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Pair of waved albatross nesting on Española Island tour, part of a 4-day San Cristobal expedition

Española Island Tour: 4 Days of Albatross and Kicker Rock

Days Icon 4 Days
Location icon Galapagos
Budget icon From USD 1,461 p.p.
Request a quote Book now

Española Island Tour Summary

This four-day Galápagos island-hopping experience celebrates the best of San Cristóbal Island, combining abundant wildlife and dramatic coastal scenery amid a laid-back vibe. Home to the provincial capital, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the island is famous for its friendly sea lion colonies, volcanic cliffs, and white-sand beaches. Keep an eye out for blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, marine iguanas, sea turtles, and Darwin’s finches.

Beyond wildlife viewing, this tour is packed with adventure. Snorkel the crystal-clear waters surrounding Kicker Rock (León Dormido), one of the Galápagos’ premier marine reserves. Here, it’s not uncommon to encounter sea turtles, rays, sea lions, reef sharks, and even schools of hammerhead sharks. Paddleboarding, kayaking, and time to explore Puerto Baquerizo Moreno at your own pace round out a short Ecuador adventure that blends outdoor activities with unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Highlights

  • check Kicker Rock

    A towering volcanic rock formation and premier snorkeling site where you can spot sea turtles, rays, sea lions, reef sharks, and schools of hammerhead sharks.

  • check Playa Mann

    A crescent white-sand beach just outside Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and relaxing alongside friendly sea lions.

  • check Española Island

    One of the archipelago’s oldest and most wildlife-rich islands, famous for waved albatrosses, blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, marine iguanas, and dramatic coastal cliffs.

Reviews

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Geoff V 
 
15/08/2025
 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5 
Galapagos trip
Every detail and excursion was perfect. The guides were outstanding, hotel was first class. I would highly recommend Rebecca
  
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Daniel R 
 
06/02/2025
 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5 
Intimate luxury Galapagos immersion
Highly recommend. The guide, nature hikes, snorkeling, kayaking, and food were outstanding. Rebecca Adventures is responsive and friendly.
  
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor rating score: 4.9 of 5, 
based on 588 reviews

Prices

Prices, based on number of guests, start at:
1 guestUSD 2,000 p.p.
2 - 3 guestsUSD 1,481 p.p.
4 or more guestsUSD 1,461 p.p.

Española Island Tour: Day-by-Day Itinerary

Download itinerary

  • DAY 1: San Cristobal – Playa Mann

    A Galápagos sea lion rests on the sandy beach of La Lobería, with dark volcanic rocks and the ocean in the background

    Your Galápagos adventure begins upon arrival on San Cristóbal Island, where an English-speaking driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Conveniently, the airport is just five minutes from town, leaving you with plenty of time to settle in before your first activity.

    Later, head to nearby Playa Mann for an afternoon of paddleboarding or kayaking (subject to availability). Calm waters and curious sea lions make this one of the island’s most enjoyable places to get out on the water while soaking in your first views of the Galápagos coastline.

    • Activity Activity:Paddle Boarding or Kayaking. Wildlife Watching.
    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Meal Meal:Lunch.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel Casa Opuntia or similar.

  • DAY 2: Kicker Rock

    The iconic volcanic rock spires rising from the sea at sunset on a kicker rock tour in the Galápagos Islands

    Today you’ll set out by boat to Kicker Rock (León Dormido), one of the Galápagos’ premier snorkeling sites. After anchoring beside the towering volcanic cliffs, you’ll enter the water to explore the narrow channel between the rock formations, where sea turtles, rays, sea lions, reef sharks, and, if you’re lucky, schools of hammerhead sharks patrol the crystal-clear waters.

    After snorkeling, continue to Manglecito Beach (or a similar white coral beach) to swim, relax, or stroll along the shoreline before returning to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. A boxed lunch is served on board, and certified divers can also upgrade to a two-tank dive at Kicker Rock (additional cost).

    * It is also possible to dive at Kicker Rock (two immersions) if you have your PADI certificate ( $ 80), including equipment.

    • Activity Activity:Relaxing. Snorkeling. Wildlife Watching.
    • Transport Transport:Boat.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Box Lunch.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel Casa Opuntia or similar.

  • DAY 3: Española Island

    A pair of wave albatrosses with long yellow beaks resting together on Española Island in the Galapagos Archipelago

    This morning, you’ll board a small boat for the journey south to Española Island, one of the oldest and most wildlife-rich islands in the Galápagos. At Punta Suárez, enjoy a guided hike past nesting seabirds, marine iguanas, and dramatic coastal cliffs, where you’ll have opportunities to spot blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, waved albatrosses (seasonally), and other endemic species.

    Later, cruise to Gardner Islet for an extended snorkeling session in calm, turquoise waters frequented by sea lions, sea turtles, rays, and colorful tropical fish. Enjoy lunch aboard before returning to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno in the afternoon.

    • Activity Activity:Hiking. Snorkeling. Wildlife Watching.
    • Transport Transport:Boat.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast. Box Lunch.
    • Accommodations Accommodation:Hotel Casa Opuntia or similar.

