Waved Albatross in the Galapagos Islands

This is because it does not nest in any other location of the Archipelago.

This bird returns to Espanola Island at the end of first trimester (end of March) and stays here until the last days of the year. It is the largest sea bird in Galapagos.

They have a well justified reason for coming back: their reproduction. Naturally, this bird needs the synchronizing of several factors before reaching reproductive success.

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The Albatross from Galapagos needs food availability in the ocean, accessible terrain for nesting and walking, and cliffs nearby for taking off.

Different from other sea birds, the albatrosses need to walk from the island's interior toward the cliffs before flying out.

Albatross Bird Description:

• Weight: 3-4 Kg (6-9 pounds)
• Wingspan: 2 meters (6.6 feet)
• Population: approx. 34,000 individuals
• Incubation: 60 days
• Longevity: 40-50 years

Espanola Island (Hood) is located in the south eastern corner of the Archipelago, and is also one of the oldest ones.

Its terrain is quite irregular, and is favored by many Galapagos Sea Birds for its ample nesting habitat.

The Island has immediate access to the ocean with its steep cliffs, but it also has an interesting geographic set up where all shores are bathed by the cool waters of the South Equatorial Current (SEC).

When resting in the surface of the water this beautiful sea bird will walk on water while flapping their wings vigorously before lifting themselves off the ocean.

But the most impressive feature will be having the only chick they rear flying out of Espanola Island before the arrival of the hot season.

The arrival of the warm waters brings some rain, and this causes the rapid growth of vegetation. With this natural obstacle, these birds will never make it to the cliffs for flying purposes.

But let's not forget that warmer waters carry fewer nutrients, and this means not enough food for everyone. Finding albatrosses birds on Hood Island is certainly a highlight.

You can see them from April to December, but it is during the dry season (June to November) where you can see these Galapagos birds in their best reproductive stages.

Chronologically, let's look at their lives: April is for courtship, May is for the eggs, and July shows the first chicks of the season.

September and October will be very interesting months, since all juvenile birds will be learning to fly before their Island goodbye in late December. Punta Suarez in Espanola Island is the visitor site where the Waved Albatross can be found.

Santa Cruz First Class Ship includes this Galapagos site every Saturday on their Friday to Monday tours, while the luxury Yacht Isabela II is there every Wednesday in their Tuesday to Tuesday tours.

Watching this sea bird in the Galapagos Islands generates a unique emotion.

Recommended Galapagos Reading

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Wildlife of the Galapagos (Traveler's Guide)
Wildlife of the Galapagos is the most superbly illustrated and comprehensive identification guide ever to the natural splendor of these incomparable Islands. It really reveals the Archipelago's striking beauty. (It is a well-written, informative text).

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