Espanola Island

Travel Guide

Photo by Delen Wong
Photo by Jeff Kovitz
Photo by Delen Wong
Photo by Edgar Figueiredo
Photo by Edgar Figueiredo

See an iguana that changes color when breeding, the largest mockingbird in the archipelago, turtles and waved albatross at this isolated island.

Española Island (Isla Española) is the most southerly of the Galápagos Islands and a sanctuary for a mesmerizing array of wildlife. Also known as Hood Island, Española Island is a dry and flat shield volcano island. Geologists believe it to be 4 million years old, making it one of the oldest islands in the Galápagos. The island’s bays and cliffs provide a natural habitat for albatross, turtles and whales, among others.

The island has two visitor sites. One is Punta Suárez, a rocky headland teeming with endemic animal species. A colony of curious and friendly sea lions will greet you as you disembark at the boat landing. Follow a marked trail that climbs above the rugged cliffs and passes a powerful blowhole.

Spot crabs and lava lizards. Marvel at the marine iguanas, which turn shades of bright green and red during the mating season. See the Hood mockingbird, the biggest mockingbird of the islands, in addition to blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, red-billed tropicbirds and swallow-tailed gulls. From April to December look for the waved albatross performing its extravagant and boisterous mating ritual.

Travel by boat to Gardner Bay, a 1.2-mile (2-kilometer) long beach of powdery white sand on the island’s northern coast. Snap memorable shots of the sea lions that bask on the sands. Green sea turtles come to nest here from January to March. Swim in the crystal clear water and watch as sea lions glide around your legs.

For more adventure, go snorkeling at Gardner Island and Tortuga Rock, just offshore from Gardner Bay. You’ll share the water with more sea lions, sharks, turtles and fish such as bumphead parrotfish and king angelfish.

Reach Española Island by arranging a day tour from San Cristóbal Island and Santa Cruz IslandOpens in a new window. During the 2-hour journey whale sightings are sometimes possible.

Hotel Fiesta

Hotel Fiesta

3.5 out of 5
Calle Moises Brito y Juan Montalvo, Puerto Ayora, Galapagos
The price is CA $213 per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
CA $213
CA $213 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 hot tubs, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (343 reviews)
"Beautiful property, helpful staff, and quiet location."

Reviewed on Jul. 13, 2025

Hotel Fiesta
Hotel Cucuve

Hotel Cucuve

4 out of 5
Charles Binford 083 y Ave Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora
The price is CA $253 per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
CA $253
CA $279 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
Stay at this 4-star B&B in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (253 reviews)
"Amazing hotel. Ana and the rest of the staff were very friendly and kind. I greatly appreciate their hospitality and the amenities of the hotel. Very clean and comfortable. Great location right near ocean and short walk from restaurants and nature viewing. Can’t wait to come back!"

Reviewed on Jun. 17, 2025

Hotel Cucuve
Galapagos Sunset Hotel

Galapagos Sunset Hotel

3 out of 5
Av. Charles Darwin y Herman Melville, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Galápagos
Fully refundable
The price is CA $233 per night from Aug 14 to Aug 15
CA $233
CA $233 total
Aug 14 - Aug 15
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Malecón San Cristobal and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (153 reviews)
"Great location, nice rooms & friendly staff."

Reviewed on Jul. 8, 2025

Galapagos Sunset Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Galapagos and Beyond

Galapagos and Beyond

4.5 out of 5
Indefatigable entre Duncan & Juan, Puerto Ayora, Galapagos
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury condo in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Fishing Piers and Las Ninfas Lagoon ...
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
"Great stay! The rooms, the service, the breakfast, everything was great. Definitely stay here"

Reviewed on May 26, 2025

Galapagos and Beyond
Villa Galapagos

Villa Galapagos

2.5 out of 5
Fragata y Av. Seymour, Puerto Ayora
Stay at this vacation home in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and premium TV channels. Popular attractions Fishing Piers and Gus Angermeyer ...
"着いて早々にダブルブッキングがわかった。これは施設というよりも、貴社のシステムの問題。前回も宿泊名簿に名前がなかったこともあり、強く改善をもとめる。"

Reviewed on Aug. 16, 2019

Villa Galapagos
Galapagos Coliving Ecuador Casa Tuna

Galapagos Coliving Ecuador Casa Tuna

3 out of 5
Miconia, Puerto Ayora, Galápagos
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and balconies. Popular attractions Fishing Piers and Gus Angermeyer ...
Galapagos Coliving Ecuador Casa Tuna
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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