A seahorse its head pointed north its tail curving south. That’s Cantón Isabela. The largest of the Galápagos Islands.
Isabela a young island geologically speaking. Only a million years old. Formed by six shield volcanoes. Five still rumble and roar. Imagine the power the creation. Imagine the molten rock carving the land.
Queen Isabela of Spain gave the island its name. A royal nod to a queen who supported Columbus’s voyages. A connection between old world ambition and a new world wonder. Isabela’s volcanoes are impressive. Sierra Negra’s caldera is the second largest in the world. A giant bowl carved into the earth. Ten kilometers north to south nine kilometers east to west. Truly awe-inspiring.
But Isabela is more than just volcanoes. The island straddles the equator. Its unique location at the end of the Humboldt Current makes it special. This current brings fertile plankton. This creates nutrient-rich waters teeming with life. Galapagos sharks bullhead sharks and reef sharks patrol the waters. The Bolívar Channel is a whale watching paradise. Sixteen species have been spotted. Humpbacks sperm whales orcas even minke whales grace these waters.
The island’s vegetation is unique too. The relatively new lava fields and soils lack nutrients. This has resulted in some unusual plants. The southern highlands are lush though thanks to the southeast trade winds. Puerto Villamil is the only town. It’s a small town with a population of about 1800 people. Fishing was once the main industry. Today tourism is the lifeline. A small airport brings visitors. Paved roads wind through the land. Guesthouses offer travelers a place to rest.
Isabela is home to many rare animals. The critically endangered mangrove finch lives here. Its range is just a few square kilometers. The Galapagos penguin and the flightless cormorant also call Isabela home. Marine and land iguanas thrive here. So do boobies pelicans Sally Lightfoot crabs and Darwin’s finches. Galapagos hawks and doves add to the avian diversity.
Invasive species have caused problems. Goats and donkeys wreaked havoc on the ecosystem. Project Isabela a successful initiative eradicated most of them. But cats and rats still pose a threat to the delicate balance. The mangrove finch and the pink land iguana are especially vulnerable.
Isabela’s story is one of volcanic power. Unique wildlife and human endeavor. It’s a place where the old world meets the new. A place of breathtaking beauty and fragile ecosystems. A place where you are witnessing the raw power of nature and the incredible resilience of life. Remember this as you explore this incredible island. Remember Cantón Isabela.