Get ready for a journey to a place where nature’s secrets are whispered through the winds and waves? Marchena Island, a remote gem in the Galapagos archipelago, offers an exclusive experience for intrepid travelers seeking untouched beauty and rare wildlife encounters.
Let’s dive into the remote Marchena Island and uncover its volcanic past, conservation significance, marine visitor sites, and the draw of very few visitors.
Marchena, also known as Bindloe is a large shield volcano, with only the upper 343 m (100 feet) is above sea level. The island measures about 18 by 12 km and is one of the three small islands in the northern group (Pinta, Marchena, and Genovesa). Marchena and Genovesa island lava are similar in mineral composition. Both are made up of mid-ocean ridge basalts. Pinta island is quite different.
Many young lava flows and pyroclastic cones on this island show considerable volcanic activity in the recent geologic past. However, there is only one known historic eruption, which occurred in 1992.
Like many of the Galapagos volcanos, this island also has a caldera. This island’s caldera is roughly elliptical and measures 7 km by 6 km, within the range of caldera sizes of the large western volcanoes. Its caldera is unusual, however, in that it has been almost completely filled with young lavas, some of which has spilled over and down the sides.
The oldest lavas are 500,000 years old. Marchena is rather desolate and has no fresh water and hence has never been settled. The flora and fauna have not been disturbed by feral animals or introduced plants. Tortoises have apparently never inhabited Marchena.
The diving in the waters around it has very few tourists. It only has recently been opened as a Galapagos park visitor site. It is seldom visited, a few tourist class yachts have included this Island in their Galapagos tour itineraries.
Marchena Island whispers secrets of evolution, far from the beaten path. Its untouched shores stand as a testament to nature’s raw beauty and fierce independence.
It’s not just an island; it’s a demonstration of earths forces the ocean and the volcanic lava forming this unique place. Every rock formation has a backstory and each creature is part of Galapagos’ magic—a truly unique adventure awaits.
With each eruption and lava flow, this faraway island has grown layer upon fiery layer into what it is today—a geological wonder. Marchena’s story began underwater, with hot spots in the Earth’s crust cracking due to volcanic activity. But don’t let its explosive past scare you off. Today, Marchena is a calm paradise where nature continues to evolve undisturbed.
Marchena Island is like a treasure chest, untouched and full of wonders. Its untouched environment is like an ecological bank account where the currency is biodiversity. The island serves as a crucial habitat for species that have adapted to its isolation.
Marchena Island is part of the Galapagos marine reserve. Only a handful of visitors are able to make it here.
Schools of hammerhead sharks and manta rays thrive in the surrounding waters. It is an interesting site if you want to scuba dive in Galapagos.
If you’re a seasoned traveler looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, Marchena Island in the Galapagos archipelago the perfect choice for you Despite its remote location and fewer visitors, this island offers remarkable wildlife encounters and fascinating volcanic history.
The underwater world is rich with vibrant sea life including green turtles, stingrays, and various species of sharks. · You might spot Galapagos fur seals or playful dolphins making waves in these turquoise waters.
This area also serves as an important feeding ground for seabirds such as blue-footed boobies and pelicans - a true birdwatcher’s paradise!
Spectacular coral formations that house diverse marine fauna like colorful parrotfishes, starfishes, sponges among others. · In addition to snorkeling experiences at both sites, they offer great diving spots where advanced divers can explore deeper parts of these thriving ecosystems - from caves filled with lobsters and octopuses to walls adorned by corals. And if you’re lucky, you might be able to see a school of hammerhead sharks!
The plant life is also unique; scalesia trees stand tall against strong winds, showing off their will to survive.
Marchena Island is like that one untouched beach you find only by veering off the beaten path. It’s a treasure trove of serenity, offering an escape from the buzz that trails most tourist spots.
You’ll want to visit during the dry season from June to December when the seas are calmer and underwater visibility is at its best—prime conditions for snorkeling with the island’s rich marine life. Typically, access is via Galapagos dive cruises that include this remote gem in their itinerary. · The Samba Sailing Yacht includes Marchena in it's 8 day North & Western Islands naturalist cruise itinerary · The Calipso Yacht includes Marchena in it's 8 day Dive liveaboard route.
So, you’ve journeyed through the hidden wonders of Marchena Island Galapagos. Remember Marchena for its undisturbed wilderness and matchless diving. If seeking more than typical trails, let Marchena Island be your destination —where solitude meets splendor in an unforgettable dance with nature.
Do you want to travel to Galapagos?
The islands of La Pinta and Marchena have no land visitor sites. They are the least visited islands in the Galapagos archipelago.
Marchena is known for excelent diving sites, at Punta Espejo you can dive with hammerhead and Galapagos sharks.
Their isolation led to unparalleled wildlife evolution, inspiring Darwin’s theory of natural selection.
Darwin and Wolf Island take that title; both are a mecca for divers seeking hammerhead sharks. Marchena comes in 3rd place being far from inhabited islands.
