Espanola Island Tour

From San Cristobal, Galapagos

Espanola Island is a top Galapagos destination, home to two of the most popular visitor sites. Punta Suarez is a dream for birdwatchers, as it’s the only nesting place of Waved Albatrosses on the planet. Visitors can also spot colonies of boobies and other sea birds, as well as the famous ‘Soplador’ blowhole.

The waters surrounding the island are perfect for snorkeling or kayaking, teeming with marine life. It’s worth noting that Gardner Bay is only accessible for cruise-based trips. Espanola Island should not be missed on your Galapagos itinerary!

Table of Contents

Espanola Island: Tour Details

This tour has to be done with an agency.

• Highlights: Snorkeling at Gardner Islet, Exploring Punta Suarez, Nazca Boobies nesting place, Waved Albatrosses, Christmas Marine Iguanas and the “Soplador” Blowhole.
• Duration: Full day.
• Price: 240-260$ USD.
• Agency/Guide: Galapagos Islanders.
• Included on the tour: Snorkeling gear, towel, breakfast, and lunch on the boat.

For more information please consult the official Galapagos Conservancy website.

Pink and Green Christmas Iguana in Espanola Island

The Waved Albatross in Punta Suarez

A Quick Way to Explore Espanola Island

I’ve searched online for some easy-to-book tours that let you reserve in advance, so you won’t have to call agencies. If you’re the type to plan ahead, just make sure to read the tour descriptions carefully to avoid any mistakes in the planning. In any case, in this article, I’ll recommend you the  agency I went with - totally advised. Our guide was Shinobi, and we had an amazing experience!

Espanola Island: Curiosities

Espanola Island has unique wildlife not found anywhere else in the world and a rich history that’s around four million years old.

Espanola Island, also known as Hood Island, derives its English name from Viscount Samuel Hood, a distinguished British Royal Navy officer of the 19th century.

Espanola Island spans an area of 60 square kilometers (37 square miles) and reaches a maximum altitude of 206 meters (675 feet). This pristine island is uninhabited by humans, offering a pristine and untouched natural environment.

It has two popular areas to visit: Punta Suarez and Gardner Bay, which have lots of different marine and land animals.

At Punta Suarez, you can see the Waved Albatross colony, which is the only one in the world and is declining due to things like pollution and global warming.

Gardner Bay has a pretty white sand beach and attracts sea lions and finches. (Unfortunately only visitable by cruise).

If you go snorkeling at Gardner Islet and Tortuga Rock, you might see tropical fish, sea lions, and Manta Rays.

The Espanola tortoise population has been saved from almost being extinct, and the Waved Albatross colony is also being conserved.

View on Google Maps

How to do the Espanola Island Tour?

To explore Espanola Island, you have two options: you can either arrange a tour through an agency, which allows you to experience snorkeling at Garnder Islet and visit Punta Suarez, or opt for a Cruise-Based adventure, where you can visit Gardner Bay featuring a beautiful white sandy beach bustling with sea lions.

I personally booked my tour with Galapagos Islanders and I couldn’t be happier.

If you’re interested in booking it with them here’s the phone number of the owner José Yepez: +593 990912892 (he has whatsapp)

What animals can i see in Espanola Island?

Punta Suarez:

• Encounter lazy Sea Lions and playful young ones.
• Spot vibrant Christmas Marine Iguanas and colorful Española Lava Lizards.
• Admire nesting colonies of Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies.
• Witness spectacular Waved Albatross breeding and mating rituals.

Gardner Bay:

• Relax on the expansive white sand beach with napping sea lions.
• Observe Darwin’s finches and fearless Española Mockingbirds.
• Snorkel with tropical fish and swim alongside playful Sea Lions.
• Look out for Green Sea Turtles (January to March).

Marine Sites: Gardner Islet and Tortuga Rock:

• Marvel at colorful tropical fish and invertebrates.
• Catch a glimpse of Manta Rays, Spotted-Eagle Rays, and White-tipped Reef Sharks.
• Enjoy swimming with Sea Lions.

Sea Lions in Espanola Island

Christmas Iguana in Punta Suarez

A Nazca Booby

A Waved Albatross with an Egg

What should i bring to Espanola Island?

Clothing & Accessories:

• Tshirt: Breathable Tshirt (Tech or Merino), or a Lycra
• Jacket: Waterproof Jacket
• Shorts: Swimming Clothes
• Shoes: Hiking Shoes, and Flip Flops
• Hat: Cap
• Sunglasses
• Dry-fast Towel
• Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
• Change of Clothes

Useful Extras:

• GoPro/Camera
• First-Aid Kit - Extra Sea Sickness Medication and Mosquito Repellent
• Sunscreen 50 SPF
• Food / Snacks
• Thermos or Water-filtering Bottle

Check out my complete guide on What’s in My Backpack - From photography gear, and clothing for Hiking, Mountaineering, Scuba Diving, Rainforest, and City-Street Photography.

My Experience on the Espanola Island Tour

I had been eagerly waiting for this tour in the Galapagos since last year, and it was my absolute must-do. Unfortunately, I couldn’t join it back then due to insufficient participants. However, this year, I finally got the chance when a group of friends and I managed to secure our spots. It was perfect timing too, as it was a long weekend in Ecuador, and there were more people interested in the tour.

