Elizabeth Bay

About the site

Elizabeth Bay

Elizabeth Bay, on the west coast of Isabela, is visited by panga only, with no landing. The ride explores one of the richest marine areas of the Galápagos, fed by the cold currents of the west.

The panga first visits the Marielas islets at the entrance of the bay, home to one of the largest concentrations of Galápagos penguins in the islands. The penguins, the only ones in the world that live on the equator, rest on the rocks and fish around the boat, together with flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies and brown pelicans. The ride then continues into a secluded cove surrounded by tall red mangroves, where the water is calm and full of life: sea turtles, schools of golden cownose rays, spotted eagle rays, sea lions and, at times, Galápagos sharks. Herons and lava herons hunt along the roots.

The visit takes about an hour and is easy and quiet, suitable for every traveler. The water is cool, especially from June to November, and the light is best early in the morning. Elizabeth Bay is visited on western itineraries, often on the same day as Moreno Point.

Highlights

• Birdwatching
• Mangrove Forest