Gardner Bay is Española's pristine white-sand paradise — home to one of the Galápagos' most relaxed sea lion colonies. Snorkel the rich reef at Gardner Islet for sea turtles, rays, and reef sharks in crystal-clear water.
What to expect
A wet landing brings you onto one of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago, where sea lions lounge indifferently within arm's reach. Don your mask and fins and enter the water at Gardner Islet, a marine hotspot teeming with whitetip reef sharks, Galápagos sea turtles, eagle rays, and schools of tropical fish. Español mockingbirds — famously bold and curious — may approach you on the beach between dips. The water visibility regularly exceeds 20 metres.
Good to know
Snorkel gear is included; bring your own wetsuit top or request a shorty — water temperature can dip to 20°C (68°F) in the cool season (June–November). All-aboard timing is comfortable on a full-day itinerary departing 06:00.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Espanola (Hood) Island — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.