San Cristóbal to Isabela Ferry
There is no direct ferry between San Cristóbal and Isabela in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. The journey is made in two legs, connecting through Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz): the morning boat arrives in Santa Cruz and an afternoon boat continues onward. With the layover, the whole day can take up to nine hours. You can book both legs here as a single purchase.
IsabelaYour destination: Puerto VillamilPhoto: Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SABoarding day
Duration and sea conditions
The crossing takes about 2 h in open water. Seas are usually rougher between June and September, and rougher in the afternoon than the morning. If you are prone to seasickness, take a tablet an hour before departure and sit toward the stern, near the centre line.
Where it leaves from and arrives
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
San Cristóbal, Galápagos, Ecuador
Puerto Villamil
Isabela, Galápagos, Ecuador
The boats anchor in the bay rather than at the pier, so a water taxi takes you out to the vessel. Before boarding, the Ministry of Environment inspects luggage: do not move fruit, seeds or plants between islands.
Common questions
Is there a direct ferry from San Cristóbal to Isabela?
No. There is no direct crossing. You connect through Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz, and the whole day can take up to nine hours including the layover.
How long is the San Cristóbal to Isabela ferry?
The crossing from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno to Puerto Villamil takes about 2 h. Seas are usually rougher between June and September, and rougher in the afternoon than the morning.
How far ahead should I book?
The earlier the better in high season (June to September, and December to January). The boats are small and a single departure fills quickly; this page shows how many seats are genuinely left.
How do I get my ticket?
By email, as soon as your payment is approved. You receive a PDF voucher to show with your ID at the pier. There is no waiting for confirmation.
What happens if I am late?
The vessel does not wait. If you arrive late or miss the departure there is no refund, so be at the pier by the check-in time shown on your voucher.