Adventure Cruises in Fernandina Island
Fernandina Island Cruises are rich with adventure activities and beautiful scenery. Fernandina is the youngest and westernmost island in the island chain. It is 30,000 years old and still forming from recent volcanic eruptions. The landing at the island's only visitor site, Punta Espinosa, is dry and amid a mangrove forest. Fernandina's geography is made up of a central volcano (the youngest in the world) and a variety of parasitic cones called calderas. Extensive lava fields cover its surface with the exception of a few areas called kipunkas, where vegetation still grows.
Your adventure cruise to Galapagos Islands archipelago has some special Fernandina Island wildlife encounters in store. There are no invasive species on the island, making it one of the most pristine ecosystems in the world. As you leave the boat at the port, you’ll immediately see iguanas sunning themselves, feeding on seaweed and sea lions, and resting on the beach. Penguins, crabs, heron and waterfowl, and sea turtles are other likely encounters.
Top things to do & see at Fernandina Island
Punta Espinosa is a wonderful welcome as we make land. You will soak in the volcanic landscape as Red and turquoise-blue zayapas (Sally lightfoot) crabs dash over its surface. This is an excellent place to snorkel.
You can't miss the La Cumbre volcano, which gave birth to the island. Seven eruptions have been recorded since 1968. Some hiking and photos are certainly necessary.
Keep the camera out for the colony of flightless cormorants. They’re evolution in action. They evolved heavier bodies and stronger legs to adapt to water conditions since most of their food comes from the life-giving sea. They’re present all year, but their breeding season is spring.
One of the island's highlights is the black lava that flows further inland and opens into a lagoon. It's a popular spot to see Galapagos hawks surveying activity from above. The hiking and Fernandina Island wildlife encounters here are guest favorites.
Top Tips for Fernandina Island
- Pack sensible shoes for hiking over the lava formations and a camera to capture your moments with the landscape and wildlife. A waterproof sleeve or cover for your mobile phone is another great idea, especially if it doubles as your camera.
- You can explore the lava fields in the water at Punta Espinosa, so snorkeling gear is in order. You wouldn’t visit Galapagos without some.
- We recommend that guests also bring sunscreen, plenty of water on land, and a hat to shield them from the sun in the dry season.
Best time to cruise Fernandina Island
You must plan ahead to choose the best time to visit Fernandina Island for your favorite adventure activity. Understanding the dry and warm seasons will help you get the most out of your time there.
Taking a small ship cruise to Fernandina Island in the dry season covers the months of July through December. The weather is favorable for hiking in the warm season, but you can get quality hiking no matter what time you visit, thanks to the easy-going weather in the Galapagos. Snorkeling is best between June and November when the water is crystal clear and warm.
Birdwatchers or those looking for a Fernandina Island wildlife encounter should plan to travel in the spring when the birds' mating seasons are underway. If you can't travel until later in the year, rest assured there is plenty of wildlife to see on Fernandina Island year-round. Like the famous penguins, the lava lizards and iguanas will always be around.
Where do Fernandina Island cruises depart from?
Before boarding the yacht, guests will land in Ecuador at Quito, the capital, or Guayaquil, which is at sea level on the coast.
After landing in Ecuador, you'll need a domestic flight to Baltra Island unless your cruise itinerary tells you otherwise. Currently, most of our small ship cruises in the Galapagos leave from Baltra. The flight should last a little over two hours.
Book your next adventure cruise to Fernandina Island, Galapagos, today.
Fernandina Island Adventure cruise reviews
- 9.2 Superb
- 9.6 Exceptional
- Peter L
United States
The marine iguana colonies were remarkable
Cruising Fernandina Island in December on the Reina Silvia Voyager
- 8.8 Fabulous
- Nora F
- United States
Walking on the lava was sometimes tricky and took a lot of balance to keep from falling. That said, the walk was worth the extra time it took to walk slowly through the lava fields. The iguana were interesting as were the colorful crabs.
Cruising Fernandina Island in October on the Golondrina
- 10.0 Exceptional
- Dawn M
- United States
Fun, informative, and rewarding! There was always another new creature to see, with every dive!
Cruising Fernandina Island in October on the EcoGalaxy
- 10.0 Exceptional
- Molly M
- United States
We loved seeing the volcanoes from the boat in this area
Cruising Fernandina Island in September on the Golondrina
- 9.6 Exceptional
- Tomas B
- United States
Great hike to see marine iguanas and sea lion pups playing.
Cruising Fernandina Island in August on the EcoGalaxy
- 9.6 Exceptional
- Kara W
- United States
Our favorite - such stunning scenery.
Cruising Fernandina Island in July on the Treasure of Galapagos
- 9.6 Exceptional
- J. Miller T
- United States
loved this trip - the most diverse wildlife we saw - iguanas, seals , turtles , hawks etc etc
Cruising Fernandina Island in June on the Galaxy
- 8.0 Very good
- Frederic K
- United States
Silly sea lions and giant turtles
Cruising Fernandina Island in May on the Galaxy
- 9.6 Exceptional
- Mark P
- United States
Same as all the other islands. You don't go to the Galapagos Islands to SEE the islands...you go to be in the WATER!
Cruising Fernandina Island in February on the Golondrina
- 8.8 Fabulous
- Michael S
- United States
Tons of marine iguanas. Snorkeling with the iguana was just OK as the ocean conditions that morning were hard to snorkel in i.e. waves, surge & relatively poor visibility
Cruising Fernandina Island in October on the Nemo III
