Española is one of the oldest islands of the Galápagos Archipelago; it is a former shield volcano that after thousands of years of erosion has become flattened, mostly covered by dry zone vegetation. This is, however, the middle of the wet season, and the entire island looks emerald green. To the North we find Gardner Bay: with its turquoise waters and white sands, it is certainly one of the most beautiful beaches of the islands. A large colony of Galápagos sea lions inhabits this beach, with a few of them seemingly curious about our presence, while others were totally oblivious to us. Towards the South, the coast of Española has high cliffs that are favored by various marine bird species as well as marine iguanas. In this dramatic shoreline food abounds and foraging is particularly good, therefore Punta Suárez is considered one of the highlights of the Enchanted Isles.
2/24/2025
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National Geographic Endeavour II
Fernandina and Isabela Islands
Our expedition took us to the youngest and one of the most remote islands in Galapagos. We began our journey at Punta Espinosa, Fernandina Island stepping onto a striking volcanic landscape shaped by recent volcanic eruptions. Among the first signs of life we encountered was a lava cacti with spiny golden stems standing in contrast against barren lava. It is one of the first plants to colonize the lava flows. As we followed the trail, a Galápagos sea lion greeted us, playfully interacting with the tide pools. Moments later, a group of marine iguanas emerged from the rocky shoreline, diving into the shallow waters in search of the precious algae that sustains them. Later in the afternoon, we embarked on a coastal exploration along Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela Island where the dramatic cliffs and rugged shoreline offered breathtaking views. As we navigated the waters, green Pacific sea turtles surfaced briefly, with their heads breaking the surface in slow and rhythmic movements. Nearby, a Galápagos penguin stood on the rocks while flightless cormorants spread their wings to dry—a fascinating display of evolution in action. The interplay of volcanic rock formations, rich marine life, and striking geological features made for a truly unforgettable experience.
