Cruise Quest app screenshots
New
The Cruise Quest app is here.
Bar Bingo & Cruise Cameo · works offline!
// MENU
HomeCruise SearchShipsPortsBlog
Share
South AmericaGalapagos

Espanola Island Cruise Port

Espanola Island, Galapagos
Espanola Island, located in the Galapagos archipelago, is one of the oldest islands in the chain.

Ships in port today
No ships in port today
Safety rank
#143
of 189 ports in the South America
Today · high / low
75° / 64°
September normals
Espanola Island, Galapagos cruise port
Galapagos
Espanola Island, Galapagos
// Espanola Island cruise port overview

The cruise port in Espanola Island,
explained

Lat: 1.4°SLong: 89.7°WINTN code: EPIEC

Espanola Island, located in the Galapagos archipelago, is one of the oldest islands in the chain. It is home to a variety of unique wildlife, including the waved albatross, the only species of albatross that breeds exclusively on the island.

The island is also home to a number of endemic species, such as the Española lava lizard, the Española mockingbird, and the Española giant tortoise. The island is also known for its stunning landscapes, with its white sand beaches, rocky cliffs, and crystal clear waters.

The island is a popular destination for tourists, who come to observe the wildlife and explore the island's unique terrain. Visitors can also take part in activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and bird watching.

Espanola Island is a must-see destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty and diversity of the Galapagos Islands.

// Espanola Island Cruise Port location

Where is Espanola Island Cruise Port?

Espanola Island is located in the southeastern part of the Galapagos archipelago, approximately 600 km (370 miles) off the coast of Ecuador. It is the southernmost island in the Galapagos chain and is the oldest of the islands, estimated to be around 3.5 million years old. The island is home to a variety of unique wildlife, including the waved albatross, the only species of albatross that breeds exclusively in the Galapagos. The island's main port of call for Galapagos cruises is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, located on the southwestern tip of the island.

General location
South America
Category
Galapagos
Coordinates
1.38°S, 89.67°W
Cruise port · 1.38°S, 89.67°W
Map data · OpenStreetMap
// Espanola Island cruise port guide

What to do in Espanola Island

A shortlist of places worth your hours ashore, grouped by the kind of day you want.

Ways to spend the day

3 themes
Theme 1

Bird Watching

Bird watching is a popular activity for cruise passengers visiting Espanola Island, Galapagos. The island is home to a variety of unique bird species, including the waved albatross, blue-footed booby, and Galapagos penguin. Bird watchers can explore the island's diverse habitats and observe the unique wildlife up close. The best time to go bird watching is during the morning, when the birds are most active.

Theme 2

Hiking

Hiking is another popular activity for cruise passengers visiting Espanola Island, Galapagos. The island is home to a variety of unique wildlife, including the famous Galapagos giant tortoise. Hikers can explore the island's rugged terrain and observe the unique wildlife up close. The best time to hike is during the morning, when the temperatures are cooler and the wildlife is more active.

Theme 3

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is a popular activity for cruise passengers visiting Espanola Island, Galapagos. The waters around the island are teeming with marine life, including sea turtles, sea lions, and a variety of colorful fish. Snorkelers can explore the island's coral reefs and observe the unique wildlife up close. The best time to snorkel is during the morning, when the waters are calm and visibility is at its best.

Espanola Island cruise port beaches

3 in our guide
S
Suarez Point (illustrative photo)

Suarez Point

Suarez Point is a stunning beach located on the north side of Espanola Island. It is a white sand beach with crystal clear waters and a variety of wildlife. The beach is a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. It is also a great spot for bird watching, as it is home to a variety of species of birds.

G
Gardner Bay (illustrative photo)

Gardner Bay

Gardner Bay is a beautiful beach located on the east side of Espanola Island. It is a white sand beach with crystal clear waters and a variety of wildlife. The beach is a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. It is also a great spot for bird watching, as it is home to a variety of species of birds.

T
Tortuga Bay (illustrative photo)

Tortuga Bay

Tortuga Bay is a stunning beach located on the south side of Espanola Island. It is a white sand beach with crystal clear waters and a variety of wildlife. The beach is a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. It is also a great spot for bird watching, as it is home to a variety of species of birds.

// Espanola Island fun facts

Geology

Espanola Island is the oldest island in the Galapagos archipelago, estimated to be around 3.5 million years old. The island is made up of a single shield volcano, and is home to a variety of unique geological features, including lava tubes, tuff cones, and spatter cones. The island is also home to a variety of unique lava formations, including the famous 'Punta Suarez' blowhole, which shoots water up to 30 meters into the air.

