulfur Mines and see the remnants of past mining operations. The tour also highlights volcanic formations and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Kayaking
Paddle through Isabela’s calm bays and channels for a close-up view of the coastline. Kayaking allows you to spot marine wildlife and access areas not reachable by land.

Surfing
Ride the waves at select beaches around Isabela. Conditions vary, providing options suitable for both beginners and more experienced surfers looking for a local challenge.