Española Island Tour: Waved Albatross and Wildlife Adventure

Duration8h - 10h

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish, Spanish

Group sizeUp to 12 travelers

Overview

Explore the secluded beauty of Española Island, one of the Galapagos' hidden gems, renowned for its unique wildlife. This exclusive tour allows you to witness the only nesting site of the Waved Albatross, along with various reptiles, seabirds, and marine mammals up close. Enjoy the chance to see dolphins and whales during the journey, enhancing your experience in this pristine ecosystem. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers, this expedition offers expert guidance and an immersive connection with nature.

Española is a strictly protected site managed by the Galápagos National Park. Visitor access is limited to authorized guides and approved itineraries to ensure minimal environmental impact. Its delicate ecosystems exemplify the balance between conservation and responsible tourism that defines the Galápagos Islands.

Please note that meeting times may vary due to weather conditions, safety considerations, and operational requirements for a smoothest and safest experience.

Options

Scuba Dive (1 dive)

1 Immersion at Gardner
Duration: 1 hour
Same Route to Española!: You'll be going in the same yacht with your friends! Divers have their own guide and snorkelers theirs.

Snorkelling Adventure!

Snorkel

What's included

Bottled water
Clean Towels
Snacks
Swimming life vest (life jacket)
Mask, snorkel and fins
Restroom on board
Coffee and/or Tea
Vegetarian, vegan and regular food options offered along the excursion.

Sunscreen
Video or photographic camera
Wetsuit
Alcoholic Beverages

What to expect

Espanola
4h

Location: Southeastern Galápagos Archipelago
Distance from San Cristóbal: Approximately 2 hours by speedboat

Española Island is the oldest and most isolated island of the Galápagos, estimated at around 4 million years old. Due to its remoteness, it has evolved into a unique ecosystem home to numerous endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. The island is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and world-class snorkeling and diving sites.
1h

Bajo Gardner (Gardner Islet Reef Area)

Overview:
Bajo Gardner is a shallow marine site located off the coast of Gardner Bay, known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and rich underwater biodiversity. It’s a premier snorkeling (or scuba diving depending on the 'add ons') location, offering encounters with Galápagos sea lions, tropical reef fish, rays, and sometimes white-tipped reef sharks.

Highlights:

Calm, shallow waters ideal for snorkeling and beginners

Frequent presence of playful sea lions and colorful parrotfish

Occasional sightings of green sea turtles and Galápagos hawkfish

Coral and rock formations that attract a wide range of marine species

Experience:
Visitors often snorkel from the boat or drift along the reef edge, surrounded by the curious sea lions that characterize Española’s marine life.
3h

Punta Suárez

Overview:
Located on the western tip of Española, Punta Suárez is the island’s most dramatic and biologically rich site. It features rugged cliffs, lava formations, and an impressive blowhole that shoots seawater up to 20 meters high.

Highlights:

Breeding grounds of the waved albatross (Phoebastria irrorata), one of the rarest seabirds on Earth

Colonies of blue-footed and Nazca boobies, marine iguanas, and lava lizards

The unique Española mockingbird and lava cactus

Breathtaking views of crashing surf and cliffs alive with birdlife

Experience:
The guided trail (about 2 km) passes through colonies of nesting birds and leads to the cliffside viewpoint overlooking the blowhole. Between April and December, visitors witness the courtship dances and nesting activity of the waved albatross — an unforgettable spectacle.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

In the center of town, close to the main pier "Tiburón Martillo"
WE NEED TO MEET AT LEAST ONE DAY BEFORE (6pm local time) DEPARTURE AT THE LOCATION PROVIDED: Teodoro Wolf & Ignacio Hernandez. At i-Galapagos Agency.

End point

In the center of town, close to the main pier "Tiburón Martillo"
WE NEED TO MEET AT LEAST ONE DAY BEFORE (6pm local time) DEPARTURE AT THE LOCATION PROVIDED: Teodoro Wolf & Ignacio Hernandez. At i-Galapagos Agency.

Additional information

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Reviews

4.0 (2)