Volcanic activity formed the Galapagos Islands. Española and San Cristobal, the oldest islands in the archipelago, are in its eastern region. One of the newest and westernmost islands is Fernandina Island, which is still being formed by the island’s active volcano. This explains why Fernandina is such a unique travel destination. Viewers can see lava flows and distinctive wildlife populations that human activity has not significantly impacted.
When is the Ideal Time to Visit?
An island with a rich natural past, Fernandina is a year-round vacation spot. What you are most interested in viewing may determine the time you come. In the Galapagos, the dry season (June to November) offers a greater possibility of spotting whales and dolphins. Seabirds visit that time of year to nest, and it’s possible to witness the young. Male marine iguanas become more territorial in December and January so that visitors may witness fascinating animal interactions during that time of year.
Better chances to see Galapagos penguins and sea turtles while snorkeling are available from December to May, the island’s hot season. You might even be able to spot a marine iguana submerged in water, eating on algae, during low tide. Sea lions often eject their young in late August, September, and October. The Galapagos Islands will present you with incredible opportunities whenever you decide to visit!
The Role of Fernandina Island in Galapagos Geological History
A hot point created the Galapagos Islands, much like it did the Hawaiian archipelago. Thin regions in the crust of the Earth give rise to hot spots. Inside the ground, pressure builds up and causes magma to push outward. The upwelling magma that has cooled into rock starts to amass in these holes on the Earth’s surface, giving the volcano its recognizable cone shape. Magma is discharged at several surface locations when the tectonic plate moves across the Earth’s mantle, generating distinct islands in this instance. Using the islands ‘ geological age, we can follow the tectonic plate’s eastward migration.
The most active volcano in the Galapagos, Fernandina, has had 24 eruptions since 1813. It is also the youngest island, meaning human activity has had negligible impact. The island has just one visitor site, yet it’s a significant location to view fauna unique to the western Galapagos islands.
What Awaits You on a Trip to Fernandina Island
Punta Espinoza is the lone tourist destination on Fernandina Island. Going to the island is only possible via a Galapagos adventure ship. You must make the trip in a few days. It is too far away. Punta Espinoza offers two hiking alternatives. One is a quick stroll around the peninsula that provides excellent chances to see wildlife. There is another route that will allow you to witness two distinct types of lava flows: pahoehoe and aa lava, which originate from Fernandina’s volcanic eruptions. It’s a terrific opportunity to teach ecology by visiting these lava fields, which demonstrate the process of flora formation.
Indeed, the volcanic terrain of Fernandina could be more friendly to flourishing vegetation. The lava cactus is an exception to this rule since, as its name suggests, it is specially equipped to thrive in those circumstances. Fernandina’s fauna consists of giant marine-feeding creatures. This varied group of species includes marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, sally lightfoot crabs, Galapagos hawks, and Galapagos sea lions. This final animal gained notoriety as the main character in a BBC’s Planet Earth II segment. The viral video was shot on-site in Fernandina and showed a bunch of snakes chasing a young marine iguana.
Photos by Francisco Dousdebés
