Floreana Island (Galapagos)

Floreana Island is one of the Galapagos Islands, named after the first president of Ecuador, Juan Jose Flores (1800-1864), during whose administration (1839-1845) the government took possession of the Galapagos archipelago.  Just off Floreana's coast (to the northeast) is the small Champion Islet.

Floreana was previously named Charles Island (after King Charles II of England, 1630-1685), as well as Santa Maria after a caravel of Columbus. The island has an area of 173 km2 (67 mi2) and was formed by a volcanic eruption. Like most of the smaller Galapagos isles, Floreana's highest elevation point (Cerro Pajas, 640 m / 2100 ft) is also the volcano's highest point.

Points of interest include “Devil's Crown”, a favorite dive and snorkeling site, located off the northeast point of the isle. It is an underwater volcanic cone offering the opportunity to snorkel with passages of fish, sea lions and sea turtles.

At Punta Cormorant (landing point), a green olivine beach is expecting cruisers who wish to see sea lions, flamingos, sea turtles, Grapsus crabs. Green sea turtles and pink flamingos nest here from December to May. The "joint footed" petrel is also here, spending most of its lifetime away from land.

Baroness Lookout offers scenic views of La Olla Bay (on Floreana's northern coast). La Olla Bay is positioned between Post Office Bay (to the west) and Punta Cormorant (to the northeast). Puerto Flores is to the southwest. From Baroness Lookout can be seen Enderby Island.

Floreana Island cruise terminal

Floreana Island tours, shore excursions, hotels

City Tours and Shore Excursions

Popular Floreana Island shore excursion destinations are:

• Post Office Bay
• Punta Cormorant
• nearby Isla Champion (Champion Island)