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NATURAL INTENSIVE USE SITE   


Gardner Bay Española (Hood) Island


Permitted Uses:   Interpretive Group Tour with a Naturalist Guide     Photography and filming    Guided walks     Associated Activities authorized by the GNPS in the itineraries of Authorized Vessels

Gardener Bay is located on the north coast of Española Island. The visiting area is defined by two beaches the width a total length of 1300 meters.
 

The main attraction is the colony of sea lions (Zalophus wollebaeki), which inhabit the beach in great quantity during the breeding season.

The tortoise population of this island was reduced by human depredation. In 1965 only 12 females and 2 males were found and were transferred to the pens of the Galapaguera on Santa Cruz Island. By the year 1976, in collaboration with the San Diego Zoo a third male was brought. After monitoring several adults were found and by 1991 first tortoises born in the wild were placed. Tortoises are concentrated near Manzanillo Bay on the upper part of the island.
Click on illustration to enlarge.

Here are three species of Darwin's finches: A subspecies (Geospiza fuliginosa) of the Large Cactus Finch, which is similar to the large ground finch, the Small Ground Finch (Geospiza fuliginosa) and the Wabler Finch (Certhidea Olivacea) which is another endemic subspecies.

Both resident and migratory birds are observed. This is an important nesting area for sea turtles (Chelonia mydas). 

Special Indications

  • The beach is an open area. Caution should be exercised not to step on sea turtle nests or take earth inland where there is vegetation.

  • It is prohibited to land on the nearby islets on Gardner Island.

  • Maintain safe distance from the sea lions, especially adult males, they can be aggressive.