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FERNANDINA ISLAND (Narborough)

The westernmost and youngest island on the Galapagos, Fernandina Island is a fascinating site because of its stunning landscapes resulting from volcanic eruptions and because of the particular wildlife inhabiting it. You will walk on one of the sites with the most volcanic activity on Earth and will observe the results of this activity on the solidified lava flows surrounding you throughout the visit. Fernandina island is also one of few sites in the Enchanted Islands to meet the unique flightless cormorants and hosts the largest Galapagos penguin colony. Furthermore, you can find the largest and darkest marine iguanas on the complete archipelago. Travelers must also be alert, as they can see whales when the cruise navigates through the Bolivar Canal.

There are three visitors’ sites on Fernandina Island:

  • Espinoza Point
  • Mangle Point
  • Cape Douglas

Highlights and Wildlife: volcanic landscapes, lava flows, flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, marine iguanas

Activities: hiking, snorkeling, diving, and zodiac ride

Total Area: 248 mi2/399 km2

Population: 0 (uninhabited)

 

Espinoza Point offers visitors the opportunity to witness the effects of volcano eruptions and to have a close view of the wildlife inhabiting Fernandina Island. Its otherworldly barren landscape makes Espinoza Point the perfect place to learn the difference between the brittle and sharp A’a lava and the smooth undulating Pahoehoe lava flows. Pioneer cacti surprises travelers for their ability to live in this environment without soil. Espinosa Point’s trail leads to one of its inhabited areas where travelers find a large colony of the largest and darkest Marine Iguanas in the Galapagos Islands. As it continues, travelers meet a very peculiar bird, the flightless cormorant. The next stop is a cove visited regularly by green sea turtles and Galapagos Racer snakes. Finally, visitors will come close to the unique Galapagos penguins. 

Highlights and Wildlife: Volcanic landscapes, Flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, marine iguanas, sea turtles, Galapagos race snakes, sea lions

Landing: Dry landing

Activities:  Hiking

Activity Difficulty: Hiking: Moderate / Difficult due to uneven volcanic rock terrain

 

Fernandina’s Mangle Point is paradise for marine wildlife lovers. A cruise crew member takes travelers on an exciting zodiac ride into a small inlet. Galapagos Penguins and Flightless Cormorants have established a nesting site on the coastline, so snorkelers will observe both species active underwater. Green sea turtles, Galapagos Sea Lions, sea horses, colorful reef fish, and Marine Iguanas are also part of this wonderful marine world.

Highlights and Wildlife: flightless cormorants, sharks, green sea turtles, colorful reef fish, marine iguanas, Galapagos sea lions, Green sea turtles, Galapagos penguins, and rays.

Landing: No landing

Activities: Zodiac ride and Snorkeling

Activity Difficulty: Snorkeling: Moderate

 

Cape Douglas on Fernandina Island is a site recommended for advanced divers only due to its moderate currents. These act as a natural protection for several marine species that can be observed while in the water.

Highlights and Wildlife: Sea lions, fur seals, Galapagos penguins, marine iguanas, whitetip reef sharks, and sea turtles.

Landing: No landing

Activities: Diving

Activity Difficulty: Diving: Difficult

Highlights and Wildlife: flightless cormorants, sharks, green sea turtles, colorful reef fish, marine iguanas, Galapagos sea lions, Green sea turtles, Galapagos penguins, and rays.

Landing: No landing

Activities: Zodiac ride and Snorkeling

Activity Difficulty: Snorkeling: Moderate

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