Española Island
At this time of the year Española Island looks exuberant. It appears very green; many plants are in full bloom and covered with fresh leaves. Air temperatures are pleasantly warm. A soft breeze fills the air, both refreshing and helpful in enhancing our island experience.
During the morning walk we encountered an explosion of incredible animal sightings. One of these interesting encounters was the unusual opportunity to observe some female Española marine iguanas digging holes to nest in. Some of these marine iguanas were fighting head to head for the possession of a nesting site - prime real estate! Marine iguanas lay their eggs in specific places on the island and for just a short period of time. Therefore we were at the right place and the right time.
Española lava lizards were everywhere; some were watching us from the stakes set by the Galapagos National Park Service to define the trails we use for our walks. In today's picture you can observe one of these small but beautiful endemic reptiles.
During the afternoon, fantastic water activities fulfilled even the most demanding expectations. Everything was great! Snorkeling, glass bottom boat outings, swimming, strolling on the beach while mingling with sea lions. Amongst our highlights were the interactions we all experienced with these sea lions.
Today we learned that not only can you observe the animals that live on these islands at a very close range, but you can watch them as they continue doing their normal activities, completely regardless of our presence! Sometimes you get the eerie feeling that you have become part of their world. A wonderful world we all felt privileged to be a part of, albeit temporarily.
At this time of the year Española Island looks exuberant. It appears very green; many plants are in full bloom and covered with fresh leaves. Air temperatures are pleasantly warm. A soft breeze fills the air, both refreshing and helpful in enhancing our island experience.
During the morning walk we encountered an explosion of incredible animal sightings. One of these interesting encounters was the unusual opportunity to observe some female Española marine iguanas digging holes to nest in. Some of these marine iguanas were fighting head to head for the possession of a nesting site - prime real estate! Marine iguanas lay their eggs in specific places on the island and for just a short period of time. Therefore we were at the right place and the right time.
Española lava lizards were everywhere; some were watching us from the stakes set by the Galapagos National Park Service to define the trails we use for our walks. In today's picture you can observe one of these small but beautiful endemic reptiles.
During the afternoon, fantastic water activities fulfilled even the most demanding expectations. Everything was great! Snorkeling, glass bottom boat outings, swimming, strolling on the beach while mingling with sea lions. Amongst our highlights were the interactions we all experienced with these sea lions.
Today we learned that not only can you observe the animals that live on these islands at a very close range, but you can watch them as they continue doing their normal activities, completely regardless of our presence! Sometimes you get the eerie feeling that you have become part of their world. A wonderful world we all felt privileged to be a part of, albeit temporarily.
