Mosquera Islet

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Mosquera Islet is one of the smallest islands in the Galapagos archipelago, tucked between the larger islands of North Seymour and Baltra. It was formed by an uplift of sand and is surrounded by coral reefs and black lava rocks. Its small size, however, doesn’t stop it from being a popular destination for wildlife spotters and snorkelers.

Main Visitor Site on Mosquera Islet

Mosquera Islet is in itself a single visitor site. There are no trails on the island and visitors are free to walk where they choose, being careful not to step on the vegetation (the island is mostly sand, so it’s easy to choose your path).

The island’s main attraction is its sea lion colony, which is one of the largest in the Galapagos. An easy trail leads up from the main landing beach to the colony. There have also been occasional sightings of orca whales near Mosquera, who come to feed on the sea lions.

Carry on along the trail and you’ll come to a nesting area for lava gulls. These sooty-colored birds are the rarest gulls in the world, making them a big draw among bird watchers. Depending on the season, you might also see some yellow crowned herons. Other inhabitants of the islet include marine iguanas, blue footed boobies and sally lightfoot crabs.

The islet is a popular snorkeling and SCUBA diving destination. You can enter the water straight from the beach and swim among the playful sea lions, who may well swim alongside you during your dive. Turtles, rays, barracudas, sharks and a whole host of tropical fish also frequent the waters just off Mosquera.

Read more about this islet at Galapagos Conservancy.

Galapagos Cruises that Visit Mosquera Islet

Other Main Galapagos Islands and Visitor Sites

Baltra Island / Bartolomé Island / Chinese Hat Islet / Eden Islet / Española Island / Fernandina Island / Floreana Island / Genovesa Island / Isabela Island / North Seymour Island / Rábida Island / San Cristóbal Island / Santa Cruz Island / Santa Fe Island / Santiago Island / South Plaza Island

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Galapagos Wildlife: 15 Iconic Species

American Flamingo / Blue-Footed Booby / Flightless Cormorant / Frigatebirds: Great and Magnificent / Galapagos Fur Seal / Galapagos Giant Tortoise / Galapagos Hawk / Galapagos Penguin / Galapagos Sea Lion / Land Iguana / Marine Iguana / Nazca Booby / Red-Footed Booby / Santa Fe Land Iguana / Waved Albatross

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Top Ecuador Travel Destinations

Baños / Cuenca / Guayaquil / Otavalo / Quito / The Ecuadorian Amazon / The Galapagos Islands

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