Floreana Island
We had a full day today, with activities from early in the morning to late in the afternoon. We began with an optional wet landing to visit a very old postal system that was established by whalers. Well-known for its food and water supplies, Galápagos was a popular place for whalers. After spending a few years extracting whale oil, they were ready to return home -- but not before collecting correspondence from other seafarers at the post office barrel on Floreana Island, to take home and hand deliver. This morning we visited this place to bring these memories back and to keep this tradition alive by dropping and collecting post cards, with the hope to make new friends.
To continue with our adventure we took our Zodiacs to explore Champion Islet, off the coast of Floreana. This half-mile-square islet is important for the protection of the Charles mockingbird, which is extinct on the main island, but has survived here, thanks to its Isolation and the absence of introduced animals. It is also one of the best places for water activities because of the abundance of many species of fishes.
Two groups of kayakers set off early in the afternoon, while others relaxed on the beach. Later we hiked from a beautiful green sand beach to a white organic beach.
Before we go to bed ,I just want to mention some of the species we encountered today: blue-footed and Nazca boobies, frigate birds, pelicans, flamingos, Galápagos shearwaters, red-billed tropicbirds, yellow warblers, sea lions and many others as well.
