Española Island Tour
The day excursion to Española Island is considered one of the best things to do in the Galapagos. In the past, exploring this special area of the Galapagos National Park was only possible for those on liveaboard cruises. However, since 2021, it's now possible to take a day trip from San Cristobal Island and witness the distinctive animal life along the path that begins at the Punta Suarez landing spot.
Tour Overview
- Every Saturday: 07h30-16h30/17h00
- Embarking Port =San Cristobal Island
- Navigation = 2h5 hour approx. (one way)
- Visit Place = Punta Suarez & Gardner Islet
- Snorkeling Place = Gardner Islet
The guide will show you the nesting locations of masked boobies and Nazca boobies while you walk through the easy trail at Punta Suarez. During their nesting season the male marine iguanas display green and orange colors. The trail leads to the waved albatross nesting area where visitors can witness the birds' courtship display through their beak rubbing and wing flapping as they move in circular patterns. The highlight of this path for many is the Alabatross airport.The name originates from the fact that birds acquire flight skills at this location because young birds perform fatal cliff dives before successfully gliding across the ocean. The cliffs and rocky shores are home to tropic birds, more nesting Nazca gannets and as you complete the loop you will pass the famous blow hole, a connection with the tides that splurts ocean water about 40 feet above the ground every few minutes or so.There are no human surfers at this location but sea lions perform tidal dances with spins and jumps and wave rides which seem designed to entertain viewers who film them. The archipelago's premier nature trail has been opened to guests who stay at the hotel.
The Punta Suarez day tour visitors will board their boat for the final time to travel to turtle islet which lies in gardner bay. The location presents an attractive view with no beach access but it provides excellent chances for snorkeling and scuba diving. Snorkelers get to observe sea lions and sea turtles and manta rays and colorful fish and white tipped reef sharks in the waters surrounding Española island bay. The deeper diving activities of scuba diving enable divers to discover additional underwater creatures.
Travelers have the choice of enjoying a land visit of Española Island and a snorkeling excursion in the bay or exchanging scuba diving for snorkeling (a small surcharge is required).
Hiking shoes that provide comfort are essential for passengers who wish to discover the island's rocky landscape. Lunch is served on board.The tour provides a complete day of exploration which takes approximately 8 hours to complete. The trip between San Cristobal island and Española takes about 2 1/2 hours each way based on tidal conditions. The day tours to Española are limited to local operations and you will be supporting small tour operations and family run boats, since it's inception this tour has enticed visitors to make base at San Cristobal island hotels to enjoy this wonderful site without having to take a liveaboard cruise.
Our recommendation would be to book a day tour yacht charter because it allows you to enjoy complete privacy together with tailored service for your family and friends group.
Multiple day Galapagos tour packages that include this day tour are available.
Tour Highlights
- Moderate hike at Punta Suarez with Nazca boobies, albatrosses, and marine iguanas.
- Snorkeling at Gardner Islet with sea lions, turtles, and reef sharks.
- 2h15min scenic navigation each way, with lunch served on board.
- Support local tour operators and enjoy personalized experiences.
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Activities Included
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