  • DAY 4: Transfer Out

    Red and white lighthouse on a rocky point near Playa Mann in the Galápagos with a town and ocean in the back

    After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, depending on your departure time. You may wish to take one last stroll along the waterfront or simply enjoy the island atmosphere before your journey home.

    At the appropriate time, you’ll be transferred to San Cristóbal Airport for your departing flight, bringing your Galápagos adventure to a close.

    • Transport Transport:Car.
    • Meal Meal:Breakfast.

Española Island Tour Map

4 Day San Cristobal Expedition Map

Inclusions

  • Meals as described in the itinerary.
  • Accommodation in a double or triple room.
  • Airport pickup and drop off at San Cristobal Airport at your arrival/departure time.
  • Transportation on the island as described in the itinerary.
  • Local naturalist guide (English & Spanish speaking).
  • All activities as described in the itinerary.
  • Snorkeling equipment: mask, snorkel, fins and life vest.
  • 24/7 assistance in English, Dutch and Spanish.

Exclusions

  • Round-trip flights between mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.
  • Food & drinks that are not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Entrance fee for the Galapagos National Park: $ 200 p.p. (cash only).
  • Migratory Control Card / Ingala Transit Card: $ 20 p.p. (cash only).
  • Water Taxi (small boat that takes you from the speedboat to the harbor and back).
  • Wetsuits for rent (recommended between May – November).
  • Personal travel & health insurance.
  • Optional tips for the guide.

Accommodations

Whitewashed exterior of Casa Opuntia hotel with gardens and terraces on San Cristóbal Island
★ ★ ★ ★
📍 San Cristóbal

Hotel Casa Opuntia

Oceanfront boutique hotel situated along the main boardwalk with direct beach access.

  • Oceanfront
  • Outdoor pool
  • Kid friendly

4 Days on Española and San Cristóbal: FAQs

  • When can you see the waved albatross on Española?

    From April to December. The colony at Punta Suárez leaves the island between January and March, so an Española tour in those months has boobies and iguanas but no albatross.

  • How do you get to Española Island?

    By full-day boat from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristóbal, roughly two hours each way. Española has no accommodation, so day trips are the only way to visit.

  • Do I need to be an experienced snorkeler?

    No. Most snorkeling tours are suitable for beginners, and certified naturalist guides provide safety instructions and equipment before entering the water.

  • What is the difference between this and the 3-day San Cristóbal tour?

    The 3-day tour stays in San Cristóbal. This 4-day expedition adds a full boat day to Española for the albatross colony, Nazca boobies and Gardner Bay snorkelling.

  • Is Española snorkelling suitable for beginners?

    Gardner Bay is calm and sandy-bottomed, good for first-timers. Kicker Rock on day two is open water with current and suits confident swimmers.

  • Do I need a permit for Española Island?

    No separate permit. Española is a Galápagos National Park visitor site with a daily quota, included in your tour booking. Park entry is USD 200 in cash on arrival.

Additional Information

  • Essential items to bring include comfortable and lightweight clothing (with a jacket as a precaution), water, sunblock, sunglasses, and your passport.
  • To enter Ecuador, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your intended departure from the country.
  • Prices are subject to seasonal surcharges during Christmas, New Year’s, and Holy Week.
  • For children under the age of 12, there is a 10% discount.
  • Activity schedules are subject to change based on departure/arrival times and availability. All inclusions are guaranteed until the afternoon of the final day of the itinerary.
  • Maximize your time in the Galápagos by choosing early arrival and late departure flights. Late arrivals or early departures may cause you to miss some of the included tours.
  • Bring smaller baggage/bags since public transportation on the Galápagos Islands is quite limited.
  • ​​There are no guides on the public speedboat transportation between islands.
  • It is suggested to have current travel insurance, including personal medical insurance and COVID-19 coverage. Please inform us of any known medical conditions you have.
  • Take the necessary precautions to avoid food poisoning (always wash your hands before eating, don’t eat street food, only eat peeled fruits, etc.).
  • Tap water in the Galápagos Islands might contain bacteria and should not be consumed, not even for brushing your teeth. Bottled or purified water is always recommended.
  • Rebecca Adventure Travel and the respective cruise operator reserve the right to change the itinerary without prior notice due to weather conditions,  availability, National Park regulations or notifications, or unforeseen circumstances.
  • When flying to the Galápagos from Quito or Guayaquil, we recommend arriving in the city at least 24 hours before your flight to avoid inconveniences.

Advantages of Booking with Rebecca Adventure Travel

  • Impactful Travel: Develop meaningful connections that provide mutual enrichment for both travelers and host cultures.
  • Empowering Locals: Support family-owned businesses, immerse yourself in local culture, and contribute to local economies.
  • Sustainable Travel: Preserve cultures and environments for future generations with our Huella Positiva, a sustainable and regenerative tourism model.
  • Peace of Mind: We’re here for you every step of the way, offering requisite insurance, certifications, and rebooking options.
  • Customized Service: Our personalized Travel Curator ensures your trip meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

When you book a tour with us, you agree to our terms and conditions.

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