Española Island

This was just our first full day here in paradise and what an amazing experience we had at Española Island. From the very first step on the island to the last one, we saw an island that was covered by many different species.

Without a doubt, our main interest was the endemic waved albatross. They are here for most of the year; they arrive at the end of March and remain here on the island to the end of December. And albatrosses are truly oceanic sea birds; they are also known as sophisticated flying machines, because they are not really good flyers but excellent gladiators of the sky. The only reason they go back on land year after year is to breed, and albatrosses are monogamous species being able to recognize each other performing what is called the Waved albatross dance. They are also endemic to this archipelago, being one of the smallest of the 22 species in our planet. And they are the only equatorial albatross.

After this interesting morning activity we repositioned our ship to a different location to continue our adventure in the Enchanted Islands.

The first ones to go out in the afternoon were the glass bottom boaters, followed by those going to deep water snorkeling. A third group went to the beach for snorkeling lessons. After our first activities, some more adventurers decided to go kayaking as well. All our guests also had the opportunity to explore the most beautiful white sandy beach which is covered with Galápagos sea lions.

Water activities in this marine reserve are unique; even though it is located close to the equator line, Galápagos itself has subtropical waters, being affected by three main currents: from Panama province, Peru province and the Cronwell current. This is the reason why we have tropical fish, cold water fish, and oceanic ones as well. But the Galápagos sea lions are the ones that take all the attention from people in the water. And the experience of swimming with sharks makes this place so unique.

Tomorrow is another day of adventures in this group of oceanic Islands.