Visitor site · Española Island

Gardner Islet

Gardner Islet, Española: a small rock off Gardner Bay, one of the best places in the Galápagos to snorkel with playful young sea lions.

See cruises that visit Española Island

Gardner Islet, Española Island, Galápagos

About the site

Gardner Islet

Gardner Islet is a small rock island just off the beach of Gardner Bay, on the north coast of Española, and one of the best places in the Galápagos to snorkel with sea lions. The visit is made from the panga, in the same outing as Gardner Bay.

Young sea lions from the beach colony are playful and curious and often swim right up to snorkelers, spinning and blowing bubbles. The rocks around the islet hold schools of reef fish, from parrotfish and surgeonfish to king angelfish, and sea turtles, stingrays and white-tipped reef sharks are common.

The water is usually calm and clear, but the depth and the currents can change, so follow your guide and stay with the group. A wetsuit is useful from June to November, when the water is cooler.

Highlights

  • Snorkel with Sea Lions
  • Colorful Fish

Live dates & prices

Cruises that visit Gardner Islet

10 yachts include Gardner Islet in their routes, with 300 upcoming departures from US$2,145 per person. These are the next ones.

DepartureYachtRoutePrice per personMindo giftDetails
October 2026
13 – 20 Oct8 days / 7 nights M/Y Grace
GraceLuxury motor yacht · 16 guests
Beyond Darwin's FootstepsBaltra US$10,950 ★ All-InclusiveWith private guide See departure
17 – 24 Oct8 days / 7 nights M/V Evolution
EvolutionLuxury cruise ship · 32 guests
In the steps of Pirates and DarwinBaltra → San Cristóbal US$9,950 ★ All-InclusiveWith private guide See departure
17 – 20 Oct4 days / 3 nights M/C Elite
EliteLuxury catamaran · 16 guests
C · Southeastern GalapagosSan Cristóbal → Baltra US$3,999 + Mindo PlusActivity tickets included See departure1 place left
17 – 24 Oct8 days / 7 nights M/C Elite
EliteLuxury catamaran · 16 guests
B · Southern & Central GalapagosSan Cristóbal US$8,219 ★ All-InclusiveWith private guide See departure1 place left
20 – 27 Oct8 days / 7 nights M/Y Natural Paradise
Natural ParadiseLuxury motor yacht · 16 guests
8B · Isabela, Floreana & EspañolaBaltra → San Cristóbal US$9,345 ★ All-InclusiveWith private guide See departure2 places left
20 – 24 Oct5 days / 4 nights M/C Galaxy Sirius
Galaxy SiriusLuxury catamaran · 16 guests
Itinerary ASan Cristóbal → Baltra US$5,415US$5,700Save US$285 ★ All-InclusiveWith private guide See departure4 places left
25 – 29 Oct5 days / 4 nights M/C Endemic
EndemicLuxury catamaran · 16 guests
C · Southeastern GalapagosBaltra US$5,129 ★ All-InclusiveWith private guide See departure3 places left
25 Oct – 1 Nov8 days / 7 nights M/C Endemic
EndemicLuxury catamaran · 16 guests
B · Southern GalapagosBaltra US$8,219 ★ All-InclusiveWith private guide See departure1 place left
27 Oct – 3 Nov8 days / 7 nights M/Y Grace
GraceLuxury motor yacht · 16 guests
Beyond Darwin's FootstepsBaltra US$10,950 ★ All-InclusiveWith private guide See departure
29 Oct – 3 Nov6 days / 5 nights M/C EcoGalaxy
EcoGalaxyFirst Class catamaran · 16 guests
C · Santiago & South EastBaltra → San Cristóbal US$4,335US$5,100Save US$765 + Mindo PlusActivity tickets included See departure
31 Oct – 7 Nov8 days / 7 nights M/V Evolution
EvolutionLuxury cruise ship · 32 guests
In the steps of Pirates and DarwinBaltra → San Cristóbal US$9,950 ★ All-InclusiveWith private guide See departure
31 Oct – 3 Nov4 days / 3 nights M/C Elite
EliteLuxury catamaran · 16 guests
C · Southeastern GalapagosSan Cristóbal → Baltra US$3,999 + Mindo PlusActivity tickets included See departure

Yachts that visit Gardner Islet

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Complimentary nightsUsually 2–3, more on request, at our own Las Terrazas de Dana Boutique Lodge & Spa
All meals includedBreakfast, lunch and dinner during your stay in Mindo Cloud Forest
Private transfersBetween Quito and Mindo, before or after Galápagos
★ Mindo All-InclusiveWith your own private guide throughout. Our signature gift on departures marked ★.

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