This morning we dropped anchor at Gardner Bay, Espanola Island, the oldest island in the Galapagos archipelago. It was overcast and a little bit gray, however the first group of kayakers left early before breakfast and enjoyed a great adventure. After breakfast, a briefing about snorkeling was held and right afterwards our guests were suited up with everything they needed: masks, snorkels, fins, wetsuits, flotation devices and a snorkel bag. Two options were offered, deep water snorkeling at Gardner Islet and snorkeling off the beach. I was in charge of the beach snorkeling this morning and it was really nice. We headed to the turquoise waters and snorkeled along the rocky coastal area and got to see a lot. We saw white salemas, razor surgeonfish, king angelfish, wrasses, damselfish, and a marble ray! A good start indeed for the first snorkeling in shallow waters and the guests at Gardner Islet had a great time with young and playful sea lions! At the end everyone enjoyed the white sandy beach, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Not even pictures can capture the beauty and uniqueness of this wonderful place!
There was time to observe the Galapagos sea lions and take many pictures and the Espanola mocking bird species was posing in front of the cameras, competing with yellow warblers for the attention of our guests.
We came back on board and our chefs prepared a delicious lunch. Ecuadorian specialties were offered today and our guests got to learn about the different dishes of my country. Just delicious! The National Geographic Islander was repositioned to the next visitor site, Punta Suarez, a short navigation from Espanola Island. Here a hike was offered and there are no words to explain this unique experience. We walked by many colorful marine iguanas and endemic lava lizards were everywhere. Galapagos sea lion females were there with their newborns, perhaps delivered just yesterday. We were able to see a fresh placenta right on the trail and a Galapagos hawk was feeding on it, taking advantage of the easy meal. I cannot remember how many times I have been here, but this is a rarely witnessed experience. Waved albatross were flying above us and we got to see them very close on land. Nazca boobies were displaying, trying to get a partner and the blue footed boobies arrived and landed for the delight of our guests. How can you not fall in love with their gorgeous blue colored feet? Finally, swallow tailed gulls were all along the trail getting ready for the night hunt.
We came back with unforgettable memories! Galapagos is a paradise and no matter how prepared you are for this trip, how many documentary films you watched, once you are here you are part of nature again and this gift will be in your heart forever!
