Española Island, on the southeastern end of the archipelago is an old shield volcano that is slowly but surely losing the battle against the elements after drifting over 200 kilometers from its birthplace. Moving above of the Nazca Plate, it has drifted so far from its birthplace that it is effectively losing the life force that fuels most volcanic activity in this group of islands. Despite being presently only a fraction of its original size, it is still home to vast numbers of seabirds, as well as an endemic species of mockingbird and lava lizard. During the morning hours, we explored the northeastern end of the island at Gardner Bay and nearby Gardner Islet as well as the western end at Suarez Point during the afternoon.
5/12/2025
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National Geographic Islander II
Española Island
Today’s expedition took us to one of the crown jewels of the Galápagos Islands, Española, renowned for its incredible biodiversity and striking landscapes. The day offered us a blend of relaxing encounters with marine life and dramatic displays of wildlife along one of the most iconic trails in the archipelago. Our morning began at Gardner Bay, a breathtaking stretch of white sand beach framed by turquoise waters and black lava outcrops. Upon landing, we were greeted by a colony of Galápagos sea lions lounging comfortably along the shoreline. Some curious individuals came close to inspect us as we walked along the beach. In the afternoon, we landed at Punta Suárez, where a starkly different environment awaited. The rocky coastline and dramatic cliffs provided a stunning backdrop for one of the most exciting wildlife hikes in the Galápagos. Our walk took us through nesting grounds of Nazca boobies. The highlight, however, was the waved albatross, endemic to Española and one of the most charismatic species in the archipelago. We were fortunate to observe their fascinating courtship displays—elegant and theatrical, with head bobbing, beak clacking, and sky-pointing rituals.
