Galapagos Islands Excursion: Fernandina Island, Espinosa Point
Posted by Elizabeth Hart on Sat, Mar 03, 2012 @ 09:31 AM
By: Elizabeth Hart
Fernandina Island (Narborough Island)
Area: 642 km 2 or 248 mi 2
Maximum Altitude: 1476 m or 4842 ft
This island is the westernmost island of the Galapagos Archipelago, most known for its volcanic eruptions. Fernandina Island is the youngest of the Galapagos Islands with an age less than 1 million years. The island is currently over the volcanic hot spot that created the archipelago! The active volcano on this island is called “La Cumbre.” There is a magnificent photo-op along the trail of the volcano in the distance!
Fernandina Island is the most well-preserved of the islands, with only one visitor location on the Northeast coast of the island. Abundant marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and Galapagos penguins will gladly pose for your pictures. Sea lions and Green Sea Turtles are also often encountered here, so have your camera ready!
Espinosa Pointe Visitor Site: Espinosa is the walking trail for visitors. From the zodiac there is a dry landing, although the steps are wet and slippery and you may still end up wet. The short hike begins in a thick mangrove canopy – watch out for the colorful Sally Lightfoot Crabs scurrying across the path! The canopy opens to a breathtaking view of a rocky shoreline covered, I mean completely covered, with sunning marine iguanas and drying flightless cormorants. Don’t get too close to the marine iguanas, they will spit at you! The marine iguanas don’t spit to be rude, that is their way of expelling salt from their bodies after time in the water. Also keep your eye out for the occasional collapsed lave tube and lava cactus (pictured behind me)!
There are two scuba diving locations just off of this island where you can observe Flightless Cormorants, Galapagos Penguins, sea horses, marine iguanas, sea turtles, and various species of sharks and rays from the marine point of view! While I did not have a chance to dive this location, I do plan on making a return scuba trip!
There is very little shade on this island, as it is still volcanically active. Therefore, make sure you are prepared with the appropriate sun protection (UPF) apparel:
- UPF Long Sleeve Shirt
- UPF Pants or Shorts
- Wide Brimmed Hat
- Polarized Sun Glasses
- SUN SCREEN LOTION!
With the rocky terrain I highly recommend close toed walking or water shoes with a solid sole.
Browse our favorite Sun Protection Clothing!
Happy Traveling! Life is, after all, One Great Adventure!
Photo Gallery: I'll let the pictures do the talking! These are my personal pictures...
