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
$155 nightly
The price is $155 total per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
$155 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (358 reviews)
"Excellent property and the pool area was so beautiful. Breakfast was delicious and when we had early tours they wrapped up a to go breakfast as long as you told them the night before. If I ever come back to the Galapagos we will stay here again. Hot tub was great too."

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025

Hotel Fiesta
Hotel Indigo Galapagos by IHG

Hotel Indigo Galapagos by IHG

4.5 out of 5
Isabela y Charles Darwin Manzana 40, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Galapagos
$372 nightly
The price is $409 total per night from Aug 30 to Aug 31
$409 total
Aug 30 - Aug 31
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Malecón San Cristobal ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (32 reviews)
"Beautiful in every way."

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

Hotel Indigo Galapagos by IHG
Hotel el descanso del Guia

Hotel el descanso del Guia

3.5 out of 5
Calle Delfin, Barrio el Mirador, Puerto Ayora, Galapagos
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Puerto Ayora. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (164 reviews)
"Muy lindo todo <3"

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

Hotel el descanso del Guia
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 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
!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 May 30, 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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