Espanola
Click on the images
below to see an enlargement
Due to the variety of wildlife found here, this is one of the most
popular islands in the Galapagos. The two visitor sites are Punta Suarez
on the western tip and Gardner Bay on the eastern side.
Punta Suarez is a rocky point of land sustaining one of the most
impressive and varied colonies of seabirds in Galapagos. As we landed on
the beach we were greeted by a noisy colony of Sea Lions and curious Mocking
Birds. We saw Waved Albatross, some still caring for chicks. We
found collections of other birds, including Blue-footed and Nasca
Boobies, Darwin’s Finches, the Galapagos Dove, Swallowtail Gulls, and
also the beautiful Tropic Birds.
Along its southern shore, 90 foot cliffs rise up from the sea, offering
a spectacular view of soaring birds. The walk along the cliffs also
brought us in view of the island’s famous blow-hole, through which the
surf spurts a column of spray 10 to 20 metres into the air. We saw many
dozens of Marine Iguanas basking in the sun. This species is found only
on Espinosa Island and has bright red and green markings.
Gardner Bay is located on the north-eastern shore of Espanola and is a
pleasant place to swim and snorkel. We walked on shore along the
brilliant white sand beach. The site is favoured by nesting sea turtles,
and lazy relaxing sea lions were in abundance.
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Espanola Marine Iguanas
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Galapagos Hawk
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Blue-footed Booby
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Nsaca Booby
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Masked Booby chick
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Waved Albatross chick
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Young Albatross being fed
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Hood Mockingbird
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Waved Albatross
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Blow-hole
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Hood Mockingbird
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Gardner Bay Beach
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