FERNANDINA

The youngest of the Galapagos Islands, Fernandina is approximately 700,00 years old. It's location to the west and on the far side of Isabela makes it one of the least visited islands.

It still is one of the most active (volcanically) since eruptions still may occur every few years. Which changes the landscape and life on the island. In 1968 the caldera collapsed dropping 1000 feet in a 2-week period. Eruptions in 1995 occurred from a smaller volcano located on the southwest corner of the island.

This constant state of volcanic change gives Fernandina its unique feeling. Lacking the native plants and animals of the other islands visitors obtain the feeling of being at the end of the earth.

Fernandina is home to many endemic animals including large colonies of marine iguanas, Galapagos Penguins and flightless cormorants.

Fernandina Map and Location

The furthest west of all of the islands Fernandina is located off the west coast of Isabela.  The third largest of the Galapagos Islands and the second highest it is 642 km sq with a maximum elevation of 4904 feet (1495 meters) at La Cumbre Volcano.  Due to its remote location Fernandina can only be visited while aboard a Galapagos Cruise. 

Punta Espinoza

There is only one visitor site on Fernandina, Punta Espinoza. Located on the northeast part of Fernandina the visit begins with a dry landing. If the tide is right it is possible to use a dock, otherwise the landing is made on to volcanic rock and it can be slippery. The trail to the shore can be filled with interesting obstacles including marine iguanas and mangrove branches. Once on shore there are two paths:

From the left of the landing site the trail leads into the lava fields. As the youngest of the islands, Fernandina allows visitors to view the recent volcanic activity.

The lava itself is very fragile and full of fissures, which can cause for tenuous walking conditions.

Plants are nearly devoid in this area; lava cactus seems to be one of the few plants able to survive. These small cacti live only a few years, growing in groups. The spines are yellow when young darkening with age and the flower is a creamy white visible only in the early mornings.

This Land's End trail takes you to a baron patch of land with a few mangroves and rich wildlife. Fernandina is home to the largest colony of marine iguanas. During the first half of the year the iguanas nest here by burrowing small holes in the sand.

Following the trail near the tip of the point a colony of sea lions can be seen. Male sea lions are extremely territorial and their barks warning off would-be-intruders are heard over the sound of the crashing surf.

Flightless cormorants nest in along this rocky area near the high water line, and recently Galapagos Penguins have been spotted nesting in the area.

Punta Espinoza Visit Information

Visiting Punta Espinoza is done on a 2 1/2 hour walk over pahoehoe lava and sand.

Fernandina Wildlife

Flightless Cormorant
Galapagos Snake
Lava Heron
Striated Heron
Galapagos Hawk
Great Blue Heron
Marine Iguana
Lava Lizard
Galapagos Sea Lion
Galapagos Dove
Darwin Finch
Brown Pelican
Galapagos Penguin
Galapagos Green Sea Turtle
Semi Terrestrial Hermit Crab
Sally Light Foot Crab

Learn More About Fernandina Island

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