Floreana Island
This morning we had a very early activity in a place known as Cormorant Point, as we arrived, we disembark on a green volcanic beach; the reason for this color is because there is a high concentration of olivine crystals all along the beach. We hiked very easily over compacted volcanic gravel with no boulders, along the trail we saw the typical dry vegetation, mostly Palo Santo (holy stick), and we passed by a brackish lagoon right behind the landing beach. The mission was to get to the windward side, where we could explore a white sandy beach, the color of the beach this time is because it is mostly made of coral. This beach is a very important nesting ground for the Pacific green sea turtles, and this morning we saw some turtle tracks as evidence of the beginning of the nesting season.
On our way back to National Geographic Islander we spotted a small pod of killer whales around the same area, they were feeding on turtles and seconds later a feeding frenzy formed with: frigates, pelicans, storm petrels, boobies and brown noddy terns. The birds were getting some leftovers from the feeding Orcas, this is a moment in Galápagos that happens very often, but this time everyone was outside and had their moment.
In the afternoon we continued our expedition with a visit to the Post Office barrel. The idea here is to collect mail left by other Galápagos explorers, and at the same time drop postcards to be picked up by future Galápagos visitors. Everyone was helping to keep alive this ancient tradition of collecting and hand delivering mail, a tradition that dates back to whaling times. Soon after this short visit we went for a Zodiac ride in place known as a sea lions rockery. When we arrived our guests found out why is it called this, plus we spotted Galápagos penguins, blue-footed boobies, egrets, pelicans, turtles, rays and many other amazing sightings as well. This activity was on board our Zodiacs but some eager explorers decided to do it by kayaks in the same area.
Today was just extraordinary from sunrise to sunset and we’re looking forward for more excitement tomorrow in a different location.
