Floreana Island

There are many mysterious and interesting stories about the first humans that visited Floreana Island. This island, full of enchantment, has become a sanctuary for sailors’ tales. For those of us who love the sea and its fantastic tales and traditions, Floreana is a favorite. Pirates, buccaneers, whalers, sealers and early settlers were characters in fabulous stories of the past.

The Galápagos Islands has never been colonized by natives. In fact, the very first human who ever lived on Floreana was a Norwegian renegade buccaneer named Patrick Watkins. He was marooned by his captain at Post Office Bay in the very early eighteen hundreds. Watkins is considered to be the Robinson Crusoe of the Galápagos Islands. An optional early morning wake up call took us to this historical site on Floreana Island. The post office barrel was placed there in 1793 by an early sailor who instituted a mailing system for the early navigators of the South Pacific Ocean. Sailors left and collected messages from a wine barrel while visiting the islands looking for water and land tortoises. We continued with their tradition. Only one condition must be followed, no stamps. Mail must be delivered hand to hand!

The whole day was filled with highlights. From deep water snorkeling, Zodiac cruises, walks, kayaking and bird watching excursions we had plenty of alternatives to choose from.