MOSQUERA

Located between North Seymour and Baltra is the small island of Mosquera. The island consists of a long narrow stretch of white sand, rocks, and tide pools. Created by geological uplift the island has a flat look to it rather than the conical shape of the volcanically formed islands. Mosquera is a regular first or last day visit for boats operating out of Baltra.

Mosquera calm waters offer excellent snorkeling opportunities and a stroll down the beach offers views of the brown pelicans, boobies and colonies of sea lions that can be found here. Mosquera has one of the largest populations of sea lions in Galapagos.

Along the rocks and in the tide pool area sally lightfoot crabs (red lava crabs) scamper back and forth, skipping across small pools of water in search of food. They follow the tide eating the algae and detritus left behind. These crabs bright red on top and blue on the bottom are stunning against the black lava.

Ever aware of movement around them, the sally lightfoot is quick to escape from any approaching object, a natural defense protecting them from their natural predators herons, moray eels and hawkfish. This quick escape technique seems in stark contrast to the unabashed way the crabs climb over the sedentary marine iguanas.

Mosquera Map and Location

A small sandy islet, Mosquera is located in the central islands between North Seymour and Baltra.  The islet is approximately 160 meters wide and 600 meters long.

Though within easy reach of Santa Cruz, Mosquera is normally only visited by those aboard a Galapagos cruise.

Mosquera Visit Information

A visit to Mosquera is 1 1/2 hours of beach and snorkel time

Landing:	Wet Landing
Highlights:	Large population of Sea Lions
Conditions:	The Beach is an Open Zone
Notes:	Landing may be complicated due to low tide or heavy swells
Activity Level:	High

Mosquera Wildlife

Brown Pelicans
Marine Iguanas
Blue-footed Boobies
Yellow-crowned Nigh Heron
Striated Heron
Galapagos Sea Lion
Sally Lightfoot Crabs
Red-billed Tropicbirds
Lava Gulls

Learn More About Mosquera

Diving Mosquera
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