ISABELLA (ALBEMARLE)
Isabella is the largest island in Galapagos. Half of the Galapagos area belongs to Isabella. This island comprises five big volcanoes (Cerro Azul, Sierra Negra, Alcedo, Darwin and Wolf) plus another small volcano called Ecuador. Not only all the volcanos are potentially active but some of them have erupted recently, in this century. Because of its size and the presence of the biggest volcanoes, Isabella presents a diversity of fauna and flora unmatched by the rest of the islands, and also some of the Galapagos richest marine zones.

There are many interesting places to visit in Isabella, but the one that attracts the most is Tagus Cove. This was traditionally a place where the whaling boats arrived to anchor. Charles Darwin's ship, "The Beagle", anchored here too. The trail ascends along a salty lagoon to a little volcanic cone, where you find a beautiful view of the northern part of Isabella Island. The vegetation along the trail is very peculiar. There are also horse-back rides to the Sierra Negra volcano.

The coast around the cove is very diverse of fauna and flora. You can also tour-boat to seek for penguins, marine iguanas, pelicans and other species.

Scuba diving is highly recommended. The water is very clear, allowing also for great snorkeling, particularly in Tagus Cove.

There are other fascinating places to visit such as Punta Albermale, Alcedo Volcano, Breeding Center, Las Tintoreras, Tears Wall, Volcan Chico, Minas de Azufre, Punta Moreno, Urbina Bay and Black Turtle Beach.