The day starts early in the morning at the Baquerizo Moreno Dock. Our guests will be assisted by the bilingual naturalist guide on the whole length of the day tour activities. After a navigation of approximately 2.5 hours the boat will arrive at Española Island. This place is considered the crown jewel of the Galapagos archipelago. Española Island is located at the south side of the archipelago, 22 miles from San Cristobal Island. Here, our adventurers are going to be amazed by Punta Suarez and Gardner Isle. At Punta Suarez, which is located in the northeast of Española, excursionists are going to watch the nesting colonies of Nazca boobies and the famous blue-footed boobies, Galápagos hawks, Española mockingbirds, three species of Darwin´s finches, and Galápagos doves. Swallow-tailed gulls and red-billed tropicbirds dash in and out of the cracks in the cliffs. Between April and December, travelers can visit an interesting population of waved albatross (one of the rarest birds in the world), as Española is their one and only nesting area. There is also possible to watch sea lions and marine iguanas. Meanwhile, our guests have the opportunity to enjoy the amazing landscape of the cliffs and the blow hole. Because this side of the island is a rocky terrain, travelers have to take extra care and wear closed toe shoes (no sandals). Later on, our adventurers will move to Gardner Islet where the bay offers on of the best beaches to experience in the Galápagos. Three species of Darwin´s finches and Española mockingbirds may be seen at this site. Española mockingbirds are fearless and frequently land on visitors´ heads and shoulders in search for food. It is also possible to snorkel among playful sea lions and be astonished by the colorful fishes of the bay. Travelers will refresh themselves while enjoying a delicious snack. Then, our adventurers will get the succulent lunch. After all, boat will journey back to San Cristobal. It is recommended to wear a wetsuit in order to neutralize the sea temperature because it falls under 20ºC from September to December and it is up of 27ºC from January to August.
ITINERARY :
Departure: at 6:30 am from Baquerizo Moreno Pier
Returning time: approximately at 5:00 pm
Travel Time: speed boat ride takes around 2.5 hours (August – October the seas can be quite rough). Adventurers
with back or neck injuries are not advised to take this journey.
Difficulty Level: intermediate
Highlight activity: walking and snorkeling
Transportation: speed boat