This morning we awoke off the coast of Floreana in the southeast region of the Galapagos Islands. Our exploration of this uninhabited island started before breakfast with a short walk around Punta Cormorant where we encountered some resident flamingos. One of the many unique features of this island is the difference in sand color; one side is olivine while the other is fine, white coralline sand where we were able to see a nesting green sea turtles and plenty of tracks. This small area was teeming with other wildlife and vegetation providing a perfect opportunity to become more acquainted with the diversity of Floreana.
After breakfast, National Geographic Endeavour II repositioned to Champion Islet, a volcanic cone. We took a short Zodiac ride circumnavigating the islet and were able to spot the elusive Floreana mockingbird, red-billed tropical bird, and blue-footed boobies. Our adventure continued below the surface with an opportunity to snorkel around the islet encountering schools of colorful fish and interacting with curious sea lions.
We wrapped up our day in Baroness Bay famous for the Post Office Barrel. Historically, whalers used a box to send letters home via other ships destined for the city. This tradition continues as guests to this island collect letters near their home city and hand deliver to the recipient. Guests aboard National Geographic Endeavour II will be delivering dozens of postcards across the United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, and Guatemala. Finally, we kayaked around Baroness Bay once again seeing flamingos, sea turtles, and sea lions.
