Espanola Island
Our morning started at Punta Suarez, located at the western side of Espanola Island. As soon as we disembarked, we were greet by Galápagos sea lions, sally light foot crabs, red colored marine iguanas and mocking birds. We were delighted to see a new born sea lion with its mother, the placenta lying not so far away, which meant that the baby was a couple of days old. This was but only the beginning of our walk, and many more gorgeous sightings were promised. Soon we found the Nazca boobies sharing the place with swallow tailed gulls. We spotted a yellow crowned night heron trying to find a place that offered shade. Further along the trail and perched on top of a bush was the top predator of the islands, the Galápagos hawk, observing carefully his surroundings for his next meal. Coming closer to the blow hole area, we encountered the largest bird of the Galápagos, the waved albatross. One of them stood up for a couple of minutes and showed us proudly the chick that it was protecting from the sun. It was amazing to see the albatross taking off from the cliffs. Here we took our time to enjoy one of the most breathtaking landscapes of the archipelago. There are only happy faces as we head back on board.
After a short navigation towards the eastern side, we anchored at Gardner Bay. Although it was overcast, we were prepared for our water activities. There were many options, and the first ones were ready for the glass bottom boat, known as the dry snorkeling opportunity. Soon after, the most adventurous went to Turtle rock, where schools of fishes surrounded us, together with rays, sea lions and white tipped reef sharks. We had but the finest option for our youngest guests, a wonderful white powder-like sandy beach covered with sea lions. It was the best place to build sand castles, which soon disappeared with the waves. Last but not least the kayakers went for a ride along the coast. This afternoon offered everyone a challenge and the opportunity to explore not only nature but themselves. What a wonderful day we spent in the enchanted islands!
Our morning started at Punta Suarez, located at the western side of Espanola Island. As soon as we disembarked, we were greet by Galápagos sea lions, sally light foot crabs, red colored marine iguanas and mocking birds. We were delighted to see a new born sea lion with its mother, the placenta lying not so far away, which meant that the baby was a couple of days old. This was but only the beginning of our walk, and many more gorgeous sightings were promised. Soon we found the Nazca boobies sharing the place with swallow tailed gulls. We spotted a yellow crowned night heron trying to find a place that offered shade. Further along the trail and perched on top of a bush was the top predator of the islands, the Galápagos hawk, observing carefully his surroundings for his next meal. Coming closer to the blow hole area, we encountered the largest bird of the Galápagos, the waved albatross. One of them stood up for a couple of minutes and showed us proudly the chick that it was protecting from the sun. It was amazing to see the albatross taking off from the cliffs. Here we took our time to enjoy one of the most breathtaking landscapes of the archipelago. There are only happy faces as we head back on board.
After a short navigation towards the eastern side, we anchored at Gardner Bay. Although it was overcast, we were prepared for our water activities. There were many options, and the first ones were ready for the glass bottom boat, known as the dry snorkeling opportunity. Soon after, the most adventurous went to Turtle rock, where schools of fishes surrounded us, together with rays, sea lions and white tipped reef sharks. We had but the finest option for our youngest guests, a wonderful white powder-like sandy beach covered with sea lions. It was the best place to build sand castles, which soon disappeared with the waves. Last but not least the kayakers went for a ride along the coast. This afternoon offered everyone a challenge and the opportunity to explore not only nature but themselves. What a wonderful day we spent in the enchanted islands!
