Our Galápagos adventure reached new heights with a day tour to Española Island, one of the most spectacular destinations in the archipelago. Known for its incredible biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes, Española is a must-visit for nature lovers. It is an awesome opportunity for a closer connection with the unique wildlife of the Galápagos.
Setting Off From San Cristóbal to Española Island
The day began early as we boarded our boat from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The ride to Española took about two hours, giving us plenty of time to enjoy the views of the open sea. Our guide provided an engaging overview of the island’s history, ecology, and what we could expect to encounter. Our anticipation was building for the adventure ahead.
Punta Suárez: A Wildlife Wonderland
Our first stop on Española was Punta Suárez, a rocky outcropping teeming with life. As soon as we landed, we were greeted by colonies of sea lions lounging on the beach. They seemed completely unfazed by our presence. The trail through Punta Suárez is a haven for birdwatchers, and we were thrilled to spot waved albatrosses, blue-footed boobies, and Nazca boobies.
The highlight of the trail was witnessing the courtship dance of the waved albatrosses—a mesmerizing display of head bobbing, bill clapping, and coordinated movements. These graceful birds are endemic to Española, and seeing them in their natural habitat was an unforgettable experience.
Further along the trail, we encountered marine iguanas basking on the black lava rocks. Their striking colors, ranging from red to green, were a vivid reminder of Española’s uniqueness. The blowhole, a natural fissure in the rocks that sends water spouting high into the air, provided an exhilarating finale to our hike.
Gardner Bay: Snorkeling and Relaxation
After our hike, we headed to Gardner Island just off the northeast coast of Espanola. Here, we had the chance to snorkel alongside a variety of marine life, including colorful parrotfish, playful sea lions, and even a few curious sea turtles. This open-water snorkeling was a bit disconcerting at first, but ended up being the highlight of our tour.
As we navigated along the sheer cliff face off Gardner Island, we were able to see a wide variety of sea life. Along with the animals previously listed, I was particularly impressed with the black-tailed reef sharks that visited us. They kept their distance, but they added a cool factor to our adventure. These two photos are taken from an underwater video that don’t do the experience justice.
A Day to Remember at Española Island
Our day tour to Española Island was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the enchanting wildlife of Punta Suárez to the tranquil waters of Gardner Bay, every moment was a reminder of the Galápagos’ extraordinary beauty and ecological significance. As a bonus, the school of dolphins below paid us a visit on our return trip. They were swimming directly under the boat and even sprayed us as they breached.
If you’re planning a trip to San Cristóbal, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Española Island. This remarkable island offers a unique glimpse into the wonders of the Galápagos, leaving you with memories to treasure forever. Prices vary based on availability, group size and season. Our price was $225 per person, which seemed very reasonable compared to prices we saw through online booking options.
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