Española Island
Española Island is home to many species that are only found in this particular place! How amazing is that? This little rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean has its own species of mockingbird and lava lizard, and its own subspecies of marine iguana! But Española is considered one of the highlights of this week, not just for its unique species but because of its amazing landscapes: beautiful beaches and impressive cliffs. Today we were very lucky as we enjoyed all the wonders of this island.
This morning we were at Gardner Bay, the perfect place to start with our water activities. A gorgeous white beach is home to hundreds of sea lions. We started with snorkeling, either in the deep waters or from the beach. Even if we are in the rainy season, the moment we went in the water the sky opened and the sun shined for us. Visibility was great, the temperature of the water was very pleasant, and the company even better! Sea lions came to join us! Back at beach we had our kayaks departing and the rest of us stayed to walk along this amazing beach… this was just the beginning of the day!
In the afternoon Punta Suarez was our visitor’s site. A rocky terrain takes us through different seabird nesting areas, such as blue-footed boobies and Nazca boobies. The cliff is a great place for the birds to take off! We hiked in the company of the main predator of the islands: the Galápagos hawk. And of course the island surprised us all with the arrival of hundreds of waved albatross – they are back! A little early this year but of course they are welcome! The smallest albatross in the world nest just on Española Island and takes the place of the largest seabird of the archipelago.
What a day! I can close my eyes now and smile remembering the funny calls of the albatross in their courtship, the sweet sea lions looking at us with curiosity, the huge school of fish… And this is just our first day!
