Fernandina Island ranks among the most incredible sites in the Galapagos. Shaped by volcanic activity, it remains one of the most geologically active places on Earth. The island’s dramatic black lava landscapes are a testament to its fiery origins, and lucky visitors may even witness an eruption firsthand. But Fernandina isn’t just about striking scenery—it’s also a wildlife haven. This is one of the only places to find the rare Flightless Cormorant, a bird that lost its ability to fly. Visitors can also spot charming Galapagos penguins and one of the largest Marine Iguana colonies in the archipelago.
During the right season, Fernandina is also a prime location for whale watching. From breathtaking landscapes to extraordinary wildlife, Fernandina Island offers an unforgettable Galapagos experience. Keep reading to discover the top activities, wildlife encounters, and fascinating geology of this remarkable island.
Fernandina Island is one of the most geologically active places on Earth, sitting directly over the Galapagos volcanic hotspot. Frequent eruptions shape its rugged landscape, yet life thrives here in remarkable ways. Land iguanas even nest on the volcano’s slopes, taking advantage of geothermal heat to incubate their eggs.
The island’s rich biodiversity is largely due to the nutrient-filled waters surrounding it. The cold Cromwell Current brings an abundance of plankton, creating ideal feeding grounds for marine species. Fernandina is a haven for seabirds like Galapagos Penguins and Flightless Cormorants, as well as Galapagos Fur Seals and Marine Iguanas. It’s also the best spot in the archipelago for whale watching, particularly between June and November.
Fernandina Island is a rugged, volcanic landscape with minimal vegetation. Its terrain consists primarily of ancient lava flows and rocky surfaces, leaving little opportunity for plant growth. This environment is characteristic of a young Galapagos volcano. Islands that have drifted further east have had more time for soil to develop, allowing for greater plant colonization. Remarkably, pioneer cacti have managed to take root, forming a unique miniature cactus forest. Additionally, mangroves have adapted to thrive in this challenging setting.
In 1684, British buccaneer Ambrose Cowley named the island Narborough in honor of English naval commander Sir John Narborough. Its Spanish name, Fernandina, pays tribute to King Fernando of Spain, who sponsored Christopher Columbus’ journey.
Fernandina remains one of the most untouched islands on Earth, with no species ever introduced by humans. The wildlife present today arrived naturally. Only one other Galapagos island, Genovesa, shares this distinction. The National Park Authority closely monitors Fernandina t prevent accidental species introduction, particularly rats.
New discoveries continue on Fernandina! In 2019, a Galapagos Giant Tortoise subspecies, long believed extinct for 112 years, was found alive. A single female, later named Fernanda (or Fern), was confirmed to belong to the Chelonoidis Phantasticus species. She is now housed at the Santa Cruz Island breeding center while conservationists search for a mate on Fernandina. Time is critical, as she is already elderly, despite tortoises of her kind often living over a century.
This story echoes that of Lonesome George, the last Pinta Island tortoise, who sadly passed away in 2012 without offspring. It also highlights the ongoing mysteries of the Galapagos, such as the 2012 discovery of the Isabela Island Pink Iguana, a species that had survived undetected for 5.7 million years.
Fernandina Island, the westernmost and third-largest island in the Galapagos, is accessible only by Galapagos yacht cruise due to its remote location. Not all cruise routes include the western islands, so it’s essential to check itineraries when planning your trip.
For a FREE TOUR QUOTE or more details on how to visit Fernandina Island, feel free to contact us!
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Fernandina Island offers an exciting mix of trekking, snorkeling, and diving. Here’s a breakdown of the top activities and locations to explore:
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featuring sharp A’a lava and smooth Pahoehoe flows. Keep an eye out for pioneer cacti, one of the few plants able to survive here. The trail leads to a huge Marine Iguana colony—the largest and darkest iguanas in the Galapagos. These unique reptiles swim to feed on underwater algae and warm up by huddling together. Watch them spit salt from their noses to remove excess sea salt from their bodies!
Further along, you’ll encounter the Flightless Cormorant, a fascinating bird that lost its ability to fly due to the lack of natural predators. Instead, it has evolved strong legs for deep diving. These birds are found only on Fernandina and Isabela Islands, making them a rare sight. Visitors also have a chance to spot green sea turtles, Galapagos Racer
Snakes, and even Galapagos Penguins, the only tropical penguin species. This is also where the famous BBC Planet Earth footage of racer snakes hunting baby Marine Iguanas.
At Mangle Point, visitors embark on a panga ride through an inlet, spotting Flightless Cormorants and Galapagos Penguins nesting along the shore. Snorkeling here is fantastic, with opportunities to see:
Cape Douglas is a world-class dive site with moderate currents, available only through a specialist Galapagos Diving Cruise. Here, divers share the water with:
Whether you’re hiking, snorkeling, or diving, Fernandina Island offers an unforgettable wildlife experience! For a FREE TOUR QUOTE or more details on planning your Fernandina Island adventure, feel free to contact us!
In summary, Floreana Island offers an exciting and immersive experience for Galapagos travelers. It’s the perfect destination to explore the struggles of early settlers and uncover the mystery of the infamous Floreana Galapagos Affair. The island’s wildlife is equally fascinating, especially the vibrant marine life found at its top snorkeling spots. We hope this blog has sparked your interest and inspired you to experience Floreana Island for yourself!
Thomas de Berlanga sector s/n in front of Santa Cruz Garden, Puerto Ayora
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