Floreana Island
The National Geographic Islander was repositioned toward the oldest part of the Archipelago. We dedicated the whole day to explore three different locations on Floreana Island. Early in the morning we went to Post Office Bay. At this location is the oldest mailing system in South America. The tradition dictates that notes and postcards without stamps can be dropped here to be eventually picked up and hand delivered to their destinations. This amusing tradition still goes on with the help of the many visitors that come periodically to this place with the hope to find one they can deliver.
We spent the rest of the morning around Champion Islet. Zodiac rides around the island looking for the elusive Floreana mockingbird were organized. After these successful rides we got ready and geared up to go snorkeling along the underwater steep walls of the islet. Snorkeling today was fantastic! Large schools of tropical fish were all over the place. The ever present playful sea lions were teasing us with their acrobatic movements. It was very hard to go back to the Zodiacs. The water today was a very pleasant 76° F and the day was very sunny. Eventually we all came back to the ship commenting about the unforgettable moments we experienced.
In the afternoon we visited Punta Cormorant where we encountered many birds wading in a brackish water lagoon. Among the many species we spotted, one stood out, the colorful Greater Flamingoes. A gorgeous sunset told us that it was time to come back to the National Geographic Islander to continue dreaming about what our expedition will bring to our lives tomorrow.
The National Geographic Islander was repositioned toward the oldest part of the Archipelago. We dedicated the whole day to explore three different locations on Floreana Island. Early in the morning we went to Post Office Bay. At this location is the oldest mailing system in South America. The tradition dictates that notes and postcards without stamps can be dropped here to be eventually picked up and hand delivered to their destinations. This amusing tradition still goes on with the help of the many visitors that come periodically to this place with the hope to find one they can deliver.
We spent the rest of the morning around Champion Islet. Zodiac rides around the island looking for the elusive Floreana mockingbird were organized. After these successful rides we got ready and geared up to go snorkeling along the underwater steep walls of the islet. Snorkeling today was fantastic! Large schools of tropical fish were all over the place. The ever present playful sea lions were teasing us with their acrobatic movements. It was very hard to go back to the Zodiacs. The water today was a very pleasant 76° F and the day was very sunny. Eventually we all came back to the ship commenting about the unforgettable moments we experienced.
In the afternoon we visited Punta Cormorant where we encountered many birds wading in a brackish water lagoon. Among the many species we spotted, one stood out, the colorful Greater Flamingoes. A gorgeous sunset told us that it was time to come back to the National Geographic Islander to continue dreaming about what our expedition will bring to our lives tomorrow.
