Española Island
Being here this time of the year when Galápagos is changing from the dry to the wet season is a unique experience. This enchanted archipelago is very well-known by many people for its ghosty landscape for most of the year. And by December–January this oceanic archipelago is bathed by the Panama oceanic current, which brings warm water, making it easy to evaporate with the tropical sun forming big clouds and heavy short periods of showers in Galápagos.
As a consequence of these rains we have lush vegetation everywhere. Our first morning activity was at Punta Suarez, a place with a high degree of endemism. The main reason for this is the age of this island which is the oldest geological formation. All species here have to suffer a longer period of isolation compared with the rest of the islands which is the key to form new species. I would like to mention just a few examples of this amazing adaptive radiation: Española marine iguanas, Española lava lizards, Española mocking birds, Espanola giant tortoises and waved albatross are just a few examples of the amazing fauna of this place. This is without mentioning many other species found here in Galápagos such as: Galápagos hawk, Nazca boobies, tropic birds, American oyster catchers, three species of Darwin finches, and Galápagos doves, all this coupled with a geological formation known as the blow hole.
After this very exciting morning activity we came back on board for lunch and a quick siesta. Early in the afternoon we started our activities in a different location with different options. The first groups to go out were with the glass bottom boaters, followed by deep water snorkelers, and last but not least those who went to a white sandy beach covered with Galápagos sea lions (the best place to photograph them). Kayaking and snorkeling lessons were available as well. Some managed to do up to three different activities.
This is just a taste of how this week is going to be here in paradise.
