Champion Islet

About the site

Champion Islet

Champion Islet is a small, steep crater islet off the north coast of Floreana, and one of only two places in the world where the Floreana mockingbird survives. The bird vanished from Floreana itself after rats, cats and other introduced animals arrived, and a restoration project is working to bring it back to the main island.

There is no landing, to protect the mockingbirds. The visit combines a panga ride along the cliffs, where you may spot the mockingbird itself, Nazca and blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropicbirds and frigatebirds, with snorkeling in the clear water around the islet.

The snorkeling is among the best in the south of the archipelago. Sea lions often come to play with snorkelers, the rocky walls attract schools of reef fish, parrotfish and king angelfish, and green sea turtles and rays are common; white-tipped reef sharks rest on the bottom, and dolphins are sometimes seen on the way.

The water can be deep and there may be currents, so the site suits confident swimmers, and a wetsuit helps in the cooler months. Champion Islet is visited on the same day as other Floreana sites, such as Cormorant Point, Devil's Crown or Post Office Bay.

Highlights

• Coral Wall
• Excellent Snorkeling