Visitor site · Española Island
Gardner Islet, Española: a small rock off Gardner Bay, one of the best places in the Galápagos to snorkel with playful young sea lions.
About the site
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.
Live dates & prices
10 yachts include Gardner Islet in their routes, with 300 upcoming departures from US$2,145 per person. These are the next ones.
| Departure | Yacht | Route | Price per person | Mindo gift | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026 | |||||
| 13 – 20 Oct8 days / 7 nights |
GraceLuxury motor yacht · 16 guests
|
Beyond Darwin's FootstepsBaltra | US$10,950 | ★ All-InclusiveWith private guide | See departure |
| 17 – 24 Oct8 days / 7 nights |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Galaxy SiriusLuxury catamaran · 16 guests
|
Itinerary ASan Cristóbal → Baltra | US$5,415 |
★ All-InclusiveWith private guide | See departure4 places left |
| 25 – 29 Oct5 days / 4 nights |
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 |
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 |
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 |
EcoGalaxyFirst Class catamaran · 16 guests
|
C · Santiago & South EastBaltra → San Cristóbal | US$4,335 |
+ Mindo PlusActivity tickets included | See departure |
| 31 Oct – 7 Nov8 days / 7 nights |
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 |
EliteLuxury catamaran · 16 guests
|
C · Southeastern GalapagosSan Cristóbal → Baltra | US$3,999 | + Mindo PlusActivity tickets included | See departure |
Luxury motor yacht · 16 guests
Grand Majestic
Luxury catamaran · 16 guests
Galaxy Sirius
Luxury catamaran · 16 guests
Elite
Luxury catamaran · 16 guests
Horizon Trimaran
Luxury catamaran · 16 guests
Endemic
Luxury motor yacht · 16 guests
Natural Paradise
First Class catamaran · 16 guests
EcoGalaxy
First Class motor yacht · 16 guests
Galapagos Angel
Luxury cruise ship · 32 guests
Evolution
Luxury motor yacht · 16 guests
Grace
Española Island
Your Mindo Cloud Forest stay
Your written offer lists exactly what’s included for your departure — before you book. How it works · Cruises with Mindo All-Inclusive
We understand the lay of the land (and ocean)
Book with a local, “we’re on the ground here for you!”
Not sure which cruise? Talk to David and the Dana Tours team. We’ll help you compare routes, cabins and your Mindo stay.