What a wonderful day we had today.
It was an iguana day. We visited South Plaza and Santa Fe Islands, one in the morning and the other one in the afternoon. They both hold their own species of land iguanas and pickle pears.
Early in the morning we disembarked at South Plaza and were immediately greeted by sea lions waiting for us at the shoreline, inviting us to get in the water with them. A difficult invitation to turn down, but our dry landing and gear were intended for a visit to the iguanas. South Plaza is very impressive for the high concentration of adaptation in such a small place. Land and marine iguanas, prickly pears and lava lizards have all adapted here. There are also sea birds like swallow tail gulls, blue footed and nazca boobies. From the cliffs we could see many fish reaching the surface and seabirds taking advantage of the updraft from the south-east trade winds coming to change the season into the dry, cool one.
After about two hours among nature and landscape we head back to the ship as we reposition while having our daily succulent lunch. Santa Fe is our next destination.
Water activates are first. Snorkeling or kayaking are decided upon before our disembarkation. Sea lions, fishes, turtles and sharks were spotted today. We return and change our gear to see unique land iguanas which are only present on Santa Fe Island. The cacti are also impressive, for their tree-like trunk makes them far different from any seen before by our guests. Once we close the circuit, we all ended up at a white coralline beach surrounded by many fun sea lions of all ages. Today one of our guests spotted two sea lions nursing from the same mother, which is a rare even since they usually allow the youngest pup to feed.
Back onboard the ship we meet in the lounge for our next briefing and recap. Our guests are so happy for the experience of adaptation and coexistence seen in the Galapagos.
Our expeditions continue on and I hope you, my dear reader, will visit us one day, for this is a place none of us can describe, you just have to experience it. See you soon.
