Española Island Travel

Wild and rugged, the island of Española plays a key role in the preservation of some of the world’s most endangered species, making it a jewel of utmost importance in the Galapagos crown.

Although there are no townships on Española, this south-eastern island is teeming with life. Marine mammals, reptiles of all shapes and sizes and a host of avian species all call Española home. At the ripe age of roughly four million years old, this is one of the elders within the archipelago, low-lying and covered in volcanic rock formations. Española is a popular destination for day trippers, particularly due to the large amount of endemic wildlife here, including a colony of endangered Waved Albatrosses.

Española is a truly magical island; remote and somewhat eroded, it is a delight to explore. Galapagos Sea Lions lounging on the beach will barely bat an eyelid at your arrival, while the Española Lava Lizard can be seen scuttling about the rocks, and they are just the tip of iceberg. Friendly Española Mockingbirds, Darwin’s Finches and both Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies are all flourishing here, despite some having a vulnerable status. Careful conservation measures together with Española’s isolated location means that these animals are left in relative peace.

As you disembark your vessel, you’ll find the trail from Punta Suarez an enjoyable route across the island, leading you past a variety of birdlife and onward to one of the island’s dramatic cliffs, where you can really appreciate the mighty ocean at work. Elsewhere on the island, kick back and relax on Gardner Bay, a stretch of iridescent sand that’s a haven for the Sea Lions and the occasional Green Sea Turtle. Española really is an animal lover's paradise.

Highlights of Española Island:

Visit the famous blowhole

Located on the southside of the island, a number of environmental factors have led to the creation of a blowhole on the shoreline. At high tide this can shoot water up to 30 metres into the air, thrilling visitors and providing excellent material for photographs at the same time.

Watch the rare Waved Albatross in their natural habitat

With the numbers of these incredible birds decreasing, conservationists are doing everything they can to protect them. Each year for several months, the Waved Albatross can be found nesting on Española, its jagged rock faces providing prime real estate for all 30,000 of them. A privileged site to behold.

Snorkel off Gardner Bay

Hit the water off the coast of Gardner Bay and be greeted with a huge amount of tropical fish beneath the waves. Beautiful King Angel Fish shimmer as they cruise past, and if you are lucky, some playful Sea Lions may decide to join you!

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