Española hosts the world's densest concentration of Nazca boobies, the only island population of the Española ground-finch, and the fearless Galápagos hawk — a supreme avian predator found nowhere else. A specialist ornithology guide transforms an already astonishing island into a living field laboratory.
What to expect
The trail at Punta Suarez is essentially an open-air aviary: blue-footed boobies perform their high-stepping courtship dance metres away, while Nazca boobies — the world's largest booby — nest in dense, noisy colonies along the clifftop. Galápagos hawks circle overhead, occasionally stooping on marine iguanas with startling speed. Your guide identifies each of Darwin's finch species by beak morphology, bringing the theory of natural selection to vivid, real-world life. The waved albatross (April–December) adds a cathedral-quiet grandeur to the finale of the trail near the blowhole.
Good to know
Best light for photography is early morning — arrange a first-panga landing if possible. Binoculars and a spotting scope are provided; bring a telephoto lens (200mm+) for flight shots of hawks and albatrosses. Wear muted earth tones to minimise disturbance to nesting birds. Combine with afternoon snorkelling for a complete Española experience.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Punta Suarez — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.