On our third day of the expedition we reached the southernmost tip of the Galapagos, Floreana Island. Also known as the island of mysteries, some extraordinary events happened here in the 1930’s. Some of the inhabitants at the time lived here in harmony but later died tragically in unclear circumstances.
We had an early wake-up call to enjoy the sunrise, followed by a moderately paced walk on an easy trail to a brackish water lagoon which has different kinds of birds, like flamingoes and ducks. We continued our way to the other side of a tuff cone, where a second beach had white sand and where sea turtles nest. Several hundred sting rays live here permanently and can be seen underneath the breakers along the beach. Then it was back on board for a full breakfast before continuing with our program for the day on this beautiful island.
Around mid-morning and after a short navigation we reached the island of Champion for a Zodiac ride to look for some animals like sea lions, boobies, shearwaters, and red-billed tropic birds, among others. But the one that deserved a little more attention was a species of mockingbird that became extinct on the main island due to predation by rats and feral cats. There are only a few alive here on this island, and we saw some from a close distance so we are happy they’re still with us.
Next on our program was snorkeling in one of the most beautiful locations in the islands due to the presence of multiple species of fishes and other creatures. One of them is the playful Galapagos sea lion that was available to give us the best moments of the session. Large schools of attractive fish of many kinds also make this place very unique.
Some guests departed for kayaking around small islands usually teaming with wildlife, while others just disembarked on the beach at Post Office Bay for photography and relaxation. Later the rest of the guests went together to go visit the old mail barrel erected around the 1730’s to facilitate communication with home. This tradition is still running and has become very well-known among the visitors of the Galapagos. We are so happy to participate in something so fun and many times, effective. All you do is go there, read through the letters left behind by others, and if you see one that goes near to where live you take it home to hand-deliver it the old way. It’s fun, and no stamps are needed!
The last activity of the day was a Zodiac ride around some rocky islands for interesting wildlife viewing, with the sunset giving out the last warming rays of a phenomenal expedition on this island.
