South Plaza & Santa Fe Island
This was a day to remember. Today it seemed as though Galápagos was created only for reptiles. For our first activity of the morning we disembarked at South Plaza, in an area covered with land and marine iguanas. On this tiny island we have the only documented case of inbreeding between marine and land iguanas. This is just an example how Mother Nature can go its way without the interference of human beings.
As we continued our hike, we arrived at the highest point of the island and walked along the cliff, which is the best site for observing seabirds in action. Frigate birds were harassing red-billed tropic birds for stealing their food, Galápagos shearwaters were skimming the surface and looking for food, blue-footed and Nazca boobies were gliding along the cliffs and plunge diving for food as well. On our way back home we passed the sea lions territory where we saw puppies with their mums and alpha males guarding their territories. We also had time to jump off National Geographic Islander for a refreshing swim before sailing toward Santa Fe Island.
The afternoon was full of activities, some of our guests went out to explore the geology of this island on board our kayaks; some others preferred the water activities in one of the most spectacular bays in Galápagos, with sharks, rays, turtles and a lot of fish. Our final activity was a chance to explore the terrain and look for the Santa Fe land iguana. Some went for a long hike and others for a short hike. On both hikes, the landscape was beautiful with a forest of prickly pear cactus, palo santos and a spectacular rainbow under some rain, our “garua.”
To finish our day we relaxed and on a beach that we shared with Galápagos sea lions as a farewell party for our dear explorers. Tomorrow we will be miles away from here with many amazing stories to tell.
