Floreana Island
Our expedition started at seven in the morning with a wet landing to visit Floreana Island in the central part of the Galápagos. The location we visited is known as Post Office Bay on the north side of the island. In 1793 the English captain James Colnett placed a barrel that changed the history of whaling in the Galápagos; this barrel made Floreana Island a port of call for all whaling ships in this side of the pacific.
Floreana Island was visited for several reasons: fresh water, giant tortoises and wood, to mention a few. This peaceful bay was frequented by early voyagers as they arrived to the islands as well as at the time of leaving the Galápagos because it was the only place in the eastern pacific that offered a link of connection with their relatives back home, especially for the English whale hunters. Floreana has an incredible wild life; the famous Darwin’s finches, sea lions, marine iguanas and a lagoon populated with greater flamingos that share their home with pin tail ducks and migratory bird species that come from the Northern hemisphere.
The legendary Floreana mockingbird is extinct on the main island, but there is a small thriving population on the small satellite islet of Champion located off the north side of the Floreana. The symbolic Charles mockingbird was common on Floreana back in 1835 When Charles Darwin landed on the island. He captured many of them, eventually becoming very important for the development of his theory of evolution.
Today Floreana mockingbirds are found on small satellite islets off Floreana where the Galápagos National Park and Charles Darwin Station are at present carrying out conservation programs to keep the population in good conditions and free of predators.
Champion is one of the finest snorkeling sites; today we paid a visit to the underwater realm and we were amazed by the diversity of tropical fish we found.
Galápagos sea lions were so playful and delighted us with their swimming skills.
Just amazing, Can’t wait to see more!
