Galapatours Logo without whitespace

Española

Española Island, Galápagos

Oldest Island and Albatross Haven

What you need to know about Española Island, Galápagos

Española is the most southerly of the Galápagos Islands and is probably one of the oldest. In fact, geologists have estimated it to be over 4 million years old! Over many thousands of years, thanks to tectonic activity, the island has slowly drifted away from the volcanic hot spot under the Galápagos where it first formed and its volcano lost its energy source, becoming extinct. Once the source of fresh lava ceased, the weather began its inexorable process of erosion, now making Española unusually flat and low-lying compared to most other Galápagos islands.

Española Island enjoys a really good variety and quantity of interesting species, and its visitor sites are therefore among the most popular in the Galápagos. Because of its isolation, Española is home to many unique species, including the Española Mocking Bird, the Española Lava Lizard, and the famous Waved Albatross. The Española Giant Tortoise was saved from extinction, and this has become one of Galápagos’ best known conservation successes. Española is probably most well-known for being the only known breeding ground for the entire world population of Waved Albatrosses, now a critically endangered species. Their population is currently being regularly monitored, and steps to protect their habitat are being taken by the National Park.

Interesting facts about Española Island

The world's only breeding ground for Waved Albatross

The oldest Galápagos Island - 4 million years!

Popular with visitors thanks to many unique species

The Española Tortoise was saved from extinction when only 14 were left

Pictures of Española Island, Galápagos

Española
Española

Highlights and Visitorpoints on Española

Animals you might see on Española

Our trips to Española


2024 Galapatours, a Ventura TRAVEL GmbH brand

All rights reserved

go picture

Your contact

Micaela

Book a video consultation

15min face to face consultation

go picture