Isabela Island
Galapagos Islands
Isabela Island, the largest island in the Galápagos archipelago, is a premier destination for travelers and sportfishing enthusiasts alike. Stretching 62 miles long and covering 1,791 square miles, this remote Ecuadorian island is home to just 3,000 residents and remains one of the most pristine environments in the Pacific. Dramatic volcanoes, rugged coastlines, and expansive ocean views define its landscape. Offshore, the nutrient-rich waters surrounding Isabela Island are among the most productive in the Eastern Pacific, supporting abundant populations of tuna, bonito, and squid that attract large schools of blue marlin, making the area world-class for offshore fishing.
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In the Galápagos Islands, sportfishing operates under a regulated program known as pesca vivencial, a legal and sustainable recreational fishing system led by licensed local captains and guides. These experienced professionals have in-depth knowledge of the region’s waters, seasonal fish movements, and productive fishing zones. Authorized under Galápagos National Park regulations, they guide anglers to prime offshore and nearshore grounds — particularly around Isabela Island and nearby seamounts and current rips — where fishing conditions are at their best.
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Conventional fishing is where Isabela Island truly shines as a big-game sportfishing destination.
Fishing is typically done by trolling offshore waters, working current lines, seamounts, and bait-rich zones close to the island. One advantage of Isabela is that productive blue-water fishing grounds are often reachable without extremely long runs.
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Primary offshore targets include:
Blue marlin (a major draw)
Yellowfin tuna
Wahoo
Mahi-mahi
Sailfish
Bonito
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Iguana Crossing Hotel is one of Isabela Island’s top boutique hotels, located directly across from a white-sand beach in Puerto Villamil and a short walk from the town center.
Beachfront location offers scenic ocean views and frequent wildlife sightings, including marine iguanas moving between wetlands and the sea.
Rooms and suites include ocean-view and volcano-view options, many with private balconies or terraces.
Modern design features clean, contemporary interiors with tropical accents and abundant natural light.
In-room amenities include air conditioning, minibars, and Wi-Fi, along with eco-friendly water-conserving showers.
Hotel amenities include a beachfront pool, rooftop lounge with jacuzzi and panoramic views, and an on-site restaurant and bar.
Complimentary breakfast is included, featuring continental options and fresh local ingredients.
Eco-conscious atmosphere emphasizes sustainable design and respect for the Galápagos environment.
Convenient access to nearby highlights such as Concha de Perla snorkeling site and the long sandy beach just steps from the hotel.
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Peak season:June–November
During these months, the Humboldt Current brings cooler, nutrient-rich waters, attracting large schools of baitfish, which in turn draw blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and mahi-mahi.
Offshore waters are calmer than in the wet season, making it ideal for long trolling trips.
March to June falls at the end of the wet season, offering calmer seas and warmer waters, ideal for both offshore and inshore fishing, particularly for billfish and tuna near Isabela.
July to November marks the dry season, with cooler waters that remain highly productive for offshore species, which is why some sources identify two slightly different peak fishing periods.
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2026 Guided Rates
4 Nights / 3 Days Guided Fishing
4 anglers: $7,098 per person
3 anglers: $8,613 per person
2 anglers: $9,780 per person
5 Nights / 4 Days Guided Fishing
4 anglers: $8,548 per person
3 anglers: $10,480 per person
2 anglers: $12,123 per person
6 Nights / 5 Days Guided Fishing
4 anglers: $9,996 per person
3 anglers: $12,343 per person
2 anglers: $14,445 per person
7 Nights / 6 Days Guided Fishing
4 anglers: $11,445 per person
3 anglers: $14,210 per person
2 anglers: $16,670 per person
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Fishing packages out of Isabela Island include all necessary fishing equipment as part of the trip. This typically means rods, reels, tackle, lures, bait, and fishing licenses are provided on board so you don’t need to bring your own gear.
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Isabela Island fishing packages, limit each boat to a maximum of four anglers. This ensures:
Safety and comfort: Plenty of space for anglers and crew on deck, especially when handling big-game fish like blue marlin and tuna.
Personalized attention: Captains and crew can focus on each angler for guidance, line management, and technique.
Optimal fishing experience: Fewer lines in the water reduces tangles and increases the chance of hooking fish.
