The Fernandina Island name was given in honor of King Fernando of Spain, who sponsored the voyage of Columbus. Fernandina has an area of 642 km² and a maximum altitude of 1,494 meters.
Fernandina lies on the western edge of the archipelago. It is generally visited on a longer itinerary. Fernandina is the youngest and most active volcano in Galapagos, with eruptions taking place every few years. It is also one of the most pristine of the islands, with none of man's introduced species to date. The flat lava of Punta Espinosa gives a feel for this stark and barren landscape. Flightless cormorants build their nests on the point, and sea lions sprawl on the beach or play in the tidepools.
Fernandina lies on the western edge of the archipelago. It is generally visited on a longer itinerary. Fernandina is the youngest and most active volcano in Galapagos, with eruptions taking place every few years. It is also one of the most pristine of the islands, with none of man's introduced species to date. The flat lava of Punta Espinosa gives a feel for this stark and barren landscape. Flightless cormorants build their nests on the point, and sea lions sprawl on the beach or play in the tidepools.