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 colour 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-kilometre) 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 €133 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
€133
19 Aug - 20 Aug
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! (355 reviews)
"Great place for the money"

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

Hotel Fiesta
Hotel Cucuve

Hotel Cucuve

4 out of 5
Charles Binford 083 y Ave Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora
The price is €207 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
€207
18 Aug - 19 Aug
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! (256 reviews)
Great hotel in Puerto Ayuro
"Excellent location, clean, friendly, and great breakfast. Highly recommend. Only caveat- the outdoor area on the water shown in photos is actually a couple blocks from the rest of the hotel. Not a big deal, but I was surprised."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

Hotel Cucuve
Galapagos Sunset Hotel

Galapagos Sunset Hotel

3 out of 5
Av. Charles Darwin y Herman Melville, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Galápagos
The price is €146 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
€146
19 Aug - 20 Aug
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (158 reviews)
"We loved our stay at this hotel. The staff was nice. Max at the front desk was SUPER helpful and pleasant. Aside from that, an excellent location to enjoy the best of San Cristóbal island has to offer. We didn't want to leave."

Reviewed on 12 Aug 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.
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 16 Aug 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
!Disfruta de comodidad mientras conoces la maravillosa isla de San Cristóbal

!Disfruta de comodidad mientras conoces la maravillosa isla de San Cristóbal

2 out of 5
San Cristobal
Stay at this vacation home in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Monument to Charles ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"This property was excellent ! I stayed here with my family, including kids and we have ample of space. Bedrooms were spacious and huge. Bathrooms were clean. I communicated with the host on WhatsApp and she was quick and responsive. All our questions answered and very accommodating. The main area ..."

Reviewed on 30 May 2025

!Disfruta de comodidad mientras conoces la maravillosa isla de San Cristóbal
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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