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38-foot sportfishing boats custom-built in Ecuador, powered by twin 600‑HP outboard engines for fast, efficient access to prime fishing grounds. The spacious deck layout comfortably accommodates up to four anglers plus a three-person crew (captain and mates).
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Fly into Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil, Ecuador, the main gateway to the Galápagos Islands. After an overnight stay at a Guayaquil hotel, take a short domestic flight to the Galápagos the following morning.
From Guayaquil, the flight to Baltra Island takes about one hour and 55 minutes, followed by a 35-minute island hopper flight from Baltra to Isabela Island. This is the fastest route to Isabela, and the charter flight is included in your package.
Travel summary:
Fly to Guayaquil (GYE), Ecuador.
Overnight in Guayaquil (Hotel Oro Verde or Hotel del Parque).
Next morning, fly to Isabela (domestic flights included).
Two hotel nights in Guayaquil are included — for arrival and departure.
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The Packages Include:
• English-speaking host throughout the trip
• First and last night hotel stay in Guayaquil
• All necessary ground transfers in the Galapagos
• Guided land tour upon arrival
• Two hotel nights—upon your arrival and departure from Guayaquil
• Breakfast at the hotel in Guayaquil
• Roundtrip flights between Guayaquil and Isabela
• Lodging at Iguana Crossing Hotel
• Starlink Wi-Fi
• Dinner at the hotel
• Breakfast, lunch, snacks, beer, and liquor while fishing
• Poolside cocktail hour with beer, wine, and liquor
• Guided fishing on a custom boat with a captain and crew
• Use of custom-built trolling rods, conventional rods, Shimano reels, and tackle
• All required fishing permits
• $200 Galapagos National Park Entrance fee per adult
• INGALA Transit Control Card
• Global Rescue coverage, $139 valueThe Packages Do Not Include:
• International airfare to and from Guayaquil, Ecuador
• Meals/drinks in Guayaquil (except hotel breakfast)
• Optional excursions and tours not listed in the itinerary
• Additional drinks beyond the boat and cocktail hour
• Gratuities to boat crew and arrival team
• Travel insurance
• Fuel surcharges may apply
• Anything not mentioned under inclusions.
Isabela Island and Surrounding Waters
Isabela Island, the largest in the Galápagos, stretches 62 miles and remains largely wild, with a population of just 3,000. Its dramatic landscape features six volcanoes, lava flows, and coastal plains, supporting wildlife such as giant tortoises, marine iguanas, penguins, flamingos, and endemic birds. Puerto Villamil serves as the island’s main hub for lodging, tours, and excursions.
The surrounding waters are teeming with marine life. Offshore, anglers can target tuna, wahoo, and marlin, while inshore bays and reefs offer excellent opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and fly fishing. Dolphins, sea lions, turtles, rays, and seasonal whales are frequently seen.
Isabela is a top destination for big-game sportfishing, thanks to nutrient-rich currents that attract baitfish like squid, tuna, and bonito, drawing blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi, and sailfish. Offshore fishing offers exciting angling action amid stunning ocean scenery, abundant wildlife, and the thrill of pursuing large pelagic species.
A Typical Fishing Day:
6:00 a.m. – Fresh coffee is ready at the hotel.
6:50 a.m. – Your host meets you in the lodge lobby for a short transfer to the water taxi dock.
7:00 a.m. – Depart for a full day of fishing, with breakfast and lunch served on board.
4:00 p.m. – Return to the dock in time for the daily cocktail hour by the pool.
Evening – Your host arranges dinner for the group, either at a favorite local restaurant or in the hotel’s dining area.
About the Lodging
Iguana Crossing Hotel offers stylish rooms and suites with ocean or volcano views, many featuring private balconies or terraces. Options include the luxurious Master Suite, romantic Junior Suites, Ocean View Rooms, and Volcano View Rooms, all blending modern comfort with local character.
Amenities include air-conditioning, minibars, flat-screen TVs, in-room safes, free breakfast, an oceanfront pool, a rooftop jacuzzi, and an on-site restaurant and bar. Wi-Fi is available, though connectivity may be limited.
The hotel is located across from a white-sand beach and wetlands, just a 5–10 minute walk from Puerto Villamil’s restaurants, shops, and tour departures, with eco-conscious, minimalist design throughout.
