Today we arrived at the Island of Floreana. A blinding mist, known locally as “garua,” covered the shores and gave us a very cold welcome to the Enchanted Islands. Among all the islands in the archipelago, Floreana is the most mysterious. It is where many people died or disappeared over the centuries. Our first landing was Punta Cormorant, where we disembarked before breakfast. In addition to a sea turtle nesting site, we enjoyed the green beach and a flock of flamingos that flew around us a couple of times before heading toward the open ocean. As we returned to our ship for breakfast, we felt happy for the wildlife sightings and for being alive.
The human population on Floreana was the first to colonize the Galápagos, and they initially brought with them animals, such as goats and rats. The presence of these introduced species caused the destruction of certain ecosystems, such as the cactus forest. Eventually, some endemic species that depended on these ecosystems became extinct, like the Floreana mockingbird. Yet, a small population of a hundred survives on the neighboring island of Champion. Our Zodiacs took us there to search for and take photos of the remaining birds. Photography was amazing this morning with great light conditions and many wildlife opportunities! Then the brave ones among us decided to go snorkeling in the 68 degrees F water. Along the shores, we found sea lions, stingrays, and many different species of colorful fish.
In the afternoon, we visited the famous Post Office Bay, where for more than two centuries a wooden barrel has been used by visitors for posting letters. We sent letters in the hope that someone would read them one day, and took some letters to be delivered later on when we returned home.
Zodiac rides and kayaking ended this fantastic afternoon on Floreana Island, the perfect place to enjoy one of the world’s last paradises!
