Española Island Tour
Embark on a mesmerizing journey to Española Island, one of the most captivating islands in the Galapagos archipelago. Enjoy a luxury boat ride, vibrant snorkeling encounters, and an unforgettable walk through one of the most biodiverse places in the world. With chances to spot marine life and iconic wildlife like the waved albatross and colorful marine iguanas, this day tour offers an unparalleled experience for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
- Departure: 5:50
- Return: Around 17:30
- Group size: Max. 16
- Dificulty: Medium
Española Island: Meet the Waved Albatross
Tour Highlights: Luxury Boat Ride, Unique Wildlife, and Stunning Scenery
Set off on your Galapagos adventure with a two-hour luxury boat ride from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal, to Española Island. The journey, lasting approximately two hours, offers excellent opportunities to spot playful dolphins in the open water — keeping an eye out for their acrobatics will make this a thrilling start to the day.
Upon arrival, we begin with a snorkeling immersion in Gardner Bay, followed by a relaxing coffee break and a delicious lunch. Then, the highlight of the tour awaits as we land at Punta Suarez. This two-hour hike will lead you through some of the Galapagos’ most extraordinary landscapes, where you’ll encounter the famous waved albatross, Nazca boobies, and other incredible wildlife. As the day winds down, we return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, arriving just in time to enjoy the breathtaking sunset.
Gardner Bay Snorkeling Adventure: Dive Into the Underwater Paradise
The day kicks off with an extended snorkeling immersion in Gardner Bay, renowned for its rich biodiversity and crystal-clear waters. As you dive in, you will encounter a wealth of marine life, including schools of colorful fish, Galapagos sharks, and the iconic sea turtles that call these waters home. Playful sea lions often join in the fun, gracefully gliding alongside you as you explore.
The underwater visibility in Gardner Bay is exceptional, allowing you to fully appreciate the vibrant sea stars, rays, and other marine species that make this area their habitat. The diversity and abundance of life found here make it one of the most popular spots for snorkeling in the Galapagos, and you’ll leave with memories of a truly magical experience.
After the snorkeling session, we return to the boat to enjoy some locally sourced coffee from San Cristobal and enjoy a delicious lunch.
Punta Suarez: A Stroll to the Galapagos’ Most Iconic Wildlife – The waved Albatross
Next, we head to Punta Suarez, where a two-hour guided walk awaits. This is where the island truly comes alive with wildlife. Immediately, you’ll be greeted by the curious Galapagos mockingbird subspecies, which have become accustomed to the presence of tourists. These birds are often on the lookout for fresh drinking water, as they’ve learned that human visitors can provide this valuable resource. What’s even more fascinating is their attraction to anything shiny—they may approach and inspect any reflective objects you have. This behavior is quite unusual for Galapagos mockingbirds, as they are typically much shyer on other islands, making these interactions on Española particularly special.
Punta Suarez is famous for its extraordinary birdwatching opportunities and offers the best chances to witness the majestic waved albatross in all its glory. These incredible seabirds, known for their elaborate courtship dances, nest on the island from May to November, making this the perfect time to observe them up close. During the other months, you still have very good chances to observe the clumsy juveniles getting ready for their first flight.
Christmas Iguanas of Española: A Stunning Seasonal Transformation
As you continue the walk, you’ll encounter Nazca boobies, the largest land predator of the Galapagos Islands, the Galapagos hawk, and the famous Galapagos dove. The flora and fauna of Punta Suarez are simply unparalleled, offering a rare and intimate glimpse of species found nowhere else on Earth. Let’s not forget the marine iguanas, which, during their mating season from December to February, change color, earning them the affectionate nickname “Christmas Iguanas.” The same applies to the lava lizard on Española Island. He displays the most vibrant colors in the entire Archipelago.
In addition to its wildlife, Española Island boasts stunning geological features that add to its allure. Among the most spectacular sights is a geyser-like phenomenon that emerges not from volcanic activity but from a natural tunnel. As the waves, with their particular characteristics, crash into the tunnel, they forcefully surge out through a spout at the end, sending water soaring up to 20 meters into the air along the rugged cliffs.
As your day on Española Island draws to a close, we begin our journey back to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The two-hour boat ride provides the perfect opportunity to relax and reflect on the incredible wildlife and landscapes you’ve encountered.
Inclusions
- Experiences Naturalist Guide
- Maritime Transportation
- Delicous Lunch (vegetarian & vegan options)
- Snorkeling Equipment
- Wetsuit
- Drinks
- Fruits & Snacks
- Towels
- Air Condition on the Boat
- Wifi Zone
- Gratitudes for Crew & Guide
- Additional Services
What can I discover on Española Island?
Packing List
Sun Protection & Glases
Equator Sunshine Extravaganza: UV Rays Here Pack a Sizzling Punch, Don’t Mess with them!
Swim Wear/Rashguard
Dive in Style: Don’t Forget Your Aquatic Fashion Statements!
Camera/Go Pro
Capture your underwater adventures and take home the best souvenir possible
Change of Clothes
This is optional. Chances are that you are gonna get wet
Good Walking Shoes
For your own safety don’t take Flip Flops with you. Simple sneakers or even Crocs will do the magic
Exploratory Spirit
Discover the Galapagos Islands through the eyes of Charles Darwin and let yourself be enchanted by the unique natural spectacles.
Reserve your adventure to Española now
Galapagos Islands
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