The day before the tour, we stopped by Galapagos Islanders shop to check our snorkeling gear. The following morning, filled with excitement, we gathered with the rest of the group at the dock “Muelle Acuario,” right in front of Casa Blanca hotel, at the early hour of 5:50 am.

The Cliffs of Punta Suarez

Arrival and Snorkel at Gardner Islet

After a boat ride of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, we arrived at the captivating Espanola Island.

Our first stop was Gardner Islet, where we embarked on an exhilarating snorkeling adventure. For about 45 minutes, we immersed ourselves in the crystal-clear waters and were delighted to encounter numerous sea lions, undoubtedly the highlight of the snorkeling experience. Their playful nature and graceful movements created an unforgettable encounter.

As if that wasn’t enough, I had the privilege of spotting a majestic white tip reef shark gliding by, as well as a couple of serene sea turtles gracefully swimming through the depths.

The underwater world was teeming with vibrant tropical fish, adding a burst of color and life to the scene.

The Valeria Boat that took us to Espanola Island

Breakfast inside the boat

The sunrise on the way to Gardner Islet

Gardner Islet and Gardner Bay on the horizon

Gardner Bay with a cruise and sea lions

The rubber boat surrounding us while snorkeling

The channels inside Gardner Islet

Tropical Fish while snorkeling at Gardner Islet

The Sea Lions hidden inside a cave

More Tropical fish while snorkeling

The arrival on the dock

Sea lions on the beach at Punta Suarez

A red christmas iguana on the beach

Nazca Boobies in Punta Suarez

The Waved Albatross in Punta Suarez

Punta Suarez: Beaches and Wildlife Exploration

Leaving from Gardner Islet, we set sail for the captivating Punta Suarez. Stepping onto the stone harbor surrounded by turquoise waters, we found ourselves in the company of snoozing sea lions and charming Christmas pink-green iguanas. With our group ready, we embarked on an exciting hike, taking us on a 2.5-hour journey through diverse landscapes and unforgettable encounters.

Starting off, we strolled along pristine white sandy beaches teeming with playful sea lions and fascinating marine iguanas. Their lively antics and unique features made every moment a delight, and we couldn’t resist capturing their charismatic presence on camera. As we ventured further, we entered an area with sparse vegetation, where Nazca boobies and blue-footed boobies added a touch of elegance to the scene. These captivating seabirds showcased their graceful flights and fascinating behaviors, providing a glimpse into their world.

Along the way, we had the incredible fortune of passing through the breeding grounds of the renowned Waved Albatross. These majestic birds mesmerized us with their impressive size and gentle nature. We even witnessed one of them protecting a massive egg, a testament to the cycle of life unfolding before our eyes.

The Sea lions feeding on the white sandy beach

A Red iguana on the beach

The arrival at Punta Suarez’s dock

Sea lions at the dock

Friendly meetups at the beach

Punta Suarez Lighthouse

Nazca Boobies breeding area

A blue-footed booby in Espanola Island

The Waved Albatross with a lava lizard behind

Jhos in full photographer attire

Punta Suarez: Cliffside and Coastal Marvels

Continuing our adventure, we reached a cliffside overlooking the vast ocean, offering panoramic views that left us in awe. The crashing waves created a natural blowhole, sending sprays of water into the air—a mesmerizing display of nature’s power and beauty.

Our coastal journey led us to the striking cliffs of Punta Suarez, where we were treated to a unique sight. Graceful iguanas swam in a tranquil natural pool beneath the towering cliffs, creating a serene and picturesque scene.

Throughout the hike, our friendly guide shared fascinating stories and insights about the island’s history and the incredible wildlife we encountered. His passion and knowledge made the experience all the more engaging, deepening our connection with the natural wonders surrounding us.

As our adventure drew to a close, we retraced our steps back to the port, where our trusty rubber boats picked us up, ready to ferry us back to the Valeria Boat, where we had our well-deserved lunch. It was a remarkable and unforgettable experience, leaving us with a profound appreciation for the beauty and magic of the Galapagos Islands.

Punta Suarez cliffs packed with Nazca Boobies

Punta Suarez Cliffside

The famous Blowhole of Espanola Island

An Espanola Mockingbird

The fantastic group

Me capturing some interesting iguanas

A white “sick” iguana

Punta Suarez natural pools packed with iguanas

El Soplador Blowhole

Nazca Boobies flying around the coast

Me on the cliff

What about you, have you already done the Espanola Island Tour?  Leave me a comment down here if you have and what was your opinion.

Thanks for reading through and I hope you have fun on this tour! I’ll drop a couple of my other favorite photos from this tour down below, enjoy!

Photo Gallery

Arrival and Snorkel at Gardner Islet

Punta Suarez: Beaches and Wildlife Exploration

Punta Suarez: Cliffside and Coastal Marvels

All the Articles About the Galapagos

San Cristobal Island - The easternmost island of the Galápagos, the “Isla Bonita”

Santa Cruz Island - The island with the best tourism infrastructure.

Isabela Island - The most adventurous and less explored island of the main three.