Marchena Island, Galápagos

The least visited Island

What you need to know about Marchena Island, Galápagos

Marchena is the largest of the so-called northern islands here in Galápagos. Despite most of the current volcanic activity being concentrated to the western islands Isabela and Fernandina, Marchena suffered a volcanic eruption in 1991 - the first for over a century.

Marchena has no land visitor sites, and it's even rare for scientists or National Park wardens to visit, so it's one of the islands least touched by humans at present. The coastal caves and rocks play host to Galápagos Fur Seals, and sea lions.

Interesting facts about Marchena Island

Marchena has excellent dive sites off her coast, with a good range of species

In 1934, the mummified body of one of the Floreana Baroness's lovers was found on a beach here!

An invasive species, the Little Fire Ant, has been subject to control measures since 1988

Marchena has its own endemic species of Lava Lizard

Pictures of Marchena Island, Galápagos

Highlights and Visitorpoints on Marchena

Espejo Point

Located on the eastern tip of Marchena Island, Punta Espejo is known for pelagics and dolphin encounters. Other common species that you'll be able to encounter on a dive session in Espejo point are hammerheads, turtles, rays and moray eels.

THe maximum depth is 24 meters with visibility ranging from 9 – 18 meters (30 – 60 feet). Current comes from the Southeast and are moderate to strong. Heavy surge with large swells can be encountered and diving near the coast is to be avoided.

Punta Mejia

Marchena is the largest of the northern Galápagos Islands, but with no land-based visitor sites it is rarely seen by anyone - even scientists and National Park Wardens are very infrequent visitors.

The main attraction here is the snorkeling off Marchena's coast. The deep, clear waters and calmer seas here make exploring this undersea world a magical experience.

There is a huge variety of tropical fish at Punta Mejia, and when you go into the water accompanied by your Galapatours expert guide you are also likely to see rays, a variety of sharks, and green sea turtles to name but a few.