Española Island

A rocky shoreline and rising swells await your landing at Punta Suarez on Isla Española in the far southeast of the archipelago. One of the smallest of the “large” islands (23 square miles), Española offers a coule of visitor sights and various special treats. Immediately upon landing, you can walk among sea-lion colonies to get close up photos of these adorable creatures. From here a short trail leads through colonies of lue footed and masked boobies. There is no need to stray off the trail here, you may actually have to be careful not to step on them along the way! An assortment of dancing couples in courtship highlights the walk.

Colonies of marine iguanas also line the path and are about as immobile as the rocks they rest upon. And don’t worry if a tiny black Galapagos snake crosses your path and are about as immobile as the rocks they rest upon. And don’t worry if a tiny black Galapagos snake crosses your path – its not dangerous. A highlight toward the end of the trail is the colony of giant waved albatross. This is the only nesting place for this species; they arrive from their travels from March through December. Keep walking, at the edge of the sea cliff are spectacular views of the ocean, the rocky shoreline, and a giant blowhole that sprays water neary 100 feet into the air.

Travel to the northeast side of the island is Gardner Bay, where a white sand beach and plenty of good swimming await. An offshore rock provides a great snorkeling opportunity. Española Island offers tourist no modern facilities and is accessible only as part of a prearranged tour. Reaching Española Island requires a long overseas passage, so the shorter tours with smaller boats are less likely to visit here.

Keep reading the other posts on our Galapagos Travel blog for more on the Enchanted Islands.