3 Best Beaches in Isabela, Galapagos
João Petersen · Last updated September 2, 2026
If you're on the hunt for pristine beaches, then Isabela, the largest island in the Galapagos archipelago, is the ideal destination for you.
In fact, you've come to the right place to discover the very best beaches in Isabela - the ones where you can surf, take in the diverse wildlife, admire breathtaking sunsets, and enjoy quality time with your family or friends, whether you're looking to relax or have some fun.
I also have an article that compiles all The Best Beaches in the Galapagos, which you might find interesting.
Your Galapagos Islands Essentials - Quick Guide
Short on time? This quick Galapagos guide will help you plan.
Where to Stay:
- – Finch Bay Hotel (Santa Cruz Island)
- – Hotel Indigo by IHG (San Cristobal Island)
- – Hotel Iguana Crossing (Isabela Island)
Must-Do Experiences:
- – 360 Tour (San Cristobal highlights by boat)
- – Kicker Rock Tour (Full-day snorkeling tour to Kicker Rock)
- – Bartolome Island Tour (Iconic views and marine life)
- – Floreana Island Tour (Snorkel, fishing and history)
- – Sierra Negra Volcano Tour (Half-day guided hike on Isabela Island)
- – Los Tuneles Tour (Snorkeling tour on Isabela Island)
The links in this box are affiliate links.
Tours sell out fast. Book early and plan a backup day.
Isabela Island beachfront
Plan Your Galapagos Trip (Free Quote)
We've had many readers ask us for help planning a Galapagos trip. While we don't handle trip reservations or bookings ourselves, we partnered with Happy Gringo, a trusted local agency we 100% recommend. Share your travel details, and their team will help plan and book everything for you.
Get Free QuoteThe Best Beaches in
Isabela Island
Here is the list of the best beaches available to you in Isabela. I’ve sorted them into categories based on your preferences so you can easily find the one that fits your vibe the most.
- Best places for surfing: Puerto Villamil Beach, El Faro, El Hospital, Barahona, and Los Tuneles.
- Best beach to relax: Puerto Villamil Beach.
- Best places to snorkel: Los Tuneles, Concha de Perla Lagoon, Puerto Villamil Beach, La Playita.
- Best beaches to see wildlife: Puerto Villamil Beach, Playa del Amor
- Most accessible beaches: Puerto Villamil Beach, La Playita.
- Most paradisiac beaches w/ white sand: Puerto Villamil Beach.
For more information on the best beaches in Isabela and other official details, visit the Galapagos Conservancy’s website for Isabela Island.
Our Top 3 Beaches
I’ve put together comprehensive articles covering the majority of the best beaches in Isabela. You’ll find all the details you need, including how to reach them, what to bring, what sights to expect, the costs involved, and the estimated travel time.
Without further ado, these are my top 3 beaches in Isabela island:
3. Playa del Amor
Playa del Amor is situated in Humedales Park, but to be frank, it’s not the best spot for swimming or lounging on the sand since it serves as a nesting site for Marine Iguanas. However, if you’re keen to see plenty of these unique creatures, it’s definitely worth checking out.
If you’re after a more traditional beach experience, though, I’d recommend looking into the other two options nearby.
2. La Playita
La Playita beach is the main alternative to Puerto Villamil’s beach and it stands right at the beginning of Los Humedales Park and some meters after the main beach. Here you can come at the end of your Wall of Tears bicycle ride or say that you went to a different beach in Isabela.
Honestly, it is nice and it has more like a bay feeling but with a giant beach like Puerto Villamil’s beach next to the town where there aren’t almost people you don’t necessarily need to find a remote beach on this island. In any case, if you look for alternative beaches this is it.
View the full blog posts here: WALL OF TEARS IN ISABELA or PUERTO VILLAMIL BEACH 
1. Puerto Villamil Beach
The Puerto Villamil beach or Playa Isabela in Isabela island is a gorgeous 4 km beach that runs alongside the entire seaside of this cute little town.
This white-sanded beauty with turquoise water is the perfect place to relax on Isabela island. Here you will see many pelicans fishing and marine iguanas and on the east side, there’s a great place to surf.
View the full blog post here: PUERTO VILLAMIL BEACH
Where to Stay
For those looking for a sophisticated and comfortable stay, The Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel is a great option, boasting 14 elegant rooms, a sparkling pool, and a rooftop lounge.
Cormorant Beach House offers an environmentally conscious retreat, where guests can enjoy the natural beauty of the island and a complimentary breakfast at a local-owned restaurant. For those who prefer more apartment-style accommodation, Aparthotel Casa Soleil offers fully-equipped apartments just 450 meters from the beach.
To learn more about the best hotels in Isabela, Galapagos, check out the full article:
All The Articles About The Galapagos
San Cristobal Island - The easternmost island of the Galapagos, the “Isla Bonita”
Santa Cruz Island - The island with the best tourism infrastructure.
Isabela Island - The most adventurous and less explored island of the main three.
Plan Your Next Adventure With Us
The links in this box are affiliate links. You won't pay more, and they help keep the blog running. Each line says whether I have used the product.
Car Rental: Discovercars compares car rental offers from many companies.
Accommodation: Book your hotels with Booking.com or Expedia. I used Agoda in Southeast Asia.
Flights: Trip.com sells flights, hotels, train tickets, attractions and car rental. Airhelp handles compensation claims for delayed, canceled or overbooked flights and charges a 35% fee only if the claim succeeds.
Trains and Buses: I have booked with Omio several times, including from Lisbon to San Sebastian. 12Go sells tickets for trains, buses, ferries, transfers and flights across Asia and some other regions. Busbud sells bus and train tickets in more than 80 countries.
Tours and Tickets: I have used GetYourGuide on some trips. Viator sells tours, activities and tickets, and most have free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Mobile eSIM: Holafly sells eSIM data plans for travel, delivered by email (5% discount). I have used Airalo, not in the Galapagos.
Travel Insurance: Heymondo sells travel insurance that covers medical issues, lost luggage, transport delays and trip cancellation, with an app that offers medical chat and 24/7 assistance. It is well reviewed, and this link gets you 5% off. Safetywing sells subscription health and travel insurance for people who travel or live abroad, covering medical treatment, emergency dental care and travel problems such as lost luggage and delays.
Loading comments…