Today we started our day early in the morning at Punta Cormorant in Floreana Island. At 6:30 am we disembarked on the green beach. it gets its unique color from the large amount of a crystal common in basaltic formations called olivine. Here we went ashore for our pre breakfast hike. During our walk we passed by a brackish lagoon where we spotted several shore birds, including several colorful Great flamingos. On the leeward side of the point we found a number of sea turtles floating on a shallow, calm bay and some of them finishing their nesting on a coral sandy beach, which was a very special experience our adventurous guests. The white sandy dunes were covered with fresh sea turtle tracks made by females on their attempt to lay eggs during the hot, rainy season. On our way back to the landing point we saw some of the land birds such as Galapagos flycatchers, yellow warblers and finches.
After breakfast we visited a small island called Champion. it is a very special place for ornithologists because this is the home of one of the four species of mocking birds seen in Galapagos. Due to the introduction of several mammals on the main island, the Floreana mocking bird is gone, but some still live on a couple of the satellite islets. We have the hope of restoring the dynasty of mockingbirds back on the big island in the years to come. Other activities at Champion were a Zodiac ride and snorkeling. During the Zodiac ride we had the opportunity to see lots of sea birds such as Galapagos shearwaters, Nazca boobies, red billed tropic birds and the elusive Floreana mocking bird hopping on the pads of a prickly pear cacti forest. Snorkeling was amazing! The conditions were superb, crystal clear warm waters. In the water we were surrounded by hundreds of colorful tropical fish such as king angel fishes, creole fish, pelican barracudas, sergeant mayors, parrot fish, white tipped sharks, Galapagos sharks and rays. Also we got the chance to swim with the playful sea lions that live in large number at Champion.
In the afternoon we visited the traditional post office bay. This place is famous for its history. During the industrial revolution, whalers visited Floreana for re supply of fresh water and to collect tortoises. They also used an honor based system to send letters to their friends and family. Later on some of us kayaked where we spotted several species of egrets and herons, brown pelicans as well as other creatures who made an appearance. We had a great time! On our way back to the National Geographic Islander we experienced a colorful sunset.
It was another great day in paradise.
