Punta Espinosa

Birdwatching, Boating, Eco-Tour

By Christopher Minster

Fernandina’s most popular visitor site, Punta Espinosa is a great place to see some Galapagos wildlife that you don’t often see. Most noteworthy is the endemic flightless cormorant, which is only found in western islands. After a dry-ish landing on a rocky shore, visitors will have the opportunity to peek into some tidal pools, which often are home to interesting marine life. You may even spot a ray or sea turtle in the lagoon.

After the landing, you’ll head to the main trail, passing a large colony of marine iguanas as you do. Stop for some photos, and then head along the trail to see the cormorants. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to get a good look at them as they swim and explore. The other end of the trail leads to some interesting lava formations, an abandoned ship’s engine and some more lagoons.

Along the rocky shore near Punta Espinosa, visitors will occasionally see the rare Galápagos penguin. If you’re lucky, your cruise ship will send pangas or zodiacs along the shore, where your keen-eyed naturalist guide will help you spot the penguins: they’re difficult to see against the black lava background.