FerryConnect

Ecuador (Galápagos)

Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora) → Isabela (Puerto Villamil)

Small launches carry visitors from Puerto Ayora to Puerto Villamil on Isabela, the largest Galápagos island, in two to three hours — the only scheduled sea link to Isabela.

⏱ 2h – 3h🚢 1 operator📅 Daily: one permitted sailing each way (Santa Cruz 13:45, Isabela 06:00)
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Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora) to Isabela (Puerto Villamil) ferry at a glance

The ferry from Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora) to Isabela (Puerto Villamil) takes 2h – 3h across the Pacific Ocean (Galápagos), operated by Galápagos inter-island passenger launches. It is a foot-passenger service; vehicles are not carried. Typical frequency: daily: one permitted sailing each way (Santa Cruz 13:45, Isabela 06:00).

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-11-04.

Sources: galapagos.gob.ec · How we verify

Return crossing: Isabela (Puerto Villamil) to Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora)

Galápagos inter-island passenger launches also sails Isabela (Puerto Villamil) to Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora), taking 2h – 3h. Boats from Isabela leave at 06:00 and reach Puerto Ayora by 08:30.

Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora) to Isabela (Puerto Villamil) ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Daily, one permitted sailing window each way

Published departure times

  • Santa Cruz: 13:45 (arr. 16:00)
  • Isabela: 06:00 (arr. 08:30)

Return: Boats from Isabela leave at 06:00 and reach Puerto Ayora by 08:30.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official Galápagos inter-island passenger launches timetable →Check prices & book on Ferryscanner →

Source: Galápagos National Park — Transporte entre islas pobladas. Verified 2026-11-04.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora) and Isabela (Puerto Villamil)

📐 41 Nautical Miles
Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora)⇄Isabela (Puerto Villamil)
⏱ 2h – 3h · 📐 41 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚡ All operators, one booking

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Galápagos inter-island passenger launches2h – 3h depending on sea conditionsPassenger launch (up to 20 passengers)

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Foot passengers only

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

No pet facilities

📐

Distance

41 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Launches leave from the main passenger pier of each populated port

Tips for the Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora) to Isabela (Puerto Villamil) Crossing

  • Tickets cost US$30 per person per route and are sold by agencies near each dock.
  • The Galápagos National Park notes calmer seas from January to June and stronger swell from July to December.

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora)Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora) → San Cristóbal (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno)2h – 3h · Galápagos inter-island passenger launchesAlso sails from Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora)Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora) → Floreana (Puerto Velasco Ibarra)1h 45m – 2h · Galápagos inter-island passenger launches
⚓ Puerto Ayora Passenger Pier (Santa Cruz, Galápagos) guide⚓ Puerto Villamil Pier (Isabela, Galápagos) guide⛴ All ferries from Santa Cruz🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora) to Isabela (Puerto Villamil)?
The crossing typically takes 2h – 3h. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora) to Isabela (Puerto Villamil) ferry sail?
Daily, one permitted sailing window each way. This is the pattern published in the Galápagos National Park — Transporte entre islas pobladas (checked 2026-11-04); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora) to Isabela (Puerto Villamil)?
Galápagos inter-island passenger launches operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora) to Isabela (Puerto Villamil) ferry?
No. This is a foot-passenger service and vehicles are not carried. Use parking near the departure pier or public transport to reach it.
Can I take the Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora) to Isabela (Puerto Villamil) ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora) to Isabela (Puerto Villamil) ferry?
This route has no dedicated pet facilities. Assistance dogs are normally carried, but confirm with the operator before travelling.
How far is Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora) from Isabela (Puerto Villamil) by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 41 nautical miles (roughly 76 km).