Española Island
The National Geographic Endeavour sailed during night time towards the eastern side of the archipelago. Today we visited the oldest island of all, Española Island. We started at 6:30am with the photography groups. It was early, but we wanted to have the best light!
As soon as we landed we found all different species of animals and of course great pictures to be taken. Being the oldest island, Espanola has a big percentage of endemism. The mocking birds, lava lizards, marine iguanas and snakes that we saw today were unique to this island. The boulders on the trail and the strong equatorial sun did not stop us! We walked, fascinated by the wildlife: blue footed boobies, Nazca boobies, frigatebirds and Galápagos doves were just the beginning. After the first half a mile we found Galápagos hawks, swallow-tailed gulls and the star of the morning, the waved albatross.
The afternoon was organized as time to relax. We enjoyed snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming. At the end of all activities we all met at the most beautiful white coralline beach covered with playful sea lions. We walked through different colonies, sat and observed them for hours, and enjoyed the persecutions of the Alpha male sea lion chasing the young males that entered his territory. We saw how they laid down on our towels! And, of course, we all became crazy about the babies, thinking the one in front of us was the cutest of all.
What a day! Good night albatrosses and sea lions, time to rest now.
