Urbina Bay: A Geological Wonder and Wildlife Hotspot

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Explore Urbina Bay on Isabela Island: witness geological wonders, hike among giant tortoises & snorkel with diverse marine life in the Galapagos.

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Urbina Bay

Urbina Bay, located on the west coast of Isabela Island in the Galapagos, is a unique visitor site formed by a dramatic uplift in 1954. This geological event raised the seabed, stranding coral reefs and marine life, creating a fascinating landscape where you can observe giant tortoises, land iguanas, and diverse bird species.

A brief summary to Urbina Bay

Isabela Island, EC

Monday 8 pm-12 am
Tuesday 8 pm-12 am
Wednesday 8 pm-12 am
Thursday 8 pm-12 am
Friday 8 pm-12 am
Saturday 12 am-4 pm

Local tips

Protect your camera equipment during the wet landing, as strong waves can be common.
Bring plenty of water for the hike, as the trail can be long and the area is typically hot.
Do not touch or take any pieces of coral, as they deteriorate quickly when exposed to air.
Wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking on uneven terrain, including sand, lava, and coral.
Be aware of the Manzanillo tree and avoid contact with its sap, which can cause skin irritation.

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Getting There

Boat

Urbina Bay is typically accessed via a cruise or tour that includes a stop at the site. These tours usually depart from Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island. The boat journey provides scenic views of the Isabela coastline. Park entrance fees are typically included in the tour price. As of July 2025, the Galapagos National Park entrance fee is $200 USD per adult and $100 USD per child under 12, payable in cash upon arrival to the Galapagos. A transit control card also costs $20.
Walking

Upon arrival at Urbina Bay via boat, a wet landing is usually required to reach the shore. From the beach, visitors can follow marked trails to explore the island's unique landscape and wildlife. There are two trails available, a short (0.6mi/1 km) and a long (1.9mi/3km) one. The longer trail leads to the uplifted coral heads.

Discover more about Urbina Bay

Urbina Bay, nestled on the west coast of Isabela Island at the base of the Alcedo Volcano, offers a captivating blend of geological history and abundant wildlife. The bay's most distinctive feature is the result of a significant uplift in 1954, when volcanic activity caused the land to rise over 5 meters, extending the coastline and stranding a 6-km stretch of coral reef above sea level. This uplift created a surreal landscape where visitors can walk among the remains of a coral reef, now far from the water's edge. The exposed coral heads are deteriorating, offering a unique glimpse into a landscape that is constantly evolving. The area is characterized by a diverse terrain of coral, sand, lava formations, pumice rock, and rhyolite. Urbina Bay is also a haven for wildlife. The arid zone inland is home to Galapagos giant tortoises, land iguanas (some of the largest in the Galapagos), Galapagos hawks, and Darwin's finches. The shoreline and marine areas teem with life, including marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, penguins, sea turtles, rays, and various tropical fish. Snorkeling in the clear turquoise waters provides opportunities to encounter sea lions and a variety of colorful fish. Two trails, a short (0.6mi/1 km) and a long (1.9mi/3km) one, allow visitors to explore the area. The longer trail leads to the uplifted coral heads. Keep an eye out for the endemic Manzanillo or poison-apple tree, and be cautious of its sap.