Being in the Galapagos Islands is a dream from which our explorers do not want to wake up. Our early experience started with optional kayaking along the coast of Española Island. The pre-breakfast outing took place in Gardner Bay that has a nice varnished cliff area that houses different species of shore birds such as pelicans, oystercatchers and sea lions. The surprise of the day was a humpback whale with its baby that interrupted our breakfast when it suddenly showed up next to the ship.
Later in the morning we suited up for our first exploration of the underwater realm of the Galapagos Islands. Gardner Islet is a small rocky island off the shore of the Bay. The crystal clear water had perfect conditions for our natural quest. Sea turtles, different kinds of tropical fish and the playful sea lions were in the area to entertain our guests.
While some were exploring the ocean, others were walking along the white sand beach where the snorkelers later joined them. The beach offered a great place for relaxing. Large colonies of sea lions and small groups of mockingbirds were curious and came as soon as we landed. Nowhere else in the world do wild animals show no fear to humankind. The lack of predators make the species in Galapagos ecologically naive.
The afternoon outing took place at Punta Suarez, which is one of the most remarkable places in the Galapagos for the variety of unique species endemic to the island. As always, the colorful marine iguanas were basking on the boulders close to the landing area. Sally lightfoot crabs colored the rocky shore with their bright orange color and lava lizards were running around looking for insects that were close to the sea lions. The path lead us to the interior of the island where the endemic nazca boobies were sighted along the cliff of the basaltic rocky shore. Blue-footed boobies with their eggs and wave albatrosses with chicks delighted us with their courting displays. Our younger explorers were so enthusiastic for Mother Nature that they were even able to point out some snakes and finches. Our magical day ended with the barks of the sea lions while the sun was setting at the horizon.
