Puerto Egas (Egas Port)

About the site

Puerto Egas (Egas Port)

Puerto Egas, on James Bay on the west coast of Santiago, is one of the most varied visits in the central islands. The panga lands on a beach of black volcanic sand, in a wet landing, below the old salt mine crater.

The coastal trail follows the shore over black lava, past tide pools full of Sally Lightfoot crabs, marine iguanas and shorebirds such as oystercatchers and herons. At its end the sea has carved the lava into grottoes and natural bridges, where Galápagos fur seals rest in the shade. These seals, with their thick fur and large eyes, are harder to see elsewhere, and this is one of the best places in the islands to watch them up close.

A longer trail, of about three kilometers, leads inland to the crater of the salt mine, where salt was extracted in the 1920s and again in the 1960s. Its seasonal salt lagoon sometimes attracts flamingos, and Galápagos hawks are often seen along the way.

After the walk, the calm water off the beach is excellent for snorkeling, with sea lions, sea turtles, rays and colorful reef fish. The coastal trail is easy, though the lava near the pools can be slippery.

Highlights

• Birdwatching
• Salt Mine Crater