Española Island Tour: Waved Albatross and Wildlife Adventure
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(2)
I reserved this trip through TA Went to pick up snorkeling gear at a local tour operator shop, was advised then, that the tour commences @6:00a.m and not 8:30am as indicated by TA when they sent me a confirmation number. This is misleading, as the tour operator runs a constant time of 6:00pm on Fridays for this trip. TA should have the most updated info for their clients. I also paid premium price for the experience, compared to anyone else on the boat, with a no cancellation policy by TA. This is not a fair practice, misleading info regarding the trip start time, and no cancellation , was advised last minute by local tour operator of start time not TA who should have contacted me regarding the time. Do not book through TA, book directly with local tour operator, for reliable info and reasonable price. The guide was knowledgeable, though she did not wait for the full group , to be together, prior to giving info on the Island and wildlife We found we were always playing catch up with her. We were also left behind, as she went ahead with the group who could keep up with her. We could have been hurt or needed help , for all she cared The hike is on huge uneven boulders, for 2 hours. One has to be very careful with footing.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We truly appreciate all reviews, as they help us improve our communication and services. Regarding the meeting time, we would like to clarify that departure times for Española Island tours may vary depending on sea conditions, safety considerations, and operational planning. While the standard meeting time is often earlier (around 6:00 a.m.), platform listings such as Tripadvisor may sometimes display a later reference time, which can unfortunately cause confusion. We continuously work with online platforms to keep information as accurate and updated as possible, but final operational times are always confirmed locally for safety reasons. We regret that this clarification was not perceived in advance and understand how this may have felt misleading. Please note that early departures are common for long-distance island tours in Galápagos, particularly to ensure safe navigation and maximize wildlife encounters. Regarding pricing, rates on third-party platforms may differ from direct bookings due to platform fees, commissions, and policies set by those platforms, including cancellation terms, which are managed directly by Tripadvisor and not by the local operator. Concerning the guided portion of the hike, we are sorry to hear that you felt left behind. Guest safety is a priority, and we will follow up internally with our guide team to reinforce group-management protocols, especially in areas with uneven terrain like Española Island. We are glad to know you found the guide knowledgeable, and we sincerely appreciate you highlighting both the positives and areas for improvement. Your comments help us strengthen our service and communication for future guests. We wish you safe travels and thank you again for choosing to visit Galápagos.
It was amazing. The crew took great care of us and our guide Jorddy was outstanding and knew so much about the island and the animals and birds. Such an enriching experience that we will never forget. Though the hike is challenging, it is definitely worth it for all the amazing things you will not see anywhere else. The snorkeling experience was also above and beyond with with our guide Jorddy making it even more memorable with highlights and our swim with the sea lions and lava tube. Don't hesitate to book for an unforgettable experience.
Thank you so much, Stephanie! ✨ We’re truly grateful for your amazing review and so happy to hear you had such a memorable experience on Española Island. Our crew works hard to make every guest feel safe, cared for, and inspired, and Jordy will be thrilled to know his passion and knowledge made your day even more special. Española is a magical place, and it means a lot to us that you connected with its wildlife, landscapes, and the unique snorkeling spots… Thank you for choosing us and for recommending the experience. We hope to welcome you back to the islands someday for another unforgettable adventure. 🙂 Warm regards, Seb i-Galapagos Excursions
