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Fernandina Island Travel Guide

The world's largest pristine island

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Fernandina Island is the youngest island in Galapagos, and though it is only a tender 300,000 years old, it has so far escaped the colonisation of introduced species, leading it to the title of the world’s largest pristine island. With the island being so young, there is very little in the way of plant life here, other than the pioneering lava cactus.

Known to British mariners as Narborough Island, Isla Fernandina is the third largest island in Galapagos, and it is dominated by the Volcán La Cumbre, with its peak at 1,463m above sea level. It is almost one of the most volcanically active islands, with its most recent eruption in May 2005.

Galapagos’ largest marine iguanas blend in almost perfectly with the dark volcanic Aa and Pahoehoe lava which forms the island, and thousands of them can be seen warming themselves in the sun. The jagged shores have been beaten by the ocean to form rock pools, tunnels and channels along the ocean edge, which are filled with crabs, fish and acrobatic sea lions. Galapagos penguins and flightless cormorants are also often found here.

Attractions in Fernandina Island

There is one main landing site here, at Punta Espinosa.

Activities in Fernandina Island

Snorkelling is possible in the bay of Punta Espinosa, but the waters can be cool due to the waters of the Cromwell Current which arrive here.

Relaxing

After a tough morning of marvelling at nature, and a decent lunch, curl up on deck for a small siesta and contemplate the enchanted isles

Getting Around

Your Galapagos vessel will bring you to the island, and a smaller motor boat will carry you to shore.

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Fernandina
(1/2) - Fernandina (from Metropolitan Touring)
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Why Travel to Fernandina Island?

  • Snorkelling with Galapagos penguins and seeing marine iguanas beneath the surface feeding on algae.
  • Exploring the dark volcanic trails, witnessing a barren island which seems to come from the dawn of time.
  • Seeing thousands of marine iguanas coating the surface of the rocks and perhaps the elusive white flower of the lava cactus, which only opens at dawn.

Quick Facts

Features of Interest

Nearest Airport

Baltra Airport

Distance from Nearest Airport

Daily flights from Baltra