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 that gave birth to the island itself. Seven eruptions have been recorded since 1968. Some hiking is certainly necessary and some photos as well.

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 the bulk of their food comes from the life-giving sea. They’re present all year long but their breeding season is in the spring.

One of the highlights of the island are the black lava flows further inland that 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 does double duty 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 and plenty of water on land along with a hat to shield them from the sun in the dry season.

Best time to cruise Fernandina Island

In order to choose the best time to visit Fernandina Island for your favorite adventure activity, you have to plan ahead. Understanding the dry and warm seasons will help you get the most out of your time in Fernandina.

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 in 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 still plenty of wildlife to see on Fernandina Island year-round. The lava lizards and iguanas will always be around, as will the famous penguins.

Where do Fernandina Island cruises depart from?

Before boarding the yacht, guests will land in Ecuador at either Quito, the capital, or Guayaquil which is at sea level on the coast.

You'll need a domestic flight after landing in Ecuador to Baltra Island unless your cruise itinerary tells you differently. At this time, the majority of our small ship cruises in Galapagos leave from Baltra. The flight should last a little over two hours.

Book your next adventure cruise to Fernandina Island, Galapagos today. Contact our reservations team.