Española Island is one of the top visitor sites in the Galapagos—and for good reason! It boasts two incredible locations that showcase the best of the archipelago. Gardner Bay is a breathtaking stretch of pristine white coral sand, where visitors can relax alongside playful sea lions. In contrast, Punta Suarez features dramatic black lava cliffs, home to thriving seabird colonies.
Española Island is the only place on Earth where the majestic Waved Albatross returns each year to nest and breed. It’s also a haven for large populations of blue-footed boobies and other seabirds, as well as the famous ‘Blowhole’ that sends seawater high into the air. The surrounding waters are teeming with marine life, making Española a prime spot for snorkeling and sea kayaking. Without a doubt, this island is a must-visit on any Galapagos itinerary!
Keep reading to discover everything you need to know to plan your trip to Española Island. What unique wildlife can you spot? What exciting activities and visitor sites await? Plus, learn about the fascinating geology of this remarkable island.
Española Island holds a key place in the natural history of the Galapagos. As one of the archipelago’s oldest islands—estimated to be between 4 and 4.5 million years old—it may have been the first to host plant life and animal species arriving from the mainland. This makes Española a possible starting point for the ancestors of many unique species found in the Galapagos today.
Española Island is a prime example of the life cycle of a volcanic island, showcasing its evolution from fiery beginnings to gradual decline. Originally formed over the Galapagos volcanic hotspot—where Fernandina Island sits today—Española emerged through a series of underwater eruptions and uplift. As tectonic movement slowly shifted the island eastward, away from the hotspot, its volcano became extinct.
Over time, vegetation took root, transforming Española into a thriving habitat for land animals. However, the island is now in its final stages, with wind and ocean erosion slowly wearing it away. Its flat, low-lying terrain hints at its eventual fate—sinking back into the sea. This natural cycle will continue, with new islands forming over the hotspot as older ones fade away.
Española Island is the driest in the Galapagos, featuring a mix of arid and transitional zones. Its landscape is mostly flat with some small hills, covered in thorny vegetation adapted to the harsh environment.
Known as «Hood Island» in English, Española was named after Viscount Samuel Hood, a distinguished British Royal Navy officer from the 1800s.
In the 1960s, the Española Giant Tortoise was on the brink of extinction, with only 15 individuals left—2 males and 13 females. To save them, conservationists at the Charles Darwin Station and Galapagos National Park relocated the tortoises to Santa Cruz Island, away from invasive rats.
A captive breeding program began, with one tortoise, Diego, playing a key role. At over 100 years old, Diego is credited with fathering around 800 offspring. Once mature, these tortoises were reintroduced to Española, and today, the population has rebounded to 1,500+ individuals. In 2020, Diego was finally returned to his native island to enjoy retirement among his many descendants.
Española Island is located in the southeastern Galapagos. There are two main ways to visit:
For a FREE TOUR QUOTE or more details on planning your trip to Española Island, feel free to contact us!
Suarez Point on Española Island is one of the most popular visitor sites in the Galapagos, offering an unforgettable wildlife experience. From the moment you step onto the small concrete dock near the lighthouse, you’re surrounded by vibrant marine life. Sally Lightfoot crabs, playful sea lions, and the colorful Española Marine Iguana (Christmas Iguana) welcome visitors.
The trail meanders along the rugged coastline, where the bold Española Mockingbirds often approach tourists, hoping for a sip of water. As the hike becomes more challenging over volcanic boulders, birdwatchers may spot Galapagos doves and hawks. The true highlight awaits atop the cliff plateau—the nesting grounds of the Waved Albatross, a species that mates for life. Witnessing their intricate courtship dance is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with fluffy hatchlings appearing from June onward.
Further along, the trail offers breathtaking ocean views and the Punta Suarez blowhole, where seawater shoots up to 75 feet (23m) into the air. The path then leads through a bustling blue-footed booby colony, with their comical mating dance on full display. Nazca boobies and Red-billed Tropicbirds can also be seen before the route loops back to the starting point at the lighthouse.
Voted among CNN’s top 20 beaches in the world, Gardner Bay is a slice of paradise. A pristine white sand beach, turquoise waters, and a lively colony of Galapagos sea lions make this a dream destination. Whether they’re basking in the sun, playfully swimming, or curiously approaching visitors, these charismatic creatures are the stars of the show.
Visitors are free to relax, sunbathe, and photograph the wildlife, including Española Mockingbirds—famous for fearlessly hopping onto water bottles in search of a drink. Other common sightings include marine iguanas, diving blue-footed boobies, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and wading birds like Wandering Tattlers and Turnstones. The clear waters of Gardner Bay also offer one of the best snorkeling spots in the Galapagos. Swimming alongside sea lions is an unforgettable experience, while experienced snorkelers can venture further to Turtle Rock, a semi-submerged formation teeming with marine life. Expect to encounter whitetip reef sharks, manta rays, and colorful reef fish such as Surgeonfish, Parrotfish, Wrasse, and Scorpionfish.
Located in Puerto Velasco Ibarra, Floreana’s Black Beach is a striking site known for its dark volcanic sand and rich history. Early settlers, including Patrick Watkins, landed here, giving it the name Watkins Landing.
Today, sea lions dominate the shoreline, often joining swimmers and snorkelers. Visitors might also spot Galapagos penguins or sea turtles. Nearby, the Wittmer Lodge, run by descendants of early settlers, offers accommodation and a glimpse into Floreana’s past with old photos and souvenirs.
Located just off Española Island, Gardner and Osborn Islets are exceptional snorkeling destinations. Beneath the surface, coral walls drop to 80-foot depths, leading to underwater caves where diverse marine species thrive. This area is a hotspot for marine megafauna, attracting Eagle Rays, Manta Rays, Jacks, and various shark species, including Galapagos sharks, whitetip reef sharks, and even occasional hammerheads. Schools of colorful reef fish dart among sea turtles and playful sea lions, while the unique red-lipped batfish lurks along the sandy seabed.
A visit to Española Island is a must for any Galapagos traveler, promising extraordinary wildlife encounters, breathtaking scenery, and world-class snorkeling. Be sure to include it in your itinerary for an unforgettable adventure!
In summary, Espanola Island in the Galapagos is an absolute must-see! If you have the chance to include it in your itinerary, don’t hesitate—you won’t regret it. The stunning contrast of black cliffs and white sandy beaches creates abreathtaking landscape. The island’s wildlife is among the most abundant and diverse in the entire archipelago, with unique species like the striking Waved Albatross and colorful Christmas Iguana. The action is non-stop, both on land and in the sea. Espanola Island will undoubtedly be a highlight of your Galapagos adventure, leaving you with unforgettable memories and photos long after your trip ends.
