Española Island Day Trip with Snorkeling

Explore Española Island: witness albatross courtship dances, powerful blowholes, and snorkel with sea turtles, sea lions, and colorful fish in a truly unforgettable setting
If there is one place in the Galápagos where the magic of nature is fully alive, it is Española Island. This is one of the oldest islands in the archipelago, dating back nearly three million years, and despite its size—just 60 km² (37 mi²)—it is home to some of the richest wildlife encounters you can imagine. As an uninhabited island, Española offers an experience that feels untouched, raw, and truly unique.

Punta Suárez – The kingdom of seabirds

Located on the western side of Española, Punta Suárez is one of the most iconic sites in the entire archipelago. The 2 km (1.2 mi) trail takes you across lava terrain and leads you to the famous blowholes, where ocean waves shoot water through rock crevices up to 20 meters (65 ft.) high. It’s a natural spectacle of sound and power, offering incredible opportunities for photography and awe-inspiring moments.

But what makes Punta Suárez unforgettable is its extraordinary birdlife. Here, you will find the largest colony of Galápagos albatrosses, present only between May and December. With wingspans reaching over 2 meters (6 ft.), these majestic birds perform an intricate and fascinating courtship dance, one of nature’s most spectacular rituals. Alongside the albatross, you can spot blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, Galápagos doves, and the Española mockingbird, which is found nowhere else on Earth.

Gardner Islet – Snorkeling paradise

Just off the coast lies Gardner Islet, a site that offers an underwater world bursting with life. The calm, turquoise waters are perfect for snorkeling, where you will swim with green sea turtles, playful sea lions, schools of colorful reef fish, stingrays, and even marine iguanas feeding underwater. Every dive here feels like stepping into a living aquarium, with new surprises around every corner.

Why Española is unmissable

Española combines dramatic landscapes, rare wildlife encounters, and marine wonders in one full-day adventure. Few places on Earth allow you to witness the dance of albatrosses, feel the force of the blowholes, and swim alongside sea lions and turtles in the same day. For many travelers, Española becomes the highlight of their Galápagos journey—a destination that truly captures the spirit of the islands.

️ Tour includes

Light breakfast on board

Lunch (vegetarian and vegan options available)

Snacks, fruit, and beverages

Towels

Certified naturalist guide

Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins – wetsuit not included)

⏰ Duration

Full-day excursion of approximately 10 hours (weather-dependent)

Departure: early morning from San Cristóbal pier

Return: late afternoon

Please note: This tour is available exclusively on Thursdays, in line with Galápagos National Park regulations.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.