Early in the morning we started our next adventure. Our destinations are two centric island that hold unique ecologies and species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Plazas Island was named after a former Ecuadorian president; this small Santa Cruz satellite island holds a healthy population of land iguanas and prickly pears. Today we had a dry landing ready to take the 1.5 mile loop equipped with good walking shoes. We had close fun encounters with our ever-present friends the Galapagos sea lions. We climbed from shore smoothly to a cliff where seabirds like frigate birds, shearwaters and tropic birds take advantage of the updraft as they zoom above and in front of us. Today we were to see a male marine iguana courting a female land iguana. We’ve seen hybrids on this islands and is impressive to us see how it all begins.
Back onboard we jumped from the ship for a quick dive and it was very a fun social gathering and refreshing of course. Soon after we reposition the vessel to our next site while our Expedition Leader Vanessa Gallo gave a presentation about Charles Darwin Lunch was served and our culinary crew proudly presents delicious, details and flavorful cuisine.
After we arrived to our next destination at Santa Fe Island. We started water activities like kayak and deep water snorkeling, today we saw sea lions, rays, sharks and tropical and subtropical fishes (plural of different species of fish) we had a blast for the underwater realm of the Galapagos is a colorful, impressive and overall pristine place.
Back on board and ready for our walk, we landed on a white sandy beach full of sea lions of all sizes and shapes. Galapagos hawks and blue footed boobies greeted us as we disembark form our Zodiacs.
We continued on and reached Santa Fe’s land iguanas. This specie is very unique and specific; only a few lucky visitors are able to see it for this reptile cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Tonight we share stories, pictures, experiences and laughter Today many of us celebrate Thanksgivings; our expedition is reaching its peak and we have bounded for these islands have a magical aura of coexistence.
