Fernandina Island (Galapagos)

Fernandina Island, formerly known as "Narborough Island" in English (after John Narborough), is the 3rd largest and youngest of the Galapagos Islands. Just like the others, it was formed by the Galapagos hotspot.

Fernandina Island is an active shield volcano, erupting since April 2009. Captain Benjamin Morrell recorded one of the biggest eruptions in the history of Galapagos at Fernandina Volcano, while on the ship anchored in Banks Bay. The vessel successfully escaped to safety, and the account of the eruption was preserved.

Fernandina Island has an area of 642 km2 (248 mi2) and height 1476 m (4842 ft), with a summit caldera 6.5 km (4 mi) wide. In 1968, parts of the caldera floor dropped 350 m, and a small lake occupies the northern caldera floor.

Due to recent volcanic activity, Fernandina does not present much plant life. The island has a mostly rocky surface.

Cruise ships to Fernandina Island dock (anchor) at Punta Espinoza - the primary landing point on the northern coast. Some boats may stop at Punta Mangle (on the eastern coast) - a good anchorage for snorkeling with manta rays and turtles.