Floreana Island
The National Geographic Endeavour had anchored at Post Office Bay early in the morning, and as the sun rises at 0555, we awoke to our first lading of the day. Zodiacs took the early morning explorers to this famous post, established in 1793 by Capt. James Colnett, a British whaler who started the tradition of delivering mail from this post back to Europe in the 1800’s.
After having sorted out hundreds of postcards left by fellow travelers, and leaving ours, we returned on board for a nutritious breakfast as the National Geographic Endeavour cruised to our next destination, Champion Islet. This incredible islet off the main island is the last spot where the Floreana mockingbird survives. Here we went in blue-deep sea waters at a pleasant 80 degrees, to encounter hundreds of tropical fish: king-angels, yellow tailed surgeons, five spotted anthies, barracudas and the smallest of all, sardines, which today are part of the blue footed booby’s diet. Champion Islet’s highlight, though, is to snorkel with sea lions. Playful juveniles entertained us for as long as we stayed in the water, almost asking us not to go, with their curious look and endless play.
After a short break, we continued our activities, either in the glass bottom boat or on a Zodiac ride, looking for the elusive Floreana mockingbird, which with a number of about 100 individuals, survive only in this islet and nearby Enderby.
In the afternoon, activities resumed as we offered kayaking and, afterwards, a visit Punta Cormorant, where some 70 flamingos inhabit one of the largest lagoons we have in the Galápagos. We also explored Flour Beach, a favorite nesting ground for the Pacific green sea turtle, where in the past few months turtles have being laying eggs.
As we returned back to the National Geographic Endeavour, we felt once again privileged of having shared so many wild encounters with nature.
