Española Island
Many of the Naturalists and visitors to Galápagos agree that Española is one of our most fabulous islands. There is something new to discover with each visit. This morning we took two Zodiacs of snorkelers out to Turtle Rock where we swam with many different species of tropical fish, sea turtles, sea lions, rays and sharks. Experienced kayakers fought the wind and some waves to get out to Gardner Islet where we explored along the coast, observed blue footed boobies and some sea lions and peeked into some caves. Later, on the gorgeous fine white beach, we enjoyed an endemic species of mocking bird (they are very curious and fearless birds!) and of course, more sea lions yet again. Even after being around and among them all week, we could not possibly be tired of watching them!
Sailing on in the afternoon to Punta Suarez, we disembarked on a cement dock amidst colourful turquoise and red marine iguanas, still more sea lions and the endemic Espanola lava lizards. These lava lizards are the largest and most colorful in the archipelago. A highlight of the walk this afternoon was finding a newly born sea lion pup, a hawk feeding on its placenta, and a few waved albatross. With in a couple of weeks these large sea birds will all leave the islands; we were glad to have the opportunity to see them both soaring overhead and close to us on the trail. Once again, the beauty of the wildlife of the Enchanted Islands left us filled with admiration and wonder.
Many of the Naturalists and visitors to Galápagos agree that Española is one of our most fabulous islands. There is something new to discover with each visit. This morning we took two Zodiacs of snorkelers out to Turtle Rock where we swam with many different species of tropical fish, sea turtles, sea lions, rays and sharks. Experienced kayakers fought the wind and some waves to get out to Gardner Islet where we explored along the coast, observed blue footed boobies and some sea lions and peeked into some caves. Later, on the gorgeous fine white beach, we enjoyed an endemic species of mocking bird (they are very curious and fearless birds!) and of course, more sea lions yet again. Even after being around and among them all week, we could not possibly be tired of watching them!
Sailing on in the afternoon to Punta Suarez, we disembarked on a cement dock amidst colourful turquoise and red marine iguanas, still more sea lions and the endemic Espanola lava lizards. These lava lizards are the largest and most colorful in the archipelago. A highlight of the walk this afternoon was finding a newly born sea lion pup, a hawk feeding on its placenta, and a few waved albatross. With in a couple of weeks these large sea birds will all leave the islands; we were glad to have the opportunity to see them both soaring overhead and close to us on the trail. Once again, the beauty of the wildlife of the Enchanted Islands left us filled with admiration and wonder.
