Española Island

Today was another beautiful day in the enchanted islands! Our day started at 8am for a challenging but astonishing walk at Punta Suarez. This place is one of the most visited and amazing spots in the Galápagos, and is home for many unique species like Waved Albatrosses, Hood Mockingbirds and others.

We started with a welcome committee of sea lions. Playful babies, mothers and some males greeted us. Among them we were able to find piles of marine iguanas, one on top of the other trying to sunbathe in order to warm up before they go to get their food underneath the water. After that we found a Galápagos hawk taking care of a nest. We also spotted a baby hawk that was with the white down feathers. Along the trail many lava lizards passed by. These creatures have an outstanding red head and neck indicating they are females, and this is the only place where we found them.

An important moment arose as soon as we spotted our first waved albatrosses. A lot of them were in pairs and some others already had a gorgeous hatchling. We will be the witnesses of the growing and development of these babies for the next five months and somehow inside of us a feeling of godparents will increase, as we become part of the Galápagos family.

Our afternoon was spent at a beautiful white sandy beach surrounded with sea lion colonies. We had time to snorkel, kayak and just relax and enjoy nature. We accomplished all our activities for today, and are having an outstanding journey.

Joseline Cardoso, Naturalist
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