Isla Mosquera, Galapagos

A sandy islet known for its beach and wildlife.

A bright red Sally Lightfoot crab crawling on a black volcanic rock on Isla Mosquera, with a large foamy wave crashing in the background.

Overview

Isla Mosquera, Galapagos Cruise Port

Isla Mosquera (Mosquera Islet) is a tiny, uninhabited sandy islet located between the islands of North Seymour and Baltra in the central Galápagos archipelago. Despite its small size, it is a hugely popular and significant visitor site, primarily renowned for hosting one of the largest colonies of Galápagos sea lions. This flat, coral-sand beach surrounded by shallow, crystal-clear waters makes it an ideal place for close encounters with these charismatic creatures.

Mosquera also provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching, with various species frequenting the area, and its vibrant underwater world makes it a fantastic snorkeling spot. It's a true "sea lion oasis," offering a relaxed and immersive wildlife experience in a beautiful, natural setting.

Top Things to Do in Isla Mosquera, Galapagos

Interact with Galápagos Sea Lions

The main draw of Isla Mosquera is its very large and accessible Galápagos sea lion colony. Upon landing, you'll find hundreds of sea lions lounging on the white sand beach, playing in the shallows, or resting on rocks. They are incredibly curious and often approach visitors, especially during snorkeling.

Tip: Maintain a respectful distance (at least 2 meters) from the sea lions on land. In the water, let them approach you. They are usually very inquisitive and can be a joy to swim with.

Snorkel in the Clear, Shallow Waters

The calm, transparent waters around Mosquera are perfect for snorkeling. Dive in and swim alongside the playful sea lions, encounter graceful green sea turtles, and observe various colorful tropical fish. The sandy bottom and clear visibility make for excellent underwater photography.

Tip: Wetsuits are often provided and recommended by tour operators due to the cooler water temperatures. This is often described as one of the best snorkeling sites for sea lion interactions.

Spot Various Bird Species

While sea lions dominate, Isla Mosquera is also a good spot for birdwatching. Look for lava gulls (the rarest gull in the world), herons, and various shorebirds foraging along the waterline. Blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds might be seen flying overhead.

Tip: Bring binoculars to get closer views of the birds, particularly the less common species.

Observe Marine Iguanas

Small numbers of marine iguanas are also present on the rocky edges of Mosquera, typically basking in the sun on the dark lava rocks.

Tip: Their dark coloration can make them blend in with the rocks, so look carefully.

Walk Along the Sandy Beach

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the soft, white coral-sand beach of Mosquera. The flat terrain makes it an easy stroll, offering different perspectives of the sea lion colony and the surrounding marine environment.

Tip: The beach is made of crushed coral, so it's a very light color, contrasting beautifully with the turquoise water. Be mindful of sea lion pups and give them space.

Learn About the Ecosystem from Your Guide

Your certified Galápagos naturalist guide will provide fascinating insights into the behavior of the sea lions, the ecology of the islet, and the conservation efforts protecting this unique environment.

Tip: Don't hesitate to ask your guide questions about the animals and the Galápagos ecosystem.

Overview