• Flexible Cancellation
The Albatross Sanctuary:
Española Island Day Tour
A full-day boat tour from San Cristóbal to the oldest island in the Galápagos. Española is the only nesting site on Earth for the waved albatross, home to the red-and-green “Christmas” marine iguanas, and the setting for one of the best snorkeling bays in the archipelago.
What to Expect on the Española Island Day Tour
Española is the oldest island in the Galápagos, and its isolation has turned it into a sanctuary of species found nowhere else. It is the only place in the world where the waved albatross nests, performing its long courtship dance on the volcanic cliffs of Punta Suárez. Alongside them you will find the “Christmas iguanas”, marine iguanas that turn red and green in mating season, plus blue-footed and Nazca boobies nesting within a few steps of the trail. The day closes in the turquoise water of Gardner Bay, where sea lions and turtles come to you.
Choosing between San Cristóbal day trips? Española is the birding and wildlife day: more walking, a longer crossing, and the only albatross colony in the archipelago. If your priority is snorkeling with hammerheads, take the Kicker Rock day tour. For the full coastline of San Cristóbal in one loop, the 360° San Cristóbal tour covers more sites, and the Lobos Island tour is the easy half-day option.
Española Island Tour Itinerary
07:20 AM — Boarding in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Meet our crew at the “Acuario” pier in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristóbal. We set sail on a two-hour open-ocean crossing toward the remote southern tip of the archipelago.
Wildlife Trail at Punta Suárez
Land at Punta Suárez or Punta Cevallos for the guided walk. This is the heart of the tour: hundreds of marine iguanas along the path, waved albatrosses launching from the cliff edge, Nazca boobies on their nests and Galápagos hawks overhead. The blowhole here throws seawater more than twenty meters into the air.
Snorkeling at Gardner Bay
After the hike we move to Gardner Islet or Manzanillo Beach. Swim with sea lions, sea turtles and schools of tropical fish in one of the most scenic bays in the Galápagos.
04:00 PM — Return to San Cristóbal
We navigate back to San Cristóbal Island, arriving at the main pier in time for the evening light over the harbour.
What’s Included
- ✓ Licensed Naturalist Guide (Eng/Esp)
- ✓ Full Snorkeling Equipment
- ✓ Onboard Lunch & Fresh Snacks
- ✓ Neoprene Shorty Wetsuit
- ✓ Boat Transportation from Pier
Not Included
- ✕ Bottled Soft Drinks
- ✕ Tips and Gratuities
- ✕ INGALA Transit Card
What to Bring on the Española Island Tour
This is a long day that mixes rocky volcanic terrain with time in the water, so pack for both:
- Hiking Footwear – Sturdy shoes or boots are required for the uneven volcanic trail.
- Sun Protection – Reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
- Camera – A telephoto lens for the birding, a GoPro for the snorkeling.
- Swimwear – Best worn under your hiking clothes.
- Windbreaker – The two-hour crossing is open ocean and breezy.
- Hydration – Reusable water bottle.
Española Island Tour: Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to see the waved albatross on Española?
How long is the boat ride to Española Island?
How difficult is the walk at Punta Suárez?
What makes the marine iguanas on Española different?
Is the landing wet or dry?
Can I take this tour if I am staying on Santa Cruz Island?
Cancellation Policy for the Española Tour
• Full Refund: Guaranteed for cancellations made at least 15 days before the departure date.
• No Refund: Cancellations made within 14 days of the tour, or “No Shows”, will incur a 100% penalty.
• Weather Guarantee: If the port is closed by authorities due to maritime alerts, we offer rescheduling or a 100% refund.