Floreana Island
During the night we sailed westward to the island of Floreana. Before breakfast we went for a Zodiac ride around small rocky islets where there was a colony of sea lions, as well as some interesting shorebirds. Nearby, we visited the famous Post Office Bay where an old barrel has served through the centuries as a place where sailors left mail to be transported to their home countries by other passing ships. Today this antiquated postal system is used primarily by tourists from ships visiting the islands.
From there we moved part way around Floreana to Champion Islet where we enjoyed some fabulous snorkeling with playful sea lions and many colorful fish. There were outings on the glass bottom boat, and Zodiac tours for bird watchers seeking glimpses of the rare Floreana mockingbird. During the afternoon there was an option for people to go kayaking, and also hikes onshore at a landing called Punta Cormorant. Floreana Island is home to many beautiful pink flamingos that feed in a large brackish lagoon. Hiking across part of the island we came to a lovely white sand beach that is frequented by nesting green sea turtles. In the nearshore waters there were numerous sea turtles cavorting amid the edges of the surf. Back onboard, the gallery and crew treated us to a lovely barbeque dinner on deck in the warm tropical air. A splendid finale to another magical day in the Galápagos.
During the night we sailed westward to the island of Floreana. Before breakfast we went for a Zodiac ride around small rocky islets where there was a colony of sea lions, as well as some interesting shorebirds. Nearby, we visited the famous Post Office Bay where an old barrel has served through the centuries as a place where sailors left mail to be transported to their home countries by other passing ships. Today this antiquated postal system is used primarily by tourists from ships visiting the islands.
From there we moved part way around Floreana to Champion Islet where we enjoyed some fabulous snorkeling with playful sea lions and many colorful fish. There were outings on the glass bottom boat, and Zodiac tours for bird watchers seeking glimpses of the rare Floreana mockingbird. During the afternoon there was an option for people to go kayaking, and also hikes onshore at a landing called Punta Cormorant. Floreana Island is home to many beautiful pink flamingos that feed in a large brackish lagoon. Hiking across part of the island we came to a lovely white sand beach that is frequented by nesting green sea turtles. In the nearshore waters there were numerous sea turtles cavorting amid the edges of the surf. Back onboard, the gallery and crew treated us to a lovely barbeque dinner on deck in the warm tropical air. A splendid finale to another magical day in the Galápagos.
