ISLA ISABEL NATIONAL PARK

    Overnight and two day trips to bird and underwater sanctuary.

      Rising out of the Pacific some 52 miles from Costa Custodio, the volcanic island of Isla Isabel is a mini-Galapagos, an isolated, uninhabited island covered with nesting seabirds and surrounded by crystal clear waters filled with tropical and sport fish.

    Normally off-limits to visitors, our guide and captain, Armando Santiago, has permission to take small parties of visitors on small rustic expeditions to the island.

With 9 species of nesting marine birds, including the second largest nesting population of magnificent frigate birds, as well as brown and blue footed boobies, whose nests literally cover every square meter of open space, the island is a naturalists delight.

    Camping in an abandoned research station, and feasting off the bounty provided by the surrounding ocean there are various activities that will more than fill all the time allowed.

•   Water trips include snorkeling at the "monas", the lava stacks on the leeward side of the island, fishing for tuna, wahoo, sierra, and jack, and, in season, a close view of the several pods of whales which breed and winter in the shallows surrounding the island.

•   Hiking - Nesting colonies of birds surround the camp, and several short hikes will take you to private bays, sunset vistas, and a view of the volcanic crater.

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