Fernandina is a pristine island, home to most of the Galapagos penguin population. As your yacht approaches you’ll see them lining the rocky shores, together with hundreds of sunbathing marine iguana. Fascinating to see is the endemic flightless cormorant, the only cormorant in the world which cannot fly, although it does occasionally cross the water to nest on Isabela.
Fernandina has a significant population of Galapagos land iguana, which are a must see species during your trip. They nest on the floor of the caldera, having made the long journey from the rim, and are quite well camouflaged. You will have to hike to see them, and rely on the sharp eyes of your guide.
Your walk will start at Punta Espinoza; follow a mass of dry, sandy trails where cacti are the only plant life, through the lava flows to the colony of land iguana and the sea lion nursery. You may see the flightless cormorant and the occasional Galapagos hawk. There are also several tidal pools with a specialised ecosystem and occasionally trap a sea turtle or stingray.
