Port information & tips for Punta Moreno (Isabela, Galapagos)
Punta Moreno on the west coast of Isabela Island is a spectacular destination for expedition ships in the Galápagos Archipelago. The region impresses with its stunning, pitch-black Pahoehoe lava fields and offers an almost surreal, primeval atmosphere thanks to the bizarre rock formations. Amidst this dramatic landscape, visitors discover vibrant green coastal lagoons where pink flamingos, Galápagos penguins, and marine iguanas can be observed in their natural habitat. In addition, the site offers breathtaking panoramic views of the mighty Cerro Azul and Sierra Negra volcanoes. As Punta Moreno is a strictly protected natural paradise, the shore excursion takes place as an exclusive "dry landing" by Zodiac directly on the rocky coast. This secluded landing site is far from urban centers and guarantees a deep immersion into the untouched wilderness of Ecuador.
Punta Moreno on the west coast of Isabela Island is an exclusive expedition destination and is traditionally accessed via the central gateways of the Galapagos Archipelago. Traveling from the DACH region requires a combination of long-haul flights and regional island transfers, as the site is located directly within the National Park and has no road access.
Airplane
Travelers from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland first fly to the international hubs of Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE), from where daily connections to Seymour Airport (GPS) on Baltra are available. For a direct route to Isabela, guests use local flight connections from smaller airlines such as Emetebe, which fly to Puerto Villamil Airport (IBI) in approximately 30 to 45 minutes from the main islands.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Baltra Airport, you first reach Santa Cruz Island by bus and a small ferry, and from there, you take a speedboat to Puerto Villamil on Isabela in about two hours. The final leg to the Punta Moreno landing site takes place by ship as part of the cruise, with cruise lines often offering organized transfers from the island airports and bringing guests safely ashore using small dinghies known as pangas.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long distance and strict National Park regulations, arriving in Ecuador at least two days before the embarkation date is highly recommended. An overnight stay in the historic old town of Quito or at a hotel in Puerto Villamil ensures a relaxed start to the expedition and provides additional buffer time for the logistics of island flights.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always observe the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times may change at short notice.
