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NASA (Space Shuttle Endeavour) CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Alcedo Volcano

Volcano

Shield volcano on Isabela Island in the Galápagos known for populations of giant tortoises and recent lava flows; visitors mainly arrive on expedition cruises for wildlife viewing and volcanic landscapes.

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Alcedo Volcano essentials

Address: Alcedo Volcano, Isabela Island, Galápagos Province, Ecuador - inside Galápagos National Park; visit by organised tour only
Admission: Entrance to Galápagos National Park is charged for visitors to the islands (see Galápagos National Park for current fees)

About Alcedo Volcano

Alcedo Volcano is a shield volcano on Isabela Island in the Galápagos archipelago, Ecuador, and is one of several large volcanic edifices that together form the island. Its broad slopes and caldera areas are characteristic of shield-volcano morphology.

The volcano’s habitats support populations of Galápagos giant tortoises and other endemic flora and fauna that are important for conservation work on Isabela. The area has been the focus of ecological monitoring and species-protection efforts.

Alcedo occupies the central part of Isabela Island and contributes to the island’s rugged volcanic topography. It is administered as part of the Galápagos National Park and is reached as part of island-based scientific and conservation activities.

Located on Isabela Island in the Galápagos, Alcedo Volcano lies within Ecuador’s Galápagos Province and forms part of the archipelago’s volcanic landscape.

  • Biodiversity: Alcedo Volcano is an important habitat for Galápagos giant tortoises and other endemic species on Isabela Island.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Alcedo Volcano

Visit during December-May for the warmest water and best conditions for snorkeling and observing wildlife, though both seasonal windows offer wildlife opportunities.

Warm/wet season
December-May · 24-30°C (air); sea 24-28°C
Warmer waters and calmer seas favour snorkeling and wildlife viewing; vegetation is greener and many species breed in this period.
Cool/dry season
June-November · 18-25°C (air); sea 20-24°C
Slightly cooler, drier conditions with increased currents and occasional mist (Panama Current influence); good for seeing certain marine wildlife and clearer underwater visibility at times.

Weather & Climate near Alcedo Volcano

Climate

Alcedo Volcano's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 14°C to 27°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 18 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
27°
Warmest Month
14°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - 17° - 26° 21° 45 mm - - 4.2 m/s - -
February - 17° - 27° 22° 54 mm - - 3.6 m/s - -
March - 18° - 27° 22° 59 mm - - 3.7 m/s - -
April - 18° - 27° 22° 44 mm - - 3.7 m/s - -
May - 17° - 25° 21° 14 mm - - 4.2 m/s - -
June - 16° - 25° 20° 10 mm - - 4.5 m/s - -
July - 15° - 25° 20° 1 mm - - 4.9 m/s - -
August - 14° - 24° 19° 1 mm - - 4.9 m/s - -
September - 14° - 24° 19° 7 mm - - 4.8 m/s - -
October - 14° - 24° 19° 7 mm - - 4.6 m/s - -
November - 14° - 25° 20° 7 mm - - 4.4 m/s - -
December - 16° - 25° 20° 18 mm - - 4.4 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Alcedo Volcano

Alcedo Volcano is on Isabela Island in the Galápagos. Reach Isabela by either a local flight that lands on Isabela or by ferry from Santa Cruz to Puerto Villamil (the speedboat crossing is the usual option between islands). Once on Isabela, access to Alcedo is remote-you must arrange a guided outing or multi‑day trek/4x4 transfer across the island’s interior from Puerto Villamil and obtain any required Galápagos National Park permits.

Tips for Visiting Alcedo Volcano

  • Arrange visits to Alcedo through a certified operator and the Galápagos National Park authorities-interior Isabela access is regulated and park-guided tours are required for many sites.
  • Plan for the dry season (roughly June-December) for more reliable sea conditions and overland trekking; wet-season tracks and boat crossings can be more difficult.
  • Don't attempt independent landings or hikes-Alcedo's tortoise habitats and volcanic terrain are protected, and the best chance to see wildlife (including Galápagos giant tortoises) is with a licensed guide who knows permitted routes.