MARCHENA ISLAND (Bindloe)

Marchena island was closed to visits until a couple of years ago, so it is considered an off the beaten path visitors’ site in the Galapagos Islands. Consequently, it is a pristine island with one of the best snorkeling sites on the archipelago. Furthermore, interesting geology and a mysterious history surround this island

There are no land visitor sites on Marchena island, but the two excellent water-based sites more than make up for it. Marchena offers some of the best Galapagos snorkeling, and some amazing diving too.

Highlights and Wildlife: hammerhead and Galapagos sharks, moray eels, dolphins, sea lions, and sea turtles. Smaller Galapagos Fish also inhabit Marchena’s Espejo Point such as damselfish, parrotfish, cow-nosed rays, scorpion fish, grunts, surgeonfish, snappers, Galapagos fur seals, eels, and sharks

Activities: snorkeling, diving

Total Area: 50 mi2 / 80 km2

Population: 0 (uninhabited)

Espejo Point (Punto Espejo)
Mejia Point (Punta Mejia)

Espejo Point on Marchena Island is a great site for both snorkeling and diving because of clear waters offering good visibility from 9 to 18 meters. Some of the species observed at this site include hammerhead and Galapagos sharks, moray eels, dolphins, sea lions and sea turtles. Smaller Galapagos Fish also inhabit Marchena’s Espejo Point such as damselfish, parrotfish, cow-nosed rays, scorpion fish, grunts, surgeonfish, and snappers. This variety of species make this site one of the best snorkeling sites on the archipelago.

Highlights and wildlife: hammerhead and Galapagos sharks, moray eels, dolphins, sea lions and sea turtles, damselfish, parrotfish, cow-nosed rays, scorpion fish, grunts, surgeonfish, and snappers

Landing: no landing

Activities: Snorkeling

Activity Difficulty: Snorkeling: Moderate

Marchena Island’s Mejia Point is habitat of coves and grottos where Galapagos fur seals feel at home. Sometimes, you can also observe eels and rays.

Highlights and wildlife: Galapagos fur seals, eels, and sharks

Landing: No landing

Activities: Snorkeling

Activity Difficulty: Snorkeling: easy