Espanola Island

Española is one of the most southerly islands in the Galápagos and one of the best for wildlife. Most visits involve a tender landing on a rocky shore. The island has the only breeding colony of waved albatrosses in the world, along with large populations of Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, and marine iguanas that turn red and green during mating season. A blowhole on the south coast shoots seawater about 20 metres into the air. Gardner Bay, on the eastern side, has a white sand beach where sea lions sprawl in the sun and barely move when you walk past. Snorkelling here brings encounters with sea turtles and reef fish. The terrain is flat volcanic rock with sparse vegetation, so bring sun protection and sturdy shoes. There are no shops or facilities on the island. Everything you need should be brought from the ship.