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scenic · Elizabeth Bay (Isabela)

Elizabeth Bay Panga & Kayak: Mangroves, Penguins & Rays by Water

Paddle and drift by silent panga through the emerald mangrove channels of Elizabeth Bay — the very anchorage your ship uses — encountering Galápagos penguins, nesting sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, and Pacific green sea turtles without ever setting foot on land.

What to expect

Your certified naturalist guide steers the group into the narrow mangrove tunnels where sea turtles surface to breathe just metres away and Galápagos penguins perch on the roots. Eagle rays glide beneath the kayak in formation. The bay's glassy, sheltered water makes kayaking accessible to beginners, while more experienced paddlers can venture further along the shoreline. The 2-hour circuit covers channels inaccessible to larger vessels.

Book it with
Galapatours (Isabela specialist, official operator)
USD 95–120 per person (panga + kayak combo, certified guide, gear)
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Good to know

Half-day (~2–3 hours); perfect complement to a morning Los Túneles trip or afternoon Sierra Negra hike. No landing permit required — Elizabeth Bay is a no-footfall zone, which is exactly why the wildlife is so undisturbed. Light spray jacket recommended; bring a dry bag.

Sail there

Luxury cruises that call at Elizabeth Bay (Isabela) — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.

Celebrity · Celebrity Flora
7 nights · calls at Elizabeth Bay (Isabela)
from $6,699
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