Española
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The southernmost island of the Galápagos, Española is one of the oldest estimated to be four million years old. Due to it being one of the most isolated islands in Galápagos, it has a large number of endemic species -found nowhere else in the world. The Española mockingbird, the Española lava lizard and the waved albatross to name a few.
Española island is not inhabited by humans but can be visited as a day trip from San Cristóbal via boat. It is great for hiking, snorkeling and relaxing on the beach.
Highlights
History
Española is an eroded remnant of an ancient volcanic eruption. The island was created when the eruption split a hole in the tectonic plates and, over thousands of years, the island slowly moved away from the Galápagos hot spot where it was formed. Its isolated location means it has to most endemic species out of all the islands.
The giant tortoise species on Española have had a difficult history. They were rescued from the brink of extinction when only 14 individuals remained and, since the breeding program was set up, scientists have released nearly 2,000 young tortoises onto the island.
Wildlife
- Waved Albatrosses breed on Española, the only breeding ground for them in the world
- A variety of sharks inhabit the waters including hammerheads, white-tip reef sharks and Galápagos sharks
- Sea lions and marine iguanas can be seen basking on the rocks of the beaches
Visitor Sites
- Gardner Bay - a stunning beach with sea lions, turtles and curious mockingbirds. Great for snorkeling and a lazy beach day
- Punta Suarez - great for birdwatching, particularly the waved albatrosses as they perform unique mating rituals. Also great for spotting brightly colored marine iguanas, boobies and sea lions
Activities
- Snorkel with vibrant tropical fish including Yellow-tailed Surgeon fish, King Angelfish, and Bump-head Parrotfish
- Relax at Gardner Bay beach, an expansive white sand beach spanning two kilometers long, attracting many napping sea lions
- Sea kayak along the coast, taking in the stunning views of the island
Best time to visit
The best time to visit is between April and December to witness the waved albatross courtship rituals. Specifically, April is when the albatrosses arrive and begin their mating rituals, and the islands are green and lush due to the end of the rainy season.
Accessibility
You can either join a cruise that includes Española in its itinerary or take a day trip from San Cristóbal Island, which is a two-hour boat ride. We recommend booking a cruise as it offers maximum time exploring and includes naturalist guides so you can make the most of your time on the island.
FAQs
Is Española suitable for families?
Yes, the island is suitable for families with young children who will enjoy witnessing the diverse wildlife, including waved albatrosses, blue-footed boobies, and Galapagos hawks. While snorkeling may be more challenging for young children, there are other activities they can do instead.
Is Española suitable for seniors?
Yes, relaxing on the beach and observing wildlife is generally very accessible for most seniors. It is important to consider that while the island is relatively flat, there are some areas with rocky terrain, and some tours involve walking on uneven surfaces or taking small boats.
Are there shops on Española?
There aren't any shops directly on Española Island because it's an uninhabited island. However, you can find souvenirs related to the island on the other inhabited islands.