Safari to Isla Marchena

the only home of a unique endemic lizard

Set to the north of the group, Isla Marchena is a circular island, a classic shield volcano, which rises up to 343m (1125’), inducing a reasonable amount of rainfall.

Area : 130 sq km / 50 sq mi
Location : 100 km north of Seymour Airport
Activities : diving (no landing)
Highlights : various pelagics

Unusually, the volcano’s crater has become filled by lava flows, which spill over and down the flanks in places. The last major eruption was in 1991.

The island was named after Fray Antonio de Marchena, a Spanish monk. It was previously known as Bindloe Island.

Notable animals here include endemic Marchena lava lizards, as well as Galapagos hawks and sea lions.

Landing on the island is not permitted, so the only commercial vessels that tend to visit are specialist live-aboard dive boats.

If you specifically want to include Isla Marchena in your trip, then do let us know and we will investigate whether or not it might be possible.