Floreana and Isabela Island
Today we began very early in the morning. Our first outing took place in one of the most legendary places in the Galápagos Islands, Post Office Bay. This memorable place brings us recollections of bygone years, during the whaling centuries. Post Office Bay became the most visited for several reasons; it was the only island that has fresh water and is also where giant tortoises were taken as fresh meat for the impending months at sea. In 1793 one of the captains of a whaling ship, James Colnett, set up a barrel on this site because the ships heading back to Europe could eventually pick up letters here for delivery to their final destination. This became the only way that the seafarers kept in touch with their families. Nowadays, visitors keep the tradition alive by leaving postcards and letters to their friends and families, and in turn picking up postcards that have been left by others for hand delivery.
Then we weighed anchor and headed off to one of the little satellite islets off Floreana Island, Champion Islet. Soon we disembarked and headed to one of the most fabulous snorkeling sites of the entire Galápagos. The diversity and number of organisms are stunning from the moment you enter the water and the location is unbelievable in the richness of the marine ecosystem in this unique marine reserve. The amazing behaviors of the living organisms are so remarkable; this is a place that you’ll never forget.
Later we set sail to our next island, and almost immediately from the bridge we were informed that some killer whales were in the surroundings. We stopped and watched for a long while, and determined there were two groups of seven and four individuals traveling to the northeast. After a good look, we continued on our way to Puerto Villamil where we got local transportation (four door pick-up trucks with benches in the rear) and head off to the giant tortoise rearing center. We saw young tortoises and some big ones, all are part of the program started by the Galápagos National Park to help recuperate some races that have been decimated over the years. Along the way to the center, some flamingos were found in the lagoon nearby and showed us their wonderful pink color.
Later in the afternoon we relaxed on the white beach before heading back on board for the sunset and a special drink from Galápagos.
Today we began very early in the morning. Our first outing took place in one of the most legendary places in the Galápagos Islands, Post Office Bay. This memorable place brings us recollections of bygone years, during the whaling centuries. Post Office Bay became the most visited for several reasons; it was the only island that has fresh water and is also where giant tortoises were taken as fresh meat for the impending months at sea. In 1793 one of the captains of a whaling ship, James Colnett, set up a barrel on this site because the ships heading back to Europe could eventually pick up letters here for delivery to their final destination. This became the only way that the seafarers kept in touch with their families. Nowadays, visitors keep the tradition alive by leaving postcards and letters to their friends and families, and in turn picking up postcards that have been left by others for hand delivery.
Then we weighed anchor and headed off to one of the little satellite islets off Floreana Island, Champion Islet. Soon we disembarked and headed to one of the most fabulous snorkeling sites of the entire Galápagos. The diversity and number of organisms are stunning from the moment you enter the water and the location is unbelievable in the richness of the marine ecosystem in this unique marine reserve. The amazing behaviors of the living organisms are so remarkable; this is a place that you’ll never forget.
Later we set sail to our next island, and almost immediately from the bridge we were informed that some killer whales were in the surroundings. We stopped and watched for a long while, and determined there were two groups of seven and four individuals traveling to the northeast. After a good look, we continued on our way to Puerto Villamil where we got local transportation (four door pick-up trucks with benches in the rear) and head off to the giant tortoise rearing center. We saw young tortoises and some big ones, all are part of the program started by the Galápagos National Park to help recuperate some races that have been decimated over the years. Along the way to the center, some flamingos were found in the lagoon nearby and showed us their wonderful pink color.
Later in the afternoon we relaxed on the white beach before heading back on board for the sunset and a special drink from Galápagos.
