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Sea lion on the beach of Espanola Island

Espanola Island - Galapagos Travel Guide

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In the far eastern Galapagos, Española (also called Hood Island) is the southernmost island in the archipelago. Not inhabited by humans, the birdlife on this island is unparalleled. Most notably are the seabirds that visit the various sites, often after spending months without touching dry land, such as the waved albatross.

10 Cruises Visiting Espanola Island, Galapagos for 2024-2025

10 Luxury Cruises Visiting Espanola Island, Galapagos for 2024-2025

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Southern Islands$61954Apr 14, 2025Set sail on a 4-day Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise to the Eastern Galapagos Islands. Explore San Cristóbal, and visit Tijeretas Hill. Enjoy Gardner Bay …
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Southern & Northern Islands$116957Apr 14, 2025Join the 7-Day Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise in the Eastern & Central Galapagos, beginning on San Cristóbal Island. Explore Tijeretas, Gardner Bay, …
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Central East & Southern Islands$129958Apr 10, 2025Explore Central East & Southern Islands on this 8-day cruise aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Visit Baltra and meet giant tortoises. Enjoy …
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Luxurious Southern Galapagos Cruise$61906Apr 25, 2024On this 6-day luxury Galapagos cruise aboard one of the best yachts in Galapagos, the Ocean Spray catamaran, you'll see giant Galapagos tortoises, …
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Central Islands Cruise$94908Mar 23, 2024Discover the highlights of San Cristobal, Española, Floreana, Santa Cruz, Santiago, and Genovesa islands on this incredible 8-day adventure aboard …
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Private Charter - Beyond Darwin's Footsteps Aboard Grace$1722008Mar 19, 2024Close encounters with nature highlight this 8-day private Galapagos cruise onboard the Grace. The islands are teeming with animals that are eager to …
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Private Charter - Southern Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise$1177054Apr 14, 2025Set sail on a private 4-day Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise to the Eastern Galapagos Islands. Explore San Cristóbal, and visit Tijeretas Hill. Enjoy …
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Beyond Darwin's Footsteps$99508Mar 19, 2024This 8-day adventure aboard Grace offers close encounters with wildlife. The islands are full of creatures that love to interact with visitors. …
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Private Charter - Central East & Southern Islands Aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise$2469058Apr 10, 2025Explore Central East & Southern Islands on this 8-day private cruise aboard Hermes Ultra Luxury Cruise. Visit Baltra and meet giant tortoises. Enjoy …
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Classic Galapagos$613510Mar 22, 2024Spend 10 days exploring the legendary Galápagos Islands aboard a classic, 96-guest expedition ship, the Endeavour II. Actively experience the …
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Top 3 Best Espanola Island National Park Visitor Sites

Gardner Bay – For most of the year, the sea lions and sea lion pups are the main attraction at Gardner Bay. But from April until December, this white sandy beach is the nesting site for nearly all of the 12,000 remaining pairs of waved albatrosses. Other than a small colony on Isla de la Plata by Ecuador’s mainland, the world’s entire waved albatross population can be seen here. There are also three species of finches here and occasionally a giant tortoise.

Suarez Point – Here, explorers will be astounded as they watch the endemic albatrosses launch themselves off of the cliff and take flight. But the site is known for more than just the birds – a blowhole on the cliff’s edge blasts water into the air as the waves crash into the bottom of it. This blowhole has become a popular attraction at Suarez Point.

Osborn Islet – The tranquil white sands of this site make it an ideal home for sea lions and their pups. You can swim, kayak, and snorkel right in their company as they glide through the water.

Espanola Island Facts and Highlights

Espanola Island, one of the most remote islands of the Galapagos, is home to the large colony of waved albatrosses in the archipelago, as well as sea lions, marine iguanas and other unique species. Take a guided walk along its rocky coastline and observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.
  • Espanola Island is home to a variety of endemic wildlife species, including the Espanola mockingbird, lava lizards, and the impressive waved albatross.
  • Espanola is known for being the only breeding site for the entire population of the waved albatrosses of the planet. This limitation is the reason why the species was listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
  • The waved albatross is the largest bird in the archipelago. It can measure up to 3 feet in length and 8 feet of wingspan. It's also known for having a peculiar and entertaining courtship ritual where males partake in a mating dance that involves sword fighting with their bills. 
  • Espanola boasts some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Galapagos Islands, including dramatic cliffs, beautiful beaches, and hidden coves. Visitors will be met with breathtaking views of the ocean.
  • Espanola Island is one of the most isolated islands in the Galapagos and is part of the Galapagos Islands National Park.
  • Some of Espanolas favorite visitor sites include Suarez Point or Punta Suarez in Spanish, and Gardner Bay. 

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