Top things to do and see on Espanola Island

Suarez Point is a popular place on the seafront of Espanola, especially for birding and naturalist tours. The striking blue-footed boobies, albatrosses, and Hood mockingbirds call the area home and make for incredible Galapagos wildlife encounters. In fact, the albatrosses use a nearby cliff as a launching spot, letting visitors watch them soar into the air in breathtaking fashion.

The sight the birds set is truly incredible. Albatrosses are large grey and white birds that are easy to spot, but the sheer number of them appears like a blanket at times on the landscape. The beautiful plumage almost seems to be artist created as it fades from deep grey to brilliant white, including the bird’s feet!

The most famous attraction at Suarez Point is the incredible blowhole that shoots water straight into the air at an impressive height. It’s as if the earth has a pressure valve directly on-site and visitors can see this in all its awesome splendor. It’s the power of the earth before your very eyes.

All in all, Suarez Point is a nature lover or photographer’s dream. Experienced hikers should also take note and head out for a 1.9-mile hike through the Point. It’s rated difficult, so best saved for top-notch contenders.

Across the island on the eastern side is Gardner Bay. Even more, albatrosses are in store for visitors here. Nearly every one of them in existence, approximately 12,000 pairs, breed in this spot every year. As if that isn’t enough, the expanse of white sand beach is constantly peppered with sea lions.

It’s easy to understand why travelers favor Gardner Bay for snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, and dinghy rides. The hiking trail here is much easier than Suarez Point and suitable for different experience levels.

It’s equally clear why Darwin was so fascinated with the Galapagos Islands. There is such a vast array of creatures that call the islands home. Have your camera ready for the best moments of your adventure cruise and personal Galapagos wildlife encounter.

Speaking of Darwin, nature lovers can’t miss The Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) on Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, Galapagos. This active breeding center and research station is both educational and another ideal spot for photography lovers.

Best time to cruise Espanola Island

Espanola has only two seasons. The warm season is between December and May and the dry season between June and November. Both have their strong points, but you’ll want to plan ahead to pick the best time to visit to see wildlife or to have your own famous Galapagos wildlife encounter.

During the warm season, visitors to Galapagos in December will see a sky that is always clear and full of the bright sun. Rain falls more frequently in Galapagos in February, March, and April.

Come to Galapagos in June, however, and you’ll experience slightly cooler weather but the best diving conditions. This ideal diving season continues in Galapagos through July, August, September, and November.

If you have your heart set on seeing the albatrosses during the breeding season, which is April through November. Avoid the chance of rain by timing your birding trip in May, when the weather should be warm and dry.

Where do Espanola Island cruises depart from?

Finding out how to get to the Galapagos is essential to your plan. Before you set out on your small luxury yacht for the adventure cruise of your life, you have to get to Ecuador.

From Ecuador, travelers will fly into the Galapagos from Quito in the Andes mountains or Guayaquil on the coast. The two main airports in Galapagos are Baltra, a small island north of Santa Cruz, and San Cristobal, the archipelago's easternmost island. You can depart on a Galapagos cruise from Puerto Ayora or Baltra with ease.

The airports are spartan, but have everything travelers need to be safe and secure while arriving and departing. Just don’t plan on reliable wifi.

Please contact our reservations team to book your next adventure cruise to Espanola Island in the Galapagos Islands.