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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 and feeding on seaweed and sea lions playing 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 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.

Fernandina Island Reviews

9.2 Superb
41 Verified Reviews

10.0 Exceptional
ROCHELLE S
United States

My FAVORITE with lots of iguanas and sea lions.

Diving Fernandina Island in January on the Nemo III

8.4 Very good
Emilia D
United States

This was the highlight of the trip. An amazing island with rich wildlife. This was my Favorite place to snorkel And explore

Diving Fernandina Island in August on the Beagle

10.0 Exceptional
Evan P
United States

My personal favorite island. I enjoy that it was isolated/less commonly visited than other islands, and felt very untouched. It had beautiful landscapes and beaches. I loved seeing the marine iguanas swimming in the waters there.

Diving Fernandina Island in September on the Archipel II

8.4 Very good
Rebecca C
United States

If this was the lava walk, it was too treacherous and I fell.

Diving Fernandina Island in February on the Estrella del Mar

8.4 Very good
Pierre L
United States

Average, due to a lack of iguana presence in the water due to cloudy weather.

Diving Fernandina Island in June on the Aqua

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

Diving Fernandina Island in October on the Nemo III

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!

Diving Fernandina Island in February on the Golondrina

9.2 Superb
MATTHEW A
United States

Shallow with strong surge, but lots of interesting life. This is where the Marine Iguana's are and we there were lots on the surface, but only saw a couple feeding on the bottom. Seals and penguins here too!

Diving Fernandina Island in April on the Aqua

9.6 Exceptional
Stephanie S
United States

Punta Espinosa had fantastic snorkeling with flightless cormorants, many sea turtles, marine iguanas diving to eat algae, and more.

Diving Fernandina Island in May on the Letty

8.0 Very good
Frederic K
United States

Silly sea lions and giant turtles

Diving Fernandina Island in May on the Galaxy

9.6 Exceptional
J. Miller T
United States

loved this trip - the most diverse wildlife we saw - iguanas, seals , turtles , hawks etc etc

Diving Fernandina Island in June on the Galaxy

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Adventure Cruises in Fernandina Island

Top things to do & see at Fernandina Island

Best time to cruise Fernandina Island

Where do Fernandina Island cruises depart from?

Fernandina Island Reviews

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