Española Island
It is a very exciting time of the year to visit this jewel in the archipelago. The island was at its best today, there were so many animal species around. To start with, Galápagos sea lions gave us quite a welcome at the landing site. We were amused by several young sea lions that were leaping out of the water while playing tag amongst themselves. Some were nursing their pups while others were still sleeping. Our guests were really thrilled not only to have the unusual opportunity to observe these incredible mammals at such close range but to experience how unafraid of humans the sea lions are in Galápagos. This was just the beginning; the rest of the morning was filled with great reptilian and avian encounters. Marine iguanas were basking on rocks. Blue-footed boobies by the hundreds were nesting; some were doing it in the middle of the trail! The endemic waved albatrosses were admired as well.
After a copious and delicious Ecuadorian lunch we spent the afternoon practicing water activities in or nearby Gardner Bay. Snorkeling, swimming, strolling on the beach, glass bottom boat rides were some of the possibilities we all enjoyed. The beach was particularly special for our youngest guests this week. With joy and laughter the kids were part of a wonderful interchange, a great relationship they established with the local young sea lions. Just take a look at the picture of today. If you look carefully, there is a wave behind them. This wave covered all of them just seconds later. It was quite an amusing event! Both kids and sea lions were surprised when hit by the unsuspected wave.
It is a very exciting time of the year to visit this jewel in the archipelago. The island was at its best today, there were so many animal species around. To start with, Galápagos sea lions gave us quite a welcome at the landing site. We were amused by several young sea lions that were leaping out of the water while playing tag amongst themselves. Some were nursing their pups while others were still sleeping. Our guests were really thrilled not only to have the unusual opportunity to observe these incredible mammals at such close range but to experience how unafraid of humans the sea lions are in Galápagos. This was just the beginning; the rest of the morning was filled with great reptilian and avian encounters. Marine iguanas were basking on rocks. Blue-footed boobies by the hundreds were nesting; some were doing it in the middle of the trail! The endemic waved albatrosses were admired as well.
After a copious and delicious Ecuadorian lunch we spent the afternoon practicing water activities in or nearby Gardner Bay. Snorkeling, swimming, strolling on the beach, glass bottom boat rides were some of the possibilities we all enjoyed. The beach was particularly special for our youngest guests this week. With joy and laughter the kids were part of a wonderful interchange, a great relationship they established with the local young sea lions. Just take a look at the picture of today. If you look carefully, there is a wave behind them. This wave covered all of them just seconds later. It was quite an amusing event! Both kids and sea lions were surprised when hit by the unsuspected wave.
