Espanola Island (Galapagos)

Espanola Island (Isla Espanola) is part of the Galapagos Islands. It was named by the English "Hood Island" after Viscount Samuel Hood. Espanola Island is located in the archipelago's extreme southeast and is considered one of the oldest, together with Santa Fe, at approximately 4 million years. A famous tourist stop, Isla Espanola is the most southerly in the Galapagos Archipelago. Its climate is very dry, just like most of the Archipelago. Due to its flatness, the island is the driest of the islands, with a few inches of rain annually.

Espanola Island is 10- to 12-hour boat trip from Isla Santa Cruz. Travelers come to see the albatrosses (March through January; almost the entire world's population breeds on the isle) and the mating dances of Espanola's blue-footed boobies. However, Espanola Island is dying, becoming a rocky, barren land. Two spots are popular with visitors: Punta Suarez, featuring varied bird-life, and Bahia Gardner, with a lovely beach.

Espanola Island cruise terminal

Espanola Island tours, shore excursions, hotels

City Tours and Shore Excursions

Popular Espanola Island shore excursion destinations are:

• Gardner Bay
• Punta Suarez