Galapagos Islands
Galapagos, Isabela Island
Urbina Bay lies around the middle of the westem shore of Isabela and is a flat area formed by an uplift from the sea in 1954. Evidence of the uplift includes a coral reef on the land. Flightless cormorants, pelicans and marine iguanas can be observed on land, and rays and turtles can be seen in the bay.
Elizabeth Bay is best visited by a panga ride, as there are no landing sites. Islas Mariela are at the entrance of the bay and are frequented by penguins. The end of the bay itself is a long, narrow and convoluted arm of the sea surrounded by three species of mangroves. Marine turtles and rays can usually be seen in the water, and various seabirds and shorebirds are usually present.
Punta Moreno is a dry landing on to a lava flow, there are some brackish pools. Flamingos, white-cheeked pintails and common gallinules are sometimes seen, and various pioneer plants and ¡nsects are found in the area.
Puerto Villamil is known for its migrant birds - especially waders, over 20 species have been reported here. The surrounding vegetation is dense and without trails, but the road to the highlands and the open beach do give reasonable access to the lagoons. The small port of Puerto Villamil is where most of the island's inhabitants live.
Muro de las Lagrimas or Wall of Tears is a visitor site west of Puerto Villamil was built by convicts. Although the site sounds grim, it provides an interesting bit of the island's history and the long trail along the coast provides excellent scenic views and wildlife watching opportunities.
Punta Vicente Roca is definitely worth a visit by panga ride and by snorkeling there. Most vessels enter the cove which makes up this area, so that passengers can view the incredible tuff walls, the wave-sculpted cave, and the sea turtles that hang out in the area.
Sierra Negra volcano is located in the southern portion of Isabela, the Sierra Negra volcano is below the Perry Isthmus and above the Cerro Azul volcano. Sierra Negra is considered to be the oldest and largest volcano on Isabela, with its caldera measuting about 5 miles by 6 miles across. continues...
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Santiago Island
Santiago is the fourth-largest of the islands and has several excellent visitor sites...
