Tagus Cove

About the site

Tagus Cove

Tagus Cove, on the west coast of Isabela, is a deep, sheltered bay that has served as an anchorage since the days of pirates and whalers. On its cliffs, sailors painted and carved the names of their ships, a tradition that began in the 1830s and is now protected as part of the islands' history; adding new names is forbidden.

A dry landing leads to a trail of steps and steep volcanic ground that climbs for about 45 minutes through dry forest of Palo Santo to the rim of Darwin Lake, a saltwater crater lake inside a tuff cone, saltier than the ocean. The trail continues to a viewpoint over the lava fields of Darwin Volcano and the coast of Isabela. Darwin's finches, flycatchers and Galápagos hawks are often seen along the way.

Back at sea level, a panga ride along the cliffs reveals Galápagos penguins and flightless cormorants, brown noddies and blue-footed boobies, and the snorkeling in the cove can be excellent, with sea turtles, penguins and colorful reef fish in cool, clear water. Some itineraries offer kayaking along the cliffs.

The climb is moderate, with loose ground and many steps, and there is little shade. A wetsuit is useful for snorkeling, especially from June to November.

Highlights

• Pirate Graffiti on the Rocks