Floreana Island (Isla Floreana) is located within the southeastern part of the Galápagos archipelago and is one of the earliest inhabited islands, protecting an area of 173 rectangular kilometers (107.4 square miles). It serves as a unique laboratory in which humans and nature coexist harmoniously. The island is famous for its colorful records regarding pirates, whalers, and settlers.
One of the famous points of interest on Floreana Island is Asilo de la Paz, a 450-meter-excessive hill. Here lies the Pirate's Cave, along with a historic freshwater spring that provides an essential water source for each resident and traffic. This site served as a haven for pirates and buccaneers alike.
The island's delicacies offer another way to enjoy its enchanting allure. Cassava, cultivated by nearby farmers, is one of the number one substances in cooking. Its freshness, texture, and flavor are virtually unique. Additionally, you could relish a one-of-a-kind marine delicacy known as cartilage, a mollusk found on rocks and harvested by fishermen at some stage in full moons.
Map of Floreana Island
| Name | Floreana Island (Spanish: Isla Floreana) |
| Country | Ecuador |
| Privince | Galápagos |
| Coordinates | 1°17′51″S 90°26′03″W |
| Area | 173 km2 (67 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 |
| Population | 170 |
| Airport | Cementerio Heliport |
How to Get to Floreana Island
There are two ways to reach Floreana Island in the Galápagos archipelago.
First, you can take a Galápagos cruise that includes Floreana Island in its itinerary. Alternatively, you can opt for daily excursions from Santa Cruz Island. Taking a cruise to Floreana allows you to visit areas that daily tours cannot access.
You can also travel independently by ferry or speedboat.
Wildlife on Floreana Island
Floreana Island is a really perfect destination for swimming and diving with sharks, corals, tropical fish, rays, sea lions, sea turtles, penguins, and a myriad of marine creatures.
Birdwatching lovers can head to Cormorant Point to look at one of the best flamingo lagoons within the Galápagos Islands.
Another should-go to paradise is Asilo de la Paz, a 450-meter-excessive hill offering incredible views, along with pirate caves and a freshwater spring surrounded by numerous giant tortoises.
Cerro Alieri is specifically fascinating for plant lovers, boasting over 48 unique species. This particular site also offers opportunities to have a look at Darwin's finches, mimosa, mangroves, and blue-footed boobies. Charles Darwin gathered the Floreana mockingbird on this island and later cited the variations of a few of the four species of mockingbirds determined in the archipelago.
Best Things to Do on Floreana Island
Peace Haven (Asilo de la Paz)
Asilo de la Paz, located at an elevation of 450 meters, is a super traveler vacation spot placed only a few kilometers from Puerto Velasco Ibarra. The availability of freshwater within the vicinity attracted the primary settlers, who sought haven in nearby caves. Here, you can leisurely have a look at the particular avian species.
Post Office Bay
The northern coast is called Post Office Bay. In the early 19th century, whalers commenced leaving mail in barrels, which could be gathered and introduced by different sailors on the path to their locations. This subculture continues to be practiced with the aid of tourists nowadays, albeit in a contemporary way. The concept includes individually delivering letters or postcards to their intended recipients. Besides serving as a published workplace, this vicinity additionally marks the touchdown site of the early settlers.
Punta Cormorant
Punta Cormorant is a stretch of faded, inexperienced seashore, attributable to the presence of olivine crystals, nestled among two volcanic cones and serving as a habitat for sea lions. A path of 100 meters results in a brackish lagoon somewhat favored with the aid of flamingos. Scores of these elegant birds can regularly be located, along with plovers, white-rumped sandpipers, turnstones, greenshanks, and black-bellied plovers. It is also encouraged to maintain an eye on the sky for Galapagos hawks hovering above the lagoon. The path then traverses a narrow isthmus, leading to a stunningly beautiful white sand seashore wherein swimming is viable. This vicinity is frequented with the aid of whitetip sharks and stingrays, gracefully gliding through the water. From December to March, inexperienced Pacific sea turtles come ashore to put their eggs.
Corona del Diablo
One of the most enthralling snorkeling sites is the Corona del Diablo, a partially submerged volcanic crater. Its interior, composed of sandy terrain, provides respite from the waves, and at the same time, the outside currents can be pretty powerful. There are underwater tunnels to discover in this area, which serves as a habitat for a multitude of colorful fish, sea turtles, and sometimes, sharks. For divers and swimmers, that is an unmissable opportunity!
Cueva de Piratas
The Cueva de Piratas served as the initial settlement for the island's first inhabitants. This location was not chosen randomly, for it possesses a distinctive feature - a freshwater resource.
Adjacent to the cave stands a sculpted bust, rumored to mark the grave of a renowned pirate.
Stays on Floreana Island
The island's accommodations range from $45.00 to $80.00 per night, depending on the time of year. Three hotels located in the western, central, and eastern parts of the island are available for your booking convenience. You can select the one that best suits your needs, as all of them offer shuttle services.
- Hostal Santa Maria (Western)
- Casa de Lelia (Central)
- Black Beach House (Eastern)
