Full-day Adventure Tour at Espanola Island (Waved Albatross Island)

Explore the renowned Espanola Island, also known as Waved Albatross Island, on a captivating full-day adventure. Depart from San Cristobal at 6:30 am and learn about the vibrant wildlife and breathtaking scenery that this exclusive private tour has to offer. With expert guides leading the way, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the iconic waved albatross, marine iguanas, and playful sea lions up close. As you hike scenic trails and snorkel in the turquoise waters, prepare to be captivated by the sheer natural beauty that surrounds you. But the journey doesn’t end there – a delicious lunch with vegan and vegetarian options awaits, promising to elevate your Galapagos experience to new heights.

Key Points

• Full-day private tour to Espanola Island, known for its diverse wildlife, including the iconic waved albatross.
• Departure from San Cristobal, Ecuador at 6:30 am, with opportunities to observe waved albatrosses at their breeding site.
• Guided hiking trails and snorkeling activities to explore the island’s stunning landscapes and marine life.
• Delicious lunch with vegan and vegetarian options, as well as complimentary coffee/tea and alcoholic beverages.
• Tour not wheelchair accessible, moderate physical fitness required, and safety measures in place to ensure a positive experience.

Tour Overview

This full-day adventure tour on Espanola Island, also known as Waved Albatross Island, offers visitors an exciting opportunity to explore the natural wonders of the Galapagos.

Departing from San Cristobal, Ecuador at 6:30 am, this private tour is limited to your group, ensuring a personalized experience.

Over the course of the day, you’ll have the chance to observe the iconic waved albatross, as well as a variety of other fascinating wildlife.

Lunch with vegan and vegetarian options, coffee or tea, and use of snorkeling equipment are all included.

The tour ends back at the meeting point, located just one street away from the main pier in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

Inclusions and Amenities

The tour package provides a variety of included amenities to enhance the Espanola Island adventure.

Guests can enjoy a delicious lunch with vegan and vegetarian options available upon request. Plus, the tour includes complimentary coffee and/or tea to keep everyone energized throughout the day.

The use of snorkeling equipment is provided, allowing visitors to explore the vibrant marine life up close. Lastly, alcoholic beverages are included, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

• Lunch with vegan and vegetarian options
• Coffee and/or tea
• Use of snorkeling equipment
• Alcoholic beverages
• Private tour for your group only

Meeting and Pickup Details

To begin the Espanola Island adventure, guests need to meet at the designated location.

The meeting point is Teodoro Wolf, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Ecuador, one street away from the main pier (Tiburón Martillo). Guests will be picked up from this central location.

Hotel information is required at least one day before the trip, so the tour operators can coordinate the pickup and drop-off logistics.

The tour is a private experience, with only the participants’ group taking part.

The adventure starts promptly at 6:30 am and ends back at the meeting point.

Health and Safety Requirements

Participants must meet certain health and safety requirements to join the Espanola Island Adventure Tour.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and guests mustn’t have any heart problems or serious medical conditions. A moderate level of physical fitness is required, as the tour involves hiking and snorkeling.

The key health and safety requirements are:

• Not wheelchair accessible
• No heart problems or serious medical conditions
• Moderate physical fitness level required

Meeting these criteria ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants on the Espanola Island Adventure Tour.

Pricing and Refund Policy

Typically, the Espanola Island Adventure Tour costs from $28,441.72, with a lowest price guarantee. This non-refundable tour doesn’t offer any refunds for cancellations, so it’s essential to plan accordingly.

The tour has received 3 reviews with an overall rating of 4.5 stars. Reviewers provided positive feedback on the guide, Martin, and the captain, Robert, but some had concerns about Viator’s pricing strategy and discounts.

Customer Reviews Highlights

The Espanola Island Adventure Tour has received mostly positive reviews, with guests praising the knowledgeable guide, Martin, and the capable captain, Robert.

Reviewers highlight the following:

• Martin’s expertise on the local wildlife and ecosystems, providing insightful commentary throughout the tour
• Robert’s skilled navigation, ensuring a smooth and safe journey to the island
• The opportunity to see a variety of Galapagos species, including waved albatrosses, up close
• The delicious and accommodating lunch options, catering to dietary preferences
• The overall organization and seamless execution of the full-day adventure

While some concerns were raised about Viator’s pricing strategy, the majority of guests seemed to feel the tour offered good value for the experience.

Exploring Espanola Island

Espanola Island, also known as Waved Albatross Island, is a true gem of the Galapagos archipelago. Visitors can expect to encounter a diverse array of wildlife, from the iconic waved albatross to the playful sea lions and marine iguanas. The island’s dramatic landscapes, featuring towering cliffs and pristine beaches, provide a stunning backdrop for the adventure.

Wildlife Highlights	Landscape Features	Tour Activities
Waved Albatrosses	Towering Cliffs	Hiking
Sea Lions	Pristine Beaches	Snorkeling
Marine Iguanas	Volcanic Formations	Birdwatching

Explorers will have the opportunity to hike through the island’s rugged terrain, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, and observe the unique wildlife up close, making this a truly unforgettable experience in the Galapagos Islands.

Tour Itinerary and Activities

Embarking on the Espanola Island Adventure Tour, visitors can expect a jam-packed day filled with diverse activities and breathtaking natural sights.

The tour kicks off at 6:30 am, with a private group experience away from the crowds.

Throughout the day, you will have opportunities to:

• Observe the iconic waved albatrosses, the only breeding site for this species in the world
• Hike along scenic trails and catch glimpses of marine iguanas, Darwin’s finches, and other endemic wildlife
• Snorkel in the turquoise waters, exploring the vibrant underwater ecosystem
• Savor a delicious lunch with vegan and vegetarian options
• Unwind with complimentary coffee, tea, and even alcoholic beverages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Time Does the Tour Depart From the Meeting Point?

The tour departs from the meeting point at 06:30 am. According to the tour overview, the start time for the adventure tour is 06:30 am, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

Can I Change My Hotel Pickup Location After Booking?

According to the tour details, the hotel pickup location must be provided at least one day before the trip. Changes to the pickup location after booking may not be possible. It’s recommended to confirm the pickup details with the tour provider.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

The tour does not have any age restrictions. Participants of all ages can join the adventure, as long as they meet the moderate physical fitness level required for the activities. The tour is suitable for both adults and children.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

According to the tour overview, guests can use the provided snorkeling equipment. However, guests are welcome to bring their own snorkeling gear if they prefer. The tour includes the use of snorkeling equipment as part of the inclusions.

Is Gratuity for the Guide and Captain Included in the Price?

Gratuity for the guide and captain is not included in the tour price. Customers are expected to tip the guide and captain separately at their discretion, based on the quality of service provided during the tour.

Recap

This exclusive private tour on Espanola Island offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about the Galapagos’ stunning natural wonders. From encountering the iconic waved albatross to snorkeling in turquoise waters, this full-day adventure promises an unforgettable journey. With expert guidance, delicious cuisine, and a focus on safety, travelers can fully experience the island’s diverse wildlife and captivating landscapes.