Ever dreamed of a place where sea lions greet you upon arrival? Welcome to Mosquera Island. This tiny Galapagos island boasts a large white sand beach. It also features black lava rocks and turquoise waters.
Mosquera Island lies between Baltra and North Seymour islands. It is a small islet of volcanic origin. Geological uplift formed it. Mosquera lacks a visible crater. Its terrain is very flat. The island is only 600 meters long. At its narrowest, it is just 160 meters wide.
Mosquera Island is special. It is one of the few islands without marked trails. Visitors can explore freely. Your naturalist guide will give you an introduction. Then you can explore the beach. You can also snorkel off the shore.
One of Mosquera’s biggest attractions is its sea lion colony. It is one of the largest in the Galapagos. These cute creatures are often curious. They might come right up to you.
Bird lovers are in for a treat. Mosquera is home to the Lava Gull. This is the rarest gull on the planet. Only about 400 nesting pairs exist. The gulls are easily recognized. They have sooty grey plumage and dark heads. Look out for other birds. Blue-footed boobies and Brown pelicans are common here. You might spot Ruddy Turnstones. Sanderlings and herons also live on Mosquera Island.
Snorkeling at Mosquera Island is a must. The calm clear waters teem with marine life. Coral reefs are close to shore. They harbor rays and sea turtles. Reef sharks and barracudas swim here. Moray eels and colorful fish abound. Hawkfish are among them.
If you are lucky, you might see Orcas. These killer whales sometimes hunt sea lions. They come close to shore. Divers can explore the waters around Mosquera. The ocean floor slopes to 15-18 meters. Reef sharks are a common sight. Scalloped Hammerheads frequent this area. You might see stingrays, eagle rays and mobulas.
Mosquera Island has little vegetation. Sesuvium portulacastrum grows on the sand. Most of the islet is sand and lava rock. The island’s highest point is only about 2 meters.
Mosquera might not be the biggest Galapagos highlight. However, it offers much. You can explore the beach with sea lions. You can spot rare birds. The waters hold many surprises. If you are extremely lucky, you might see Orcas or hammerheads. Mosquera is a fun place to start or end your Galapagos adventure. It offers a blend of tranquility and wildlife. This leaves a lasting impression.