Conservation Efforts

Espanola Island is home to a variety of conservation efforts, including the Charles Darwin Research Station, which works to protect and conserve the unique wildlife of the Galapagos. The island is also home to a variety of protected areas, including the Galapagos National Park, which covers 97% of the island, and the Galapagos Marine Reserve, which covers the waters around the island. Additionally, the island is home to a variety of research projects, which work to better understand the unique ecology of the Galapagos.

Unique Wildlife

Espanola Island is home to a variety of unique wildlife, including the waved albatross, the only albatross species that breeds exclusively in the Galapagos. The island is also home to the Galapagos hawk, the only species of hawk found in the archipelago, as well as the Galapagos mockingbird, the only species of mockingbird found in the islands. Additionally, the island is home to a variety of other species, including the Galapagos sea lion, the Galapagos dove, and the Galapagos marine iguana.

Espanola Island cruise port shopping

3 in our guide
G
Galapagos Art Gallery (illustrative photo)

Galapagos Art Gallery

Galapagos Art Gallery is a great place to find unique artwork from the Galapagos Islands. They have a wide selection of paintings, photographs, and sculptures from local artists. The gallery also offers a variety of handmade crafts, such as jewelry and pottery. Prices are reasonable and the staff is knowledgeable and helpful.

G
Galapagos Souvenir Shop (illustrative photo)

Galapagos Souvenir Shop

Galapagos Souvenir Shop is a great place to find unique souvenirs from the Galapagos Islands. They have a wide selection of items, from t-shirts and hats to jewelry and postcards. The shop also offers a variety of local crafts, such as hand-painted pottery and wood carvings. Prices are reasonable and the staff is friendly and helpful.

G
Galapagos Gift Shop (illustrative photo)

Galapagos Gift Shop

Galapagos Gift Shop is a great place to find unique gifts from the Galapagos Islands. They have a wide selection of items, from t-shirts and hats to jewelry and postcards. The shop also offers a variety of local crafts, such as hand-painted pottery and wood carvings. Prices are reasonable and the staff is friendly and helpful.

// Espanola Island Cruise Port Terminals

Which Espanola Island cruise terminal will your ship use?

Your cruise line assigns the pier — here's what each one means for your day ashore.

3 piers in Espanola Island
Pier 1 of 3

Puerto Ayora

Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos, Ecuador

Puerto Ayora is the largest town in the Galapagos Islands and the main port of entry for cruise ships. It is located on the south coast of Santa Cruz Island and is home to the Charles Darwin Research Station, which is dedicated to the conservation of the Galapagos Islands. The town has a variety of restaurants, shops, and hotels, as well as a lively nightlife. Puerto Ayora is a great place to explore the unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islands.

Cruise pier (illustrative photo for Puerto Ayora)
Pier 2 of 3

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

San Cristobal Island, Galapagos, Ecuador

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is the capital of the Galapagos Islands and the main port of entry for cruise ships. It is located on the south coast of San Cristobal Island and is home to the Galapagos National Park Visitor Center. The town has a variety of restaurants, shops, and hotels, as well as a lively nightlife. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is a great place to explore the unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islands.

Cruise pier (illustrative photo for Puerto Baquerizo Moreno)
Pier 3 of 3

Puerto Villamil

Isabela Island, Galapagos, Ecuador

Puerto Villamil is a small port town located on the south coast of Isabela Island in the Galapagos Islands. It is the second largest town in the Galapagos and is home to the Galapagos National Park Visitor Center. The town has a variety of restaurants, shops, and hotels, as well as a lively nightlife. Puerto Villamil is a great place to explore the unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islands.

Cruise pier (illustrative photo for Puerto Villamil)
Wi-Fi

The Galapagos National Park does not provide wifi access in Espanola Island, Galapagos cruise port. However, some of the nearby hotels and restaurants may offer wifi access. It is recommended to inquire with the local establishments for more information.

Safety

Espanola Island, Galapagos is a very safe cruise port. The Galapagos Islands are a protected area, and the Ecuadorian government has strict regulations in place to ensure the safety of visitors. There are no dangerous animals on the island, and the waters around the island are generally calm and safe for swimming and snorkeling.

Port address

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Espanola Island cruise port car rental
Galapagos Car RentalGalapagos Car Rental & Tours

Piers are assigned by the cruise line — check your ship's docking notice the morning you arrive.

// Weather

Espanola Island Cruise Port Weather

Galapagos·30-year historical averages
Sep averages · Espanola Island
69°
Avg · °F
Mild, mostly dry
High
75°F
Low
64°F
Rain
0.4 in
Excursions that suit this weather
// Year-round in Espanola Island

Average monthly temperature and rainfall. This month is highlighted.

