Espanola Island is one of the most popular islands visited in the Galapagos due to the abundant wildlife. Being and ¨outpost¨ island, it has a high percentage of endemic species that have evolved distinct characteristics from related species in the archipelago. The two main attractions on the island are Punta Suarez and Gardner Bay. Punta Suarez, a rocky point of land located on the western tip of the island, hosts the most impressive colonies of Galapagos sea birds. Among them are Hood mockingbirds, blue-footed boobies, masked boobies, Darwin finches, red-billed tropicbirds, hawks and Galapagos doves. Other types of wildlife one will most likely encounter are the red and green marine iguanas, lava lizards, and the friendly sea lions, which will most likely be basking in the glorious afternoon sun. A favorite tourist spot in Punta Suarez is the famous blowhole, which spouts water 45-70 feet in the air. Once the western tip has been explored, visitors may take a nature trail from Punta Suarez to Gardner Bay, on the eastern side of the island. While trekking across the island, waved albatrosses will most likely be witnessed in their natural nesting site. It is believed that the entire word’s population of waved albatrosses nests on Espanola Island. These amazing birds, which can spend years at sea without land contact, have a wingspan that can reach up to 6 feet. Once at Gardner Bay the magnificent white beach is the perfect setting for swimming and snorkeling. While snorkeling visitors will find a beautiful array of fish, turtles, and sometimes even sharks. Sea lions also inhibit this part of Espanola.