Galapagos - Española & Genovesa

Española

Named in honor of Spain, Española Island has an area of about 60 sq km. At close to 3.5 million years old, it is the oldest isle of the Galapagos. Sadly Española is dying, becoming a barren land with very little surviving vegetation. Still, the island manages to attract Galapagos sea lions since the decay process of the isle has given way to large bays.

The southernmost island of the archipelago, Española has always been very secluded from the other islands. Animals on the island were put in an extreme situation where they need to adapt solely to the island’s environment and natural resources. The marine iguana on Española, for example, is the only one of the Galapagos that changes color during mating season.

Two key attractions on Española are Gardner Bay and Punta Suarez. The former offers great waters to swim or snorkel, as well as a lovely beach on which to sunbathe. Punta Suarez has wildlife such as the hood mockingbirds, Galapagos hawks, and the famed Galapagos Booby birds.

Genovesa

With an area of about 14 sq km, Geneovesa Island is nicknamed the “bird island,” and with good reason: the island’s main attraction, Darwin Bay, is home to swallow-tailed gulls, frigate birds, red-footed boobies, lava gulls, doves, Darwin finches, and a variety of tropic birds.

The Nazca and red-footed boobies can also be spotted from Philip’s Steps, a bird-watching highland that rises 25 miles in elevation. Once at the top, travelers can continue along the path inland and witness more seabird colonies in the Palo Santo Forest.

Tourists can take advantage of their location by diving the waters of Darwin Bay to appreciate these wonderful creatures more intimately and from a greater vantage point.