Avg temp °FRainfall in
JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDECMONTHLY NORMALS · °F AND IN
// Espanola Island cruise ship schedule

Espanola Island Cruise Port Traffic Today

No cruise ships are scheduled in Espanola Island today, Thursday, September 17, 2026. Check the schedule for another date to see when ships are next due alongside.

Schedule updated

// Keep exploring

Popular ports in the South America

Other ports cruisers visit most in the South America.

// Questions

Espanola Island cruise port, answered

The things cruisers ask most before a day ashore in Espanola Island.

Where is Espanola Island cruise port located?

Espanola Island, Galapagos cruise port is located in South America. Espanola Island is located in the southeastern part of the Galapagos archipelago, approximately 600 km (370 miles) off the coast of Ecuador. It is the southernmost island in the Galapagos chain and is the oldest of the islands, estimated to be around 3.5 million years old. The island is home to a variety of unique wildlife, including the waved albatross, the only species of albatross that breeds exclusively in the Galapagos. The island's main port of call for Galapagos cruises is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, located on the southwestern tip of the island.

Is Espanola Island a good cruise port to visit?

Yes, Espanola Island, Galapagos is a great cruise port. It is known for its stunning wildlife, including sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and albatrosses. The island also offers a variety of activities, such as snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking.

How safe is Espanola Island cruise port for passengers?

Espanola Island cruise port has a safety score of 5.8 out of 10, ranking #143 of 189 ports in South America. Espanola Island, Galapagos is a very safe cruise port. The Galapagos Islands are a protected area, and the Ecuadorian government has strict regulations in place to ensure the safety of visitors. There are no dangerous animals on the island, and the waters around the island are generally calm and safe for swimming and snorkeling.

What is the weather like at Espanola Island cruise port in September?

In September, Espanola Island cruise port has average high temperatures of 75°F (24°C) and average lows of 64°F (18°C).

How many excursions are available at Espanola Island cruise port?

There are currently 9 excursions and tours available at Espanola Island cruise port, covering everything from guided sightseeing and cultural experiences to water sports and adventure activities. Book in advance to secure your preferred experience.

What are the top things to do at Espanola Island cruise port?

Espanola Island cruise port offers 3 featured activities and attractions. Popular highlights include: Bird Watching, Hiking, Snorkeling. Espanola Island, Galapagos is known for its incredible wildlife and stunning landscapes. It is home to a variety of unique species of birds, reptiles, and mammals, as well as a variety of endemic plants. Visitors can explore the island's many trails, beaches, and coves, and observe the wildlife in its natural habitat. Snorkeling and diving are popular activities, as the waters around the island are teeming with marine life. There are also opportunities to go kayaking, fishing, and sailing. With its unique and diverse wildlife, Espanola Island, Galapagos is a great destination for nature lovers.

Can I rent a car at Espanola Island cruise port?

1. Galapagos Car Rental: Located in Puerto Ayora, Galapagos, this car rental company offers a variety of vehicles, including 4x4s, sedans, and minivans. They also offer a shuttle service to and from the cruise port.2. Galapagos Car Rental & Tours: Located in Puerto Ayora, Galapagos, this car rental company offers a variety of vehicles, including 4x4s, sedans, and minivans. They also offer a variety of tours and activities, as well as a shuttle service to and from the cruise port.3. Galapagos Car Rental & Tours: Located in Puerto Villamil, Galapagos, this car rental company offers a variety of vehicles, including 4x4s, sedans, and minivans. They also offer a variety of tours and activities, as well as a shuttle service to and from the cruise port.4. Galapagos Car Rental & Tours: Located in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Galapagos, this car rental company offers a variety of vehicles, including 4x4s, sedans, and minivans. They also offer a variety of tours and activities, as well as a shuttle service to and from the cruise port.

What is the WiFi situation at Espanola Island cruise port?

The Galapagos National Park does not provide wifi access in Espanola Island, Galapagos cruise port. However, some of the nearby hotels and restaurants may offer wifi access. It is recommended to inquire with the local establishments for more information.

Where is the cruise terminal at Espanola Island cruise port?

The address of Espanola Island, Galapagos cruise port is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.

What is the Espanola Island Cruise Port cruise schedule?

There are no cruise ships scheduled at Espanola Island today. Use the cruise ship schedule above to check Espanola Island on any past or future date.

Sign up or
Sign in

Save your cruise, track reviews for your cabin, set cruise price drop alerts, & more with an account.

No password needed · Sign-in code sent